11 Best Bee Hive Kits in 2024 – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Hive Kits for Bees – Guide & Comparison

 

If you are thinking of starting a new hobby and you are looking for the best bee hive kit, you are in the right place. Our team has done a lot of research on this matter and concluded that the option you should consider is the Mann Lake Basic Beekeeping. It is a kit that contains everything you need in order to start this activity, even if you are a beginner. The pack comes with a painted and assembled hive body, 10 wood frames with yellow waxed RiteCell foundation, a painted bottom board with an entrance reducer, and a painted telescoping cover with an inner cover. The best thing is that you get all of these completely assembled! It seems that not only buyers like this product but the bees as well. In the unfortunate event this item is unavailable, we also recommend the Mann Lake Complete which is an option worth considering.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

11 Best Bee Hive Kits (Reviews) in 2024

 

 

Just like with any other categories of products on the market, it is very hard to select just one. Based on customer reviews, specialists’ opinions, as well as product specifications, we’ve managed to make a list of the top-rated bee hive kits you should consider. You will definitely be able to select the most appropriate one from the list showcased below.

 

 

1. Basic Beekeeping Starter Kit Completely Assembled Painted

 

As you might already know, honeybees perform a vital role in the agriculture industry by pollinating the flower crops throughout the world. This product was designed with the intention of securing the future of the beekeeping industry by manufacturing and distributing comprehensive and high-quality beekeeping equipment all over the world.

Mann Lake’s Basic Beekeeping Starter Kit is made in the United States and comes completely assembled and ready for your bees. The equipment includes a painted 10-frame 9-5/8-inch assembled hive body and 10 9-1/8-inch wood frames featuring yellow waxed RiteCell foundation.

You will also find the painted bottom board that has an entrance reducer and the painted telescoping cover with an inner cover. This pack also comes with a pair of large economy leather gloves, an Alexander bee veil, a smoker with a guard, a hive tool, as well as a Starting Right with Bees instructions book.

 

Pros

One of the greatest perks of buying this product is the fact that it comes completely assembled.

The kit measures 22 inches in length, 18-1/2 inches in width, and 13-1/7 inches in height.

It is a product that was developed from high-quality materials with an adequate design for beekeeping.

This is a great option for beekeepers who are new to this activity, as it is very straightforward to use. It also comes with an instructions book.

Customers who already have this kit are very pleased, and the bees seem to like it as well. The accessories that come with this product are also very appreciated by owners.

Moreover, you get all of these at a very decent price.

 

Cons

One of the things this kit does not include is a feeder which is also necessary in order to start a beehive.

A helmet is also required when taking care of bees, and it is not included in the pack either.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Complete Bee Hive Kit Unpainted Assembled

 

In case you were looking for bee hive kits for beginners, you should get ready for the honey flow with the next product on our list that is made from high-quality pine. The fact that it comes completely assembled will help you a lot, especially if you have no experience.

The Complete Bee Hive Kit, also made in the USA, comes with an unpainted 10 frame 9-5/8-inch assembled hive body and ten 9-1/8-inch assembled wood frames with yellow RiteCell foundation. The solid bottom board featuring an unpainted entrance reducer and the telescoping cover with inner cover complete this kit.

The entire construction measures 22 inches in length, 18-1/2 inches in width, and 13-1/2 inches in height. Moreover, you will find this product very well built and very solid as well. The fact that it comes unpainted offers you the option to paint it to your liking.

 

Pros

This product makes things very easy for you – just order it and put your bees in it, as it comes completely assembled.

This is not the only advantage the item offers, as it is sturdy and very well-built which means that it will last you for many years. It is safe for the bees as well.

The hive is made from quality pine and it is unpainted offering you the option to personalize it to your preference.

The hive is spacious enough to accommodate your bees safely and securely.

When it comes to product reviews, this unit comes highly recommended by owners for its high-quality materials and construction.

The price is yet another aspect that is appreciated by happy customers.

 

Cons

Before you purchase this kit, you should know that the base is solid, not screened, and it does not come with a feeder, which you will need to get separately.

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3. Complete Bee Hive Kit Painted Assembled

 

You can start your own apiary or add to your existing one with this complete bee hive kit. This is a traditional unit that comes with a painted 10 frame 9-5/8-inch assembled body, ten assembled wood frames with waxed yellow Rite-Cell foundation of 9-1/8 inches, as well as an assembled telescoping cover with an inner cover and an assembled painted bottom board with reducer.

