Creamed honey tools

KONASDAD · December 03, 2008, 11:41:05 AM

Recently our club held a meeting in which the speaker talked about making creamed honey. A category he wins at most honey contests. One item he uses is a stirrer that looked like a "potatoe masher", rather than one you might attach to a drill and looks like a paint stirrer. The honey goes through the masher head, rather then stirred, making smaller crystals which is desireable. He bought this masher years ago. I have looked but cant seem to be able to find this style of creamer tool that forces the honey through small holes in a flat masher. I can only find ones you attach to drills and "stirs" the honey rather than forcing in through the masher head.

Does anyone know where i might find this type of masher?

bassman1977 · December 03, 2008, 01:41:25 PM

I do not know of the masher but from your description it sounds like a paint stirrer I have (or at least might do the same job). The stirrer is plastic and looks like a turbine. The "blades" are real close together and there are a lot of them. The turbine piece is attached to a metal rod that is attached to a drill. I bought it at Lowes a few years ago. They may still sell them although I don't see it on their website so I don't know...

KONASDAD · December 03, 2008, 02:46:55 PM

Sorry but no. I am looking for the one that doesnt look like a paint stirrer, but an old fashioned potatoe masher. Flat metal disk w/ holesand a handle for pushing it through the cold honey.

Kathyp · December 03, 2008, 02:54:02 PM

you should be able to find one in some place like Bed Bath and Beyond. or....check ebay.

2nd row, 2nd from end??

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx?order_num=-1&sstr=potatoe&dim=1&nty=1&;

sc-bee · December 03, 2008, 03:37:39 PM

Potato masher as listed above can be found here in most any department store (wallys etc.) I have a feeling this is not what you are speaking of because I would think the holes are much to large to achive the desired crystal needed. But I have read about the process but never tried making creamed honey.

Maybe this tool is the right size for just stirring?

Here's another site for you to view:

http://www.shopwiki.com/search/OXO+Potato+Masher

KONASDAD · December 03, 2008, 03:44:32 PM

Looks like the one KathyP hi-lites but it had a 3 ft handle for leverage, stainless steel head and rod. It will need to be pushed through 55F honey, which is very thick and slow. The goal is to break the crystals into the smallest possible size w/ as little effort as possible. I question whether these will be strong enough but might be worth a try. Making small batches would be possible, but when mixing 4 gallons at a time, I think it would break or be too much effort.

Kathyp · December 03, 2008, 03:48:10 PM

i got lucky. my honey crystallized into the perfect creamed honey. i will be keeping some for starter. didn't do anything. it just happened :-)

KONASDAD · December 03, 2008, 03:51:36 PM

Quote from: kathyp on December 03, 2008, 03:48:10 PM
i got lucky. my honey crystallized into the perfect creamed honey. i will be keeping some for starter. didn't do anything. it just happened :-)

some things are idiot proof ! :evil:

Kathyp · December 03, 2008, 04:02:51 PM

just what are you trying to say?? :-D

are you using the powdered starter? i'd be interested to know how that works.

Robo · December 03, 2008, 04:16:26 PM

http://www.beeworks.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=113

KONASDAD · December 03, 2008, 04:32:31 PM

Robo has it! Thanx a bunch.

My starter will be some awesome creamed honey i bought from the guy who wins the state award every year!!

poka-bee · December 03, 2008, 10:33:00 PM

OOOhhhh, I want one! I LOVE creamed honey & plan on making some next year. Kathy, way to go! KISS for sure! I like the simplicity & non mechanical/electrical function..being mechanically challenged & all :roll: Then when the *^$ hits the fan & life as we know it is back to preindustrial era I can barter w/eggs & creamed honey! :evil: J

danno · December 05, 2008, 09:37:12 AM

how small are the holes in this masher? Sound like something that could be made with screen

KONASDAD · December 05, 2008, 11:01:44 AM

Quote from: danno on December 05, 2008, 09:37:12 AM
how small are the holes in this masher? Sound like something that could be made with screen

perhaps a quarter inch or so. It needs to be strong enough to push through cold honey(60F or so). I dont think a screen is strong enough

Robo · December 05, 2008, 11:22:27 AM

I'm not convinced it is the tool, but rather the process.

Seems like here in the US, most creamed honey kits have you stir in the seed and then bottle. The European method of daily stirring to break up the crystals does make a big difference on smoothness. I noticed a big difference when switching to the European method with my standard paint stirrer.