A honey extractor is an indispensable tool for any beekeeper, regardless of experience level. This innovative device simplifies the honey harvesting process, making it a valuable addition to any apiary. To use it, simply place your beehive frames into the baskets within the large drum and let the machine do the work. The centrifugal force spins the frames, allowing the honey to flow down the sides of the drum and collect at the bottom.
Once the process is complete, the honey can be easily pumped out through the honey gate. One of the key benefits of a honey extractor is its gentle handling of the delicate beeswax within the frames. After extraction, you can return the frames to the beehives, where the bees will reuse them to produce even more delicious honey.
The 7 Best Honey Extractors
When it comes to extracting honey from your beehives, having the right equipment can make all the difference.
Among the many options available in the market, some of the most popular and highly-regarded manual and electric honey extractors include the Hardin Professional 3-Frame Manual Honey Extractor, BestEquip 3-Frame Manual Honey Extractor, Honey Keeper 2-Frame Honey Extractor, Little Giant 2-Frame Honey Extractor, VINGLI 2-Frame Manual Honey Extractor, and the GOODLAND BEE SUPPLY Electric 2-Frame Honey Extractor.
While each of these products has its unique features and benefits, the VIVO 4-Frame Honey Extractor stands out as our top pick due to its exceptional quality, durability, and ease of use.
Our Top Pick for the Best Honey Extractor
For beekeepers seeking a reliable and efficient way to extract honey from their apiaries, our top recommendation is the VIVO 4-Frame Honey Extractor (BEE-V004B). This innovative device stands out for its ease of use, simplicity, and exceptional performance. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just starting your journey, the VIVO extractor offers a smart solution to maximize honey yields while minimizing waste.
Although manual operation is required, the process is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying your harvest and nurturing your bees. To explore pricing options and purchase this valuable tool, check out the VIVO 4-Frame Honey Extractor on Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Honey Extractor
Types of Honey Extractors
For beekeepers, selecting the right honey extractor is crucial. There are two primary types: manual and electric. Manual honey extractors, like the VIVO 4-Frame Honey Extractor, rely on a crank handle to activate gears that spin beehive frames, extracting honey from honeycombs. This option is ideal for home beekeepers or small apiary owners, as it’s a cost-effective and self-sufficient solution.
However, manual extractors require physical effort when handling the cranking mechanism, especially when processing four or more frames. In contrast, electric honey extractors cater to commercial operations or large-scale producers, featuring powerful motors that enable high-speed spinning of beehive frames. This convenience comes at a higher cost and potential vibration issues when processing multiple deep frames.
Tangential or Radial Extractors
Honey extractors come in two distinct designs, characterized by the arrangement of baskets within the drum. The tangential or radial designations refer to how these baskets interact with the frames. In tangential extractors, each frame is held by a basket with one side facing outward. This allows for separate spinning of each frame’s sides, resulting in increased honey extraction capacity.
However, this design requires manual removal of the frames to extract honey from both sides of the comb, which can be time-consuming.
In contrast, radial extractors hold the top bars of the beehive frames at an angle, allowing for simultaneous spinning and honey extraction from both frame faces. This design streamlines the process, eliminating the need for manual frame reversal.
While radial extractors may be more expensive than their tangential counterparts, they can also leave some honey behind in the honeycomb, a drawback to consider.
Frame Capacity
Honey extractors are available in various sizes, accommodating different numbers of beehive frames. For hobbyists managing up to 10 colonies, a device holding 2 or 4 frames is sufficient. Commercial apiaries with 10-50 colonies require an extractor that can handle at least 4 medium or deep frames (or 8 shallow frames). Beekeepers operating large-scale commercial operations with 200 colonies will greatly benefit from industrial-style extractors capable of processing up to 60 frames.
Construction
A common characteristic of many extractors is their use of a polished stainless steel drum, renowned for its exceptional durability and ease of cleaning. This material stands out from others due to its inert properties, which ensure that it doesn’t impart any chemical odors or flavor profiles to the honey during the extraction process.
Tripod Stand
Most honey extractors come equipped with a three-legged tripod stand that ensures stability during the extraction process, whether placed on the floor or ground. This stand elevates the drum, allowing you to position a vessel beneath the honey gate to collect the extracted nectar as it flows out.
The design also accommodates alternative mounting options, such as bolting the legs to the floor or removing them altogether to secure the machine onto a table, like the Honey Keeper 2-Frame Manual Honey Extractor. This feature proves particularly useful when the honey gate is situated in an awkward position and there’s limited space for a larger container beneath the drum.
Flat or Conical Bottom
When it comes to honey extractors, the design of the bottom plays a crucial role in determining their effectiveness. While flat-bottomed extractors are sufficient for casual use, conical-shaped bottoms offer a more efficient and thorough extraction process. The unique shape allows for unhindered flow of honey, minimizing the amount left behind on the drum’s surface.
