There are many considerations when choosing the best honey extractor for you, especially when you’re considering what would be the best honey extractor for beginners. Honey extractors are an important piece of equipment that you will want in order to properly harvest honey. There is a wide range of extractors on the market so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your beekeeping needs.
Purchasing the best honey extractors are worth the investment because they can provide the efficiency you need for a lifetime. Many new beekeepers are unsure what features they should look for. If you are part of a beekeeping club, it’s worth using other members’ extractors to test them out. Over time, you will be able to pick out the right extractor for you.
Finding the one that will make harvesting honey efficient without emptying your wallet means doing some research to determine what fits your needs. Luckily, that research has already been done for you. This list of the best honey extractors has been researched and gives you all the insight you need before making your purchase decision. You can use these reviews and information to find the best fit for your beekeeping needs.
Want To Skip The Long Article?
If you’re in a rush or just don’t want to scroll through this whole article and all you want is a quick suggestion for the bes thoney extractor, then this section is for you! After assessing countless honey extractor reviews from all levels of beekeepers, we found that the VIVO Stainless Steel Manual Crank Honey Extractor (BEE-V002) may be the best honey extractor for you! This unit is sturdy and polished thanks to its stainless steel material. It’s a manual extractor that is easy to assemble and even easier to operate. This is a fan favorite for novice beekeepers. You can’t go wrong with the VIVO honey extractor.
If the VIVO Stainless Steel Manual Crank Honey Extractor (BEE-V002) is not available, then our next best pick would be the Tek Motion 4-Frame Honey Extractor.
What is a Honey Extractor?
A honey extractor is a mechanized device used to remove honey from honeycombs without damaging the combs. The tool uses centrifugal force to remove honey. Centrifugal force is defined as the apparent force that is felt by an object moving in a curved path that acts outwardly away from the center of rotation. The benefit of using a honey extractor is that the beekeeper is able to preserve the wax and combs which can be returned to the bees to be used again.
The extractor will start to spin when the frames are placed inside. The honey is forced out of the wax cells which have previously been uncapped. The honey will flow down to the bottom of the drum to a tap. Once filled, the tap can be opened to allow the honey to flow out of the extractor. To maintain the extractor, you should always remove the honey from the tool within a short period of time. If left in the extractor too long, it can prevent the tool from properly spinning for future uses.
For more information, check out our post: How to Extract Honey Using a Honey Extractor
| Image | Model | Features |
|---|---|---|
  | VIVO Stainless Steel Manual Crank Honey Extractor (BEE-V002) | Hand Crank Tangential 2-Frame Capacity Stainless Steel Lightweight |
  | GoPlus Manual 2 Frame Honey Extractor | Hand Crank Tangential 2-Frame Capacity Stainless Steel Easy to Clean |
  | Hardin Professional 3 Frame Manual Honey Extractor | Hand Crank Tangential 3-Frame Capacity Stainless Steel Lifetime Warranty |
  | Honey Keeper Pro 2 Frame Stainless Steel Honey Extractor | Hand Crank Tangential 2-Frame Capacity Stainless Steel Removable Legs |
  | Tek Motion 4-Frame Honey Extractor | Hand Crank Tangential 4-Frame Capacity Stainless Steel Cast Iron Gears |
  | VIVO Stainless Steel Electric Honey Extractor (BEE-V004E) | Motorized Radial 4-8 Frame Capacity Automatic Shut Down Feature |
  | Honey Keeper Pro Electric Honey Extractor | Motorized Radial 4-8 Frame Capacity 5-Foot Cord |
  | Tek Motion Electric 3-Frame Honey Extractor | Motorized Tangential 4 Frame Capacity Durable |
  | BestEquip Electric Honey Extractor | Motorized Tangential 4 Frame Capacity Durable |
  | Goodland Bee Supply Motorized Honey Extractor | Motorized Tangential 4 Frame Capacity Long Legs |
What To Consider When Choosing A Honey Extractor
The best way to determine if an extractor is right for you, is to see how many frames it can hold at once. You will want to consider a different honey extractor based on how many colonies you care for. A hobbyist beekeeper will find a manual extractor that can fit up to 3 frames at one time efficient enough.
Beekeepers who own over 10 colonies will find that a hand cranking extractor is, not only time consuming, but labor intensive. A motorized extractor is efficient because it is self-spinning, reliable, and fast. Beekeepers of this level should look for extractors that can hold 4 to 8 frames at one time.
