Best Beekeeping Starter Kits – Top Picks for 2024
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Getting started in beekeeping is easier than most think, but having the right tools and equipment is essential. Without them, tasks like hive inspections and honey harvesting range from challenging to straight-out dangerous.
We researched and tested a range of beekeeping starter kits to find the best options in 2024. They provide a smooth entry into the world of beekeeping so that you can focus on the important part, keeping your bees happy.
The BeeCastle 10-Frame Starter Kit is our top recommendation. It offers an excellent selection of equipment and a hive to get newcomers started for a very affordable price.
Here’s a quick snapshot of our three favorite choices:
For budding beekeepers who need the whole shebang. Includes hive, equipment, and protective wear.
Made in America, this top bar starter kit provides the ideal alternative to vertical hive beekeeping.
Just looking for a low-cost set of beekeeping tools? This kit should do the trick.
6 best beekeeping starter kits
Each kit on this list has a wide range of tools, while some have extras like protective gear and a hive. Choose the one that’s right for your needs.
The bigger kits may cost more, but that means no extra purchases a month down the track.
1. BeeCastle 10-Frame Starter Kit
The BeeCastle 10-Frame Beekeeping Starter Kit has everything you need to dive into beekeeping. It is one of the best kits if you want everything included.
Let’s start with the hive. You’ll get a deep box with telescoping cover, inner cover, queen excluder, and bottom board. There’s also an entrance excluder, perfect for keeping out robbing bees and pesky mice. The box is dipped in beeswax, providing much-needed protection from moisture and disease.
The hive box comes fully assembled, saving new beekeepers time getting set up. This feature also reduces the chance of messing up assembly.
Most beekeeping kits that include protective wear usually offer a veil and gloves. BeeCastle also throws in a jacket and a pair of pants, providing extra protection from bee stings. Remember, the pants won’t fit every size – it’s made for waists 11-22″ (28-55cm).
- Includes a full bee suit for added protection from stings
- Easy-to-follow instructions make setup straightforward
- Complete beehive starter kit with wax-coated components
- A free-size bee suit and leather gloves are included
- Costly for some beginning beekeepers
- The wax coating on the hive may not last in hot climates
- Suit and gloves sizings may not fit larger frames
2. Bee Built Top Bar Starter Kit
Not every beekeeper is down for a Langstroth hive which stacks the boxes vertically. Some will find the boxes difficult to lift and there is a lot of bending involved. Those preferring a more natural approach to beekeeping may find Langstroths too invasive and hands-on.
One solution to all the above problems is a Top Bar Hive. It has one long horizontal box that is easier to manage. Inspections require no heavy lifting and the process is less disruptive to the colony.
The Bee Built team, based in Portland, Oregon, produce a fabulous Top Bar Hive Starter Kit.
The hive is constructed with Douglas Fir and is super-durable. It comes with 28 foundationless top bars that include wedge comb guides to help the bees build comb in the right direction. Four sturdy legs mean you’ll never have to bend over as you work.
We also love the viewing window that runs the length of the hive. It allows beekeepers to make quick checks of their bees without opening the top and removing frames. It’s also a fantastic way for kids or adults to watch bees in action.
- Includes a full bee suit for added protection from stings
- Easy-to-follow instructions make setup straightforward
- Complete beehive starter kit with wax-coated components
- A free-size bee suit and leather gloves are included
- Costly for some beginning beekeepers
- The wax coating on the hive may not last in hot climates
- Suit and gloves sizings may not fit larger frames
3. Blisstime Beekeeping Supplies Tool Kit
The Blisstime Beekeeping Supplies Tool Kit is perfect for beginner or experienced beekeepers needing a comprehensive and durable set of tools.
We were impressed by the materials used in this kit. The wooden handles on the hive grip provide extra comfort, and the protective gloves and veil were made with thick fabric.
However, we found the smoker was made using a thin stainless steel sheet. It worked fine in our testing, but its long-term durability is questionable.
- Durable products made of high-quality materials
- Quality materials for easier use and longer-lasting use
- Smoker could be more robust
- Hive tool lacks a J-hook for lifting frames
4. POLLIBEE Beekeeping Supplies
The POLLIBEE Beekeeping Supplies Kit is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers an impressive collection of 22 carefully selected tools designed to cover a wide range of beekeeping tasks.
The set of tools will allow hive inspections and honey uncapping. It is also possible to catch queens for marking or rearing.
The bee smoker has an extra shield and is reasonably well-built. They also throw in six packs of bee smoker pellets, meaning time isn’t wasted searching for suitable fuel.
Three hive tools (L Hook, Thumb Hook, and J Hook) cover almost any job that requires lifting, scraping, or leveraging.
It also has the necessary tools for queen bee marking and beehive tool, featuring an improved version of the queen bee marking tube and a transparent queen bee cage.
Despite its many advantages, we found the gloves weren’t a great fit. It would be nice to have the option to select a size, as some will find them too big.
- Comprehensive 22-piece starter kit
- Durable materials and tools
- Money-back satisfaction guarantee
- Gloves won't fit smaller hand sizes
- Not technically 22 pieces, as six are the same item, smoker pellets
5. Honey Lake 8-Frame Starter Kit
The Honey Lake 8-Frame Starter Kit is a great option for beekeepers wanting a hive included.
You’ll get an unassembled deep brood box constructed from quality cedar wood dipped in beeswax. This hive is waterproof and should provide years of service before needing replacement.
Making the deep box is simple, thanks to dovetail joints that easily fit together and pre-drilled screw holes.
All the necessary tools for inspections, honey harvesting, and working with queens are included.
A bee veil and gloves make it safer for working around your colony. However, you may want to invest in a full suit or jacket for extra protection.
- All-in-one kit for new beekeepers
- Good quality deep box
- Excellent value for money
- Including an unassembled super would be helpful
6. Time Wave Beekeeping Tools Kit
The Time Wave Beekeeping Tools Kit is an excellent option for aspiring beekeepers. In addition to the standard tools you’d expect from a decent kit, it also has a bee jacket for added safety.
We were also impressed with the uncapping tools. These included a scraper and stainless steel uncapping Z tool. They proved useful in honey extraction and wax management.
The improved version of the queen bee marking tube and the premium transparent queen bee catcher allow easy handling of the queen bee.
The gloves may be on the tighter side for anyone with big hands. Also, there’s only one size bee jacket, which is XX-Large. That means it’ll fit most people ranging from 5’5-6’2.
- Good choice for beekeepers that don't need a hive
- Excellent value for money
- Bee jacket won't fit extra large or small frames
- Gloves may be tight on bigger hands
Summary of kit inclusions (Top 3)
| BeeCastle | Bee Built | Time Wave | |
| Hive | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Bee smoker | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bee pellets | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hive tool | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Frame grip | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Bee brush | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cleaning shovel | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Frame perch | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Wire embedder | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Feeder | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Uncapping knife | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Uncapping fork | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Marking tube | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Honey gate | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Honey filter | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Queen bee cage | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Beetle traps | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Bee veil | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Be jacket | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bee gloves | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Beekeeping Book | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Other notable beekeeping kits
- Mann Lake Deluxe Starter Kit
- Glory Bee Basic Beekeeping Kit
- Dadant 10-Frame Deep Beginner’s Kit
- Harvest Lane Honey Beginner Beekeeper Kit
- Goodland Bee Supply Complete Beehive Kit
- Betterbee Beginner Kit
Commonly asked questions
Do new beekeepers really need a beekeeping kit?
New beekeepers may prefer to hunt around for everything they need, buying each item separately. But investing in a beekeeping starter kit can make life easier and avoid missing something important. They simplify the process and set you up for success.
What is a beekeeping starter kit?
Beekeeping starter kits typically include vital components such as a smoker, bee suit, gloves, and other essential tools. They may also include a beehive with frames and foundation so that all you need to do is introduce a package of bees.
How much does a beekeeping starter kit typically cost?
The cost of a beekeeping starter kit can vary depending on the brand, quality, and included equipment. Most beekeeping starter kits range from $150 to $300.