The Complete 10-Frame Kit is made in the United States and it offers the possibility to add a second deep hive body once your bees draw most of the foundation. The length of the construction is 22 inches and its width is 18-1/2 inches, with a height of 13-1/7 inches.

According to buyers, this kit is a quick and easy way to get a beehive. Moreover, setting it up is an effortless task. All you need to do afterward is to have your bees installed comfortably and that is it!

 

Pros

With this kit, you get a quick and easy way to set up your own beehive, as it comes completely assembled.

If you are new to beekeeping, you will love this item, as you can start your own new apiary. You can also add to the one you already have.

Furthermore, this product is well constructed and painted.

You will get a painted 10 frame assembled body and ten assembled wood frames featuring waxed yellow Rite-Cell foundation.

An assembled telescoping cover with an inner cover and an assembled painted board are also included in this kit.

Besides the great quality of this product, many customers were pleased with the fast delivery and packaging.

 

Cons

Some beekeepers prefer a screened bottom board which makes ventilation better instead of the solid version.

You may get a better price for this product if you purchase it from Mann Lake directly of from other major bee supplies companies, according to some buyers.

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4. Honey Keeper Beehive 20 Frame Complete Box Kit

 

In case you are looking for a honey bee hive starter kit, this 20 frame box is a great option. It is constructed in a way that will help you create and raise a prosperous bee colony. This product comes with a foundation that is built with premium fir wood and with frames made of white pine wood.

The Honey Keeper Beehive Complete Box Kit features a galvanized metal capped telescoping rooftop. The kit comes with everything you need in order to build a Langstroth style beehive with 10 medium size frames, 10 deep frames, as well as pre-cut frame unwaxed foundations with hexagonal-shaped surfaces.

You will also get a bottom board, an inner cover, an entrance reducer, and a queen excluder. The construction is easy to assemble since it features pre-cut finger joints and it also includes heavy-duty nails. Basically, it has everything you need for your bee colony.

 

Pros

If you are a novice beekeeper, you will definitely like this kit that comes with everything you need to start a flourishing colony.

The foundation is built with premium fir wood and the frames are made from white pine wood.

The galvanized metal capped telescoping rooftop is also included in this kit.

You will also get 10 deep frames, 10 medium size frames, and pre-cut frame unwaxed foundations that feature hexagonal-shaped surfaces.

Furthermore, the kit comes with an inner cover, a bottom board, a queen excluder, and an entrance reducer.

Besides having all you need in order to get a great beehive, the product is also very easy to assemble.

 

Cons

Some buyers consider that the plastic frames are not the best choice for bees, as they are too slippery and the comb does not stick well. This can be solved by waxing the frame.

Not everyone appreciates the fact that this is a product made in China.

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5. Complete Hive Body Kit Painted Assembled

 

In case you already have a hive with a large number of bees and want to have some honey for them, you will need a medium frame containing box. This Complete Hive Body Kit from Mann Lake is a great extension to consider for your existing bee hive kits.

This product comes with 10 medium frames. The advantage of selecting this option is that each frame has a foundation which makes it easier for the bees to continue building cells over them. Both the box and the frames are of standard size. This is a great thing because the kit will fit perfectly with your existing hive.

Another advantage of selecting this product is the fact that the frames are assembled in the hive, so the kit is ready to use. If you want a quick storing extension to your hive, this is the perfect solution.

 

Pros

If you are interested in bee hive kits for beginners, this is another excellent option.

The greatest advantage is that it comes completely assembled, so you do not have to worry about this aspect.

This kit fits with the standard Langstroth hive system. The construction is made from high-quality pine wood.

The medium frames are attached to the medium box, and each frame comes with a wax-coated foundation.

Moreover, the manufacturer stapled each box for added strength, so you can enjoy this product for many years.

Customers who already bought this product are impressed by its quality, as it is easy to use, well-constructed, and arrived well-packed.

The price is another aspect that buyers like about this item.

 

Cons

Some bees do not seem to like the plastic foundation as much as they do wax foundation.

Also, some packaging issues have been reported, with various parts arriving damaged.

