Manual honey processing machine

Types of manual honey processing machines

Even though beekeepers produce honey using manual methods, they also use different types of machines, such as the manual honey processing machine, to help them sell their products.

• Manual honey strainer

  This simple apparatus strains honey by gravity to remove impurities and unwanted particles. Before using a honey strainer, the beekeeper should first pour the honey into a container with a spout. The honey should then be poured through the strainer. As the honey passes through the mesh screen, impurities will be trapped. The clean honey will then flow into the container through the strainer.

• Honey crystallization control box

  The honey crystallization control box is ideal for processing large amounts of honey. Its main purpose is to control the crystallization of honey. The box provides a controlled environment with the right temperature to ensure honey dries correctly without crystallizing. This is important for making honey that is clear, attractive, and easy to sell. The box also helps keep all the natural qualities of the honey intact, making it really valuable.

• Manual honeycomb cutter

  A manual honeycomb cutter is used to carefully remove beeswax from honeycombs. Beekeepers can use this device to extract honey directly from the comb and maintain the comb's natural shape. This method preserves the distinctive flavor and aroma of the unadulterated honey and yields unrefined honey products.

• Manual honey pump

  A manual honey pump transfers honey from one container to another. The pump is used to process small amounts of honey manually, and it works by using a handle to create suction. Beekeepers may find it helpful when bottling honey because it reduces the risk of spills and messes.

Specifications and maintenance of manual honey processing machines

Specifications

• Capacity: The honey extractor's capacity refers to the volume of honey it can extract in a single process. Honey extractors may come in different capacities to accommodate various production scales, from small to large.
• Sizes: Honey processing machines come in various sizes. Generally, honey processing machines are suitable for any scale of beekeeping, from small-scale bee products to large-scale commercial production.
• Voltage: Manual honey processing machines do not depend on voltage but rather manpower. Therefore, voltage is not considered when manufacturing or using these machines.
• Material: Stainless steel is the main material for building honey processing machines. Stainless steel honey processing machines are durable, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, etc.
• Structure: structure includes the frame, the rotating part, the honey gate, the handle, and other components. Different components work together to extract honey. The machine can have different structures depending on the type and design.
• Weight: The weight of honey processing machines can vary depending on the material and structure. The weight of machines is generally stable so that they can be used without worrying about tipping or moving.
• Function: The main functions of honey processing machines include extracting raw honey, filtering out impurities and contaminants, and packaging processed honey products.

Maintenance tips

Regular maintenance is essential for the honey processing machine to keep it running smoothly, safely, and efficiently during use.

• Thorough Cleaning: After every extraction session, cleaning the machine thoroughly with warm water and mild soap is crucial. It prevents honey residue buildup and minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Sanitization: Regularly sanitizing the machine parts is essential to avoid honey spoilage and maintain the product's quality. Using food-grade sanitizers helps disinfect the components effectively.
• Lubrication: Keeping the moving parts lubricated, such as bearings and shafts, ensures smooth operation and minimizes wear and tear. It is vital to use the appropriate lubricants recommended by the manufacturers.
• Periodic Inspection: It is important to inspect the manual honey processing machines regularly for any signs of damage, wear, or misalignment. Promptly addressing issues helps prevent complications and prolongs the machine's lifespan.
• Ensure Proper Drying: After cleaning the machine, ensure all parts are adequately dried before reassembling them. It helps avoid mold growth and corrosion.
• Storage: When not in use, store the machine in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Proper storage prevents environmental damage.
• Hygiene Management: Maintaining excellent personal hygiene while handling manual honey processing machines is crucial. Washing hands, wearing clean clothes, and using sanitized utensils helps prevent honey contamination.

Scenarios of manual honey processing machines

Small-scale to medium-sized beekeepers typically utilize a manual honey extractor. They have fewer hives and limited honey production, making the manual extractor a cost-effective choice. Additionally, beekeepers who keep bees for personal use or to sell at local markets prefer the manual extractor to maintain the quality and integrity of their honey.

Since they lack access to electricity or reliable power, remote or rural beekeepers opt for the manual honey extractor. The crank-based operation of these extractors enables beekeepers in isolated areas to process honey without depending on electrical equipment. Beekeepers who prioritize traditional and artisanal honey production methods often prefer manual extractors. They want to preserve the traditional beekeeping process and value hands-on techniques. Beekeepers working with delicate or raw honey prefer the manual extractor because it allows them to control the extraction speed and gentleness, preserving honey's valuable traits.

Also, educational institutions and research facilities that offer beekeeping training programs or demonstrations may use the manual honey extractor. It provides practical experience for students learning about beekeeping practices. Honey testing labs and quality control centers may use small manual extractors to sample and test honey from different sources. They extract small honey samples for analysis, often using a manual extractor rather than large commercial ones.

Finally, professional or semi-professional beekeepers with limited honey production use the manual honey extractor for small batches of specialty or premium honey. They may also use it to reserve their larger commercial extractor for more substantial processing.

How to choose manual honey processing machines

When selecting a manual honey extractor, a few essential aspects must be evaluated to meet the requirements of the honey harvesting process and ensure the quality of the honey. These are capacity, construction material, processing equipment, and safety.

• Capacity:

  It refers to the amount of honeycomb the machine can process in one batch. The capacities of manual honey extractors range from small (2-4 frames) to medium (up to 10 frames) or more, and selecting the proper capacity ensures efficient honey extraction.

• Construction material:

  Manual honey extractors are made of either food-grade stainless steel or galvanized steel. Stainless steel, resistant to rust and easy to clean, is widely used in honey extractor manufacturing. On the other hand, galvanized steel provides a corrosion-resistant and long-lasting material for equipment construction, which is suitable for customers with limited budgets.

• Processing equipment:

  Processing equipment means the specific tool added to the manual honey extractor that enables users to obtain honey from the combs while minimizing wastage and damage to the honey. For instance, a honey spiral separator system integrated into a honey extractor machine can separate honey from any inserted object quickly.

• Safety:

  The honey extractor machines are now equipped with many safety features, such as protective cages to prevent accidental contact with spinning frames and emergency stops for quick frame stopping in emergencies. Choosing manual honey extractors with safety features is essential.

Manual honey processing machine FAQ

Q1: What are the steps in honey processing?

A1: Honey is first extracted from combs and filtered. Then, the honey is heated and refined for unwanted substances and to improve viscosity. Next, the honey is packed in bottles or jars for sale.

Q2: What is honey processing?

A2: In general, the term "honey processing" refers to the handling of honey. This includes collecting, filtering, heating, and packaging honey for marketing. The simple definition of "processing honey" may also include all steps taken by bees to transform raw nectar into honey.

Q3: What is the purpose of honey processing?

A3: The main goal of honey processing is to obtain pure honey free of debris and beeswax. Properly processed honey also looks attractive to customers and can be easily export.

Q4: How much does processed honey sell for?

A4: The price of processed honey depends on the type. For instance, a gallon of clover honey will cost about $ 59. A gallon of wildflower honey will be around $ 72, while Manuka will go for around $ 350.