Author: Corey Sharrow

  • Best Bee Smokers for Beginners (and What Fuel to Use)

    ByCorey Sharrow

    Disclosure: First Hive Gear may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

    Your smoker is the tool you’ll light before almost every inspection, and the one most beginners fumble. It goes out, it burns hot, it makes thin gray smoke. The good news: a beginner doesn’t need a fancy model. Fuel, technique, and a few safety features matter more than brand.

    This guide covers what smoke actually does, what to look for in a smoker, five listed models with the prices their sellers show, safe fuel choices, and how to keep a smoker burning. We haven’t hand-tested these smokers; model details are from the sellers’ own pages, read Oct 1, 2026 (ET), and are the sellers’ claims.

    The short answer

    • Buy a 4″×7″ stainless-steel smoker with a heat shield. Mississippi State University Extension says shielded smokers with durable bellows cost more, but “the extra cost is well worth it” because the shield protects you from burns.
    • Use dry, natural fuel with no accelerants. Cotton, pine needles, burlap, and untreated wood chips or pellets are common choices.
    • Light it early. Oklahoma State Extension says a smoker can be started 5 to 10 minutes before an inspection.
    • Don’t overspend. Every smoker on this page listed between about $36 and $58.

    What smoke does

    Smoke doesn’t put bees to sleep. Carolina Honeybees says it masks some of the alarm pheromones that guard bees release, giving you time to work. Oklahoma State Extension says smoke drives bees toward the bottom of the hive, encouraging them to drink honey, which makes them more docile, and that it masks the alarm pheromone that encourages stinging. Mississippi State says proper smoker use reduces a colony’s defensive response without too much disruption, and calls the smoker your most important protective tool.

    Mississippi State describes the smoker as burning fuel in a metal container to generate a cool smoke, which is the goal. Carolina Honeybees says the aim is cool, white smoke, not a big flame.

    What to look for in a beginner smoker

    1. A heat shield

    Mississippi State recommends one. A wire or metal shield keeps your hand off the hot body.

    2. Durable bellows

    Mississippi State says vinyl bellows tend to resist tearing and cracking longer than rubber. Check whether the bellows can be replaced: Mann Lake’s Pro-Bellow model lists a replaceable bellow skin, and Dadant sells a replacement domed bellows ($17.95 listed).

    3. The right size

    Dadant sells 4″×7″ and 4″×10″ stainless smokers. Dadant lists large fuel capacity for the 4×10. Mann Lake says a properly packed and lit smoker can last through an entire day’s work. For one or two hives, the smaller one is usually enough, but ask a mentor what they use.

    4. A hook or rest

    Some models list a hook for hanging on the hive, so the smoker doesn’t end up on the ground.

    5. Easy lid and hinge

    Mann Lake’s Pro-Bellow lists an easy-open lid tab and heavy-duty hinge, features that matter when you’re wearing gloves.

    Listed smokers (prices checked Oct 1, 2026, ET)

    ModelListed priceFeatures as listedBest for
    Mann Lake 4″×7″ Economy Stainless Steel Smoker with Shield (HD559)$35.99Wire-grid heat shield, suede leather bellows, hook for hanging on the hiveLowest price with a shield
    Dadant 4×7 Domed Smoker with Shield (M01944)$36.95Dadant calls it “a decent smoker at a discount price”Budget buyers
    Mann Lake Stainless Steel Smoker Pro-Bellow 4″×7″ (HD555)$47.99Heavy-duty stainless, easy-open lid tab, stronger bellows bracket, replaceable bellow skin, lower bracket placement for “burn-free fingers”Buyers who want replaceable parts
    Dadant 4×7 Stainless Steel with Shield (M00927)$55.95Listed as American-made, hinge pins with keepers, shielded model with hook and bottom restBuyers who prefer a U.S.-made smoker
    Dadant 4×10 Stainless Steel with Shield (M00928)$57.95Same family as above with “large fuel capacity”Longer sessions or multiple hives

    Product pages: Mann Lake HD559 — Check price at Mann Lake · Mann Lake HD555 — Check price at Mann Lake · Dadant domed · Dadant 4×7 shielded · Dadant 4×10 shielded — all Dadant smokers and fuel

    Betterbee’s 10-frame assembled beginner kit lists a stainless smoker with a heat shield, and its 8-frame kit lists a “standard smoker.” If you’re buying a kit, you may already own one: see best beekeeping starter kits and 8-frame vs 10-frame hive.

