The 12 best feathering machines

If you have tried plucking chicken by hand, you know how long and tedious it is. The carcass should be soaked in hot water and pull out every feather with your own hands. At the same time the clothes and hands get dirty with the fine fluff. To simplify the process, the feathering machine was invented with a drum and beating fingers. The latter have a ribbed structure and capture feathers well. The rotating rotor keeps the birds in contact with them and gradually removes the feathers. Such a device makes it easy for a housewife to prepare a tasty meal, and in commercial activities can’t do without it at all. Our experts were asked which pen shredders deserve the title of the best among numerous variants.

How to choose a vacuum packer

First things first, let’s look at the key features of choosing a plucking machine. This will help you evaluate the potential of the models presented in the review and decide what characteristics to look for for your own needs. Here are a number of important factors to pay attention to when choosing:

1. Power.Characteristics range from 140 to 2200 watts. The higher the number, the faster the rotor can rotate under load and not overheat. For professional activities choose a figure from 1500 watts.
2. Performance. One machine can skin up to 120 birds in an hour, while another machine can skin up to 400 birds of the same size. Your choice depends on the volume of work, but more productive models cost more.
3. Capacity. Available in drum sizes from 200 mm to 700 mm. The wider it is, the more birds you can fit in it at one time, which affects the speed at which more birds are plucked. It also depends on the size of the drum, which type of birds will fit in it. There are universal models for all kinds of birds (ducks, geese, turkeys, broilers, partridges, quail) and specialized for quail or laying hens only.
4. Material of the drum and other parts.Equipment made of food-grade stainless steel is more durable and long-lasting, but costs more. Plastic drums are also rust-free, but not as durable. But they are lighter, which reduces the load on the motor.
5. Number of beaters.The number varies from 90 to 200 pcs. The more of these, the faster the feathers pluck.
6. Dimensions and weights.If you intend to use the machine permanently, install it once, and then do not move it again. The large weight of 30-80 kg gives good stability and low vibration. If you plan to take the machine outside regularly, pluck and return it to its place of storage, look for small models with a weight of 10-15 kg. Although it throws them sideways when turning, they are not difficult to carry.

Rating of the best skinning machines

List of the best models is compiled on the basis of sales statistics, technical features and customer feedback. This will help you to see the pros and cons of feathering machines to choose the best option in terms of performance, stamina and cost.

Stimul-PM-06

Rating: 4.9

Feathering machine designed for plucking hens, geese, ducks and other birds. The drum cover is easy to dismantle for cleaning and washing, so you can keep the machine clean and tidy in your daily work. The tooling has a long service life – all beating fingers are designed to handle up to 10,000 carcasses. The motor rotates the bottom by means of a belt-driven torque transfer and is protected against drum jamming. The electrical part is drip-proof, which means you can pour water from a watering can during the plucking process. The plucking machine has a good stability during rotation. This is due to the high weight, because the walls of the drum have a thickness of 1.5 mm. The vibration level is minimal and the feather stripper stands (does not jump) perfectly even on a hard floor, not only in the yard on the ground. AISI 305 stainless steel is designed for foodstuffs and meets the hygiene norms, so that the machine can be used in the food industry.

Designers have provided 204 beater fingers in the machine, which are gentle on the carcass without damaging the skin. If one or two elements break down over time, they can be replaced. It is the fastest machine available.

Advantages

• stable construction;
• minimum vibration;
• easy to disassemble for cleaning and washing;
• Approved for use in the food industry.

Disadvantages

• Very high cost.

Sprut-700

Rating: 4.8

This universal machine can process chickens, adult chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks. Feathering unit is equipped with a single-phase motor 1.5 kW, which can be connected to 220 or 380 V (to be ordered when purchasing, depending on the needs and technical conditions on site). The machine weighs 55 kg, so it does not wobble on the spot during the active rotation of the drum bottom. The 700 mm diameter of the working part allows 4-6 chickens or 2 or 3 ducks to be loaded at the same time. The machine outperforms many competitors in productivity – you can have up to 350-400 hens or 150 ducks plucked per hour.

