I used a cheap Chinese made extractor that I got on Amazon for two or three years. It got the job done, but just barely. Last year the bolts holding the legs on all popped their welds and flew off while I was extracting. I tried to secure it again using JB Weld, but noticed that honey was seeping out. I limped through the rest of the year, holding it together with baling wire and rachet straps. The Maxant is so well constructed that I have no more fears. The variable speed control lets me set the speed and increase or decrease easily. I especially like the conical bottom that helps the honey flow right out - no more scraping & spooning the bottom for those pools of honey at the back. I expect this to be the last extractor I will need, and that my son will need, and maybe my grandson will need.