Beehive Starter Kits
Choosing your first beehive starter kit can seem rather daunting for beginner beekeepers. Everyone has something to sell you and the kits vary in what they offer. The good news is – you don’t have to know everything in the beginning. Still, a quality starter kit can get your first season off to a smoother start. In this guide, I will share my thoughts on the pros and cons of buying kits and give a few tips on selection.
With so many different types of beehives, tool options, etc available – choosing what to buy can be difficult.
What is a Bee Hive Starter Kit?
Beekeeping kits are prepackaged bundles that give you the essential components needed to set up a new hive with a colony of honey bees.
Typically Kits Provide
- pre-select hive components (parts of a beehive) that fit together
- usually based on standard hive sizes (Langstroth Hive Dimensions)
- basic beekeeping tools (a bee smoker and a standard hive tool at minimum)
- some safety wear – beekeeping clothing (at least a hat/veil combination).
Sometimes, a starter kit is only the wooden components and internal frames and foundation for the bees. This is good for beekeepers that are expanding their backyard apiary and already have tools and gear.
*Beekeeping starter kits do not include bees or a large selection of tools. That’s okay. They are meant to give you a solid foundation to build on.
Why Many Beginner Beekeepers Choose Starter Kits
Starting with a kit can gives beginners peace of mind and confidence. There will be time to grow and experiement later. For now, you can focus on learning how to take care of your new bees without obsessing over equipment choices.
Pros
There are some advantages to beginning your adventure with a beekeeping kit. It offers a hassle free way to ensure that the various parts all fit together – you don’t have to worry about buying the wrong thing. This also makes them a popular gift for beekeepers just starting out.
- Convenience – No need to rush around gathering individual pieces for your hive. The basic equipment to get started is in one package.
- Compatible Hive Components – Beehive starter kits are designed to include the right parts (though mixups do happen!). This helps new beekeepers avoid the frustration of mismatched boxes, frames, and foundation.
- Time Saving – For those new to beekeeping, you can avoid time-consuming research about each piece of hive equipment. Though you do need to know the basic functions.
- Cost-Savings – The cost of beekeeping startup can be staggering. Sometimes, purchasing a beehive starter kit can save you money.
Extra Guidance
Depending on the supplier, your starter kit may contain some valuable information on hive set up. This is a major benefit for beginners who lack experience in installing a package of bees or other beekeeping techniques.
Cons
No method of acquiring beekeeping equipment and start up materials is perfect for everyone. Likewise, there are some cons to choosing a bee hive kit for your new hobby.
- Quality Can Vary – Not all starter kits are created equal. Some may contain lower-quality materials. It is important to review product details and read reviews before purchasing.
- Limited Choices – With pre-packed kits you will lose some control over customization. If you want a specific type of foundation or frame – kits might not work for you.
- Not always the Least Expensive Option – We have been taught to believe that package deals are the best value. This is not always true. Do the math.
- May Include Items You Don’t Need Right Away – Some starter kits include components that a beekeeper may not need right away – or ever. Make sure you really want the items you are buying.
How to Choose the Best Starter Kit for You
After considering the pros and cons, you need to look at a few key factors before making your purchase. This beginner checklist highlights what matters most.
Make Sure the Kit Uses Standard Hive Equipment
You can keep bees in any type of beehive. But, the langstroth hive is the industry standard
- langstroth compatibility (8 frame or 10 frame) – makes a difference for boxes, tops & bottoms
- easier to expand later
- replacement parts easy to obtain
Check What’s Included (And What is Not)
Read product descriptions carefully. Common items include:
- bottom board
- hive bodies
- frames and foundation
- inner and outer cover
- any tools, equipment or safety gear
If something is missing that doesn’t mean it is a bad kit, you just may need to purchase that separately.
Consider Assembly Requirements
I like to put my own equipment together because I think no one else cares as much about it as I do! I want to “know” I put some good wood glue on those frame corners. But, you do have options.
- fully assembled vs unassembled – you can even get painted hives
- what tools might you need
- assembly requires some time
Best Beehive Kits for Beginners – Recommendations
If you can go to a bee supply and check out the kit in person, that is the best way. However, not everyone has this advantage. Therefore, here are a couple of recommendations to consider.
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A few fru-fru things but overall a good basic start –
BeeCastle 10-Frame Bee Hives and Supplies Starter Kit
One of my favorite basic kits, if you want to customize and purchase your own tools, safety wear etc – separately.
Mann Lake Traditional Complete 10-Frame Bee Hive Kit, Fully Assembled – Made in USA, Painted
A good two-for option for many:
Honey Lake 10-Frame Beehives Starter KitBeekeeping Supplies Starter Kit with Bee Suit
FAQs
A beginner beekeeping kit is a bundle of necessary equipment and tools for a new beekeeper to start a hive. It includes the basic components of a beehive plus essential beekeeping tools and protective gear.
Generally, beekeeping starter kits offer very limited customization. However, if they do offer variations or add-ons this is very beneficial.
Buying a beginner beekeeping kit can be a cost effective purchase over buying each item individually. But, it is not always the cheapest option.
Yes, you absolutely can expand the hive setup. Your colony will grow and you will need to add more boxes. Pay attention to the sizes of the boxes included in your kit so you can purchase more of the correct size.
No, beehive starter kits do not include live bees. Bees must be purchased separately from a local supplier or online seller.
Final Thoughts
Your first beehive starter kit is simple a beginning, you are not stuck with it forever. If you can find one that has the type of boxes and tools that you want – it can be a great way to get started and save some money. But, carefully weigh the pros and cons as you make your decision or you may end up with a lot of “stuff” you don’t need. Now it’s time to think about – buying honey bees!