Specification

TOP BAR HIVE WARRE HIVE LANGSTROTH HIVE
OVERVIEW Rising in popularity for backyard
beekeepers due to its simplicity, ease
of access, no heavy lifting, and few
accessories required.
The most hands-o hive, ideal for
those looking for a simple-to-manage
hive with lighter boxes.
Most common hive in North America.
Heavy boxes, lots of accessories and
resources available.
COST Low to high. Costs range from very
cheap (building your own) to high-end
with all the bells and whistles and ev-
erything in between. Few accessories
required.
Low to high depending on if building
your own or purchasing one. Few
accessories required.
Mass produced hives are relatively
cheap, but required accessories and
components add up and are costly.
MAINTENANCE The most frequent maintenance and
monitoring, but no heavy lifting is
involved.
The least maintenance. Boxes added
to the bottom in the spring. Harvest in
the fall.
Relatively little maintenance. Boxes
can be added early in anticipation of
colony growth or a strong nectar ow.
WEIGHT The easiest on the back. Once the hive
is in place, lifting only involves 3-7lb
combs.
Signicantly lighter than the Lang-
stroth, heavier than the horizontal top
bar hive.
The heaviest and most awkward to lift
and maintain, between approximately
30 and 80lbs, depending on the box
size.
PRODUCTION Some expert top bar beekeepers
maintain they harvest similar honey
quantities from their Top Bar Hives
and their Langstroths. More frequent
inspection required.
Comparable production to Langstroth
as long as boxes are added on time.
Arguably the highest honey produc-
tion of the three, due to large box
sizes.
COLONY
HEALTH
Natural, foundationless combs im-
prove colony health.
Natural, foundationless combs im-
prove colony health.
With foundationless combs, the
same likelihood for survival as other
designs.
(Table from
“The Best Be Hive.”)
02
Choosing the best hive: