Hardin Professional 3 Frame Manual Honey Extractor

This specific one is sturdier feeling than others we've tried. I'm opting it lasts forever.

Just got done extracting 200+ lbs of honey. This worked like a champ. Before this, I borrowed an ancient extractor that must have been 20 years old. The old extractor worked good, but I didn't like borrowing. So I bought this one. Happy to say, this new extractor is built much the same way as the ancient one - think stainless steel and metal gears. I expect this extractor to be around a long, long time. The legs are surprisingly sturdy. Metal gears, think stainless body, thick grates. Pieces are bolted together and can be disassembled for cleaning. Be sure to tighten bolts securely and check tightness every now and then while using. Nuts do have a habit of vibrating loose. Which I'll probably use some lock washers next year. I am very pleased with this product., Caution: There are sharp corners on the grate and legs. Be careful washing this machine.

Missing parts. Lid broke first time used Had 200 pounds of honey to spin so had to use it. Not something we use everyday so only knew about missing parts after it was too late to return.

I read a few negative reviews and was a little hesitant to order this extractor because it was a lot cheaper than options from main stream bee suppliers. But with Amazons return policy I decided to take a chance on it. I was super impressed right away. The steel is thick and heavy, hardware is good quality, instructions are lacking but it’s not complicated to assemble…took about 5 mins with basic hand tools. A few things to note: the plexiglass lids are not attached to the extractor. They just rest on top when in use. They have two lugs on the underside that keep it in place. I would like to see a hinge, even if it’s just a strip of rubber, to attach them securely. Not a big deal, but it would be an improvement. Without instructions it is easy and intuitive to disassemble/reassemble for cleaning or to change out the honey gate. The included honey gate seems ok, but I found the design/hardware to be a little lacking. Functions fine, but I’ll probably add a lock washer to help prevent the bolt spinning when tightening the wing nut. My only complaint is the packaging (minus 1 star). I see why people are missing hardware - the leg hardware is threaded in place but not tightly. I had one of the bolts and washers loose in the box when it arrived. Luckily it stayed in the box. But all of the hardware is easily replaced at any local hardware store. The legs were not secure enough in the package and my tank arrived with a small (maybe 2-3”) dent from the legs bouncing around during shipment. I attempted to get a partial refund through Amazon for the damage but they only offered to return the entire thing. For the small and completely cosmetic damage I didn’t want the hassle or waste of time/resources to get a new one sent. I also think it’s very likely any replacement would have similar damage. So I kept it as is. I was disappointed in Amazon’s response and what a pain in the neck it was to even talk to anyone other than a chat bot. But that’s no knock on the extractor. Overall, I think this is money well spent (and saved) over higher cost extractors. I don’t have a commercial operation, just a handful of hives, so this size works for me without taking up a ton more space or costing me more than I’ll make selling honey or wax.

Finally had a chance to get this unit put together. (Purchased in April 2022, 1st used July 2022) Very simple, add 3 legs and put on a floating lid. Missing 2 bolts and 3 cap nuts for the legs, and the small screws that hold the lip retaining plastic on the lids. So, I had to purchase separately. Not a big issue, but when you only have 3 legs that have to be put on, and 6 large bolts that attach the legs to the unit, and 4 small screw that hold the plastic lid on, were not talking a complicated packing list. Other than that, it works as expected. The only design change I would suggest, is to place the drain either closer to the bottom of the collection bin or in the bottom itself. If you don't tip the unit when you're done, you're leaving at least 1 quart of honey in the bottom.