Beekeeping is a fascinating hobby that has gained popularity over the years. Not only does it provide a source of honey, but it also helps the environment by pollinating plants. However, beekeeping can be intimidating for beginners, especially when it comes to choosing the right equipment. In this article, we will be discussing the best bee hives for beginners.
When it comes to bee hives, there are several types to choose from, including Langstroth, Top Bar, and Warre. Langstroth hives are the most commonly used in the United States and are known for their efficiency and high honey yields. Top Bar hives are a more natural option and are easier to maintain, while Warre hives are a hybrid of the two and are ideal for those who want a balance between natural and managed beekeeping.
The most critical factor to consider when choosing a bee hive is the size. The size of the hive will depend on the number of bees you plan on keeping and the space you have available. A smaller hive may be more manageable for beginners, while a larger hive will provide more honey.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various bee hives to identify the ones that are best suited for beginners. We will discuss the pros and cons of each type of hive and provide recommendations based on our research.
Best Bee Hives for Beginners
We have researched and tested various bee hives to bring you the best options for beginners. Beekeeping can be a rewarding hobby, but it can also be overwhelming for those who are new to it. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of bee hives that are easy to use and maintain. Whether you’re interested in traditional Langstroth hives or modern top bar hives, we’ve got you covered. Our recommendations are based on factors such as durability, ease of assembly, and affordability. Take a look at our top picks below.
BeeCastle 10-Frame Bee Hives and Supplies Starter Kit
If you’re looking for a complete beekeeping starter kit, the BeeCastle 10-Frame Bee Hives and Supplies Starter Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The kit includes everything you need to get started with beekeeping, including a wax-coated assembled deep brood box, beekeeping supplies tool kit, free size bee suit, beehive frame and foundation sheet, and more.
- The exterior parts of the beehive box are made of cedarwood and coated with beeswax, making them more durable than other beehive boxes and less prone to warping.
- The beekeeping supplies tool kit includes a premium bee smoker and a bee frame holder, along with 19 other necessary beekeeping tools for beekeepers.
Cons
- The bee suit pants may be too slim for some users.
- The honey dipped coating on the beehive box may not be everyone’s preference.
- Some users may prefer to assemble the frames themselves rather than have them come unassembled.
We recently purchased this BeeCastle Bee Hive Starter Kit and were impressed with the quality of the materials. The cedarwood and beeswax coating on the beehive box make it a durable option that will last for years. The beekeeping supplies tool kit includes everything you need to get started with beekeeping, and the free size bee suit is a great added bonus.
One potential downside is that the bee suit pants may be too slim for some users, but overall, we found the suit to be comfortable and effective at protecting us from bee stings. Additionally, the honey dipped coating on the beehive box may not be everyone’s preference, but it does provide added protection against the elements.
Overall, we highly recommend the BeeCastle 10-Frame Bee Hives and Supplies Starter Kit for beginners looking to get started with beekeeping. It’s a comprehensive kit that includes everything you need to get started, and the quality of the materials is top-notch.
MayBee Bee Hive Starter Kit
If you’re looking for a bee hive starter kit, the MayBee Bee Hive Starter Kit is a solid choice.
Pros
- Durable materials ensure the health and safety of your honey.
- Removable boards make cleaning easy.
- Large space for honey collection.
Cons
- Bottom board does not have a slide-out tray.
- Some parts may need to be replaced with higher quality ones.
We were impressed with the quality of the MayBee Bee Hive Starter Kit. The heavy wax coated cedarwood beehive and pinewood honeycomb foundation frame give the hive a stylish and beautiful look. The beeswaxed food grade plastic foundation ensures the health and safety of your honey.
The honeycomb frame is designed with dovetail joints for easy installation. A pre-assembled and waterproof metal top cover and wax coated hive body helps keep the interior dry. All boards are prepared, sanded and wax coated for safe use. Inner boards are designed with vents for better ventilation. A detachable bottom board with an entrance reducer allows for easy cleaning and protection for your bees.
The entire 2 layer hive measures 16.3″(W)x 19.9″(D) x20″(H), while the medium box is 19.9″ x 16.3″ x 6.6″ and deep inset box is 19.9″ x 16.3″ x 9.5″. Each box holds 10 frames and foundations, providing ample space for honey collection. The kit comes with 1 x bottom board, 1 x entrance reducer, 1 x inner cover, 1 x top cover, 1 x queen excluder, 10 x deep frames (including beeswaxed plastic foundation),10x medium frames (including beeswaxed plastic foundation) 1x medium box and 1x brood box. It’s easy to assemble and can be set-up in 30 minutes.
Overall, we recommend the MayBee Bee Hive Starter Kit for beginners who want a durable and easy to use kit for their beekeeping needs.
BeeCastle Bee Hive Starter Kit
We highly recommend purchasing the BeeCastle Bee Hive Starter Kit for beginners due to its ease of use and high-quality materials.
Pros
- The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a telescoping top cover, medium honey super, solid bottom board, deep/medium frame and foundation, entrance reducer, and screws for assembly.
