Extracting honey from a Flow Hive is a mechanically simple process designed to be minimally disruptive. Once the bees have filled and capped the honey cells, you insert the Flow Key into a frame, turn it 90 degrees to split the cells and create channels, and allow the honey to drain out through a tube directly into your jar.
The Flow Hive's core innovation is not just the extraction method itself, but the elimination of the disruptive, labor-intensive steps of traditional harvesting. It transforms honey collection from a major operation into a simple, on-demand process, though it specializes in liquid honey at the expense of other types.
The Mechanics of "Honey on Tap"
The Flow Hive automates the most difficult part of honey harvesting. The system relies on specially designed plastic frames that the bees build their wax comb upon.
Confirming the Honey is Ready
Before you begin, you must verify the bees have completed their work. This is visible through the end-frame window of the hive.
You are looking for "capped" honey. This means the bees have filled a cell with honey and sealed it with a fresh layer of white beeswax, indicating the honey has the correct moisture content and is ready for storage. Harvesting uncapped honey can lead to fermentation.
The Extraction Process Step-by-Step
The process is straightforward and can be done one frame at a time.
- Open the Rear Window: Access the end of the frames where the extraction mechanism is located.
- Insert the Drain Tube: Place a honey tube into the designated collection point at the bottom of the frame you intend to harvest.
- Insert the Flow Key: Slide the long, metal Flow Key into the slot at the top of the same frame.
- Turn the Key: Rotate the key 90 degrees. This action shifts the parts of the plastic foundation, breaking the wax seals and turning the sealed cells into open channels that allow honey to flow downwards.
- Collect the Honey: The honey will flow down these channels, out the tube, and directly into your collection jar. A single frame can yield up to three kilograms (over 6 lbs) of honey, so have multiple jars ready.
Resetting the Frame
After the honey has finished draining, which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, you simply turn the Flow Key back to its original position.
This realigns the comb cells, allowing the bees to repair the wax seals and begin the process of refilling them with honey.
Why the Flow Hive Was Created
To understand the value of the Flow Hive, it's essential to understand the problem it solves: the complexity of traditional honey extraction.
The Traditional Extraction Challenge
Historically, harvesting honey is an invasive and multi-step process. It requires a smoker to calm the bees, physically removing heavy frames from the hive, and transporting them to a processing area.
From there, the beekeeper must use a hot knife to slice off the wax cappings and then place the frames into a centrifuge (a honey extractor) that spins at high speed to force the honey out. This is labor-intensive, stressful for the bees, and requires significant specialized equipment.
Minimizing Colony Disturbance
The Flow Hive was designed to leave the colony almost entirely undisturbed. The bees remain inside the hive, often unaware that the honey is being drained from the cells above them.
This gentle method avoids the stress and defensiveness that can be triggered when a hive is opened, smoked, and has its frames physically removed.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While revolutionary in its convenience, the Flow Hive system involves specific trade-offs that are important for any prospective user to consider.
No Option for Cut Comb Honey
The plastic Flow Frames are designed to be split and reset. This means you cannot produce cut comb or chunk honey, which are premium products consisting of honey still in its natural beeswax comb. Traditional hives with wax foundation frames are required for this.
Reliance on a Specific System
The Flow Hive is a complete, integrated system. The frames are specific to the Flow Hive supers (the honey boxes). This represents a significant upfront investment and a commitment to one type of honey production technology.
Foundational Beekeeping Skills Are Still Essential
The Flow Hive only automates honey extraction. It does not automate beekeeping. You are still fully responsible for managing the health of your colony.
This includes regularly inspecting the brood box (where the queen lays eggs), managing pests like Varroa mites, and ensuring the colony has enough resources to survive winter. The Flow Hive is a tool, not an autonomous beehive.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Deciding on a hive type depends entirely on your objectives as a beekeeper.
- If your primary focus is maximum convenience for harvesting liquid honey: The Flow Hive is engineered precisely for this goal, offering an unparalleled "on-tap" experience.
- If your primary focus is producing a variety of products, including cut comb: A traditional Langstroth hive provides the flexibility to harvest both liquid honey (with an extractor) and natural comb honey.
- If your primary focus is learning the full craft of apiculture: Recognize that the Flow Hive simplifies one major task, but does not replace the critical need for comprehensive hive management and bee health knowledge.
Understanding this technology's specific purpose and limitations is the key to integrating it successfully into your beekeeping journey.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm Honey is Ready | Look for white, wax-capped cells through the end-frame window. |
| 2 | Insert Drain Tube | Place the tube into the collection point at the frame's bottom. |
| 3 | Insert & Turn Flow Key | Turn the key 90 degrees to split the cells and start the honey flow. |
| 4 | Collect Honey | Honey drains directly into your jar. A frame can yield up to 3kg. |
| 5 | Reset the Frame | Turn the key back to its original position so bees can repair the comb. |
Ready to simplify your honey harvest? The Flow Hive revolutionizes extraction, but successful beekeeping still requires reliable, high-quality equipment.
At HONESTBEE, we supply the essential tools and protective gear that commercial apiaries and distributors need to manage healthy, productive colonies—whether they use traditional or innovative systems like the Flow Hive.
Let's discuss your specific needs. Contact our expert team today to explore our wholesale-focused catalog and ensure your operation is fully equipped for success.
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