A solvent extraction apparatus comprises a cooler for condensing solvent vapor and a funnel provided towards its lower end. The funnel has an upper surface at which terminates a central downwards directed elongate outlet having an internal exit port formed in a side wall. A vertically movable lifting rod passes through the cooler and the outlet. A section of the lifting rod is shaped to delimit a passage-way for condensate while simultaneously sealing the port. A liquid guide is provided at the upper surface to preferentially direct flow of condensate towards the passage-way.