Large beekeepers that care for over 50 colonies, will need to invest in big, radial extractors to minimize the time and manual labor required to harvest the honey. At this stage, you’ll be looking to purchase much larger extractors. The largest extractors can hold over a hundred frames at once.
As a beekeeper, there are several features to consider when purchasing a honey extractor:
Extractor Type
The two types of honey extractors are: radial and tangential. They are differentiated on how the frames are assembled in the basket. Radial baskets have the top bar of the frame facing outwards. Tangential baskets have one side of the comb facing outwards.
Radial Extractors
Radial extractors spins both sides of the frame at the same time, while tangential extractors can only spin one side at a time. Smaller beekeepers use radial extractors that are either hand cranked or electric. Radial extractors are more popular for commercial use because they require less energy to operate.
Tangential Extractors
Tangential extractors spin the frames and extract the frames from one side at a time. The additional step can be a burden for beekeepers with many hives, however there is a benefit to extracting honey from only one side. Focusing on one side protects the combs better than as if you were using a radial extractor.
Power Source
Another important factor for choosing the right extractor is the power source: manual or electric.
A hand crank extractor requires the beekeeper to manually spin the frames to extract the honey. This can work for smaller beekeepers with a handful of hives, but it’s not practical for those who care for more. Motorized extractors are convenient and more cost efficient if you are harvesting a small amount of honey at once. It’s also useful if you plan to extract honey in a place with no energy source.
Motorized extractors save time and labor for the beekeeper. Manual extractors are a good choice for someone who plans to harvest a large amount of honey. It’s efficient because it does not require any labor from the beekeeper.
Durability
Although an extractor is only utilized a few times a year, it is important to consider the equipment’s durability. With many spinning parts, you don’t want to waste your money on equipment that will break or fail after a few uses. The durability of a honey extractor is determined by the material it is made out of. Honey extractors can be made from glass, metal, and plastic- each with their own pros and cons.
Metal extractors are extremely durable because they can handle a large amount of harvesting at once. Metal extractors are heavy which stabilizes the unit as it spins. They are also easier to clean.
Lighter materials are more difficult to work with when spinning. Extractors made from plastic can be too light and will create difficulty for the user.
5 Best Manual Honey Extractors
VIVO Stainless Steel Manual Crank Honey Extractor (BEE-V002)
The VIVO Manual Crank Honey extractor makes it easy to extract honey out while preserving the combs. This extractor is the perfect starter for new beekeepers. The dimensions of this equipment allow for handling a lot of honeycombs. It’s heavy in weight which keeps it stable when the user quickly spins the handle. The extractor is quiet when in use, which makes it convenient to use indoors- especially in the home. The VIVO extractor securely keeps the honey in the tank and doesn’t tip over so a beekeeper’s work area remains clean. The clear Plexiglas lid allows the user to inspect the combs without having to open it and risk contamination and mess.
Like other extractors on the market, this extractor has a stainless steel body so it’s easy to clean and is durable. The stainless steel frame provides a polished look. The gears are also made from metal which makes them easy to clean. The 2 Plexiglas lids are, not only durable but also, clear so you can inspect your spinning frames without risk of contaminating the honey. It comes with 2 handles that make it easier to carry and store the 20-pound piece of equipment.
The VIVO extractor holds two frames at once and can be efficient for those with only a few hives. This piece of equipment holds shallow, medium, and deep frames.
This extractor is manual so the beekeeper will need to hand crank the handle to spin the frames and extract the honey from the combs. Other reviewers have noted that the handle is sturdy and very smooth to operate. The drum is 24 inches high and 15 inches wide. With the legs, the honey gate (or valve) is approximately 15.25 inches from the ground. The valve is 2 inches and allows for controlled filtering of honey. This allows for a 5-gallon honey bucket to be easily placed underneath.
This VIVO honey extractor has become a favorite for beekeepers due to its sturdiness, spacious drum, and ease of operation. On top of that, it is an affordable extractor for beginner beekeepers who want an extractor without making a large financial investment.
One thing to note is that this is a tangential extractor which means only one side of the frame can be extracted. The user will need to stop and turn each frame over and spin again to extract honey from both sides of the frame.
GoPlus Manual 2 Frame Honey Extractor
The GoPlus Manual Honey Extractor is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced beekeepers. The GoPlus brand is one of the most well-known brands for beekeeping supplies so it’s no surprise that their honey extractor is rated as one of the best in the industry. In fact, the 2 Frame Honey Extractor is intended to be a budget-friendly extractor for hobbyist beekeepers looking to efficiently extract honey without damaging the combs.