- The two heavy beeswax coated deep brood beeboxes and two heavy beeswax coated super beeboxes are made from high-quality pine frames and are easy to assemble.
- The 40 pine frames and food-grade plastic foundations with real bee’s wax ensure that your bees will have a healthy environment to thrive in.
Cons
- Some assembly is required, which may be tedious for some beginners.
- The kit does not come with a screened bottom, which may be a preference for some beekeepers.
- The BeeCastle Bee Hive Starter Kit is slightly more expensive than other beginner kits on the market.
Overall, the BeeCastle Bee Hive Starter Kit is a great investment for beginners looking to start their own beehive. The high-quality materials and easy assembly make it a top choice for anyone looking to get started in beekeeping.
MayBee Beehive Starter Kit
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly beekeeping kit, then the MayBee Beehive Starter Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The kit comes with all the necessary tools for beekeeping, including a bee smoker, frame holder, beekeeping gloves, cleaning shovel, uncapping tool, beekeeping brush, J hook, L hook, bee feeder, beehive grip, smoker pellets, hive accessories, uncapping fork, spur wire wheel embedder, queen cage, marking tube, and bee veil.
- The beehive is made of heavy wax-coated cedarwood and pinewood honeycomb foundation frame, making it durable and waterproof.
- The kit includes a complete beekeeping starter kit that includes a wax-coated solid bottom board, telescoping top cover, inner cover, queen excluder, entrance reducer, and 21 pack beekeeping tools kit.
Cons
- The face shield is missing from the kit, which is an essential tool for beekeeping.
- The frames come unassembled, which may require some effort to put them together.
- The product may arrive broken, which can be frustrating for beginners.
We were impressed with the MayBee Beehive Starter Kit’s quality and durability. The kit comes with all the necessary tools for beekeeping, making it a great option for beginners. The beehive is made of heavy wax-coated cedarwood and pinewood honeycomb foundation frame, making it waterproof and durable.
However, the face shield is missing from the kit, which is an essential tool for beekeeping. The frames come unassembled, which may require some effort to put them together. Additionally, some customers have reported that the product may arrive broken, which can be frustrating for beginners.
Overall, we recommend the MayBee Beehive Starter Kit for beginners who want a complete beekeeping starter kit.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best bee hives for beginners, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend considering the following factors before making a purchase:
Material
Bee hives can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. While each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, we recommend opting for a wooden hive. Wooden hives are durable and provide good insulation, which is important for maintaining a stable temperature within the hive.
Size
The size of the hive you choose will depend on the number of bees you plan to keep. We recommend starting with a smaller hive, such as a single-story hive, if you are new to beekeeping. This will allow you to get a feel for the process without overwhelming yourself or the bees.
Type
There are two main types of bee hives: Langstroth and top-bar. Langstroth hives are the most common and consist of stacked boxes with removable frames. Top-bar hives, on the other hand, have bars instead of frames and are typically smaller in size. We recommend starting with a Langstroth hive as they are easier to manage and offer more flexibility.
Accessories
In addition to the hive itself, there are a few accessories you will need to purchase, including a smoker, hive tool, and protective gear. It is important to invest in high-quality accessories as they will make the beekeeping process easier and safer.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best bee hive for your needs and get started on your beekeeping journey with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest beehive to maintain?
The easiest beehive to maintain for beginners is the Langstroth hive. It is the most commonly used hive and has a simple design that allows for easy maintenance and inspection of the colony.
How many beehives should a beginner start with?
As a beginner, it is recommended to start with one beehive. This allows you to focus on learning the basics of beekeeping and properly caring for one colony before expanding.
What is the best hive for a new beekeeper?
The best hive for a new beekeeper is the Langstroth hive. It is easy to maintain, widely available, and has a large community of beekeepers who can provide support and advice.
What are the benefits of a Flow Hive for beginners?
A Flow Hive is a great option for beginners because it allows for easy honey extraction without disturbing the bees. This reduces the risk of stings and makes the process less intimidating for new beekeepers.
What should you look for in a bee hive starter kit?
When choosing a bee hive starter kit, look for one that includes all the necessary equipment, such as a hive, frames, and protective gear. It should also come with detailed instructions and access to support from experienced beekeepers.
What are the advantages of a low maintenance bee hive?
A low maintenance bee hive, such as a top bar hive, requires less time and effort to maintain than traditional hives. This is a great option for beginners who may not have as much time to devote to beekeeping or who want a more hands-off approach.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you in choosing the best bee hive for your beekeeping journey. As a beginner, it is important to start with a hive that is easy to manage and maintain. Our favorite hive design is the Langstroth hive because of its simplicity, availability, and compatibility with most beekeeping equipment.
I recommend the BeeCastle 10 Frame Starter Kit because it comes with everything you will need to get started except for the bees.
Regardless of the type of hive you choose, it is important to prioritize the health and safety of your bees. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial in ensuring the success of your hive. Remember to always wear protective gear and follow proper beekeeping techniques.
We wish you the best of luck in your beekeeping journey and hope that our guide has provided valuable insights to help you get started. Happy beekeeping!