    HomesteadingGear also lists a VIVO stainless smoker with a heat shield as a first-inspection basic. We haven’t verified that listing, so check the product page before buying.

    What fuel to use

    Good fuel is dry, natural, and free of chemical accelerants. Sources name a range:

    • Oklahoma State Extension: straw, wood shavings, cedar bark, peanut shells, pine needles, burlap, 100% cotton rags, and cotton.
    • Mississippi State Extension: pine straw, burlap, sawdust, or wood pellets “that do not contain an accelerant.”
    • Dadant: unprocessed cotton fiber, wood, pine needles, burlap, or wood pellets, with a note that most experienced beekeepers have a favorite and that you should try a few.
    • Carolina Honeybees: dry wood chips, shavings, and pine needles are beginner favorites. Don’t use gas, kerosene, or other chemical accelerants, since they produce toxic fumes.

    Listed fuel at Dadant (Oct 1, 2026): cotton fuel, 1 lb, $7.95, described as lighting easily and giving “a light cool smoke” (page); wood pellets, 5 lb, $8.25; jute burlap roll, 3.9 lb, $27.95. Dadant smokers and fuel

    Fuel you can often gather for free (pine needles, untreated wood shavings) works fine. Keep a dry supply, since Carolina Honeybees notes dry fuel is a must.

    How to light and keep it burning

    Combine the steps from Dadant and Carolina Honeybees:

    1. Open the lid, clear out old debris, and put a small amount of starter (Dadant suggests newspaper or other non-toxic starter material; Carolina Honeybees lists pulp egg carton, cardboard strips, untreated pine shavings) at the bottom.
    2. Light a small amount and pump the bellows gently as it catches.
    3. Add fuel a little at a time to avoid a large flare-up. Build a coal base.
    4. Pack more fuel on top, tightly, so it makes cool, long-lasting smoke. Carolina Honeybees suggests filling the chamber about three-quarters full, then closing the lid and pumping until the smoke is white and cool.
    5. Pump a few times during the inspection to keep the fire going, even when you don’t need smoke. Carolina Honeybees suggests carrying extra fuel and a lighter.
    6. Use a couple of puffs at the entrance to start, then work.

    Carolina Honeybees notes that if the smoke turns dark and hot near the end, a small amount of green material may help cool it temporarily.

    For a fuller walkthrough, including how to put a smoker out safely, see our step-by-step guide on how to light a bee smoker.

    Safety

    • Burns: Mississippi State recommends shields. The body gets very hot, and Dadant warns that it can burn your fingers while you build the fire.
    • Fire: Dadant says to keep a fire extinguisher close when working with a smoker, and Carolina Honeybees notes that more than one beekeeper has started a fire with a smoker they thought was out.
    • After the inspection: Oklahoma State says to make sure the fire is out and the smoker is cool before putting it away, and never to leave a lighted smoker in a vehicle.
    • Dry conditions: Check local burn rules and conditions before you light up.

    Don’t forget the hive tool

    Mississippi State says all beekeepers need a hive tool for prying apart boxes and frames, because bees seal components together with propolis, and Oklahoma State calls it one of the most important tools you’ll own. Mississippi State recommends spares, since tools are easy to misplace, and suggests trying different styles. We haven’t compared specific hive tool models here.

    Common mistakes

    1. Packing too loosely. The fire goes out. Build the coals first, then pack.
    2. Using hot, thin smoke. Aim for cool, white smoke.
    3. Using accelerants or treated materials. Avoid chemicals, as sources warn.
    4. Leaving the lit smoker unattended.
    5. Forgetting the lighter and extra fuel in the bee yard.

    FAQ

    Do I need a smoker if my kit has one?

    Probably not. Check the kit contents, and check whether it has a heat shield.

    Is a bigger smoker better?

    Not necessarily. Dadant lists large fuel capacity as the benefit of the 4×10. The smaller one is lighter.

    What’s the cheapest safe option?

