Blenders and juicers use sharp blades to turn fruits, vegetables and other foods into drinkable liquids. But while both appliances do the same basic task, they offer different results. So which should you buy?

Juicing machines are designed to extract juice from whole fruits and veggies, separating the liquid from the pulp and skin/peel. The result is clear juice that’s usually free of grit, seeds and peel and has a high water content. But a juicer also removes the fiber from fruits and vegetables, a necessary part of a healthy diet that helps promote digestive health and prevent chronic disease.

Blender and Juicer: Dual-Purpose Appliances for Versatile Cooking

A blender is a more versatile appliance, capable of pulverizing all the ingredients in its path. A powerful blender can make a smoothie and can be programmed to create a smooth consistency for soups, dips or salsas. A high-powered blender can even crush ice and is a great choice for making frozen cocktails or nut butter.

But a blender doesn’t separate the juice from the pulp and skin/peel, which is often discarded as waste. That’s a shame because the pulp contains lots of dietary fiber, a necessary nutrient that’s linked to improved heart health, lower blood pressure and better diabetes prevention. And since producing fruits and vegetables isn’t cheap, it’s a big waste to throw away most of the nutrient-packed solids. That’s why many nutritionists prefer a combination of blending and juicing to maximize the amount of produce we eat on a regular basis.