This year I wanted to get into making creamed honey. I made a batch of habanero infused and creamed honey by hand and took it to a local market to get opinions.
Overwhelmingly it was all positive.
I purchased this Lyson 18 Gallon heated honey creamer. I purchased it for its creaming functions, but it has much more functionality in the beehouse.
This is the smallest heated Lyson honey creamer you can purchase.
Delivery
The unit arrived freight and was light enough for too people to move it from the delivery truck and my pickup.
I am alone here today so I added a small ramp in order to slide the creamer to the ground.
Went pretty smooth.
The next step is to move it into my test kitchen. I used the same ramp.
Once inside the door it’s all down hill.
Inside the kitchen.
Unpacking
Top portion of box removed.
Packing materials removed.
Main box cut open.
Tank Film Removal
Both the inside and outside of the tank has this plastic covering that must be removed.
It took me well over an hour to remove the plastic.
Raised Platform
The next logical step is to clean the tank inside and out. The problem is that I won’t be able to effectively drain the water (or honey) with the tank sitting on the floor.
I needed to build a raised platform.
I started by making two frames out of a couple 2x4s.
Each frame was 18” x 18”.
I cut eight more 2x4s to 15” and used them to separate the two frames.
The platform is 18”x18”x15”
Now I can clean the tank and test the water jacket.
Initial Cleaning
For the initial cleaning the instructions do recommend removing the creamer from the tank.
This easily done by removing the four bolts holding it in-place.
Now I can clean the tank.
As per instructions, I used hot soapy water to clean both the inside and outside of the tank.
I did three cycles of hot soapy water and a soft cloth. Then finished up with three cycles of rinse water.
Heating Jacket Leak Test
I placed a small funnel in the upper vent/fill port.
I used a pitcher tha holds 1/2" gallon.
You have to pour very slowly to allow the port to vent.
It took me about 40 minutes to fill the tank.
The tank had two leaks on in the weld at the bend, and another where the tube attaches to the tank. Both are due to bad welds. It is very disappointing in that a simple visual inspection show both had bad welds. It shows that these tanks are not tested at the source in Poland where they are made.
Update
I contacted Betterbee and they gave me two options. Both at no expence to me.
Take it to a local shop and have it repaired.
Exchange the tank.
I chose the repair.
To use the tank I simply remove about 2 cups of water until the level is below the vent.
More Upgrades
The first upgrade was to add some heavy duty double locking castors. These are each rated at 350lbs so that’s 1400lbs total.
I also added a hinged platform to allow me to tilt the tank a few degrees when level gets down below the honey gate entrance.
I added a couple cams to raise the front.
They do work well, But I think I am going to remake the cams out of steel or aluminum.
Conclusion
When I hear something about the leaks, I will post them here. Aside from that I do like the tank. It works for several purposes for any kind of mixing, or whipping. The heated tank and thermostat make it very easy regulate the temperature of the honey for days on end.