Experts put the feathering model in the review because of two factors. First of all, the tank is made of polypropylene with an antibacterial coating. It improves hygiene in production. Secondly, it has three rows of beaters, each designed for a different feather shape. This makes it possible to remove up to 93% of the feathers, leaving only a small portion on the tail and wings.

Advantages

• drum surface is easy to clean;
• antibacterial coating;
• Several types of feather fingers;
• remote control.

Disadvantages

• high cost.

Hobby Farm NT-600WF

Rating: 4.7

The machine for plucking the feather has the dimensions 675x750x990 mm and weighs 65 kg. This is a stable machine that will not vibrate or shift even on a slippery floor. The working part has 135 fingers for rapid feathering. Engine power is 1.5 kW, which is above average and will pull even a large broiler at 3-4 kg. The diameter of the drum 600 mm allows you to load several carcasses at once. Suitable for the farming industry for roosters, turkeys, laying hens, chickens and ducks. The manufacturer claims that one chicken will be plucked in 15-40 seconds. It takes 10-20 seconds for a quail and 25-45 seconds to clean a large turkey from feathers. But it is better not to use the machine with geese, because it is not designed for it.

The feathering station with index 600 WF in its name is characterized by water-supply function. Fluid comes in automatically here, so the operator doesn’t have to do anything while the plucking is going on. This equipment makes it easy to use the machine, especially when it is necessary to work all day long in order to prepare a large batch of broilers.

Advantages

• accelerated plucking of chickens in 15-40 seconds;
• There is an automatic water feed function;
• engine power 1.5 kW;
• Stainless steel key elements.

Disadvantages

• Hard to carry because of the weight of 65 kg;
• Not suitable for handling geese.

MTM-600

Rating: 4.6

Feathering device has a diameter of 600 mm and contains 106 fingers on the inner walls. The base is rotated by an electric motor with 750 watts of power. In one hour the machine is able to pass through 150-200 chickens and up to 60 ducks. It can remove feathers from a turkey if it weighs no more than 10 kg. All bearings are protected by oil seals and constantly lubricated, and the shaft from the motor has an extra collar. In reviews, owners like the fact that the feathering is not just as it fills up, but forcibly. A rubber curtain that pushes it toward the outlet is provided for this purpose.

One of the best pecking machines in terms of corrosion resistance. For optimal plucking, users often pour water over the carcass. This makes other machines gradually show rust. Here all elements, including the shaft and fixing screws are made of stainless steel.

Advantages

• The motor is protected from liquids by a rubber gland;
• All made of stainless steel;
• Inside the drum has a diameter of 600 mm;
• 106 beating fingers.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for turkeys weighing more than 10 kg.

Hobby Farm NT-600A

Rating: 4.6

And here is another feathering model from the brand Hobby Farm with an internal drum diameter of 600 mm, which allows you to load up to 3-4 chickens at a time. The 600A differs from the “older” 600WF in that it doesn’t have the water feature, so it costs a few thousand less. The equipment is made of stainless steel and weighs 70 kg. On the spot it stands firm and does not jump, but it is inconvenient to move it often, so the feather duster is more suitable for stationary use. The machine has four legs and a rectangular body with a removable top. This makes the tank easier to clean. The feather removal tray is made with a low downward slope and a large angle, so nothing gets clogged in it.

Five rows of crushing fingers are the specialty. Although there are only 136 of them, this arrangement promotes faster plucking. The feathering unit also has a higher power of 2.2 kW. In practice, this means that the machine stands up perfectly to continuous work with maximum loads, and the motor winding does not overheat. Recommended for professional broiler breeders and supplying the carcasses to stores or for self-sale.

Advantages

• ready to work “out of the box”;
• The belt drive better protects the motor from overloading;
• high-quality stainless steel;
• powerful engine 2.2 kW.