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6. Busy Bee’s -n- More Complete 8 Frame Langstroth Bee Hive

 

Many beekeepers prefer having bee hives that are handmade. Since they are handcrafted, the hives are constructed with a lot of care, leaving fewer errors or flaws in the construction.

Busy Bee’s -n- More includes this method by manufacturing its beehives manually. Its products are crafted with superior-quality materials making them durable as well. This hive comes with 16 brood frames made from quality pine, and 8 pre-cut superframes. Moreover, you can use both medium and deep frames at once.

In addition, you also get a telescopic top cover with inner cover, as well as a screened bottom board. The frames are coated with 24 food grade plastic foundations which are assembled in hexagonal shapes and they are also coated with real beeswax.

This kit is ideal for beginners as it is very easy to assemble. The pre-cut joints and shoulders will make the job super easy.

 

Pros

There are many features that make this product one of superior quality. First of all, it is entirely handcrafted and only high-quality materials have been used.

It comes with 16 brood frames and 8 deep frames that can all be used at once.

The food grade plastic foundation coated with real beeswax will help your bees feel more comfortable in their new home.

A telescopic top cover, an inner cover, and a screened bottom board are also included in this beehive kit.

It is a perfect option for beginners since it is so easy to assemble. The pre-cut joints and shoulders will help you a lot in this matter.

 

Cons

This kit comes with 8 frames instead of the standard 10 frames. For customers who did not read the description accurately enough, it was not the most pleasant surprise.

In case you are looking for cheap bee hive kits, this will probably not be your first choice.

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7. Vivo Complete Beekeeping 20 Frame Beehive Box Kit

 

If you were looking for a beehive that can support both deep and medium frames simultaneously, this is one of the greatest choices. Although it is not one of those cheap bee hive starter kits, it does come with an affordable price. Moreover, it is made from high-quality pine and it comes unpainted.

The VIVO Complete Beekeeping 20 Frame Beehive is a Langstroth beehive box that supports 10 medium and 10 deep frames at once. In order to properly protect the box, it is recommended to use chemical-free paint or wood preservative.

All the frames come with a food-grade plastic hexagonal shaped foundation. The telescopic cover is protected by a sheet against foreign elements that could end up into the hive. The queen excluder is positioned between the medium and the deep frames.

You should also know that this kit comes unassembled and carefully packed, but the instructions that come with it will make your job easy.

 

Pros

This is a good bee hive kit due to its superior quality. It is made from pine and it can be used for multiple seasons.

The kit supports 20 frames, 10 medium and 10 deep frames simultaneously, unlike other types of bee hives on the market.

You will get this kit unassembled, but with the materials included and the instructions manual, you should have no issues installing this unit.

The food-grade hexagonal plastic foundation makes it easy for the bees to quickly adjust to the change.

You will also receive a telescopic cover that is protected by a sheet against any foreign elements, and a queen excluder that is positioned between the deep and the medium frames.

 

Cons

Some customers did not find the instructions so helpful, due to the lack of certain details.

Others advise to pre-drill your holes before hammering in the nails, as the wood might split otherwise.

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8. Complete Langstroth Wax Coated Bee Hive Includes Frames & Foundations

 

Starting your very own apiary can be a hard task. The most important thing is to learn everything there is to know about bees and about beekeeping. Then, you will need an appropriate hive, according to your needs.

If you are a beginner, we recommend complete kits such as the one from Hoover Hives, the Complete Langstroth Wax Coated Bee Hive. If you want to save money, you can also look for bee hive kits for sale, but this one comes with quite an affordable price.

This particular kit comes with 20 high-quality dovetail wax coated pine brood frames, 10 high-quality dovetail wax coated pine superframes, as well as 30 food-grade plastic foundations that are coated with real beeswax.

The kit also includes an entrance reducer, an inner cover, a bottom board, a queen excluder, and a metal capped telescoping top cover. Thanks to the pre-cut dovetail joints and included nails, assembling this unit is very easy.

 

Pros

This bee hive kit is an excellent option for beginner beekeepers because it includes everything you need to start this activity.

As a complete kit, this product comes with 20 dovetail wax coated pine brood frames, all of the highest quality. In addition, 10 dovetail wax coated pine superframes as also included.

You will surely appreciate the 30 food-grade plastic foundations which are coated with real beeswax.

The kit would not be complete without an inner cover, a bottom board, an entrance reducer, and a telescopic top cover which are all included in the set.

