Hi, I am looking at buying a large secondhand (5-10 years old, unknown brand) radial extractor with a stainless steel body, but with a galvanized iron reel. Owner says honey doesn't contact the reel, but I suspect some might at times. I have painted an all gal extractor in the past with food grade paint, but some paint flaked off at times, so I'd rather not have to paint the reel if I can avoid it.
I've never used a radial extractor before, is it common for the internal moving parts to be made from galvanised iron? Or are they usually all stainless steel?
Thanks for any advice you might have.
New ones are all SS inside (or cheap plastic parts). You can get galvanizing paint if you want, but I don't think I would worry about it.
How many people do you know of that died from honey extracted in galvanized extractors for the hundred years before they were made from stainless. I would just use it.
The Food and Drug Association has approved the use of galvanized steel for food preparation and conveyance for all applications with the exception of foods that have a high acid content. The average PH of honey is around 3.4
Quote from: Koala John on January 12, 2012, 10:29:05 PM
Hi, I am looking at buying a large secondhand (5-10 years old, unknown brand) radial extractor with a stainless steel body, but with a galvanized iron reel....
Galvanizing is extremely dangerous. Don't use it! Instead, send that extractor to me for disposal. <G>
Seriously, the first extractor I used back in the '60s and '70s was an all-galvanized built-like-a-tank reversible 4-frame extractor by Superior Honey Products (long gone). I never had a bit of trouble with it discoloring honey, affecting taste, or poisoning anyone. I think you're perfectly safe using it as is. If it's in good condition and at a good price, don't let it go.