The GoPlus extractor is easy to use and is continually ranked as a great investment for new beekeepers. It’s an affordable piece of equipment made with stainless steel. The material makes the extractor easy to clean after each use and it does not rust.
The stainless steel also gives the extractor more weight to be sturdy during use. The heavier weight means the tool won’t tip over when the user manually spins the handle. One unique feature to this extractor is its protective film. The film will keep your honey protected from any contamination.
The extractor is 30 inches high and 16 inches wide, making it easy to hold a good amount of extracted honey. This piece of equipment holds up to 2 frames including shallow, medium, and deep frames. This allows for more variety for the beekeeper. The extractor has no legs so it has a flat bottom. When in use, the user will need to place the unit on a table or counter top, allowing the valve to hover over a bucket.
Like the VIVO, this is a tangential extractor so only one side of the frame can be extracted at once. While extracting honey on one side at a time protects prevents “blowouts” where the weight of the honey can break the combs, it does require more manual labor from the user.
Many users comment that beekeepers need to manage their expectations with this honey extractor. This unit is a basic extractor suited best for hobbyists and beekeepers who only care for a handful of hives. This is not an extractor for experienced or large beekeeper. Although this extractor is good choice for a hobbyist, the quality falls short for beekeepers looking to grow the number of hives they manage. Assembly can also be a challenge because the product does not include any instructions.
Hardin Professional 3 Frame Manual Honey Extractor
The Hardin Professional 3 Frame Honey Extractor is a great choice for beekeepers who are also looking to grow the number of hives they care for. This unit is geared toward more experienced beekeepers who have multiple hives. The Hardin honey extractor is very popular with professional beekeepers. It is an excellent investment for serious beekeepers who want to grow their business. At the same time, this extractor is recommended for all beekeeper levels, including beginners.
The Hardin Honey Extractor is made out of heavy-duty, food grade stainless steel. On top of that, the gears on the inside are metal and are protected by a barrier so the honey never hits the gears directly. This material is easy to clean and minimizes honey clogging while in use. This unit comes at 28 pounds.
The three legs are included so users can place a honey bucket under the extractor when in use. This product holds up to 3 frames ranging from shallow, medium and deep frame types. Many reviewers boast that the extractor is durable and reliable. Like other extractors, this one has Plexiglas lids that make inspections easy.
Beekeepers love this honey extractor for many reasons. The handle is easy to spin and the tank remains sturdy even when the user spins the frames quickly. This unit comes with a lifetime warranty from the company. This is a tangential extractor which means that it extracts honey from only one side of the frame at one time. The user will need to stop the spinning, flip over the frame, and spin the frame a second time.
However, there are some setbacks that should be noted. Although this extractor includes legs, they are not high enough to have a 5-gallon honey bucket fitted underneath the unit. Because this extractor is heavier compared to other units, it can be more difficult to carry. Some users also complain that the extractor can get noisy which can be annoying when you’re harvesting honey at home. Some have also noted that it can be difficult to close the valve when the honey is in the tank. This makes it harder to control the honey flow. Also, some of complained of the sharp edges on the legs. In fact, many felt the need to file down these edges to prevent injuries.
Honey Keeper Pro 2 Frame Stainless Steel Honey Extractor
The Honey Keeper Pro Honey Extractor is one of the most affordable extractors on the market. This extractor holds up to two frames ranging from shallow, medium, and deep. This is a great option for beekeepers who have a handful of hives.
Although this is marketed as a stainless steel unit, it’s important to note that only the tank is metal. This is, however, a rust resistant unit. The extractor comes with a metal lid with two handles that make it easy to carry. The bottom interior of the tank is a cone-shape that forces honey to the sides and toward the valve.
This unit also comes with legs so a 5-gallon honey bucket can be placed underneath it. The removable legs are another great feature. Without the legs, the extractor can be bolted down to the floor or be placed on a table or counter top. The extractor comes with a plastic lid (as opposed to a Plexiglas lid) to allow the user to inspect the frames while in use.
The extractor is 42 inches high and 23 inches wide. It weighs approximately 26 pounds so it’s easy to carry. Since a majority of the unit is metal, it is easy to clean. Assembly is a breeze with straightforward instructions. It’s a manual extractor that requires labor from the user. Manual extractors give beekeepers more control of the extracting process and protects the combs. This is a tangential extractor so only one side of the frame can be extracted at one time. This means the beekeeper has to flip the frame and spin it again to extract honey from both sides.
