A process and apparatus for solvent extraction of fat from a sample. The ple is held in a thimble located in a sample vessel. The sample vessel holds solvent in which the sample is initially immersed. The solvent is vaporized by a heating unit and condenses on a cooling coil above the sample vessel. The condensed solvent is caught in a funnel equipped with a drain line leading to an external solvent collection vessel. A timer controlled valve opens and closes the drain line. The fat extraction process includes a boiling phase during which the valve is closed so that the condensed solvent overflows the funnel and returns to the sample vessel, a solvent level lowering phase during which the valve is open to direct solvent to the collection vessel until the solvent level in the sample vessel is below the sample, a washing phase during which the valve is closed to cause the condensed solvent to overflow the funnel and drip onto the sample, and a solvent recovery phase during which the valve is pen to direct the solvent to the collection vessel.