Last Updated: 20 November 2024
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Welcome to EbeeHQ. In this article, we’re going discussing what the best plastic bee hives that exist are, for housing your colony of honey-making bees.
Before we go into detail about the specific plastic beehives that we’ve featured within this list, we think that it’s important to denote why exactly you may want to consider a plastic beehive, and what exactly is different to a standard wooden beehive.
Table of Contents
Plastic beehives vs wooden beehives
As with both plastic beehives and wooden beehives, there are several advantages and disadvantages associated with each type, and although most older generation beekeepers will tell you that the traditional wooden beehive is better, we’re going to explore this idea further and alleviate some of these concerns and beliefs that are little more than fear of the unknown, whilst addressing some valid disadvantages, and reasons that you may want to consider a wooden beehive.
So, what are the main advantages of using a plastic hive over a wooden hive?
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Does not require treating & paint
- More weatherproof
- Plastic doesn’t warp or split like wood
- Longer life-span than a wooden hive
- Wax moths can’t damage the hive unlike a wooden hive
- Plastic frames hold up well in the honey extractor, and won’t fall apart
Now, what are the valid disadvantages of using a plastic beehive?
- More expensive than a wooden hive
- Plastic is not a sustainable resource unlike wood
- Depending on how the plastic is treated, bees may not take to it
- Bee diseases such as American foulbrood are difficult to eliminate in a plastic hive, without using radiation
Ok, so now that we’ve addressed some of these benefits and drawbacks about using a plastic hive, we’re going to talk about the potential misconceptions…
As we stated above, some beekeepers say that bees may not take to certain types of plastic due to potential fumes that the material may emit. Therefore, although this is true, you can avoid choosing a plastic hive that is not able to facilitate bees, by checking previous customer reviews, as this will indicate the overall level of success of the hive functioning.
However, rest assured that all of the beehives featured within this article have been chosen based on their customer satisfaction levels and reviews.
Another misconception is that plastic beehives are more expensive! Now, when looking at short-term expenditure, yes, they are more expensive. However, Plastic beehives are not vulnerable to the same structural weaknesses as wooden beehives, and hence you may need to purchase additional parts for the wooden hive if the wood splits or begins to warp. Therefore, from a long-term perspective, we think that a plastic beehive is a very attractive solution.
After reading this section, you may decide that you want to purchase a wooden beehive instead, and therefore if that’s the case, take a look at our article on the best beehive & beekeeping starter kits, several of which have plastic frames and foundations
However, for all of the readers who are set on purchasing a plastic beehive kit, then without further ado, here is the list of the best plastic beehives.
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Best Plastic Beehives – Top 2
- Apimaye Insulated 7 Frame Langstroth Nucleus Bee Hive Nuc – $$$ – Buy on Amazon
- Apimaye 10 Frame Langstroth Insulated Bee Hive Set with Plastic Handy Frames (Original Orange Top) – $$$$$ – Buy on Amazon
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Apimaye Insulated 7 Frame Langstroth Nucleus Plastic Beehive Nuc – $$$
Included Items
- Assembled & Doesn’t require painting or treatment
- 7-Frame Capacity Bee Hive Nuc
- Includes 7 plastic frames
- Insulated & Designed to prevent moisture build-up
- Screened bottom board
- Split hive entrance with entrance reducers
- Division/Uniting board
- 2 top feeders
- Ability to either have 7 frame hive or 2 x 3 frame hive (Ideal for queen rearing/splitting hives)
- Owners Manual
Customer Ratings & Reviews
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Size & Weight
Dimensions: 23″ x 18.3″ x 15″
Weight: 12.5 kg
Description
The Apimaye 7-frame plastic beehive is ideal for the majority of beekeepers, from an absolute beginner with the fact that it comes fully assembled, and does not require painting nor any material treatment of any kind… This is also a very attractive option for a more experienced beekeeper who just doesn’t want to spend so much time on the prerequisites of starting a beehive, instead of on actual beekeeping.Â
Additionally, not only does this kit not need assembly or material treatment, but it’s extremely easy to open, which makes inspecting, moving or feeding the brood very simple. It’s also insulated to help the colony survive the harsh winter months, but take a read of our guide on winterizing a beehive for more information on this.
One of the interesting aspects of this hive is the fact that it comes with 7 plastic frames, that can optionally be used with a wax foundation. It is possible to either use this as a 7-frame hive, or two 3-frame hives thanks to the dividing board in the center… Ideal for a beekeeper who is looking to either split the hive or for queen rearing.
Additionally, the hive can be added to if you’re looking at expanding the colonies by purchasing Apimaye’s 7-Frame Langstroth Sized Super – Buy on Amazon
Note: If you’re new to beekeeping, there are several safety items that you will require in order to begin beekeeping in a safe manner, and therefore we highly advise that you purchase the following equipment, to ensure that you’re safe :
- NAVADEAL Beekeeping Starter Tool Kit- This includes a stainless steel bee smoker and heat shield, frame holder, hive scraper, wooden beehive brush, feeder, fork and a steel hive tool – Check Price on Amazon
- Take a look at our list of recommended bee suits here to ensure that you’re protecting your body from bee stings.