    In our check, the cheapest listed shielded smoker was Mann Lake’s $35.99 model. Price isn’t the only factor: confirm the shield and bellows.

    Where does a smoker fit in the first-year budget?

    HomesteadingGear lists $50–$80 for smoker and hive tool combined if not in a kit; NorCal Nectar lists $35–$55. See first-year budget.

    Sources

    This article is general information, not professional, medical, or legal advice.

  • How Much Does It Cost to Start Beekeeping? A First-Year Budget With Sources

    ByCorey Sharrow

    Disclosure: First Hive Gear may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

    Search for the cost of starting beekeeping and you’ll find “about $200” in one place and “$900” in another. Both can be true, because the numbers count different things. This guide lays out what published sources say, shows where they differ, and adds some real listed prices from beekeeping suppliers so you can build your own budget.

    We haven’t bought or tested this gear. Every dollar figure below is attributed to a source and a date, and prices change, so treat this as a planning range, not a quote.

    The short answer

    Published first-year totals for a new Langstroth hive range from about $425 to $900-plus, depending on whether bees, a suit, a second box, and mite treatment are counted. HomesteadingGear’s guide says “realistically $600–$900” including bees. Expect to spend before you earn: HomesteadingGear says most new colonies don’t produce harvestable honey until year two.

    What the sources say

    SourceFirst-year figureWhat it counts
    NorCal Nectar (Apr 2026)$425–$815 before bees in its summary; $475–$885 including bees in its own table10-frame Langstroth kit, protective gear, smoker and tool, feeder, mite monitoring/treatment, bees
    HomesteadingGear (Aug 2026)$600–$900Kit, package bees, suit and gloves if not included, smoker and tool, second brood box, feeder, mite treatments
    Oklahoma State Extension (Oct 2021)$458 bare minimum; $520 by year’s endAn example budget including mite strips; Oklahoma-based and older
    NC State ExtensionAbout $300 for a starter hive up to about $600 for a deluxe kitKits only (page undated)

    NorCal Nectar’s summary and table disagree with each other ($425–$815 vs. $475–$885), partly because one counts bees and the other doesn’t. When a guide gives a single number, ask what’s inside it.

    Line items, side by side

    ItemNorCal Nectar (Apr 2026)HomesteadingGear (Aug 2026)
    Hive kit$200–$350$190–$280
    Protective gear$50–$150$80–$150 (suit and gloves, if not included)
    Smoker and hive tool$35–$55$50–$80 (if not in kit)
    Feeder (and sugar)$15–$30$20–$30
    Mite monitoring/treatment$25–$50$30–$50
    Bees$150–$250$150–$200 (package)
    Second brood boxnot listed$80–$120

    NC State Extension lists nucs at about $150–$200 and mailed packages at about $100–$125, while HomesteadingGear lists nucs at $150–$250 and packages at $100–$150. We spotted one current listing outside those ranges: on Oct 1, 2026 (ET), Mann Lake listed a California Italian package with vaccinated queen at $185.95 for store pickup or $214.95 shipped (shown out of stock that day). Prices depend on the bee type, seller, and season.

    Real listed prices we checked (Oct 1, 2026, ET)

    These are one day’s snapshot from suppliers’ own pages, not endorsements.

    ItemListed priceNotes
    Betterbee assembled 10-frame Beginner Kit (BK10A)$479.00 baseComponent options add or subtract from the price; includes two deeps, two mediums, frames, hive tool, stainless smoker with heat shield, a book, gloves, and a veil and helmet
    Betterbee assembled 8-frame Beginner Kit (BK8AP)$580.00Includes a Betterbee jacket with round veil, gloves, standard smoker, hive tool, and The Beekeeper’s Handbook
    Ventilated jackets$95.00–$198.00Blythewood low end, Betterbee full-vent high end
    Ventilated suits$110.00–$259.00Blythewood low end, Betterbee full-vent high end
    Shielded 4″×7″ smokers$35.99–$55.95Mann Lake and Dadant listings
    The Beekeeper’s Handbook, 5th ed.$29.95Dadant listing
    Beekeeping for Dummies, 5th ed.$24.99Dadant listing

    Product pages: Betterbee BK10A · Betterbee BK8AP — all Betterbee beginner kits. For gear details, see best ventilated bee suits & jackets, best bee smokers, and best beekeeping starter kits.

