Honey Extractors Explained, Radial vs Tangential, Manual vs Electric, Plastic vs Stainless Steel?

At the end of a long beekeeping season, honey is the ultimate reward for many beekeepers. But getting that liquid gold from the comb and into the jar, cleanly, efficiently, and without damaging the comb, requires one essential piece of equipment: the honey extractor.

With so many options available, spanning different designs, materials, features and price points, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Manual or electric? Tangential or radial? A few hundred pounds or a few thousand?

The choices seem endless. In this article, we will break down the different types of honey extractors, explain the key features to consider, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option – so that you can find the extractor that best suits your apiary, your set-up, and your budget.

 

Manual vs Electric Honey Extractors? 

This is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make when choosing a honey extractor – and it can have a significant impact on both your budget and your time.

Start by asking yourself two questions: How many hives do I have? And; How much time do I have?

A manual extractor is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for beginners and smaller apiaries. An electric extractor, however, is much more time-efficient and can save a considerable amount of effort over the long term. As the saying goes, time is money.

 

Manual Advantages:

• Affordable: a manual extractor requires a lower initial investment.
• Simple to operate: Works by manually turning a hand crank, which turns gears to spin the inner basket and extract honey from the frames.
• Ideal for smaller apiaries: particularly well suited to beginners or hobbyists with around 1-6 hives.
• No power required: Because they are hand-operated, manual extractors can be used without access to electricity, which may be useful in certain locations or set-ups.

Manual Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming and labour intensive: Extracting honey by hand can be a real workout, especially when processing a large number of frames!
• Less practical if you expand your apiary: If you expand the number of hives you have, the time and physical effort required can quickly add up.
• Requires continuous effort: A manual extractor can reach similar speeds to an electric model, but maintaining that speed requires significant arm power!
• Less consistent speed control: With a manual extractor you need to continuously crank the handle to maintain speed. An electric extractor, by comparison, is able to maintain a steady, continuous speed with the flick of a switch.

Electric Advantages:

• Highly efficient: Electric extractors can save a considerable amount of time and physical effort, particularly when processing larger quantities of honey.
• Fast and convenient: A motor drives the cage, often with adjustable speed settings. This allows you to control the extraction process while working quickly and efficiently.  
• Ideal for larger apiaries: Electric extractors are particularly well suited to hobbyist beekeepers with 6+ hives and to commercial beekeepers, where speed and efficiency become increasingly important.

Electric Disadvantages:

• Higher initial investment: Electric models generally cost more upfront than manual extractors.
• Requires a power source: An electricity supply is necessary, which may not be practical for every apiary location or setup.

Can you Upgrade a Manual Extractor?

Some manual extractors can be upgraded with a motor at a later date. This can be a useful option if you want to start with a lower initial investment while keeping the flexibility to expand your operation in the future.

However, motor upgrades are not available for every model. Always check with the manufacturer and confirm that a compatible motor upgrade is available for the specific extractor before purchasing.

 

Radial vs Tangential Honey Extractors

The heart of any honey extractor is its internal mechanism, which determines how the honey is spun from the comb. This directly impacts the speed and efficiency of extraction, as well as how gently the comb is handled during the process.

When used correctly, both radial and tangential extractors can extract honey effectively, and neither necessarily produces significantly more honey than the other. The key difference is how the honey is extracted, how much involvement is required from the beekeeper, and how long the process takes.