How many frames do I need to start?
When starting beekeeping, begin with a hive with at least ten frames. A standard Langstroth hive, the most commonly used hive type, typically consists of one deep box or brood chamber with ten frames.
The frames are where the bees build their comb and raise brood (baby bees). Providing enough space for the colony to expand and grow is essential. Starting with ten frames provides sufficient room for bees to establish their colony and store honey and pollen.
As the colony develops and strengthens, you may need to add additional boxes and frames to accommodate their growth.
Buying Guide
If you’re looking for the best beekeeping starter kit, there are some factors you’ll do well to consider. Take the time to determine which is the right one for your future apiary. In this buying guide, we will discuss the key features to look for when deciding.
1. Type of hive
If you don’t already have a hive, then you’ll need one! Have you considered what hive design you prefer?
Most beekeeper kits that include a hive will use a Langstroth or something similar. They’re the most commonly used hive in the United States and many other countries. That means getting spare parts and buying additional supers as the colony grows will be easy.
Note: It’s also possible to find starter kits with top bar hives, Flow Hives, and other designs. However, they’re less common, and some are expensive.
We run through all the common types of hives in this guide, along with the pros and cons of each.
2. Quality of materials
Quality is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a beekeeping starter kit. The hive and its components should use durable materials to withstand the elements.
Beekeeping suits and gloves are a common cause for concern. They are typically sold as one size fits all, but that won’t be the case for everyone. Pay attention to the clothing dimensions to make sure they’ll fit comfortably. Remember, you want a loose-fitting bee suit that allows easy crouching and bending.
Bee smokers are another component commonly complained about in beekeeping starter kits. You’ll notice that every manufacturer mentions stainless steel construction. But the quality and thickness vary a lot between models. Your best option is to check the customer reviews to understand the product better.
3. Protective gear
While some basic starter kits only include tools, others include protective gear. Gloves and a veil are common, with premium kits including a jacket and pants.
Safety is paramount, so we recommend buying a full suit separately if your starter kit doesn’t include one. If you find a cheap kit that doesn’t include protective gear, you’ll need to factor this in.
4. Hive tools
A beekeeping starter kit should include all the essential hive tools and accessories necessary for effective beekeeping. At a minimum, check for a bee smoker, hive tool, bee brush, frame grip, and uncapping knife. Other handy extras include a Queen bee marking tube and excluder.
4. Assembly requirements
If your kit includes woodenware, check whether everything is already assembled. Some boxes and frames require the buyer to construct them. The components are pre-cut and usually arrive pre-drilled, so putting it all together is child’s play. But if you don’t have tools and struggle to change a lightbulb, you may be best with a pre-assembled hive.
5. Instructional materials
Beginners will benefit from clear, easy-to-read instructional materials. The starter kit should offer sufficient information to get started, answering all the important questions.
How we tested the best starter kits
Searching for the top starter kits for beekeeping is no easy feat. There are loads on the market, so our small team couldn’t possibly test them all. Here’s how we approached the task.
Research: To create our initial shortlist, we start by contacting our friends on forums and social media. Groups focused on beekeeping and Youtube video reviews provide a wealth of advice and opinion from experienced beekeepers. We combine that knowledge with our editor’s experience, Prudence, to get a useful list of contenders.
Field testing: We purchased the top kits to quality test. Each kit is judged on quality, variety of tools and equipment, and price. Availability was also a big factor, which meant some good products got left out – they were out of stock or very expensive to ship across the United States or worldwide.
For budding beekeepers who need the whole shebang. Includes hive, equipment, and protective wear.
Made in America, this top bar starter kit provides the ideal alternative to vertical hive beekeeping.
Just looking for a low-cost set of beekeeping tools? This kit should do the trick.
Summing up
If you’re ready to call yourself a beekeeper, you’ll need the right equipment to do your job. Instead of buying everything separately, save time and money by investing in a beekeeping starter kit.
A good option is the BeeCastle 10-Frame Starter Kit which provides an excellent selection of tools, equipment, protective wear, and a hive. If you don’t need the hive, then the Blisstime Kit will serve you well.
