A medium box, widely known in the industry as a "honey super" or "honey box," is characterized physically by its height of 6 5/8 inches. It is a versatile hive component available in 5, 8, and 10-frame configurations, used by beekeepers for both honey storage and queen egg-laying, though it is most prized for its manageable weight during harvest.
The medium box represents the ideal compromise in hive management: it offers substantial storage capacity without the excessive weight of a deep box, protecting the beekeeper’s physical health during inspections and harvest.
Physical Specifications
Standardized Dimensions
The defining characteristic of a medium box is its vertical dimension.
Regardless of the width, a medium box is always 6 5/8 inches tall.
Frame Capacity Options
To accommodate different hive widths and beekeeper preferences, medium boxes are manufactured in three distinct widths.
You can find them in 10-frame, 8-frame, and 5-frame sizes.
The Strategic Advantage: Weight Management
The Lifting Limit
The most significant characteristic of the medium box is its full weight.
When completely filled with honey and bees, a medium box typically weighs between 40 and 60 lbs.
Comparison to Deep Boxes
This weight is significantly more manageable than a deep box (9 5/8 inches tall).
A deep box filled with honey can exceed 100 lbs, making it hazardous or impossible for many beekeepers to lift alone. Consequently, deep boxes are rarely used for honey storage.
Operational Versatility
Dual-Purpose Usage
While medium boxes are frequently called "honey supers," their utility is not limited to food storage.
They are also effective as brood chambers, providing a space for the queen to lay eggs.
Modular Flexibility
Because they can house both brood and honey, medium boxes allow for interchangeable equipment.
This contrasts with the traditional method of using deeps exclusively for brood and smaller boxes exclusively for honey.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Medium vs. Shallow Boxes
A "shallow" box is 5 5/8 inches tall—only one inch shorter than a medium.
However, shallow boxes are becoming less common. Beekeepers generally prefer mediums because they hold more honey than a shallow box without being significantly heavier or harder to handle.
Medium vs. Deep Boxes
Deep boxes are the traditional standard for the brood nest because the large frames provide a continuous laying area for the queen.
However, using deeps restricts you; once a deep is filled with honey, it becomes a stationary object due to its immense weight, whereas a medium remains mobile.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When deciding how to integrate medium boxes into your apiary, consider your physical capabilities and management style.
- If your primary focus is Ease of Harvest: Utilize medium boxes exclusively for honey collection to ensure you never have to lift more than 60 lbs at a time.
- If your primary focus is Equipment Standardization: Consider using medium boxes for both brood and honey to create a completely modular hive where every frame and box is interchangeable.
- If your primary focus is Maximizing Brood Area: You may prefer deep boxes for the nest, but you should still transition to medium boxes above the brood nest for honey storage.
Selecting the medium box is a strategic decision to prioritize long-term sustainability and ease of handling over maximum raw volume per box.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Specification | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Height | 6 5/8 Inches | Consistent size for easy stacking and compatibility. |
| Full Weight | 40 - 60 lbs | Manageable lifting compared to 100+ lb deep boxes. |
| Frame Options | 5, 8, or 10-frame | Versatility to match various hive configurations. |
| Primary Use | Honey Super / Brood | Flexible modularity for harvest or egg-laying. |
| Compatibility | Interchangeable Frames | Streamlines equipment management across the apiary. |
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