Ukranian Cream Separators?

eam · #1 04/06/10, 03:06 PM

Does anyone have a Ukranian cream separator that I see frequently on ebay? If so, are you happy with it? They're extremely reasonably priced (ok, they're downright cheap) which always makes me question....

Here's a link to one that's on now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/MILK-CREAM-SEPAR...item20b00a6d2f

I realize it needs a converter but even still....$88!

Comments?

Thanks.
Elizabeth

kwagner21 · #2 04/06/10, 07:50 PM

I don't have an answer for you, but I was looking at buying the same one, so am interested in what others say...

Natural Beauty Farm · #3 04/06/10, 08:40 PM

They seem to sell alot of them, both across Europe and to the US. Everyone has good things to say. They have a good rating. Price is lower then it has been in the past. They seem to do volume. Only thing is hard to return if you do have a problem and it is plastic, might not be food grade either.

eam · #4 04/07/10, 05:11 PM

Interesting thought about it perhaps not being food grade plastic. Any idea on how to find out?

Here's a link that someone sent me that shows one in action:

Maybe that will help spur the discussion!

Thanks.
Elizabeth

petaddict · #5 04/07/10, 07:08 PM

I've been tempted many times to buy one of these. Someone on here must have bought one by now. Anyone?

dragonchick · #6 04/07/10, 07:46 PM

I would be worried about the electricity difference. The wattage in Europe is not the same as it is here so you may need to buy a converter.

suzyhomemaker09 · #7 04/08/10, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonchick

I would be worried about the electricity difference. The wattage in Europe is not the same as it is here so you may need to buy a converter.

You absolutely have to buy a converter plug for these...Euro plugs and American ones are so different.

eam · #8 04/08/10, 07:56 AM

I know that a converter would be needed; I said that in the original post. Also, the auction clearly states that as well, so the seller is certainly being very above-board about it. But, even purchasing a converter, plus shipping, it's still a brand new cream separator for a very good price.....as long as it does what it's supposed to and lasts.

Thanks.
Elizabeth

shiandpete.1 · #9 04/08/10, 08:54 AM

I want one! Where would you buy a converter at?

kwagner21 · #10 04/08/10, 09:44 AM

they actually have them on amazon as well, both manual and electric models. price is higher, but it looks like it includes shipping.

eam · #11 04/08/10, 11:22 AM

Shiandpete1: I think you can get converters at Radio Shack, also amazon carries them.

Kwagner21: You're right - and it looks like the ones on amazon don't require the converter. The price is higher, but with free shipping, it's still $150 for a new electric cream separator.

Hhhhmmm, now, should I or shouldn't I??

Elizabeth

mustrum · #12 04/08/10, 08:42 PM

Can tell you this...my wife is from Ukraine, and she used these while she lived there. It's actually Russian in origin, possibly restickered (is that a word) in Ukraine.

She says they work well, but you have to be willing to waste a few gallons of milk learning to get the hand screw setting just right, and that you can't set it and walk away from it as it requires constant monitoring while in use. Also you can expect to get only about 10% of milk volume back as cream...she says 1 liter of cream per 10 liters of milk is what she usually got.

My in-laws are coming over again next week, and have offered to get one for us, but we decided not to as the only thing we would use it for is to make butter, and we can get raw cow milk for that which is much easier...

So, to answer your question...meh...it depends on if it is worth it to you to waste a few gallons learning to use it, to spend the considerable time constantly watching and fiddling with it for a possible 10% return...

The Tin Mom · #13 04/08/10, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mustrum

Can tell you this...my wife is from Ukraine, and she used these while she lived there. It's actually Russian in origin, possibly restickered (is that a word) in Ukraine.

She says they work well, but you have to be willing to waste a few gallons of milk learning to get the hand screw setting just right, and that you can't set it and walk away from it as it requires constant monitoring while in use. Also you can expect to get only about 10% of milk volume back as cream...she says 1 liter of cream per 10 liters of milk is what she usually got.

My in-laws are coming over again next week, and have offered to get one for us, but we decided not to as the only thing we would use it for is to make butter, and we can get raw cow milk for that which is much easier...

So, to answer your question...meh...it depends on if it is worth it to you to waste a few gallons learning to use it, to spend the considerable time constantly watching and fiddling with it for a possible 10% return...

So - once you learn to use it the waste isn't as bad? And, cream is only a portion of the milk, anyway-so the biggest issue is the time? If you can't get cow milk, would it be worth it?

Thanks-I am curious because I would really like to be able to make butter, etc. and would really like to know.

kwagner21 · #14 04/09/10, 12:34 PM

i know i've heard this before, but how much cream is in the milk anyway? your getting a 10% return in cream the rest skim milk, but is that the right ratio? (i guess thats what i'm asking) or is it missing some of the cream? and i thought a lot of the separators require some fiddling with to get the screw right? or are the other easier or adjust? just thinking if this is the model or all separators...

eam · #15 04/09/10, 04:07 PM

Kwagner1 - my thoughts exactly. When I looked at the NOVO electric 80l/hr separator, the comments from customers talk about how it took a bit of practice to get the screw settings right so it seems to me that it might be a function of the style separator than this particular brand. But, hopefully someone who knows better than I can answer your questions.

Here's the link to the Novo ($399 + shipping):

http://www.novocreamseparators.com/

The customer comments are in the 'view or sign our guestbook'.

The more I hear and read, the more I think it's a pretty good value.

Elizabeth

kwagner21 · #16 04/09/10, 04:31 PM

ya, i keep thinking the same thing...

canadiangirl · #17 04/09/10, 08:30 PM

I have one, I bought it last year and it works fine. Yes you have to adjust the screw to where you want for the cream. My dh likes to drink skim (ish) milk and finds the straight from the goat milk unpalatability thick. So it works for this. I don't use it that often, to be honest. Mine came with the converter, extra gasket and tool to take apart stuff. The biggest issue I had was documentation in English. I couldn't figure out how to take everything apart to clean the interior cups, but then I'm not mechanically inclined either ; )

Freeholder · #18 04/10/10, 12:54 PM

As for the amount of cream you could get, even if the machine worked perfectly, that will vary depending on the individual animal. The milk-fat percentage in milk can vary a LOT -- as little as around 2 1/2% up to 9% or more in some breeds (such as Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy goats). So you would ideally need to test to have some idea how much milk-fat your animals were producing. With a cow, it wouldn't be too hard to figure out -- just fill a gallon jar with her milk and leave it for a couple of days, and the cream will rise -- the cream line is quite visible. You CAN do the same thing with goat milk, but will need to leave the milk in the frig for several days to a week before the cream all rises. Anyone who does DHIA testing should be able to help you get your milk-fat tested.

Kathleen