Flow Hives and Langstroth hives share foundational components like a base, brood box, honey super, and roof, but differ in design specifics. The Flow Hive introduces innovative Flow Frames for non-invasive honey extraction, while Langstroth hives rely on traditional removable frames. Both systems prioritize modularity, with Langstroth hives offering more customization through optional accessories like queen excluders and feeders. The key distinction lies in harvesting mechanics—Flow Hives simplify the process, whereas Langstroth hives require manual frame removal. Roof designs also vary, with Flow Hives featuring a gabled slope versus Langstroth’s flat top.
Key Points Explained:
1. Base (Bottom Board)
- Function: Serves as the hive’s foundation, providing an entrance for bees.
- Shared Feature: Both hives use a base, but Flow Hives may integrate it more seamlessly with their harvesting system.
- Langstroth Optional Add-ons: Hive stands or entrance reducers can be added for stability or pest control.
2. Brood Box
- Purpose: Houses frames where bees build comb for brood rearing and honey storage.
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Design:
- Langstroth: Typically uses deep boxes for brood chambers.
- Flow Hive: Also employs removable frames but may include pre-formed comb foundations.
3. Honey Super
- Role: Stacked above the brood box for surplus honey storage.
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Key Difference:
- Flow Hive: Uses patented Flow Frames with partially formed comb cells that split open for honey drainage.
- Langstroth: Requires manual frame extraction and uncapping.
4. Frames
- Langstroth: Standard wooden/plastic frames with wax foundation.
- Flow Hive: Proprietary Flow Frames with plastic honey channels.
5. Roof (Top Cover)
- Flow Hive: Sloped gabled roof for weather resistance.
- Langstroth: Flat outer cover, often paired with an inner cover for insulation.
6. Optional Components (Langstroth-Specific)
- Queen Excluder: Prevents the queen from laying eggs in honey supers.
- Feeders: Supplemental food sources during scarcity.
- Cloak Board: Insulation or ventilation control.
7. Harvesting Mechanism
- Flow Hive: Turn a key to release honey via tubes—minimal disturbance.
- Langstroth: Requires smoking bees, removing frames, and centrifugal extraction.
8. Modularity & Customization
- Langstroth: Highly modular with interchangeable box sizes (deep, medium, shallow).
- Flow Hive: Less customizable due to proprietary parts but streamlined for ease.
Both systems cater to different beekeeping philosophies: Langstroth for hands-on management, Flow Hive for convenience. The choice hinges on harvesting preferences and willingness to adopt new technology.
Summary Table:
| Component | Flow Hive Feature | Langstroth Hive Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Integrated with harvesting system | Optional stands/reducers for stability/pests |
| Brood Box | Removable frames, pre-formed comb possible | Deep boxes standard |
| Honey Super | Flow Frames for non-invasive extraction | Manual frame removal required |
| Frames | Plastic honey channels | Wooden/plastic with wax foundation |
| Roof | Gabled slope design | Flat outer + inner cover |
| Harvesting | Turn-key honey release | Smoking, uncapping, extraction |
| Customization | Limited (proprietary parts) | High (interchangeable box sizes, add-ons) |
Ready to choose the right hive for your apiary? Contact HONESTBEE for expert advice on Flow Hives, Langstroth systems, and wholesale beekeeping equipment tailored to commercial operations.