Tek Motion 4-Frame Honey Extractor
The Tek Motion Honey Extractor is another great manual option for all levels of beekeepers. This is a quality tool that is known for being durability and efficiency when harvesting honey. The Tek Motion extractor is best for beekeepers who own up to ten hives. While it may seem like an overkill for new beekeepers, this is the kind of extractor that will grow with your beekeeping endeavors.
This extractor holds up to four frames at one time ranging from shallow, medium, and deep. Because it can hold up to four frames, this is a time-saving product for those with multiple hives.
Users will have to manually spin the extractor which is easy to do because the handle spins smoothly and effectively. This is a tangential extractor which means only one side of the frame can be extracted at one time. The beekeeper will need to flip the frame and spin it again in order to extract honey from both sides. Users claim the unit is easy to assemble and the drainage is effective. However, because the valve is a little higher, users will need to tilt the extractor to get all of the honey out. This can be difficult because the extractor weights almost 35 pounds.
This unit is made of 304 stainless steel which makes it heavy and sturdy. Because it’s made of stainless steel, the extractor is easy to clean and maintain. In fact, the gears are cast iron which makes them extremely durable and minimizes clogging during use. The extractor is 29 inches high and 21 inches wide. The lids are acrylic and allow the user to inspect the frames while using the unit. Some users have complained of the sharp edges on the legs. In fact, some felt the need to file down these edges to prevent injuries.
5 Best Electric Honey Extractors
VIVO Stainless Steel Electric Honey Extractor (BEE-V004E)
The VIVO Electric Honey extractor is designed for the busy beekeepers who care for multiple hives. Because it is motorized, it will harvest honey efficiently and save time and labor for the beekeeper. This extractor is ideal for small-scale businesses and those with over ten hives. Most importantly, this extractor does not damage the combs so they can be reused by the colony. Many users have found this extractor extremely beneficial for those who have many frames of honey to extract.
This extractor is ideal for beekeepers of all levels however hobbyists will need to determine if it’s worth the financial investment if they only handle a handful of frames. The unit is made of 304 stainless steel and has improved over each version. It holds four frames ranging from shallow, medium and deep. Like all high-quality extractors, this one has a cone-shaped bottom to ensure the honey is properly drained through the valve.
The extractor is 24 inches high and 18.5 inches across. Because it’s an electric extractor, it weighs 45 pounds- significantly more than manual extractors. The extractor comes with legs which means a 5-gallon bucket can be fitted underneath the device. Many users love that the motor is quiet, making it ideal to harvest honey in the home without disturbing the household. There is also a built-in cooling fan and has a safety feature built in the lid. The machine shuts off when the lid is open and turns back on when the lid is closed. The lid is clear so the user can inspect the frames during use and not risk contamination to the honey.
The extractor holds 8 small or medium frames and 4 large frame which means you can extract a large amount of honey in little time. This is a radial extractor so both sides of the frame can be extracted at once. Beekeepers love this because it saves additional time when extracting honey.
This is a great choice for people who are not interested in manual extractors. It’s a great value for the quality. The silent motor and additional features like the lid locking feature and cooling fan makes this extractor an excellent choice for all levels of beekeepers. This heavy-duty unit suits those with multiple hives so they can quickly harvest honey efficiently.
Honey Keeper Pro Electric Honey Extractor
The Honey Keeper Pro Electric Honey Extractor is a very competitive unit in the market of high-end extractors. This extractor is made of stainless steel with two clear plastic lids. The lids allow the user to watch the frames while the machine is in use. The gears are also steel and are protected from having any direct contact with honey when in use. It’s easy to clean and maintain. This unit also comes with legs that are stainless steel. The legs raise the extractor enough that a 5-gallon bucket can fit underneath it. The legs are also removable for if you want to put the extractor on a table or counter top.
The extractor is 48 inches high and 22 inches wide. It weighs 42.5 pounds which keeps it sturdy and unmovable during use. It holds up to 8 frames, designed to hold 4 deep frames or 8 medium or shallow frames. Because it’s motorized, this honey extractor has various speed settings that allows the beekeeper to decide how fast they want to spin the frames. Keep in mind that if frames are spun too fast, you risk breaking the combs.
Honey Keeper is a well-known brand when it comes to beekeeping equipment. It provides a wide range of products for beekeepers of all levels. This extractor is heavy and sturdy so it stays in place when the tool is spinning. Many users comment that using the extractor is simple and effortless. Once assembled, beekeepers simply need to power on the machine to start harvesting honey. The motorized spinning saves the beekeeper from any manual labor. Like the previous extractor, this one offers a shut off feature if the lid is opened.
