Manual honey extractors 

Buying a manual honey extractor can be a big step for a new beekeeper. Often you learn the ropes from a fellow beekeeper or a beekeepers' association and can borrow their honey extractor or the association's extractor. By purchasing your own honey extractor, you work more efficiently: you no longer need to borrow, pick up, or return an extractor.
There are honey extractors in various price ranges. You can start with a small extractor and upgrade later to a larger-capacity or more robust model as your apiary grows.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 items
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 items

What should you look for in a manual honey extractor?

With a manual honey extractor, it’s important to match the extractor to your needs. Price often correlates with quality. You’ll find various models with prices depending on capacity, finish, and durability. Do you only have a few hives and extract a couple of times a year? Then you can often buy a good honey extractor on a small budget.
When considering a honey extractor, the question usually arises: do you want an electric honey extractor or a manual one? For a few hives, a manual honey extractor is usually sufficient. However, if you have 10 or 20 hives, the work becomes more intensive and family and friends are less willing to help. That might be the time to switch to an electric honey extractor. Until then, a hand-cranked extractor is often more than enough.

Different types of manual honey extractors

There are smaller models too, such as the tabletop extractor. This is a compact extractor for usually two frames, instead of three as with a standard manual honey extractor on legs. The downside of a tabletop extractor is that you have to hold it during extracting, so you really need two people. With models on legs you can place the extractor on the floor and stabilize it with your foot or even bolt it to the floor. A tabletop extractor is small and easy to store. Each extractor has its pros and cons.
Other types, such as radial honey extractors or cassette honey extractors, are often electric and more suitable for advanced beekeepers. If you plan to scale up, consider browsing this category.

The benefits of a manual honey extractor

A manual honey extractor is ideal for beginner and hobby beekeepers. It offers an affordable and efficient way to harvest honey without relying on expensive equipment. Thanks to the simple operation, you have full control over the extraction, which is especially useful with delicate honeycomb. Moreover, manual extractors are compact, durable, and easy to clean, making them perfect for smaller apiaries. Because it’s mechanically driven, you’re not dependent on electricity, which is handy in remote locations. In short, a manual honey extractor is a practical and cost-effective choice for any new beekeeper.

How does a manual honey extractor work?

A manual honey extractor is usually tangential. The frames sit parallel to the outer wall, and the honey is flung out of the cells by centrifugal force. It’s important to extract in three steps:

  1. First, extract one side partially.
  2. Then extract the other side fully.
  3. Finally, extract the first side again to remove any remaining honey.

This prevents frames from breaking due to uneven honey distribution.

Tips for using a manual honey extractor

To get the most from a manual honey extractor, keep the following in mind:

  • Level position: Make sure the extractor is level to prevent movement from centrifugal forces.
  • Secure it: Fix the extractor firmly to the floor to prevent it from “walking.”
  • Balance: Use an even number of frames for optimal stability.
  • Floor protection: Place the extractor on rubber feet or a washable mat.
  • Hygiene: Clean the extractor and the honey room thoroughly before and after use.

How do I clean my manual honey extractor?

Cleaning the honey extractor is essential to ensure hygiene and extend its lifespan. There are two ways to do this: simple rinsing or disassembling the extractor. While disassembly allows for a thorough clean, both we and the manufacturer advise against it due to complexity and the risk of damage. Below we explain a simple and effective step-by-step cleaning method.

Place the extractor outside near a drain if possible, and clean it in the evening to prevent robbing by bees. Work quickly and use plenty of water so honey residues are flushed away immediately. Have a clean bucket of soapy water, a sponge, and a biodegradable dish soap at hand.

Step-by-step cleaning

  1. Clean the outside: Wipe down the outside of the honey extractor with soapy water. This prevents you from getting covered in honey during cleaning.
  2. Rinse the inside: Rinse the inside well with cold water. Open the honey gate so water and honey residues can flow out easily. Make sure no water gets into the center if you’re using an electric extractor to avoid motor damage.
  3. Clean with soap: Close the honey gate and let a shallow layer of cold water into the extractor. Add a small amount of biodegradable dish soap. Clean the inside of the drum with a soft sponge and, if needed, use a scouring sponge for the basket. Do not use a scouring sponge on the drum, as it can cause fine scratches.
  4. Rinse: Open the honey gate and rinse the extractor thoroughly with cold water. Check carefully that all beeswax residue and soap have been removed.
  5. Soapy wash with warm water: Close the honey gate again and wash once more with soapy water, this time with warm water. This helps remove any remaining honey more easily.
  6. Thorough rinse and dry: Open the honey gate and give the honey extractor a final rinse with plenty of cold or warm water. Then dry it well with a clean towel or tea towel to prevent rust.

Extra tips

  • Clean the extractor immediately after use. Dried honey is much harder to remove.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge to protect metal parts from scratches.
  • Make sure the extractor is completely dry before storing, especially if it won’t be used for a while. Also see our protective covers.

With this method, your honey extractor stays clean, hygienic, and in top condition for your next honey harvest!

Alternatives

An alternative to a manual honey extractor is an electric honey extractor. It’s often more expensive because it has a motor to make the work easier. Tabletop extractors are cheaper but lack legs and are usually more compact.

Need help?

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us! Call or email us; we’re ready with advice. On our website you’ll find a wide range of honey extractors available to order online.


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