Viewing Lid
When utilizing a honey extractor, it’s common to find them equipped with either a single- or double-sided clear plastic lid. This added feature serves two primary purposes: safeguarding the freshness of your newly harvested honey from potential contaminants and allowing for visual monitoring of the extraction process through the transparent material.
7 Best Honey Extractors – Reviews
Hardin Professional 3-Frame Manual Honey Extractor
The Hardin Professional 3-Frame Manual Honey Extractor is a game-changer for beekeeping enthusiasts, offering exceptional quality and value. Designed with durability in mind, this extractor features a sturdy food-grade stainless steel drum with sealed bearings, making it easy to clean and maintain. The three-legged metal tripod provides a stable foundation, allowing you to focus on the extraction process without worrying about stability issues.
With its smooth-operating metal crank lever and comfortable plastic handle, you can effortlessly remove honey from deep, medium, or shallow combs. The extractor’s tangential design and conical-shaped bottom ensure maximum honey drainage through the honey gate, minimizing wastage and spillage. Hardin also stands behind their product with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
While some may criticize the plastic handle as not being overly durable or the honey gate as slightly low, these minor drawbacks are far outweighed by the extractor’s many strengths.
BestEquip 3-Frame Manual Honey Extractor
The BestEquip 3-Frame Manual Honey Extractor is an excellent choice for beekeeping enthusiasts and small apiary businesses alike. Its robust construction, featuring polished rust-resistant stainless steel, ensures durability and ease of maintenance. The sturdy tripod stand provides stability on various surfaces, while the drum’s seamless surface and enclosed gear design guarantee a clean extraction process.
This extractor can accommodate up to three deep, medium, or shallow beehive frames, making it efficient in extracting honey from combs. The solid metal handle features a comfortable red plastic grip and a square screw dent for smooth cranking and secure release. Its attachment to a thick aluminum integrated beam along the top of the drum provides extra strength and stability. The two clear perspex lids allow for easy monitoring of the extraction process, preventing contamination.
A well-positioned honey gate at the bottom maximizes honey flow without spillage into a bottle. BestEquip’s commitment to quality is reflected in its 1-year warranty on the extractor. Pros include excellent quality, value for money, and an ideal design for beginners or small-scale beekeepers. The extractor boasts stylish and durable stainless steel construction, a sturdy tripod stand, and humanized features that ensure ease of use.
Cons are relatively minor, with larger buckets struggling to fit underneath the honey gate and some instability when using three deep frames. Overall, this manual honey extractor is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient solution.
Honey Keeper 2-Frame Honey Extractor
For novice beekeepers, the Honey Keeper 2-Frame Honey Extractor provides a reliable and efficient way to harvest honey from your beehives. The extractor’s polished stainless steel drum is not only durable but also easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for those who want to minimize maintenance. With its 2-frame capacity, you can extract honey from deep, medium, or shallow frames, offering versatility in your beekeeping endeavors.
Assembling the extractor is a straightforward process that requires attaching the handle, legs, and honey gate, as well as placing your frames inside the baskets. The stainless steel legs are removable for tabletop use or can be bolted to the floor, providing flexibility in your workspace setup. The extractor’s design is designed for effortless use, with a strong steel crank handle and sealed bearings that make spinning the frames a breeze.
The tangential design and conical bottom also minimize honey wastage as it flows out quickly through the honey gate. Whether you’re collecting honey from a bottle or 5-gallon bucket, the extractor’s stainless steel legs provide ample clearance to ensure collection is effortless. Two clear plastic lids allow for observation of the extraction process while keeping debris out of the honey. The extractor’s slim profile makes it easy to store in even the most limited spaces.
In terms of pros and cons, this extractor offers excellent value for its quality, making it an ideal choice for those who want a reliable and efficient honey harvesting solution. However, it may not be suitable for commercial use, and some users have reported that it does not come with instructions. Additionally, there are some unfinished sharp edges to be aware of.
Nevertheless, the Honey Keeper 2-Frame Honey Extractor remains an excellent option for those looking to start or continue their beekeeping journey.
Little Giant 2-Frame Honey Extractor
The Little Giant 2-Frame Honey Extractor is a fantastic machine designed specifically for beginner beekeepers. Its polished 18/10 food grade stainless steel drum provides exceptional durability, while its sturdy 3-legged stainless steel tripod stand ensures stability. The built-in handle-crank extractor makes spinning the frames effortless, and the Plexiglass lid allows for clear visibility of the honey extraction process, preventing any potential contamination.
Additionally, the conical bottom design facilitates a smooth flow of honey, making it easy to extract every drop. The honey gate can be easily opened or closed using a wing nut, allowing for precise control. The tripod legs offer flexibility, enabling you to elevate the drum several inches above the ground; you can also choose to bolt them to the floor or remove them altogether and mount the extractor on a table, accommodating larger buckets for honey collection.