Beekeepers who love the Honey Keeper Pro Extractor are typically those who have many hives. This is a radial extractor which means both sides of the comb can be extracted at once. This is a great feature that saves time. This extractor is a solid investment that will last for many years. It’s effortless and provides an easy experience. Also, it’s a great value for all of the features.
Tek Motion Electric 3-Frame Honey Extractor
The Tek Motion Electric Honey Extractor is an excellent unit that focuses on solving the user experience issues from other extractors.
This extractor can hold up to 3 frames ranging from shallow, medium, and deep. The legs are shorter than the standard height for extractors which makes it more stable and reduces the shakiness when the tub is spinning. One con is that the 5-gallon bucket does not fit under the machine so alternatives need to be found.
Like other top-rated extractors, this one has a cone-shaped bottom which forces the honey to flow toward the valve. It also means you don’t have to tilt the extractor to get the last few drops of honey out. Which is good because the unit weights 48 pounds.
Users comment that assembly is simple. This is a tangential extractor so you have to spin the frame twice to extract honey from each side. The extractor is 27 inches high and 16.5 inches wide. This is a great, little machine suited for hobbyist and small beekeepers or anyone who only harvests honey a few times year but would prefer an electric option.
BestEquip Electric Honey Extractor
The BestEquip Electric Honey Extractor is a great investment for the beekeeper who is looking for an effortless and efficient way to harvest honey from the comb. This is an ideal extractor for hobbyists and smaller beekeepers who manage only a handful of hives.
The BestEquip Extractor is made from food-grade stainless steel. The two clear lids are made from Plexiglas which makes them very durable. The clear lids also allow you to inspect the frames while they are spinning. This extractor was built to remain stable and will last for a long time. It’s easy to clean and maintain so beekeepers can harvest honey over and over.
This extractor is 34 inches high and 15 inches wide. It weighs 45 pounds. It’s is well designed and holds up to four frames at once. This is a tangential extractor which means the beekeeper will need to flip the frames and spin it again to extract honey from both sides.
This unit is built with user experience in mind. The controls are on the top of the unit to make them more accessible. Also, there is a dial that allows you to control the speed.
Some users comment that there are no instructions when assembling the unit and it can be difficult. Also, the base is not as sturdy as other extractors so additional work may be required to keep the extractor from shaking. Because the legs are so low, a 5-gallon bucket does not fit under it- which is a standard size for harvesting honey. Reviewers also mention that the edges of the legs are sharp and may need to be filed down to avoid injury.
Goodland Bee Supply Motorized Honey Extractor
Goodland Bee Supply has an incredible reputation for manufacturing beekeeping supplies. The company offers a wide array of high-quality products and their motorized honey extractor is no exception. They also offer wonderful customer service and will replace any broken parts.
The stainless steel design makes this a durable machine that is scratch and rust residence. It’s also easy to keep clean. The gears are also made of metal and sealed away to avoid direct contact with honey when in use. The lids are Plexiglas which are very durable and protects the honey from contamination.
It has three legs that allow for a 5-gallon bucket to fit underneath it. The motor allows for multiple speeds which spins the honey out quickly while still protecting the combs so they can be used again.
This is a tangential extractor which means that it extracts honey from only one side of the frame at one time. The user will need to stop the spinning, flip over the frame, and spin the unit a second time. It can handle up to two frames ranging from shallow, medium, and deep frames. It’s a lighter extractor compared to the other machines on the list, weighing at only 37 pounds. It’s 34 inches in height and 15 inches wide.
The Goodland Bee Supply Extractor is ideal piece of equipment for hobbyists and beekeepers to tend to no more than ten hives. Unlike other extractors, this comes with a decapping roll with purchase.
Final Thoughts
You want to invest in the right equipment that will ensure you harvest honey in the most efficient and effective manner. A honey extractor is an essential tool for any beekeeper. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial beekeeper, owning a honey extractor makes the process simple and fun while preserving your combs.
Luckily, there are units on the market that are budget-friendly while there are others that make the job fast and effortless. If you are a beginner, consider your future beekeeping endeavors to determine which honey extractor will work for you.
This list of honey extractors shows the best models on the market. These devices were designed with efficiency in mind. If you’re a new beekeeper, this extractor is a fun tool that will preserve your combs so they can be returned to your hive. As an experienced beekeeper, you can extract honey from many frames in a short period of time and with little man power required.
If you’re looking for the best honey extractor, review this list. Each model is ideal for any beekeeper because they are efficient, effective, and easy to operate.
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