Harvesting honey and managing a healthy beehive is no simple task. It’s a process that can be stressful for both the bees and the beekeeper. Traditional honey extraction methods often disturb the bees, and unfortunately, some bees can get crushed or injured in the process. For the beekeeper, the risk of stings and the time-intensive nature of harvesting make it equally challenging.
But what if there was a way to make honey harvesting easier for both the bees and the beekeeper?
Enter the Flow Hive, an innovation developed by an Australian father-son duo, the Andersons. The Flow Hive is a specially designed beehive that allows honey to be harvested without disrupting the bees. It simplifies the process, reducing the risk to both parties. But how does it work, and what do beekeepers think about it? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
What Is Flow Hive?
The Flow Hive is a groundbreaking beehive design created after nearly a decade of research and development. Its main goal is to make honey harvesting less stressful for the bees while simplifying the process for the beekeeper.
Bees benefit from Flow Hive because it minimizes disturbance during harvesting, reducing the risk of injury. At the same time, beekeepers no longer have to worry as much about stings or the complexities of traditional extraction. The result is healthier bees and happier beekeepers.
The Andersons launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring their invention to life. Their Indiegogo campaign was a massive success, raising $250,000 within just 15 minutes. This overwhelming response reflected a desire for a better way to harvest honey and protect bee populations. Since its launch in 2015, Flow Hive has become popular worldwide, with thousands of hives now being used across 130 countries.
How Does Flow Hive Work?
Flow Hive revolutionizes honey extraction from traditional Langstroth hives by using innovative Flow Frames. These frames allow the honey to be harvested without opening the hive or disturbing the bees.
The key lies in the partially complete plastic cells within the Flow Frames. Bees fill these cells with honey and cap them with wax, just as they would with natural comb. What makes the Flow Hive different is that beekeepers can see when the honey is ready through a clear end-frame view or a side observation window, avoiding the need to open the hive.
When the honey is ready to be harvested, the beekeeper inserts a Flow Key into the frame, splitting the cells. This allows the honey to flow down into a trough and through a tube directly into jars, all without disrupting the bees. The bees are protected by small gaps in the design, giving them a safe place to retreat while the honey is being extracted.
What Does Flow Hive Offer?
Flow Hive offers a handful of different versions of their hives, as well as Flow Frames, protective wear, accessories, brood boxes, and much more.
We’re going to take a look at the Flow Hives themselves, and the differences between them.
Flow Hive Classic
This original version includes patented Flow Frames, an observation window, and a slope for easy honey harvesting. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced beekeepers and works in all climates.
Flow Hive 2
The best-selling Flow Hive 2 features dual observation windows, improved ventilation control, and a pest management system. It allows up to 21 kilograms of honey to be harvested when the super is full.
Flow Hive 2+
This is the model we personally use, and we couldn’t be happier with it. The Flow Hive 2+ offers additional features that make honey extraction and hive management easier than ever. With entrance reducers, harvesting shelf brackets, and optional ant-guard hive stands, it’s packed with innovations that make caring for our bees simpler while keeping them healthier. The Flow Super and built-in pest management system are standout features, ensuring that the bees thrive in a well-maintained hive. The hive’s user-friendly design has made it our top choice, and we love how it enhances both the ease of harvesting and the well-being of our bees.
Flow Hive Hybrid
For beekeepers who want the best of both worlds, the Hybrid combines Flow technology with traditional wooden frames, allowing for both honeycomb and liquid honey harvesting. It’s also the most affordable model.
The Flow Hive Community
One of the great things about Flow Hive is the supportive community that has formed around it. Flow Forums allow beekeepers worldwide to share tips, ask questions, and learn from each other. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned beekeeper, these forums provide invaluable resources for improving your beekeeping skills..
Flow Hive Reviews – What Do The Customers Think?
Overall, Flow Hive has received positive feedback from customers. Beekeepers appreciate the innovation and how it reduces the stress on bees while making honey harvesting easier. Many also value the educational resources available through Flow’s online forums.
However, there are some criticisms. Some users found the assembly of the hive to be challenging, especially for those new to beekeeping. Additionally, while Flow Hive makes honey extraction easier, it doesn’t eliminate the need for beekeeping knowledge. Beginners must still learn the essentials of hive management to keep their bees healthy.
Pros VS Cons
Pros
- Revolutionary new hive design.
- Allows for honey extraction without disturbing or harming the bees.
- Easier for beekeepers – less risk of being stung.
Cons
- Assemble hive yourself.
- Still need beekeeping knowledge.
Is It Worth It?
We believe so! Bee happiness and health is essential, and the Flow Hive keeps your bees undisturbed and well-protected, while still allowing you to extract loads of honey.
Flow Hive represents a significant innovation in beekeeping, offering a more bee-friendly and efficient way to harvest honey. By reducing disturbance during extraction, Flow Hive helps protect bees while simplifying the process for beekeepers. It’s an excellent tool for both beginners and experienced beekeepers looking for a more harmonious way to work with their bees.
If you’re considering beekeeping or looking for a more efficient method to harvest honey, Flow Hive is certainly worth exploring. The community support, innovative design, and positive experience we’ve had with the Flow Hive 2+ make it a great option for anyone passionate about beekeeping.
