Langstroth
This is the most popular hive in the US, but much of this has to do with the fact that it’s the easiest to transport in bulk on a semi(for commercial pollination beekeepers).
Typically deployed in 10 frame of 8 frame wide configurations; the 8 frame being lighter to lift. The box shape is that of a rectangle.
Finding boxes and frames for it is quite easy.
New boxes are typically added on top of the hive, simply removing the roof, adding the box, and placing the roof back into place.
Langstroth - Apimaye
New innovation, a non-wooden hive! This hive is built to last for many years.
Sophisticated, Good looking, and User friendly.
Available in both 10 frame and 7 frame configurations. WIth an insulation value close to 6.93, which is over 6 times better insulation than similarly sized pine wood hives. Best for extreme heat and cold climates.
Warre
One of the cutest hives around, the Warre hive is a aesthetic gardener’s favorite.
The primary distinction is that the boxes are square, being equal length and width. In addition, Warre management typically adds new boxes to the bottom of the hive, allowing the bees to build comb downward.
In addition, many beekeepers leverage ‘top bars’ rather than frames. Top bars are slightly more difficult to inspect as you must cut the wax from the side of the box in order to remove the comb.
Log
Log hive management is typically more of an art than a business.
Benefits of log hives is that it’s the closest to a natural environment for the bees; and bees in log hives tend to have less pests and be stronger hives.
Drawbacks is that they are harder to manage, and you must often build them yourself.
Horizontal - Layens
Used predominantly in Spain, Portugal, and also by hobbyists in the US.
The two benefits of the Layens hive is that there is no heavy lifting for the beekeeper; and the height of the box is greater than that of the Langstroth and Warre, allowing for a longer uninterrupted comb for the bees to navigate up during winter.
Layens hives typically use a full Layens frame, rather than a top bar, for supporting the comb.
Horizontal - Kenyen Top Bar
Additional benefits of Horizontal hives is that it’s the simplest to “split” the hive into 2 separate hives. This can be done simply by placing a separating board, called a “follower board”, in the middle of the bars.
Also, this hive can store equipment directly in the storage area above the hive, clearing room in the beekeepers garage; with no need for extra boxes.
The triangular shape of the box follows more closely to the bees natural tendency to lay eggs in a football shape on the comb.
Flow
The latest innovation to the beekeeping community, the flow hive.
No need to open the hive, a simple twist of a nob causes a the plastic frame foundation to shift, breaking the comb and causes the honey to flow out a spout on the hive.
Sizes available to fit both an 8 or 10 frame Langstroth box, flow frames are wider to support the mechanism, allowing for a total of 7 frames.
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