Disadvantages

• high cost;
• No water function;
• Weighs 70 kg, so it is difficult to carry even with two people.

M40Q

Rating: 4.5

Feathering machine has a small drum with an inner diameter of 400 mm. Powerful motor 1.5 kW easily rotates the working part at 260 rpm, which increases productivity. Stainless steel tank and housing are corrosion resistant. The perimeter has a channel with holes to let the water through. It is fed from the water supply through a hose and makes it easy to remove feathers. Fluff and other debris comes out through the steel tray and is conveniently collected in containers. Customers are pleased in the reviews that the manufacturer provides 5 spare fingers that are easy to replace on their own if necessary.

This machine is specially designed for the delicate treatment of quail carcasses with thin skin. To avoid it being damaged during the plucking process, the manufacturer used feathering fingers of a shorter length and softer materials than those of competitors. The number of reels has been increased to 160 to increase productivity. If you breed quail, it is the best choice for cleaning the birds.

Advantages

• rubberized start and stop buttons of the engine;
• stainless steel housing;
• there is a system of water supply;
• Uncomplicated replacement of damaged beater fingers.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to move one person because of the weight of 46 kg.

Electromash EM-600

Rating: 4.4

Machine for plucking feathers from ducks, geese, chickens, broilers and ducks is an analogue of the model MOP-2, used in the USSR on poultry farms. It’s a simple and years proven unit that operates flawlessly in everyday use. The machine has an electric motor with a capacity of 1.5 kW, which has enough power to pluck broilers not individually but in groups. The drum has a diameter of 650 mm and holds up to 4 birds at a time. The working part is installed on a sturdy frame made of 50×50 mm profile pipe. It ensures a long life without deformations, but contributes to the weight of 85kg. The model is more suitable for single installation at the poultry farm for the organization of the mass plucking of feathers. The easy running of the lower part is possible due to self-lubricating bearings. Improved feather duster mechanism makes it easier to clean the feather duster.

This is one of the most rugged machines. Its steel thickness on the rotating rotor is 2 mm. This characteristic makes the model resistant to heavy loads and helps maintain its integrity even if something gets jammed.

Advantages

• consists of stainless steel AISI 304;
• The working parts are easy to clean and disinfect;
• Improved feather scooping mechanism;
• strong frame of 50×50 mm profile.

Disadvantages

• weighs 85 kg.

Hobby Farm NT-500

Rating: 4.3

This is a model from a famous world brand, but with a smaller drum diameter – 500 mm. A feature that makes it ideal for loading roosters, broilers, layers and small turkeys. The machine works according to the centrifuge principle, and the water supply is done manually. Despite the small dimensions of the drum, the manufacturer has given the machine a power of 1.5 kW.1 kW, so it is quite able to cope with household tasks on the farm. From the reviews, you can see that the fingers are easy to replace on their own if necessary. Although the machine is produced in the production facilities of the company in China, it comes with a detailed instruction in Russian.

The company designers used 120 newly designed beaters that are even gentler on the quail carcass. Thanks to the new technology, the skin is hardly damaged even on chickens, so you can cook grilled or tobacco chicken with a beautiful golden crust.

Advantages

• Easy to replace fingers;
• Reliable motors;
• sturdy frame;
• excellent result in cleaning the feathers.

Disadvantages

• the manual recommends slightly fluffing up the feathers on the carcass before loading for better results, but this will slow down the process.

PM-7M

Rating: 4.2

This is a very lightweight feathering model, which weighs only 14 kg. This makes it easy to take it out into the yard to pluck a few carcasses and take it back into the back room after use. The low weight was made possible due to the plastic housing, which is quite fragile, if you order the goods online. That’s why the manufacturer strongly recommends to choose additional packaging in a rigid box. The machine has the dimensions 570x570x650 mm and fits easily even in the pantry. Judging by reviews and videos, some people use it right in their shower room in a private home to feed water from a watering can and pluck chickens for home cooking. The drum can be loaded up to 7 kg at a time. The instruction manual has detailed recommendations for the feathering of each bird.