This product does not come assembled, but the pre-cut dovetail joints and included nails will make the job a piece of cake.

 

Cons

Some customers had issues with the nails that came with the kit. It seems that they started splitting the wood, so other nails had to be used to install the unit.

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9. 10-Frame Complete 6-5 / 8-Inch Hive Kit Assembled

 

According to bee hive kits reviews, Mann Lake is a trusted brand among beekeepers. This product is no exception and it comes completely assembled and ready for your bees, making it an excellent choice for beginners as well.

Since it is made from high-quality pine, the 10-Frame Complete Hive Kit will last you for many years to come. The unit comes with two assembled and painted boxes and twenty assembled wood frames with yellow waxed RiteCell foundations.

In addition, a solid painted bottom board featuring an unpainted entrance reducer, and a painted telescoping cover with inner cover are also included.

To get a better idea of the measurements, the unit has a length of 22 inches, a width of 18-½ inches, and a height of 13-1/7 inches. With this bee hive kit, you will get everything you need from installation to honey extracting. Buyers appreciate the solid construction and the design of the structure.

 

Pros

In case you need a bee hive that is ready for your bees, this option comes completely assembled and ready to use.

Compared to other types of hives on the market, the two boxes are lighter and easier to lift when they are full of honey, which is a great advantage for any beekeeper.

The construction and design are very much appreciated by customers. The unit is made from high-quality pine wood and it comes painted.

You will surely enjoy the two assembled boxes and the 20 assembled wood frames that come with yellow waxed RiteCell foundations.

The kit also includes a solid painted bottom with entrance reducer and a painted telescoping cover with an inner cover.

 

Cons

There are beekeepers who prefer using a screened bottom board, instead of the solid one included in this kit.

A few complaints regarding the packaging have been made, but this is an overall appreciated product.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Complete Honey Super Kit Painted Assembled 10-Frame

 

If you are an experienced beekeeper you know how important it is to use high-quality tools and equipment. If you are a beginner, you might be interested in purchasing bee hive kits with tap. While those may seem helpful, we recommend first getting complete bee hive kits that also come assembled like the next candidate in our list.

The Complete Honey Super Kit from Mann Lake is a product you can trust to serve you for years. This company is known for manufacturing and distributing comprehensive lines of quality beekeeping equipment, and it made no exception for this kit.

The unit is made from high-quality pine and comes completely assembled and ready for your bees to comfortably install in it. A 6-5/8-inch honey superframe is included and it is stapled for increased strength. The kit also comes with an assembled and painted frame and 10 assembled wood frames with yellow RiteCell foundation coated with beeswax.

 

Pros

This product offers great quality for the price. Both customers and bees seem to like this hive.

Since it comes painted and completely assembled, all you have to do is install the bees in it and you are ready to go.

The hive is made from quality pine wood which adds strength to the unit together with the paint job.

You will get a honey super frame that is stapled for enhanced durability. An assembled and painted frame and 10 assembled wood frames with yellow RiteCell foundation are included in this kit.

According to beekeepers, you could not make a similar kit yourself with less money. The fact that it comes assembled saves time as well.

 

Cons

A few customers mentioned that the paint was thinner in some corners, so they had to add another layer of paint.

It seems that not all bees like plastic foundation.

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11. Busy Bee’s -n- More LBH10-2D3M

 

If you want to create a healthy, honey producing colony with minimum effort and in a short amount of time, we definitely recommend this 10 frame beehive kit. The bee hive boxes and frames are made from high-quality pine wood. Moreover, they are made in the United States by the Amish craftsmen.

The Busy Bee’s -n- More Commercial Apiary is an excellent choice for a beginner and offers a perfect Langstroth bee hive which will help you grow your colony. In case you are wondering what you will be getting from this kit, you should know that 20 deep pre-cut frames are included together with 30 super pre-cut frames.

Also, matching waxed foundations with hexagonal shaped foundation surfaces are added to this kit. Let’s not forget about the inner cover, the entrance reducer, and the metal capped telescoping top cover! The hive also comes with a screened bottom board.

 

Pros

This is a well-built bee hive that comes highly recommended by beekeepers who have been using it.

It is made by Amish craftsmen from high-quality pine wood which will allow you to enjoy it for many years.

With the help of this unit, you will be able to grow your bee colony in the Langstroth system.

