Ready for a beekeeping journey that is both exciting and super rewarding? Choosing the right beginner beekeeping kit will ensure a smooth experience for newcomers. Plus, the right kit is going to be crucial to ensure safety and comfort when working with bees. We spoke with experts to find the best ones for you. Here are the best ones to consider.
NuBee 10 Frame Beehive Starter Kit
Need a fully assembled and ready to use hive? The 10 Frame Beehive Starter Kit from NuBee can tick all the right boxes for you. It comes with a fully assembled and painted 10 frame deep hive body. CellTech frames and foundations are 100% wax coated, a bottom board with an entrance reducer, and a telescopic outer cover with an inner cover for maximum protection.
The bundle also comes with protective gear including a jacket with a reinforced upright veil and a pair of leather gloves to keep you safe when working with bees. Also get a bee smoker, plastic queen excluder and hive tool with this set. However, one drawback with this option from NuBee is that you will need additional boxes, frames and foundation when your colony starts to expand. And this can happen quite quickly.
Hoover Hives 10 Frame Starter Kit
Another awesome beginner beekeeping kit that we absolutely adore is the 10 Frame Starter Kit from Hover Hives. A prominent name in the beekeeping space, Hover Hives offers wood that is fully dipped in 100% beeswax to offer superior durability and insulation. This starter kit comes fully assembled with one 10-frame deep hive body, five CellTech plastic frames and foundation. The hive body also comes with a bottom board with an entrance reducer and a telescoping outer cover with an inner cover. Protective gear includes a jacket with a veil and elbow-length leather gloves. Hoover Hives also includes a bee smoker and hive tool for additional convenience.
However, there is one drawback to consider when opting for this kit from Hoover Hives. The kit features only five frames and foundation so you will need to buy the rest separately to complete the setup. Plus, there is also no option to select the glove or jacket size, and additional hive components will be necessary as the colony expands.
Dadant 10 Frame Deep Beginner’s Kit #1 (Unassembled)
Another excellent beginner beekeeping kit is brought to you by Dadant, a reputable name in the industry. This kit is the perfect blend of value and function. An excellent entry point for new beekeepers, get a 10 frame deep hive body, ten frames with foundation, a bottom board with an entrance reducer and a telescoping outer cover with an inner lining. As for the protective gear, you get a veil and large sting resistant gloves. A bee smoker and smoker fuel, a hive tool and an entrance feeder are also included with the package. Also, included is the book First Lessons in Beekeeping along with assembly instructions since the kit comes unassembled. A great DIY experience if you are into a complete hands-on experience. For some, this can be a fun learning experience but note that it will require extra time and effort. Also, you get no option to select glove size and the entrance feeders are not that great for long term use.
Dadant 10 Frame Master Pollinator Kit (Assembled)
If you want something from Dadant that comes fully assembled, the Master Pollinator Kit makes for a thoughtful choice. Fully assembled and painted, this beginner beekeeping kit comes with two 10 frame deep boxes, 20 frames with Plasticell foundation, a telescoping cover with an inner cover and an entrance feeder. As for the protective gear, you get a zipper veil suit with multiple size options, a plastic helmet and economy leather gloves with size options. Additional equipment includes a bee smoker with fuel, a hive tool and a bee brush. Fun additions with the kit include an unassembled cedar hive stand and educational materials like the Hive and Honey Bee book, First Lessons in Beekeeping, a one year subscription to the American Bee Journal and a medications brochure. One key drawback to consider with this beginner beekeeping kit is that this one does not come with honey supers which are essential for an expanding colony.
Betterbee Beginning Kit
Get complete flexibility with the option for gloves and books with the Betterbee Beginning Kit. An ideal option for new beekeepers who want to tailor their kit as per their needs. Get a fully assembled 10 frame deep hive body, ten plastic frames and foundation. The hive features a bottom board with an entrance reducer and a telescoping outer cover with an inner cover.
Protective gear in this kit includes a helmet and veil with size options and a choice of leather or goatskin gloves in multiple sizes for complete protection. Also get a bee smoker and hive tool with the kit. Additional beekeeping books can also be included in the bundle at an extra cost.
Now, let’s discuss the drawbacks. The outer cover of the hive is made with lightweight polystyrene and not wood, which some might not prefer. However, if you are starting out, this should be a non-issue. Plus, you also don’t get a full beekeeping suit or jacket with this bundle so you will need to invest separately for that.
Wrap up
With the market flooded with beginner beekeeping kits to choose from, the choice can be real overwhelming if you are just starting out. The options mentioned on the list are vetted by beekeepers all over the US and represent some of the best choices to consider. Regardless of what you choose, just don’t forget to enjoy!
Looking to get into the wonderful world of beekeeping? Learn more from our full blog here.
