How to Extract Honey

When you harvest your own honey, it's one of the most satisfying parts of beekeeping. You enjoy the fresh, natural honey right from the hive and you develop a better understanding of your bees' work. If you've been pondering over how to take honey from your full combs to golden jars on your shelf, this guide will take you through the entire process step by step using a manual honey extractor. 

Get to Know Your Honey Extractor

Before you start the extraction, it is important to know the main parts of a manual honey extractor. For example, the Creworks manual honey extractor includes the following components::

By being familiar with these parts, you can make it easier and smoother to accomplish the extraction process.

Preparing Your Honey Extractor

To start extracting honey, you first need to set up your manual honey extractor. Assembly is simple and only takes a few minutes:

STEP 1

After carefully removing the machine from the packing carton, clean the honey extractor thoroughly with mild soap and water BEFORE fist use. The extractor should be placed on a dry, flat stable surface.

STEP 2

After extractor is clean and dry, twist crank handle onto shaft and tighten bolt .

STEP 3

Secure metal lid with the attached steel clips.

How to Extract Honey (Step by Step)

Step 1

Place honey frames in extractor basket. Load both sides to keep extractor balanced as this will reduce any possible shaking.

Step 2

Place lid on extractor and begin turning handle to extract honey.

Step 3

Once the frames have been emptied on one side, remove the frames, turn the frames around, and place them back in the extractor. Repeat step 2, then remove the frames from the extractor.

Step 4

With the drain positioned over a bucket or other container, open the honey gate to begin draining honey. Tip the extractor forward to drain as much honey as possible.

Note: KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF MOVING PARTS TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY

Product Recommendation: Creworks Manual Honey Extractor

If you’re looking for a dependable and easy-to-use tool, the Creworks Manual Honey Extractor is a fantastic choice. Here’s why:

• 2-frame capacity – perfect for hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers.
• Durable stainless steel drum – built to last and resist rust.
• Smooth hand crank – easy operation without requiring electricity.
• Simple to clean – makes post-extraction cleanup quick and painless.

This extractor gives you all the essentials you need for efficient honey harvesting without overcomplicating the process.

Conclusion

Extracting honey doesn't have to be difficult. Using the right equipment, such as the above one from Creworks, you can turn your honeycomb frames into jars of fresh, golden honey in just a few steps. The process is not only an efficient method of extracting honey, but it maintains the physical comb intact so that the bees can reuse them. If you’ve been waiting to try harvesting your own honey, the time is definitely now. Assemble your tools, apply these few steps, and have fun experiencing the sweet fruits of your beekeeping efforts.