 

Tangential Extractors

• How it works: The frames sit against the inside wall of the extractor cage, with one face of the comb facing outward, similar to clothes being spun against the side of a washing machine.
• Workflow: Tangential extractors extract honey from one side of the frame at a time. Once one side has been partially extracted, the frames need to be manually turned to extract the other side. They are then often turned back again to finish extracting the first side. This makes the process more hands-on and time-consuming, particularly when processing a large harvest.
• Impact on comb: Care is needed when starting the extraction. Spinning too quickly can cause the comb to blow out or fracture. A good practice is to position uncapped frames with the comb face flat against the cage wall, begin spinning gently, then turn the frames to extract the opposite side before turning them back to finish the first side.
• Efficiency and cost: Tangential extractors require more input from the beekeeper, but they are generally less expensive than a radial extractor of a similar size, although this varies by brand and model.
• Useful for specialist honeys: Certain types of honey, such as heather honey, may require a tangential extraction method. Heather honey is thixotropic, meaning it has a gel-like consistency and does not flow easily through a conventional centrifugal extractor. Traditional processing can involve crushing and pressing the comb, while specialist heather honey loosening equipment can be used with a tangential or swing-cage extractor.

Radial Extractors

• How it works: The frames are arranged in a circle around the central spindle, with the top bars facing outward, creating a layout similar to a merry-go-round.
• Workflow: Centrifugal force extracts honey from both sides of the frame simultaneously, eliminating the need to manually turn the frames. This makes radial extraction considerably more convenient and efficient, particularly when processing larger quantities of honey.
• Impact on comb: Because the centrifugal force is distributed across both sides of the frame at the same time, radial extraction can be gentler on the comb. However, there is still a risk of damage. Starting the extractor too quickly, or attempting to extract honey that is particularly cold and viscous, can cause fresh, unwired or weakened comb to blow out or fracture.
• Efficiency: Radial extractors require less hands-on involvement because both sides of the frame are extracted simultaneously. This can significantly reduce the time and effort required when processing larger harvests.

Top Tip! Did you know that some extractors combine the benefits of both systems? For example, the Logar 4/8 Electric Swing Cage Extractor uses a swing cage that gives the beekeeper the convenience of loading frames radially but the benefit of extracting tangentially.

 

Plastic vs Stainless Steel Honey Extractors

Remember that honey is a food product so any material that comes into contact with it must be food safe. When choosing between plastic and stainless steel, there are several factors to consider:

• Stainless Steel: Food-grade stainless steel is strong, corrosion-resistant and easy to clean and sanitise. A well-made stainless-steel extractor can provide a hygienic, durable solution and a long-term investment for your apiary.
• Plastic: Plastic extractors are generally more affordable and considerably lighter, making them easier to move, handle and clean. However, plastic surfaces can become scratched with regular use, potentially creating areas that are more difficult to clean thoroughly.

For beekeepers looking for a long-lasting extractor that can withstand years of regular use, food-grade stainless steel is often the preferred choice. For smaller operations or new start-ups, where portability and lower cost are priorities, a suitable food-grade plastic extractor can still be a more practical option.

 

Material & Craftsmanship 

Points to consider:

• Seamlessly Welded Tank: Look for a tank with a smooth, seamless interior and minimal crevices or joins where honey and debris can accumulate. A well-finished interior makes the extractor much easier to clean and helps maintain good hygiene.
• Conical Bottom: A conical or sloped base helps channel honey towards the honey gate, allowing it to drain efficiently. This means you are less likely to need to tilt or move a heavy, honey-filled extractor to recover the last of the honey.
• Sturdy Legs or Stand: Sturdy legs or a solid, stable stand is essential, particularly when the extractor is operating at high speed. Look for models with secure mounting points or bolt holes, allowing the extractor to be fixed to the floor, a pallet or another stable surface. This helps prevent the extractor from moving or "walking" across the floor during operation.
• Safety Features: Safety should always be a consideration when choosing an extractor. A clear lid allows you to monitor the extraction process without opening the machine.

 

What Size Honey Extractor Do You Need?

Sizing it Right: Plan for the Present and the Future

Choosing the right size extractor isn’t just about price. You also need to think about how much space you have, how many frames you’ll be processing, and whether your apiary is likely to grow.

Larger extractors can process more frames at once, helping to speed up extraction. However, they also cost more and take up more space. Consider where you will store the extractor when it isn’t being used, particularly during the rest of the year.

 

How Many Frames Do You Need?

