Mann Lake vs Betterbee Extractors

[Moonshae]

Please help me understand why I can get a 18-frame medium radial extractor from Mann Lake for less than a 6-frame radial extractor from Betterbee.

Mann Lake: HH-170 18/9 Frame Hand Crank Extractor...$499.95
Betterbee:  Maxant 3100 6 Frame Radial Extractor Hand-Crank with Legs Price : $549.00

Is the Mann Lake inferior to the Betterbee extractor? Would I be better off buying a 18-frame manual than a 6 frame in the long run, since both can be upgraded to motors?

Maybe the Mann Lake trucking to NJ is more than the shipping from Betterbee? Honestly, if I can get an 18-frame radial for the same as a 6 frame, I can't exactly justify the more labor intensive equipment...I don;t want to be buying more expensive extractors each time I expand.

[Michael Bush]

I have the Mann Lake 9/18 radial except with a motor.  I love it.  It's a perfectly good extractor.  I don't see why anyone would ever buy anything smaller than a 9/18 since the difference in price at best is negligible and at worst the 9/18 is cheaper.  :)

[Moonshae]

That's what I wanted to hear! I'm glad I checked out the Mann Lake catalog...

[rdy-b]

Please help me understand why I can get a 18-frame medium radial extractor from Mann Lake for less than a 6-frame radial extractor from Betterbee                                                                                                                                                                                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JUST a guess but the Maxant is 100% stainless and made in USA  the 9/18 has a plastic real :? i think it is Italian import        these things could reflect on the price IDUNO   RDY-B

[MAXANT]

That is correct, we use only stainless steel, and everything is made in our shop in Ayer, Ma.
Check us out on the web!

[Moonshae]

The Mann Lake extractor is stainless steel, too. But 18/9 frames for the same price as a 6/3 allows for a lot more expansion without needing a new extractor. Made in the US isn't worth paying $50 more and getting 1/3 capacity to me. For $400 more, I can upgrade that to a motorized extractor and still be well under the cost of the motorized Maxant 1400 (20/10). 

[Michael Bush]

I have had the 9/18 now for seven years.  It has served well.  The plastic reel is solid and I've had no problems with it.

[MAXANT]

The 3100 can do either 3/6/and 9 frame. They are both great machines.

[rdy-b]

HI Maxant I just want to tell you how i have enjoyed the uncapper and cappings spinner i bought last year made live very pleasant now i need a current price list seams to have been an increase in price web site versus last years price list keep up the good work RDY-B

[rdy-b]

looking for 500-50 extractor  seams price went from $2995  to $4500 thats $1505 increase hope i am wrong  RDY-B