Manual honey extractors 

Buying a manual honey extractor can feel like a big step for a new beekeeper. Often you first learn the basics from a fellow beekeeper or a beekeeping association and can borrow their honey extractor or the association’s extractor. By purchasing your own honey extractor, you’ll work more efficiently: you no longer need to borrow, pick up, or return one.
There are honey extractors in different price ranges. You can start with a small extractor and later upgrade to a larger or more powerful model as your beekeeping operation grows.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 items
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 items

What should you look for in a manual honey extractor?

With a manual honey extractor, it’s important to consider your needs. Price often correlates with quality. You’ll find different models with pricing based on size, finish, and sturdiness. Do you have just a few hives and want to extract a few times a year? Then you can often buy a good honey extractor on a small budget.
When you’re thinking about a honey extractor, the question often 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 may be the moment to switch to an electric honey extractor. Until then, a hand-crank honey 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 often two hive 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. Every 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 simple operation, you have full control over the extraction, which is especially helpful with delicate honeycomb. Moreover, manual models are compact, durable, and easy to clean, making them a perfect fit for smaller apiaries. Because of the hand crank, you’re not dependent on electricity, which is useful in remote locations. In short, a manual honey extractor is a practical, cost-effective choice for any new beekeeper.

How does a manual honey extractor work?

A manual honey extractor is usually tangential. The hive frames sit parallel to the outer wall, and 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 fully extract the other side.
  3. Finally, extract the first side again to remove the remaining honey.

This prevents hive frames from breaking due to uneven honey distribution.

Tips for using a manual honey extractor

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

  • Level position: Make sure the extractor is level to prevent movement from centrifugal force.
  • Securing: Anchor the extractor firmly to the floor to prevent “walking.”
  • Balance: Use an even number of frames for optimal stability.
  • Floor protection: Place the extractor on rubber feet or a washable mat.
  • Hygiene: Thoroughly clean the extractor and the extraction room 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: a simple rinse or disassembling the extractor. While disassembly allows thorough cleaning, both we and the manufacturer advise against it due to the complexity and risk of damage. Below, we explain the simple and effective step-by-step cleaning method.

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

Step-by-step cleaning plan

  1. Clean the exterior: Wipe down the outside of the honey extractor with soapy water. This prevents you from getting covered in honey during cleaning.
  2. Rinse the interior: Rinse the inside of the extractor thoroughly with cold water. Open the honey gate so water and honey residues can drain easily. If you are using an electric extractor, ensure no water enters the center to prevent 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 pad for the basket. Do not use a scouring pad 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 and soap residues have been removed.
  5. Soapy water with warm water: Close the honey gate again and clean the extractor once more with soapy water, this time with warm water. This helps remove any remaining honey residues 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 to prevent rust.

Extra tips

  • Clean the extractor immediately after use. Dried honey residues are much harder to remove.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge to protect metal parts from scratches.
  • Ensure the extractor is completely dry before storage, especially if it won’t be used for a while. Also check out 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 is often more expensive because it has a motor to ease the work. Tabletop extractors are cheaper but lack legs and are usually more compact.

Need help?

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


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