Extractor capacity is measured by the number of frames it can hold at one time. As a general rule of thumb, an extractor can comfortably handle approximately twice as many hives as its frame capacity.

 

For example:

A 2-frame extractor can handle around 4 hives.
A 3-frame extractor can handle around 6 hives.
A 4-frame extractor can handle around 8 hives.
A 9-frame extractor can handle around 18 hives.

 

These are useful guidelines rather than hard limits. Your actual requirements will depend on factors such as your honey yield, the number of frames you harvest at once, and how frequently you extract.

 

Top Tip! If your budget allows, buy an extractor that is slightly larger than your current requirements. The joy of beekeeping often leads to expansion, and investing now will save you from having to buy a second, larger machine down the road.

 

Will it Fit Your Frames?

Before purchasing a honey extractor, it is essential to check that it is compatible with the size and type of frames you use.

Many extractors can accommodate more than one frame size, but this varies between models. Always check the manufacturer's specifications to make sure your frames will fit securely and that the extractor has the correct basket configuration.

 

Can You Extract Brood Frames?

Yes, brood frames can be put through a honey extractor, but there are some important considerations.

Only extract from brood frames when the comb is sturdy, securely wired and free of live brood. Brood frames can also contain more debris, pollen, propolis and other material than super frames, which can make extraction messier.

For this reason, many beekeepers prefer to use a crush-and-strain method when processing honey from brood frames. This avoids putting potentially messy or damaged comb through an extractor that is primarily used for clean honey extraction. It is also worth considering that some honey buyers may prefer honey that has not been extracted from brood comb.

Top Tip! Some radial extractors can be fitted with separate screens  that convert them into a tangential extractor. This can give you greater flexibility, allowing the same machine to handle different types of frames and extraction requirements.

Always check that the conversion screens are compatible with your specific extractor model before purchasing

 

How Much Does a Honey Extractor Cost in the UK?

Once you’ve worked out what type, size and configuration of extractor you need, the next step is to consider your budget and which brand is right for you.

Honey extractors are available at a wide range of price points, from basic entry-level models to premium machines designed for frequent, long-term use.

 

Mid-Range and Premium Extractors

Premium brands, such as Thomas Apiculture (French) Extractors, offer high-quality extractors designed as a long-term investment. They can be a good choice for beekeepers who prioritise build quality, durability and performance.

Mid-range extractors can offer an excellent balance between price and performance. Options such as our own UK-made extractors and Logar extractors combine robust construction with features designed for regular use, making them a strong option for beekeepers looking for good long-term value.

 

Budget Extractors and Beginners Kits?

Budget and entry-level extractors can be an attractive option for new beekeepers or those with only a few hives. They allow you to get started without making a large initial investment, and both plastic and stainless-steel models are available.

However, price isn't the only thing to consider. When comparing budget models, pay close attention to user reviews and feedback, particularly regarding:

• Long-term durability
• Motor performance and reliability
• Quality of the finish
• Sharp or poorly finished metal edges
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance

These details can give you a better idea of how an extractor is likely to perform beyond its initial purchase price.

 

Borrowing an Extractor from your Local Beekeeping Association 

Buying an extractor isn't your only option. Many local beekeeping associations allow members to borrow or hire extractors, either free of charge or for a small fee.

This can be a particularly useful option if you only have a few hives and don't expect to need an extractor frequently. However, shared equipment is usually subject to a booking system, often on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are also some practical considerations. You'll need to arrange collection and transportation, work within the agreed borrowing period, and return the extractor on time. This may mean planning your honey harvest around the availability of the equipment.

If borrowing sounds like it could work for you, contact your local beekeeping association to find out whether they offer an extractor-hire or loan scheme for members.

 

Extracting Honey Without an Extractor

This article is aimed at beekeepers looking to choose the right honey extractor. But what if you simply don’t want to invest in one? Keep an eye out for our next blog post, where we’ll explore different methods of extracting honey without an extractor, including the equipment you’ll need and how each method works.