Welcome, fellow beekeepers and honey enthusiasts! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re knee-deep in the wonderful world of beekeeping and ready to take your honey harvesting to the next level. One of the most essential tools in your beekeeping arsenal is a honey extractor. This magical machine makes the process of extracting honey from the comb much more efficient and less messy. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best honey extractor machines that will make your honey-harvesting experience a sweet success!
This post is all about the best honey extractor machines.
Table of Contents
What is a Honey Extractor Machine?
A honey extractor machine is a beekeeping tool used to extract honey from honeycomb frames without destroying the comb. It works by using centrifugal force to spin the frames, which causes the honey to be flung out of the comb and collected in a drum. This process allows beekeepers to preserve the comb for reuse by the bees, making the honey harvesting process more efficient and sustainable.
How Does a Honey Extractor Work?
1. Loading the Frames:** Honey-filled frames are placed inside the extractor’s drum. Depending on the extractor, it may hold anywhere from 2 to 8 frames or more at a time.
2. Spinning: The frames are spun either manually using a hand crank or automatically with an electric motor. This spinning creates centrifugal force.
3. Extraction: The centrifugal force flings the honey out of the comb and against the walls of the drum.
4. Collection: The honey then drips down the walls of the drum and collects at the bottom, where it can be drained through a spout into a container for further processing.
Types of Honey Extractors
There are two different types of honey extractors to consider if you’re looking to buy one. There are manual extractors and electrical ones.
Manual extractors are operated by hand, these are ideal for small-scale beekeepers or hobbyists. They give the beekeeper control over the speed and are typically more affordable.
Electric Honey Extractors are powered by an electric motor and they’re suitable for larger-scale operations. They provide consistent spinning speed and require less physical effort.
Benefits of Using a Honey Extractor
The benefits of having a honey extractor are that they:
– Preserves Comb: Since the comb is not destroyed during extraction, bees can reuse it, saving them time and energy.
– Are efficient: Extracting honey using a machine is much faster than traditional methods.
– provide a cleaner process: Honey extractors minimize the mess associated with honey harvesting.
– provide a higher yield: More honey can be harvested with less waste compared to crushing the comb.
Using a honey extractor is a significant step in making the honey harvesting process more efficient, sustainable, and enjoyable for beekeepers at any level.
The Best Honey Extractor Machines
Now that we have a good understanding of what honey extractors do, the different types, and what some of the benefits are, let’s take a look at some of the best ones that are currently on the market.
VIVO BEE-V004E Electric Honey Extractor
Why we love it: The VIVO BEE-V004E is a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced beekeepers. This electric extractor is made of durable stainless steel, ensuring it lasts for many seasons. It can hold up to four frames, making it a great option for those with medium-sized apiaries. The electric motor provides consistent and smooth extraction, saving you time and effort.
Key Features:
– Holds 4 deep, medium, or shallow frames
– Stainless steel construction
– Transparent lid for easy viewing
– Electric motor with adjustable speed settings
Best For: Beekeepers looking for a reliable, mid-sized electric extractor.
Honey Keeper Pro 2 Frame Stainless Steel Manual Crank Extractor
Why we love it: If you’re just starting out and have a smaller operation, the Honey Keeper Pro 2 Frame extractor is a budget-friendly and efficient option. Its manual crank is easy to operate, and the two-frame capacity is perfect for hobbyist beekeepers. The stainless steel construction ensures it’s built to last, and it’s compact enough to store easily.
Key Features:
– Holds 2 deep, medium, or shallow frames
– Manual hand crank for control over the speed
– Stainless steel drum and basket
– Clear plastic lids for easy monitoring
Best For: Beginner beekeepers with a small number of hives.
Goplus Large 4/8 Frame Stainless Steel Honey Extractor
Why we love it: For those with a larger beekeeping operation, the Goplus Large 4/8 Frame extractor is a powerhouse. It offers the flexibility to extract either 4 frames tangentially or 8 frames radially, making it incredibly versatile. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the clear lids let you keep an eye on the process.
Key Features:
– Holds 4 frames tangentially or 8 frames radially
– Durable stainless steel body
– Clear lids for visibility
– Dual-positioning options for various extraction needs
Best For: Large-scale beekeepers looking for a versatile and high-capacity extractor.
Mann Lake HH130 2-Frame Plastic Honey Extractor
Why we love it: The Mann Lake HH130 is a lightweight and affordable option for hobbyist beekeepers. Made from food-grade plastic, it’s easy to handle and clean. Despite its lighter construction, it’s still very effective at extracting honey from the combs. The two-frame capacity is ideal for those with a few hives and limited space.
Key Features:
– Holds 2 deep, medium, or shallow frames
– Food-grade plastic construction
– Easy-to-use hand crank
– Compact and lightweight design
Best For: Hobbyist beekeepers who need a portable and cost-effective extractor.
VINGLI Upgraded 2-Frame Stainless Steel Honey Extractor
Why we love it: The VINGLI Upgraded 2-Frame extractor is another excellent choice for small-scale beekeepers. Its durable stainless steel construction and ergonomic design make it easy to use and maintain. The hand crank is smooth and efficient, and the adjustable height legs add an extra layer of convenience.
Key Features:
– Holds 2 deep, medium, or shallow frames
– Stainless steel body and basket
– Ergonomic hand crank
– Adjustable height legs for stability
Best For: Small-scale beekeepers seeking a sturdy and efficient manual extractor.
Choosing the Right Honey Extractor
When you’re selecting a honey extractor machine, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. The machine should fit your needs and the following factors should be considered:
- Number of Hives
How many hives do you have? Larger operations benefit from having extractors with higher frame capacities, while a smaller amount of hives won’t need a large machine.
- What does your budget look like?
There are excellent options available for all budgets, from affordable manual extractors to more expensive electric models.
- What type of material should it be made of?
Stainless steel extractors are durable and easy to clean, while plastic models are lightweight and budget-friendly. I would also take into consideration the cleanliness of both types of materials. Plastic is porous and therefore can absorb smells, etc., while stainless steel is a much cleaner option.
- How do you want it to operate?
There are manual extractors that give you control over the speed and are a much more budget friendly option. There are also electric options which tend to be a bit more expensive. However, these may be more efficient and less labor intensive.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality honey extractor will make your beekeeping experience much more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you’re a hobbyist with a few hives or a seasoned beekeeper with a large operation, there’s an extractor out there that’s perfect for you. Happy honey harvesting!
This post was all about the best honey extractor machines.
