Honey extractor compatibility varies by model, but the vast majority are engineered to accept standard Deep, Medium, and Shallow frames. While specific limitations exist for every machine, many extractors feature versatile designs that allow you to swap between different frame sizes, often trading the size of the frame for the total number of frames the unit can hold at once.
Core Insight: Capacity is rarely a fixed number; it is a ratio relative to frame size. A high-capacity radial extractor, for example, might be rated to hold nine Deep frames, but that same internal basket can often accommodate double that amount—eighteen frames—if you are extracting Mediums or Shallows.
Standard Frame Compatibility
The Industry Standards
Most commercially available honey extractors are built to accommodate the three universal dimensions of beehive frames: Deep, Medium, and Shallow.
Designers understand that beekeepers often mix equipment, so the internal baskets or cages are sized to fit the largest standard option (Deep).
Variable Capacity Logic
The most critical technical detail to understand is that frame size dictates total capacity.
As noted in the primary documentation, a single machine does not always have a static frame count. An extractor configured for nine Deep frames may alternatively hold eighteen Medium or Shallow frames by adjusting how the frames are seated within the reel.
Capacity by Extractor Architecture
Manual Extractor Limitations
Manual units are generally smaller and more constrained.
Most manual extractors have a fixed capacity of 2 to 4 frames. Due to their smaller diameter, some entry-level manual units may struggle with Deep frames or require them to be extracted tangentially (one side at a time).
Tangential Extractor Ranges
Tangential extractors, where the frame faces the tank wall flatly, typically handle between 3 to 6 frames.
Because the frames sit flat against the basket, the size of the frame (Deep vs. Medium) has a significant impact on the diameter of the tank required.
Radial Extractor Versatility
Radial extractors place frames like spokes on a wheel and offer the widest range of options.
These units can hold anywhere from 4 to over 100 frames in commercial setups. This is the architecture where you will most frequently see the "2-for-1" capacity exchange, allowing significantly higher volume for Medium and Shallow frames compared to Deeps.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Myth of Universal Fit
Do not assume that every extractor fits every frame.
While "standard" sizes are common, compatibility is not universal. Some compact hobbyist extractors are strictly designed for Medium or Shallow frames and physically cannot accommodate the depth of a Deep frame.
Verification is Mandatory
Always consult the specific product specifications before purchasing.
Manufacturers will explicitly list the maximum frame dimensions. If you utilize non-standard or custom-built frames, measuring the physical height and width of your equipment against the extractor's basket dimensions is the only way to guarantee a fit.
Making the Right Choice for Your Apiary
When selecting an extractor, you must match the machine's capabilities to your hive management style.
- If your primary focus is standardizing gear: Choose an extractor that fits Deep frames, as this ensures it can also handle any smaller Medium or Shallow frames you may acquire later.
- If your primary focus is volume and speed: Look for radial extractors that explicitly advertise a higher capacity for Medium/Shallow frames, allowing you to process twice the volume per spin.
- If your primary focus is budget or small-scale hobby: Verify that the smaller 2-4 frame manual extractor you select is tall enough to accept Deep frames if you use them in your brood boxes.
Match your extractor not just to the number of hives you have, but to the specific frame sizes you intend to lift from them.
Summary Table:
| Extractor Type | Typical Frame Capacity | Compatible Sizes | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | 2 - 4 Frames | Deep, Medium, Shallow | Hobbyists & Small-scale beekeeping |
| Tangential | 3 - 6 Frames | Deep, Medium, Shallow | High-efficiency extraction per frame side |
| Radial | 4 - 100+ Frames | Mostly Medium/Shallow (High volume) | Commercial apiaries & High-volume production |
| Compact Hobbyist | Variable | Medium, Shallow Only | Specialized small-depth setups |
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