    An example, to show the arithmetic

    Take Betterbee’s BK10A at its $479 base price. Add a nuc at NorCal Nectar’s $150–$250 range. That’s $629–$729 before mite treatment, feeding, a second box, shipping, and tax. Add HomesteadingGear’s $30–$50 for mite treatments and $20–$30 for feeding supplies, and you reach roughly $679–$809. This is illustrative arithmetic from sourced figures, not a quote, and kit options change the base price.

    Build your own number in four steps

    1. Pick your hive and size first. Kit prices differ by frame count and what’s inside. See 8-frame vs 10-frame hive.
    2. List what the kit already includes, then cross off duplicates. Betterbee’s kits, for example, list a smoker, hive tool, gloves, and a book.
    3. Add bees, a second box, feeding supplies, and a mite plan. Use the ranges above, then replace them with real quotes from your supplier.
    4. Add a cushion for shipping, tax, and the unexpected. None of the figures in this article include them, and we have no sourced number for them.

    If the total makes you hesitate, that’s useful information. Starting a year later with a course and a club membership under your belt costs little and may save money.

    Costs beginners forget

    • A second box. HomesteadingGear says you’ll likely need one by summer ($80–$120 in its budget). Oklahoma State says to add a second box once bees have drawn comb on eight of ten frames, and to paint it ahead of time.
    • Paint. Oklahoma State says to paint outer components with low-VOC outdoor paint and finish at least two to three weeks before bees arrive so it can cure.
    • Feeding. Oklahoma State says it is critical to provide sugar water when bees first arrive, and describes entrance and internal feeders as options.
    • Mite monitoring and treatment. HomesteadingGear calls varroa the leading cause of hive loss. Which treatments are appropriate depends on your location and season; ask a local club or extension service.
    • Registration. Rules vary. Oklahoma State, for example, lists a $10 voluntary registration; NorCal Nectar notes California requires county registration. Check your own state.
    • A second colony. Betterbee recommends starting with two colonies so you can compare them, which roughly doubles the bees and hive line items.
    • Learning. A book is $25–$30 at the prices above. Some courses cost more, and some are free. See best beekeeping courses & books.
    • Honey extraction. NorCal Nectar says extractors cost $150–$400, and many local associations lend them to members, so you can wait on this one.

    Where beginners overspend (and don’t have to)

    • Flow Hive in year one. NorCal Nectar cites Flow’s U.S. store at $799–$959 for the Flow Hive 2 as of September 2026, versus $200–$350 for a Langstroth kit. See Langstroth vs Flow Hive.
    • Duplicate gear. Kits may already include a smoker, tool, veil, or gloves. Check the item list, as in 8-frame vs 10-frame hive.
    • Premium suits when a simpler garment will do. A jacket listed $10–$61 below the matching suit in the six pairs we checked. See bee jacket vs full suit.
    • Buying everything at once. Oklahoma State says to add boxes as needed, and notes bees work from the top down. Betterbee says to buy woodenware at least a couple of weeks before bees arrive, but not necessarily everything in your first order.

    Ways to spend less without cutting corners

    • Unassembled kits are “cheaper,” Betterbee says, but only if your time isn’t worth much to you.
    • Join a club. NC State Extension says clubs are a good way to find mentors and get hands-on experience, and many clubs run classes each year.
    • Use free education first. Several state extension courses are free; see our beekeeping courses and books guide.
    • Don’t skimp on the veil or the mite plan. Those are the spots where cutting corners can cost more later.

    When you’ll spend the money

    Plan your spending around the calendar, because bees are the time-limited item: Betterbee says its bees go on sale in mid-December and its overwintered and spring nucs and packages usually sell out by mid-February. See when to order bees & gear.

    FAQ

    Can I start beekeeping for $200?

    Only if you count the hive alone. Sources list kits starting around $190–$200, but bees, protective gear, and mite treatment are extra.

    What’s the cheapest way to get bees?

    Packages usually cost less than nucs, per NC State and HomesteadingGear. Oklahoma State says swarms are free but unreliable, and NC State says beginners usually need help catching their first.

    Is it cheaper the second year?