With its high-quality construction, ease of assembly, use, and cleaning, and affordable price point, this machine is an excellent value for beginners and experienced beekeepers alike. Some notable pros include its stylish design, solid stainless steel build, good honey extraction performance, and sturdy tripod legs that provide sufficient elevation. The conical bottom also allows for easy honey collection.
However, it’s essential to note that this extractor may not be suitable for commercial-scale operations, as some users have reported issues with the instructions being lacking or the legs being too short to accommodate larger buckets underneath. Nevertheless, it remains a top choice for many beekeepers due to its ease of use and high-quality construction.
VINGLI 2-Frame Manual Honey Extractor
The VINGLI 2-Frame Manual Honey Extractor is an excellent choice for both beginners and small businesses. Its new and improved design boasts a robust stainless steel drum, protected by a durable film, ensuring long-term durability. The seamless construction makes maintenance a breeze, while the three-legged tripod stand with adjustable legs offers versatility in terms of height, stability, or portability.
This tangential extractor is highly effective, accommodating two shallow, medium, or deep beehive frames. The upgraded crank handle features a secure square threaded hole, preventing it from slipping off during use. Two clear glass lids provide unobstructed views of the extraction process, while the enclosed gear construction ensures the honey remains contaminant-free. A conical bottom and efficient honey gate work in tandem to extract all honey from the combs into a bottle with ease.
VINGLI also offers this extractor in 3- and 4-frame designs for added versatility. Some notable benefits of the VINGLI 2-Frame Manual Honey Extractor include its high quality, great value, and ideal suitability for both beginners and small commercial applications. The polished stainless steel drum is rust and abrasion-resistant, making it a reliable choice for outdoor use.
VIVO 4-Frame Honey Extractor
The VIVO 4-Frame Honey Extractor is a fantastic choice for newcomers to beekeeping or small-scale commercial operations. Its rugged construction and versatility make it an excellent value for its price. The extractor’s sturdy polished stainless steel drum and three-legged tripod stand provide exceptional stability, which can be further enhanced by bolting the legs to the floor. One of the key features that sets this extractor apart is its ability to accommodate various frame sizes.
You can use it with 8 shallow frames, 4 medium frames, or 4 deep-sized frames, making it an excellent option for beekeepers with different hive configurations. The extraction process itself is quick and easy, thanks to the radial basket design and durable metal spiral bevel gears that work smoothly and quietly. The comfortable grooved plastic handle and simple crank system require minimal effort from the user.
A clear Plexiglas lid allows you to monitor the honey without contaminating it, while the conical bottom ensures efficient drainage and the elevated honey-gate makes pouring the honey into a bottle effortless. The VIVO honey extractor is available in both 2-frame and 3-frame designs, as well as an electrical radial design. It’s backed by a one-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind for beekeepers.
Overall, this extractor offers many benefits, including high quality, great value for money, and a perfect combination of durability and ease of use. Its versatility, stability, and efficient extraction process make it an excellent choice for beginners and small-scale commercial beekeeping operations.
GOODLAND BEE SUPPLY Electric 2-Frame Honey Extractor
The GOODLAND BEE SUPPLY HE2MOT 2-Frame Electric Honey Extractor is a game-changer for beekeeping enthusiasts and apiary businesses alike. This high-performance extractor boasts a robust 110-volt motor that leverages centrifugal force to efficiently extract honey from frames, making the process remarkably fast. The sturdy three-legged tripod stand ensures stability, while the seamless welded drum construction makes cleaning a breeze.
With its versatile 2-frame design, this extractor can accommodate shallow, medium, or deep beehive frames. The sealed bearings and steel gears guarantee a smooth operation, free from any nasty impurities, odors, or flavors that might contaminate your honey. The control box at the top of the drum offers adjustable speed settings for optimal performance. A clear Plexiglass lid allows for unobstructed viewing of the extraction process while keeping your honey safe from contamination.
The sealable honey gate facilitates quick and controlled extraction, preventing any honey from leaking out. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, this extractor is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, easy-to-use solution for extracting and bottling their honey. With its durable construction, variable-speed motor, and food-grade stainless steel drum, the GOODLAND BEE SUPPLY HE2MOT 2-Frame Electric Honey Extractor offers exceptional value for money.
Our Top Pick for the Best Honey Extractor
Our go-to choice for effortless honey extraction is the VIVO 4-Frame Honey Extractor (BEE-V004B). This top-rated extractor has earned our seal of approval, making it an excellent addition to any beekeeping operation. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to streamline your apiary business, the VIVO extractor offers a game-changing solution for extracting honey with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
Although manual operation is required, the process is surprisingly straightforward and remarkably efficient, allowing you to extract the most honey possible while minimizing waste. As a bonus, once you’ve acquired this extractor, you’ll be free to indulge in your sweet spoils and focus on nurturing your bees.