Verdict
As we mentioned, the Apimaye beekeeping kit is ideal for both beginner beekeepers and more experienced alike, mainly due to the limited level of setup that needs to be done before use.Â
However, this contains 7 frames, and therefore isn’t as large as it’s older 10-frame brother (mentioned next)
Therefore, since it’s not the largest unit and therefore might not be sufficient for large, growing colonies; However, it’s certainly ideal for a new colony and as mentioned above, you have the ability to add additional supers onto this to expand your colonies further.
As mentioned, this beehive kit does not come with any additional equipment, and therefore if you require safety gear, which we highly advise that you do, take a look at the recommended beginner’s beekeeping toolkit, mentioned above.
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Apimaye Insulated Plastic Langstroth Beehive – $$$$$
Included Items
- Pre-Assembled & Doesn’t require painting or treatment
- 2 supers
- Includes 20 plastic frames (HandyFrames)
- Insulated & Designed to prevent moisture build-up
- Screened bottom board
- Split hive entrance with entrance reducers
- Division/Uniting board
- 2 top feeders
- Owners Manual
Customer Ratings & Reviews
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Size & Weight
Dimensions: 27.5″ x 18.3″ x 15″
Weight: 12.5 kg
Description
The Apimaye 10-frame plastic beehive is ideal for the majority of beekeepers, from an absolute beginner, with the fact that it comes fully assembled, and does not require painting nor any material treatment of any kind… This is also a very attractive option for a more experienced beekeeper who just doesn’t want to spend so much time on the prerequisites of starting a beehive, instead of on actually beekeeping.Â
Additionally, not only does this kit not need assembly or material treatment, but it’s extremely easy to open, which makes inspecting, moving or feeding the brood very simple. It’s also insulated to help the colony survive the harsh winter months.
One of the interesting aspects of this hive is the fact that it comes with 20 plastic frames for the 2 supers (10 frames per super), that can optionally be used with a wax foundation.
It is possible to use the specially designed board to divide a colony or unite two colonies into a single hive.
Additionally, the hive can be added to if you’re looking at expanding the colonies by purchasing Apimaye’s 10-Frame Langstroth Sized Super – Buy on Amazon
Note: There are several items that this beekeeping kit does not include, and therefore we highly advise that you purchase the following equipment, to ensure that you’re safe :
- NAVADEAL Beekeeping Starter Tool Kit- This includes a stainless steel bee smoker and heat shield, frame holder, hive scraper, wooden beehive brush, feeder, fork and a steel hive tool – Check Price on Amazon
- Take a look at our list of recommended bee suits here to ensure that you’re protecting your body from bee stings.
Verdict
As we mentioned, the Apimaye beekeeping kit is ideal for both beginner beekeepers and more experienced alike, mainly due to the limited level of setup that needs to be done before use.Â
However, as the hive starter kit contains 20 plastic frames, it’s large enough for your colony to really grow, with the potential to even split the colony using the insertion board.
You will also need to purchase some additional equipment, which includes a few tools and safety protection gear!
Overall, a fantastic beekeeping starter kit for those who can afford it; It provides plenty of room for your colony to grow, and allows for more supers to be stacked.
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In Conclusion, which plastic beehive would we recommend
Usually with our Top … articles, we feature a large array of products and make several recommendations based on multiple important factors, including price, features, size, and convenience. However, in this case, because there are so few beehives made entirely from plastic, it’s a very easy process for us to make recommendations.
For those beekeepers who are either complete beginners, on a budget, or are starting out with a brand new colony, and want the option to expand sometime in the future, but not immediately, then the Apimaye 7-frame beehive kit may be more suited towards you.
However, if you’re potentially more experienced, have a larger budget to spare, and want to hit the ground running and expand your bee colony (potentially split the hive) quickly, then the Apimaye 10-frame (20 frames in total) beehive may be more suited to your needs.
Either way, both of these hives can be expanded, with the ability to add more boxes. However, bear in mind that expanding the 7-frame beehive to hold the same amount as the 10-frame version will most likely be more expensive, and more hassle than just buying the 10-frame version to begin with… Some food for thought at least!
None-the-less, both of these plastic beehives have fantastic customer reviews & ratings on Amazon, and because of this, we’re confident that no matter which nuc you choose, you’ll be fully satisfied with your choice.
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Steve's experience in beekeeping is extensive, having managed numerous hives and colonies of bees throughout his career. He is well-versed in all aspects of beekeeping, from hive management and bee behavior to honey production and bee health. Steve is also an advocate for sustainable beekeeping practices, using natural and organic methods to maintain healthy hives and protect the environment.
As a seasoned beekeeper, Steve has also shared his expertise with others by teaching workshops and classes on beekeeping. He is a sought-after speaker and has been invited to speak at conferences and events across the country.
With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Steve is a valuable resource for anyone interested in beekeeping. Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, Steve's insights and advice can help you become a successful and responsible beekeeper.