    Possibly, but we found no source quantifying it. Oklahoma State says its starting budget doesn’t include equipment for harvesting honey.

    Sources

    This article is general information, not professional, medical, or legal advice.

  • Best Beekeeping Courses and Books for Beginners: Free, Paid, and What to Try First

    ByCorey Sharrow

    Disclosure: First Hive Gear may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. This includes links to the Beekeeping Made Simple course. We list free options alongside paid ones.

    The cheapest piece of beekeeping gear is knowledge, and the best time to buy it is before the bees arrive. NC State Extension says that before you buy a hive, “it’s critical that you first understand what you’ll be getting yourself into,” and that there are many ways to learn, “ranging from self-study to formal courses.”

    This guide compares the options we could verify: free university extension courses, one paid online course, and three widely sold books. We have not taken the paid course or read these books cover to cover, so we describe what each seller or institution says about itself, with prices as listed on Oct 1, 2026 (ET), and we say where we couldn’t check something.

    The short answer

    1. Start free. Take an extension course (details below) and join a local club.
    2. Add one general book to keep next to the hive.
    3. Consider a paid video course if you want a guided path and someone to email questions.
    4. Ask a local mentor before you buy gear. Climate and local rules change the advice.

    Why local help matters

    NC State Extension recommends joining a local beekeeping club “so that you’re not learning in a vacuum.” It says clubs are a good way to find a mentor, get in-hive experience before buying your own colonies, and get early questions answered. In North Carolina, most chapters meet monthly with instructional programs, and many clubs offer new-beekeeper classes. NC State also describes winter “bee schools,” run by local beekeepers and extension agents, with single-day or multi-week formats.

    Your state will have its own version. Search your state’s beekeepers association or cooperative extension office. If you want hands-on experience, NC State suggests offering to help a local beekeeper when they work their bees.

    Free courses from extension programs

    CourseWhat it isWhat we could verify
    Alabama Cooperative Extension, Beekeeping BasicsFree, self-paced, 12 modules aimed at new beekeepers’ first yearEach module ends with a quiz, and passing all of them earns a Certificate of Completion (Alabama Extension, Oct 2024 post)
    University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UA Extension), Complete Beekeeping Short CourseFree video series on YouTube by apiculture specialist Dr. Jon ZawislakCovers hive components, tools and protective clothing, bee biology, seasonal tasks, laws, honey production, and bee health; 17 printable handouts
    NC State Apiculture Program, BEESVirtual courses, each about 1–2 hours of lectures with an online quizBeginner and advanced levels; passing at 80% or better earns an eCertificate. We couldn’t confirm cost or access rules, so check the program page

    Free doesn’t mean you’ll agree with every recommendation. NC State warns that free online videos vary in quality and that different beekeepers manage hives differently. Compare what you hear with your local club.

    Links: Alabama Beekeeping Basics · Arkansas Short Course · NC State guide

    A paid option: Beekeeping Made Simple

    Beekeeping Made Simple sells an online video class, Beekeeping for Beginners. Here is what its pages say:

    • Content: “5 hours” of video, plus guides, checklists, quizzes, a certificate of completion, and live monthly chats. Seven chapters cover the hive, preparing for bees, basics (including buying and installing bees and inspecting), pest management, harvesting honey, advanced strategies, and overwintering. It says it covers both warm and cold climates.
    • Mentorship: The page says students can email their instructor and get a response within 48 hours.
    • Prices listed: $19 per month, $185 per year, or $380 for lifetime access. The page also advertises a free trial, but it states two lengths (“30 day” in one place and 14 days in the FAQ). The FAQ says that after the trial you are billed $19 per month until you cancel, so set a reminder if you try it.
    • Refund: Annual and lifetime plans can be refunded within 30 days, per the page. The monthly plan isn’t covered by that wording.
    • A shorter class: A separate introductory class is listed at $27 for about 2 hours. That page is labeled “Updated for 2020,” so check it’s current.

    Reader discount: First Hive Gear readers can use code COREY for 20% off eligible offers. Check at checkout which plans the code applies to.