Experts singled out the machine for its innovative technology of producing feather fingers, endowed with the function of “sticking”. They grab the feathers and keep them from staining back into the already cleaned carcass. This increases the performance by up to 25% and the plucking time of one adult chicken does not exceed 30 seconds.

Advantages

• low weight of 14 kg;
• Plucking time of 30 seconds;
• Up to 7 kg can be loaded at a time;
• Innovative “sticking” fingers.

Disadvantages

• fragile plastic body.

VolTera PM3

Rating: 4.1

And here is another compact machine for plucking feathers – its dimensions are 43x46x67 cm and it weighs only 11 kg. It is not difficult to bring it to the cottage or to relatives in the trunk of the car to facilitate the process of plucking and transition to cooking a delicious meal. The machine is equipped with a 335 W motor that saves energy. The feathering unit works well at any temperature from 0 to 60 degrees Celsius. The plastic is corrosion-free and easy to clean. If you want less water under your feet, connect the drain directly to the sewer. The yellow lid will help protect the room from feathers flying to the floor and splashing water. The cord winding attachment makes it easy to roll the machine up and down. Up to 120 chickens can be plucked in an hour if they are properly prepared (soaked at 70° and lightly fluffed). This machine is not suitable for professional activities, but it will outperform other models in the household.

Among the low-capacity domestic plastic feathering units, the VolTera-PM3 is distinguished by its loading capacity of up to 2.5 kg. This allows the hostess to pluck a broiler or several laying hens instead of feeding them one by one.

Advantages

• The drainage pipe can be connected to the sewer;
• Low weight 11 kg;
• Compact dimensions 43x46x67 cm;
• Plucks 120 birds an hour.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for turkey.

Sprout Princess-200P

Rating: 4.0

For the plucking of very small quail or pigeons the “Princess-200P” was developed. It has a small loading tank with the ability to process up to 0.5 kg at a time. Translated into carcasses, it is 1-4 units. The single-phase 140 watt motor consumes very little power at all. According to calculations with this model, you can handle up to 120 quail an hour. The plastic machine has compact dimensions of 44x34x36 cm and weighs 10 kg – this is one of the smallest devices, for which the product was named the “Princess. It has a neat look and comfortable operating levers. Drainage pipe with a diameter of 75 mm can be connected directly to the sewer to lead plucking directly in the house.

The machine is added by experts to the list of the best for its long service life. The manufacturer specifies that the machine is designed for plucking up to 200,000 carcasses. Although users don’t count every processed quail, but confirm in the reviews that the equipment is unpretentious and very durable.

Advantages

• Beautiful design;
• convenient controls;
• consumes 140 watts per hour of work;
• small weight 10 kg.

Disadvantages

• loading up to 500 grams at a time;
• Not suitable for chickens.

VolTera PM1

Rating: 4.0

The “youngest” model in the line of the manufacturer VolTera – PM1 machine. The feather duster has a power of 140 W and can make 1-2 birds at a time. You can put quail, pigeons and small chickens in it. The machine has a size of 36x38x52 cm and easily fits on the shelf in the pantry. A handle is provided for easier carrying. One button operation on the side of the housing. The use of white plastic makes it easier to see and remove traces of dirt, making it easier to keep the unit clean. Three rows of beaters integrated into the drum walls help to collect the feathers. A sealed lid is provided to avoid splashing water.

Feathering attachment is the lightest of its kind. The weight of the machine is 5 kg. Even very elderly people will not find it difficult to take the device off the shelf and use it for rapid plucking of domestic chicken without assistance.

Advantages

• It consumes power economically;
• carrying handle;
• simple one button operation;
• The white drum is easier to keep clean.

Disadvantages

• not suitable for large broilers and other large birds.