The kit includes 20 deep pre-cut frames and 30 super pre-cut frames with matching foundations that feature hexagonally shaped surfaces.

You will also get a metal capped telescoping top cover, an inner cover, an entrance reducer, as well as a screened bottom board.

 

Cons

If there is one thing that could not be to your liking, it is the price.

This product comes with a higher price than other similar units, and some customers do not feel they should spend so much money on this.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Yearly Guide & Report

 

Before diving in beekeeping, you need to learn everything there is about bees and beehives. If you want to raise a prosperous bee colony, you have to know what needs to be done and get the appropriate tools. There are a lot of things to consider before buying a beehive kit and this guide will help you get started.

Types of hives

Before moving forward, you need to know that there are various types of hives. Each of them comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on what type of beekeeper you want to be, a professional or a backyard one, you will be able to select the type of hive that is more suitable for you.

Hives are classified into three main types: Langstroth Hive, Top Bar Hive, and Warre Hive. The Langstroth hive is the most popular type of beehive, and it has been used by commercial beekeepers to produce honey on a large scale. The 10-frame Langstroth is the oldest and it is also considered the standard beekeeping system.

Lately, people have been shifting to the 8-frame Langstroth because it mimics the natural beehive. The bar hive is more appropriate for beginners, backyard beekeepers, and hobbyists. The hive is set in a horizontal position, but it is not the ideal design as bees build their hives vertically. However, this system is easier to maintain and it requires minimal effort.

The Warre hive is more recent in beekeeping. The construction includes multiple units of square hives that are stacked over each other, and it does not contain any frames. This system is used to make the bee combs naturally cling to the walls of a large container.

This design is not too popular and it is not the best choice for commercial beekeeping. You can select this system if you are enthusiastic about other elements in the life-cycle of the bees. You should also know that the Warre hive is illegal in some states and you need special permission to use it.

 

Frames

This is a very important aspect for a beehive. The ten frame beekeeping kits are considered standard units. There are other types of kits that have only eight frames. Do not be fooled about the common misconception that a higher number of frames will generate more productive colonies. A kit with eight frames is ideal when it comes to beekeeping.

You might have noticed that bees form hives under three logs or rooftops. These constructions are compact and vertically long. These little creatures like to crawl vertically rather than horizontally in a hive.

The eight-frame hive promotes the bees’ natural behaviors and that is why specialists recommend this version. Still, it does not mean that ten-frame hives are not good.

 

Honey storage

If you are looking for honey production, the upper medium boxes are used for honey stores. These are separated from the lower deep one using the queen excluder. There is also a telescopic entrance that has the purpose of allowing just the worker bees to enter into this section of the hive.

 

Starter kits versus individual components

If you plan on starting beekeeping, you might notice that there is a lot of equipment involved. Depending on your level of expertise, you can go for bee hive starter kits, or you can purchase the components individually.

The advantage of selecting the first option is that these kits come with pretty much everything you need in order to get your beehive going. But as you learn more about this activity, you might not be pleased with some of the components in a kit.

Luckily, the market has a lot to offer in this perspective. You can find both assembled and unassembled bee hive kits. You can replace a certain component that you do not like.

Foundation

The foundation is the thin sheet that fits in the frames. The bees cover it with wax, and then they draw the wax out into the hexagonal cells of their comb.

Many beekeepers prefer beeswax in a wooden frame, which comes in a thin, flat sheet that has been stamped on both its sides with a hexagonal pattern. The bees will follow this pattern and make uniform hexagonal cells.

Beeswax foundations come in thick and thin varieties. The thick one has crimped wire embedded in it to offer extra support. This option is recommended for brood production and for honey. The thin foundation which is also called surplus foundation does not have wires and can be used if you want to eat or sell the honey with the comb included.

You can also opt for a plastic foundation in a wooden frame, which comes with a thin sheet of plastic with a stamped pattern similar to the beeswax foundation. This model does not have any wires or hooks and simply snaps in place in the frame.

The advantage of using this type of foundation is that the plastic is more durable than beeswax and you should not be replacing it for years. The all-plastic foundation is similar to the one mentioned above, except it comes in a single piece of molded plastic and requires no installation at all.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Where to put your beehives?

2) The common types of beehives

3) What a bait hive is 

4) Different hive designs