    Prices and descriptions on the Beekeeping Made Simple site vary by page, and we couldn’t find independent evidence on outcomes, so the testimonials on its pages are the seller’s marketing, not our assessment. Course page — Beekeeping Made Simple

    Who it may suit: a beginner who wants one structured path, video lessons, and a person to ask, and who is willing to pay for it. Who may skip it: someone happy with free extension courses and a local club.

    Books

    NC State Extension offers three tests for picking a book: it covers bee biology (not only “how-to”), it has enough pictures or videos to identify hive parts, and you pair it with a local club. These three are widely sold, and both Beekeeper’s Handbook and Beekeeping for Dummies are cited in Oklahoma State Extension’s reference list. Prices below are Dadant listings, Oct 1, 2026.

    BookListed priceWhat the listing saysPossible fit
    The Beekeeper’s Handbook, 5th ed. (Sammataro & Avitabile)$29.95368-page paperback; hand-drawn step-by-step diagrams; updated varroa information; “for both beginner and veteran beekeepers”A reference you’ll keep using
    Beekeeping for Dummies, 5th ed.$24.99Softcover, 480 pages; covers medications, nutrition, bee health, winter survival, and what to do in your first and second seasonsA first-year walk-through
    The Backyard Beekeeper, 5th ed.$26.99256-page softcover; covers setting up colonies, locations, swarm control, top bar hives, honey harvest, and bee problemsBeginners curious about natural techniques

    Betterbee’s assembled beginner kits include a book, and its 10-frame kit page lists Beekeeping for Dummies, The Beekeeper’s Handbook (add $3), or Storey’s Guide to Keeping Bees as options. If you’re buying a kit, check the book before buying another. See best beekeeping starter kits.

    Links: Beekeeper’s Handbook · Beekeeping for Dummies · The Backyard Beekeeper — more beekeeping books at Dadant

    How to judge any course or book

    You don’t need a perfect pick, but a few checks help:

    • Does it explain “why,” not just “how”? NC State says books that only cover how-to rarely explain why a task is done, and understanding what bees naturally do helps you make sense of the work.
    • Is it written for a climate like yours? Beekeeping Made Simple says its course covers warm and cold climates, and extension courses are written for their own regions. Ask a local club whether the timing matches.
    • What are the billing and cancellation terms? Read them before entering a card number.
    • Who answers questions? A mentor, an instructor email, or a club all count, but know which one you have.

    Free vs paid at a glance

    OptionCost listedFormatSupportCheck before you commit
    Extension coursesFree (Alabama, Arkansas)Self-paced modules or videosVariesClimate fit; local rules
    Beekeeping Made Simple$19/mo, $185/yr, $380 lifetime; $27 intro classVideo, checklists, live chatsEmail mentorshipTrial and billing terms
    Books$24.99–$29.95PrintNoneEdition, climate, and your hive type
    Local club or bee schoolVariesIn personMentorsMeeting dates, class fees

    A simple plan before your bees arrive

    1. Now: Start a free course and look up your local club.
    2. This winter: Attend a bee school or club meeting if one is offered, and read your book.
    3. Before you spend on gear: Confirm what your club recommends. See beginner beekeeping equipment checklist.
    4. Winter: Reserve bees early. See when to order bees & gear.
    5. Budget: first-year budget.

    Mistakes to avoid

    1. Learning only from videos. NC State warns quality varies.
    2. Buying a course and skipping local rules. Check regulations and registration where you live.
    3. Assuming one climate’s advice fits yours. Look for regional guidance.
    4. Ignoring subscription terms. Check the trial and renewal wording before you sign up.
    5. Treating a book as a medical or legal reference. Sting reactions need a doctor. NC State says about 1 in 200 people has a true allergic reaction to venom that needs immediate medical attention.

    FAQ

    Do I need a course before buying bees?

    No source says it’s required, but NC State says to understand what you’re getting into first, and Betterbee says to order bees months ahead, so there’s time to learn.

    Are the free courses enough?

    They cover the basics. Alabama’s is aimed at first-year beekeepers and Arkansas’s covers equipment through honey production. A local mentor adds regional detail.

    Which book should I buy first?

    Use NC State’s three tests, read a few listing descriptions, and ask a club which book members recommend. If your kit includes a book, start there.

    Sources

    This article is general information, not professional, medical, or legal advice.