Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we'd use ourselves.
Learn more.
Do You Really Need an Extractor?
Let's be honest: a honey extractor is a significant purchase for a hobbyist. Before spending $150-500+, consider whether you actually need one.
You Probably Need an Extractor If:
-
✓
You have 2+ productive hives
-
✓
You want to reuse your drawn comb (huge time-saver for bees)
-
✓
You plan to sell honey and need consistent production
-
✓
You harvest multiple times per year
You Might Not Need One If:
-
•
You have just 1 hive producing modest amounts
-
•
You prefer crush-and-strain harvesting (simpler, no equipment)
-
•
You can borrow or rent an extractor locally
-
•
You use a Flow Hive (extraction is built in)
If you're producing 20+ pounds of honey annually and plan to keep beekeeping, an extractor pays for itself quickly. If you're in your first year with one hive, you might wait and see.
Tangential vs Radial Extractors
The two main designs differ in how frames are positioned:
Tangential Extractors
Frames sit flat against the basket wall, one side facing out. You extract one side, flip the frames, and extract the other side.
Pros:
- Less expensive
- Gentler on delicate new comb
- Works well with foundationless frames
Cons:
- Slower (must flip frames)
- More labor-intensive
Best for: Beginners, small operations, foundationless beekeepers
Radial Extractors
Frames sit like spokes of a wheel, top bars facing out. Both sides extract simultaneously—no flipping needed.
Pros:
- Faster extraction
- No flipping required
- Holds more frames
Cons:
- More expensive
- Requires higher spin speed
- Can damage fragile comb
Best for: Larger operations, multiple harvests, experienced beekeepers
Our recommendation for beginners: Start with a tangential extractor. They're more forgiving, less expensive, and perfectly adequate for hobbyist volumes. Upgrade to radial later if you scale up significantly.
Manual vs Electric
Manual (Hand-Crank)
Price range: $100-300
You provide the power by turning a hand crank. Simple, reliable, no electricity needed.
Good for: 1-5 hives, occasional harvesting, off-grid situations, budget-conscious beginners
The reality: Hand-cranking is a workout. Processing 20+ frames gets tiring. But for small harvests, it's perfectly manageable and even satisfying.
Electric (Motorized)
Price range: $250-600+
A motor does the spinning. Variable speed control lets you start slow (to prevent comb blowout) and ramp up.
Good for: 5+ hives, frequent harvesting, anyone with arm/shoulder issues, efficiency-minded beekeepers
The reality: Electric is genuinely easier, especially for all-day extraction sessions. The extra cost is worth it if you're processing significant volumes.
Our Recommendations by Budget
BUDGET PICK
VINGLI 2-Frame Manual Extractor
~$130-150
A solid entry-level extractor that handles deep or medium frames. Stainless steel construction, clear lid for visibility, and a basic honey gate. Perfect for beekeepers with 1-3 hives who want to test extraction before committing to something bigger.
Pros:
- • Affordable entry point
- • Compact, easy to store
- • Stainless steel (food-safe)
Cons:
- • Only 2 frames at a time
- • Tangential (must flip)
- • Light duty construction
Check price on Amazon →
BEST OVERALL
VIVO 4-Frame Manual Extractor
~$200-250
The sweet spot for most hobbyists. This tangential extractor handles 4 deep frames (or 8 mediums with an adapter), has solid stainless construction, and includes a stand with legs. The build quality is noticeably better than budget options, and it should last for years.
Pros:
- • 4-frame capacity (efficient)
- • Solid construction
- • Adjustable legs
- • Clear acrylic lid
Cons:
- • Still manual (arm workout)
- • Tangential design
- • Some assembly required
Check price on Amazon →
BEST ELECTRIC
Happybuy 4-Frame Electric Extractor
~$350-400
Variable speed motor takes the work out of extraction. Start slow to protect fresh comb, then ramp up to fully clear the cells. The motor is surprisingly quiet, and the speed control is precise. Excellent value for the price point.
Pros:
- • Variable speed control
- • Much less physical effort
- • 4-frame capacity
- • Good build quality
Cons:
- • Requires electricity
- • Heavier (harder to move)
- • More to potentially break
Check price on Amazon →
PREMIUM PICK
Maxant 1400P 4-Frame Extractor
~$600-700
American-made quality from a company that's been in business since 1912. The Maxant uses heavier gauge stainless steel, precision bearings, and a design that will literally last generations. Available in manual or motorized versions. This is "buy it once" equipment.
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality
- • Made in USA
- • Replacement parts available
- • Will last decades
Cons:
- • Significant investment
- • Overkill for tiny operations
- • Heavier than budget options
Check price on Amazon →
| Model |
Frames |
Type |
Power |
Price |
| VINGLI 2-Frame |
2 |
Tangential |
Manual |
~$140 |
| VIVO 4-Frame |
4 |
Tangential |
Manual |
~$220 |
| Happybuy Electric |
4 |
Tangential |
Electric |
~$375 |
| Maxant 1400P |
4 |
Tangential |
Manual |
~$650 |
What Else You'll Need
An extractor alone isn't enough. Here's the complete extraction setup:
Uncapping Tools ($20-80)
Electric uncapping knife, cold knife, or uncapping fork. You need to remove the wax cappings before extraction.
See options →
Uncapping Tank or Tub ($30-100)
Catches cappings and dripping honey during uncapping. Can be as simple as a plastic bin with a rack.
Double Strainer ($15-30)
Filters out wax bits and debris. A coarse and fine mesh combo works well.
See options →
Bottling Bucket ($30-50)
Food-grade bucket with honey gate for easy bottling. 5-gallon holds about 60 lbs of honey.
Jars and Lids (varies)
Glass or plastic containers for your finished product. Budget $0.50-1.50 per jar depending on size and style.
Total extraction setup (including extractor): $200-800 depending on your choices. The good news? This equipment lasts for years with basic care.
Alternatives to Buying an Extractor
Not ready to buy? Here are legitimate alternatives:
🤝 Borrow from Your Bee Club
Many local beekeeping associations own extractors that members can borrow during harvest season. This is free (or cheap) and lets you try extraction before investing. Join your local association.
🏪 Rent from a Beekeeping Supplier
Some bee supply stores rent extractors by the day or weekend. Typical cost: $20-50/day. Worth it for your first harvest when you're still learning.
✋ Crush and Strain Method
Cut comb from frames, crush it, and let honey strain through mesh. No extractor needed. Downside: You destroy the comb and get less honey (some stays in the wax). But it works, and many small-scale beekeepers prefer it.
🍯 Sell Comb Honey
Skip extraction entirely and sell cut comb or section comb. Comb honey commands premium prices ($15-25/lb) and requires zero extraction equipment. See our guide to harvesting honey.
The Bottom Line
For most beginner beekeepers with 2-5 hives, the VIVO 4-Frame Manual Extractor hits the sweet spot of price, quality, and capacity. It's enough equipment to handle hobbyist volumes without breaking the bank.
If you're sure beekeeping is a long-term commitment and want to skip the upgrade path, consider going straight to the Happybuy Electric or investing in a Maxant that you'll still be using 30 years from now.
Either way, the first harvest with your own extractor is a milestone moment. There's nothing quite like watching that golden honey spin out of frames you raised yourself.
Ready for Your First Harvest?
Get our free Harvest Day Checklist delivered to your inbox—plus seasonal beekeeping tips throughout the year.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.