At its core, a Flow Hive integrates several key components designed to simplify honey extraction while maintaining the essential structure of a standard beehive. The primary components include a standard brood box for the colony, a specialized "Flow Super" that houses the patented Flow Frames, an inner cover, a roof, and unique features like observation windows and a built-in harvesting shelf. The true innovation lies within the Flow Frames, which allow honey to be drained directly from the hive without removing the frames.
A Flow Hive is not a completely different type of beehive, but rather a standard hive system built around a revolutionary honey extraction mechanism. Understanding its components reveals a design focused on minimizing bee disturbance and simplifying the harvesting process for the beekeeper.
The Anatomy of the Flow System
A Flow Hive is composed of parts that are familiar to traditional beekeeping and parts that are entirely unique. The magic happens where these two designs intersect.
The Brood Box: The Engine of the Colony
The brood box is the lower section of the hive and is functionally identical to that of a traditional Langstroth hive. This is where the queen lays her eggs and the colony raises its young bees (the brood). It is the heart of the colony's health and population.
The Flow Super: The Honey Factory
Sitting above the brood box is the Flow Super. While it looks like a standard hive box from the outside, its purpose is to house the specialized Flow Frames where bees will store their surplus honey.
The Flow Frames: The Heart of the Innovation
This is the component that defines the Flow Hive. Flow Frames are patented plastic frames containing partially formed honeycomb cells. Bees complete the cells with their own wax before filling them with honey and capping them.
The extraction process works via a special Flow Key. When the key is inserted and turned, it splits the cells vertically inside the frame, creating channels for the honey to flow down and out of the hive through sealed tubes, all while the frames remain in place.
Observation Windows: A Clear View
Flow Hives typically include observation windows on the side of the Flow Super and sometimes on the brood box. These allow the beekeeper to monitor the bees' progress in filling the frames without opening the hive, reducing disturbance to the colony.
The Harvesting Shelf and Collection System
When the Flow Key is turned, honey exits the hive through Flow Tubes into your collection jars. The hive includes a harvesting shelf that provides a convenient place to set these jars during the extraction process.
How the System Redefines Harvesting
The unique components of the Flow Hive are all designed to serve a single purpose: to make honey harvesting dramatically simpler and less stressful for both the bees and the beekeeper.
Minimal Disturbance to the Colony
Traditional harvesting requires opening the hive, smoking the bees, removing heavy frames, and transporting them to a separate location for extraction. The Flow system allows honey to be drained with almost zero disturbance to the bees inside.
Reduced Equipment and Physical Effort
With a Flow Hive, there is no need for expensive and cumbersome extraction equipment like a centrifugal spinner, uncapping knives, or filters. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for new beekeepers and reduces the physical labor involved.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Realities
While the harvesting method is innovative, it's crucial to approach the Flow Hive with a clear understanding of what it does and does not change about beekeeping.
Beekeeping Fundamentals Still Apply
A Flow Hive does not manage the bees for you. You are still responsible for all aspects of colony health, including regular inspections for pests like Varroa mites, checking on the queen, and ensuring the colony has enough resources. Its maintenance is very similar to a standard hive.
Reliance on Plastic Components
The Flow Frames are made of BPA-free plastic. While bees readily use them, some beekeepers prefer to keep their hives entirely free of plastic, opting for natural wood and beeswax foundation. This is a matter of personal beekeeping philosophy.
Higher Initial Investment
Flow Hives represent a significantly higher upfront cost compared to a traditional Langstroth hive setup. This investment is traded for the convenience and the savings on separate, costly extraction equipment down the line.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The decision to use a Flow Hive should be based on your personal beekeeping goals and priorities.
- If your primary focus is simplicity and a gentle harvest: The Flow Hive is an excellent choice, as its design is unmatched for ease of extraction and minimal disturbance.
- If your primary focus is a lower startup cost and traditional methods: A standard Langstroth hive may be a better fit, allowing you to learn conventional skills and invest in extraction equipment later.
- If your primary focus is education or beekeeping with children: The observation windows and simple harvesting process make the Flow Hive an outstanding tool for safely observing and engaging with the bees.
Ultimately, understanding these components allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for beekeeping.
Summary Table:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Brood Box | Standard lower section where the queen lives and brood is raised. |
| Flow Super | Specialized upper box that houses the innovative Flow Frames. |
| Flow Frames | Patented plastic frames that allow honey to be drained directly from the hive. |
| Observation Windows | Allow beekeepers to monitor hive activity without opening it. |
| Harvesting Shelf & Tubes | Provides a platform and path for honey to flow into collection jars. |
Ready to simplify your beekeeping operation? Whether you manage a commercial apiary or are a distributor of beekeeping equipment, HONESTBEE supplies the high-quality, durable supplies you need for success. From traditional Langstroth hives to innovative systems, our wholesale-focused operations ensure you get the right equipment for your goals. Contact our expert team today to discuss your needs and discover how we can support your business.
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