A honey extractor is a specialized centrifuge beekeepers use to harvest liquid honey from the waxy comb structure. It uses centrifugal force to fling the honey out of the cells without destroying the delicate wax foundation, allowing the comb to be returned to the hive for reuse. Preserving the comb saves the bees significant time and energy they would otherwise spend rebuilding the wax structure. Using an extractor is a multi-step process that transforms capped honeycomb into a pure, harvestable product. This guide details the preparation, spinning, and maintenance procedures necessary for successful honey extraction.
Preparing the Frames and Equipment
Setting up the workspace correctly ensures a smooth and stable extraction process. The extractor should be placed on a level, sturdy surface to prevent excessive vibration during operation. The spinning motion generates significant force, and any wobbling can damage the equipment or the frames inside.
Before placing the frames into the machine, the honey’s viscosity often needs to be reduced, especially in cooler temperatures. Frames benefit from being warmed to approximately 90–95°F (32–35°C), which mimics the internal temperature of the hive. This warming period allows the thick honey to flow more easily under the force of the centrifuge, maximizing the yield during the spin cycle.
The most time-consuming preparation step is uncapping, which requires removing the thin layer of beeswax sealing the honey cells. This capping must be completely removed using an uncapping knife or a specialized fork to expose the honey to the centrifugal force. For electric knives, the blade is often calibrated to about 290°F (143°C) to melt the wax cleanly without affecting the honey’s quality.
Spinning the Honey
Once uncapped, the frames must be loaded into the extractor basket. Frames of similar weight should be positioned opposite each other across the axis of rotation to prevent the machine from shaking excessively. Proper load balancing protects the mechanical components of the extractor and ensures a smooth spin.
The spinning process must always begin slowly, gradually increasing the rotation speed over time. Starting with a gentle rotation minimizes the sudden stress on the comb walls, which are heavy with honey and vulnerable to breaking. If the comb breaks, the wax and honey mix, complicating the subsequent filtering process and wasting valuable honey.
For tangential extractors, a two-stage spinning method is necessary. The first side is spun lightly to remove a portion of the honey, reducing the frame’s overall weight. The frame is then flipped, and the second side is spun at full speed to completely empty the cells.
Finally, the frame is flipped back to the original side for a full-speed spin. This incremental approach prevents the heavy honey on the outer wall of the comb from collapsing the delicate wax structure inward during the high-speed rotation. Radial extractors, which hold frames like spokes and extract both sides simultaneously, can skip the flipping and simply increase speed incrementally.
Draining and Cleaning the Extractor
The honey collected on the inner wall of the drum drains to the bottom of the extractor. The honey is released through a gate or spigot into a waiting bucket. The harvested honey should be passed through a filter or strainer immediately to remove stray wax particles, propolis, or debris dislodged during spinning.
Immediate cleaning is important to prevent residual honey from hardening or attracting pests. The most effective method involves rinsing the extractor with warm water to dissolve the sugary residue. Warm water helps soften leftover wax bits without smearing them across the metal surfaces.
Avoid using soap or chemical detergents when cleaning the extractor, as they can leave residue that contaminates the next batch of honey. After the initial rinse, a soft cloth or brush can be used to gently scrub the drum and basket. The extractor must be thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent rust or corrosion on the metal parts. Once dry, the equipment should be stored in a dry, pest-free environment until the next harvest.