Hoover Hives Review

Since I’ve started my website I’ve had a chance to learn about a lot of different beehives. One that has stood out as a favorite among beekeepers is the Langstroth hive made by Hoover Hives.

I’ve been wanting to write a Hoover Hives review for a long time because of their wax coated wood. I wrote an article about safe paint for beehives and learned about how damaging paint can be, for bees and for us. That led me to discover the many benefits of wax coated beehives.

This Hoover Hives review will include an indepth look at the features of Hoover Hives, as well as the pros and cons. I hope you will find this review helpful in your beekeeping journey.

First, lets go over the features of Hoover Hives. They are known for their wax coated wood, but their hives also have other great features. Next, I’ll list everything that is included in their beehive kits. These include everything that a beekeeper will need to get started.

Then, I’ve laid out all of the pros and cons of Hoover Hives. At the end of this review I have also included a Hoover Hives coupon code if you are interested in giving Hoover Hives a try yourself.

See Hoover Hives

Features

Wax Coated Wood

The most notable thing about Hoover Hives is that they used wax dipped wood for all of their beehives. And not just any wax- they use beeswax, making it a sustainable way to protect the wood. Not only is beeswax protective, it also gives the hives a really beautiful finish.

Most beehives need to be painted for protection from the elements. However, the downside to that is that most paint is toxic and can be harmful to the bees. Hoover Hives solves that problem by coating the wood used in their hives with beeswax.

This wax coating protects the wood from sun, rain, snow, and wind, and also creates a familiarity for the bees. Just as bees are more accepting of wax coated foundation, a wax coated hive will keep your bees calm and happy.

Another benefit of wax coated wood is that it saves you time. With other beehives you have to paint it, then wait for several weeks for the paint to off-gas. With Hoover Hives, everything arrives ready for assembly. That means that you can start beekeeping right away.

The wood Hoover Hives uses for their boxes is fir. They chose this wood because of it’s tight knit grain flow. That means that the hive will be unlikely to warp due to rain. The boxes feature precision cut dovetail joints that can last for years.

I have to say, I am really impressed with how thoughtful Hoover Hives was when choosing the materials to build their hives. They really put a lot of thought into making their hives strong and durable.

Frames and Foundation

You can get Hoover Hives with either 10 frames, or 8 frames. Their frames are made out of New Zealand pine. They also come with 2 types of CellTech foundation that has been dipped in 100% beeswax. This will allow the bees to quickly accept the hive as their new home.

The black foundation is for the brood frames. The dark color is helpful when you are looking for tiny eggs. The honey colored foundation is for the supers. The lighter color helps to spot debris within the honey cells. Both types of foundation are made of food grade plastic and are coated in 100% beeswax.

I really like that they include 2 types of foundation. The black foundation is especially helpful to new beekeepers because it makes spotting eggs really easy. I also like that the foundation comes pre-waxed because the wax will help the bees accept their new home and create comb faster.

Telescoping Top Cover

Hoover Hives include a telescoping top cover that is topped with galvanized steel. The steel is resistant to rust and helps to protect the hive from rain.

Inner Cover

The inner cover features an oval opening in the middle.

Solid Bottom Board

The solid bottom board included with Hoover Hives is pre assembled and keeps bees insulated in the winter.

Measurements

All parts of Hoover Hives have dimensions that are consistent with industry standards. Therefore, these hive parts are interchangeable with most other Langstroth beehives.

Kits

Hoover Hives sells their hives in both kits and separate parts. There are 2 different kits available – a 10 frame kit and an 8 frame kit. These kits include 2 deeps and 1 super. Their kits include the following, the only difference being the number of frames:

Beeswax Coated Telescoping Top Cover (18-1/2″ x 22″ x 2-7/8″)
Beeswax Coated Inner Cover (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 3/4″)
Plastic Queen Excluder (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 1/8″)
2 Deep Brood Boxes Double Dipped in Beeswax (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″)
16 or 20 Deep Brood Langstroth Wood Frames (9-1/8″ x 19″ x 1-3/8″)
16 or 20 Beeswax Coated Plastic Deep Foundations (8-1/2″ x 16-3/4″ x 3/16″)
1 Medium Super Box Double Dipped in Beeswax (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 6-5/8″)
8 or 10 Medium Super Langstroth Wood Frames (6-1/4″ x 19″ x 1-3/8″)
8 or 10 Beeswax Coated Plastic Medium Foundations (5-5/8″ x 16-3/4″ x 3/16″)
Beeswax Coated Entrance Reducer (14-5/8″ x 3/4″ x 3/4″)
Beeswax Coated Solid Bottom Board (16-1/4″ x 22″ x 2-9/16″)
Nails Included if “Not Assembled”
Detailed Assembly Instructions

Boxes and Parts

If you already have a Langstroth hive, you may not need a whole kit. In that case, you can buy just the boxes, frames, and foundations. Additionally, beehive parts can be purchased as a kit. The kit includes the following:

Beeswax Coated Telescoping Top Cover (18-1/2″ x 22″ x 2-7/8″)
Beeswax Coated Inner Cover (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 3/4″)
Plastic Queen Excluder (16-1/4″ x 19-7/8″ x 1/8″)
Beeswax Coated Solid Bottom Board (16-1/4″ x 22″ x 2-9/16″)
Beeswax Coated Entrance Reducer (14-5/8″ x 3/4″ x 3/4″)
Oval Bee Escape

If you don’t need the whole kit, each item can also be purchased separately. Hoover Hives boxes and parts follow standard measurements for Langstroth hives, therefore, you can use these parts with your existing Langstroth hive.

Hoover Hives Starter Kit

I particularly like the new Hoover Hives starter kit. It is perfect for new beekeepers, or to give as a gift. You’ll get everything needed to start beekeeping, except for the bees. There are 2 options for the starter kit – 3 frames or 8 frames.

You should choose 3 frames if you are planning on getting a nuc. That way you can easily insert the 5 frames from the nuc into your hive. The 8 frame option is best for those getting a package of bees or if you have caught a swarm.

This kit includes the following:

Telescoping Top Cover Capped with Galvanized Steel (100% Wax-Coated)(16-1/4″ x 22″ x 2-7/8″)
Inner Cover (14″ x 19-7/8″ x 3/4″)
Plastic Queen Excluder (14″ x 19-7/8″ x 1/8″)
1 Deep Brood Box (100% Wax-Coated)(14″ x 19-7/8″ x 9-5/8″)
3 Deep Brood Langstroth Wood Frames (1-3/8″ x 19″ x 9-1/8″)
3 or 8 CellTech Frames/Foundations (100% Wax-Coated)(1-3/8″ x 19″ x 9-1/8″)
Solid Bottom Board (100% Wax-Coated)(14″ x 22″ x 2-9/16″)
Entrance Reducer (100% Wax-Coated)(12-1/4″ x 3/4″ x 3/4″)
Elbow Length Leather Gloves
Extra Protective Jacket
Reinforced Up Right Veil
The Original Smoker
Curled Hive Tool
Product Comes Assembled

See Hoover Hives Starter Kit

Pros of the Hoover Hive

Beeswax coated wood is protected from the elements without using toxic paint.
Attractive – Wax gives the wood a beautiful finish.
Easy assembly – Nails and detailed instructions are included.
Precision cut dovetail joints fit together perfectly.
Black and natural colored foundations are included. Foundations are also wax coated.
Made of high quality wood that will not warp due to rain, Hoover Hives can last for years.
Kits are great for beginners.
Can be pre-assembled, if you order from Galena Farms.
All parts are interchangeable with standard Langstroth beehives.
Beeswax that coats the hive has a pleasant honey smell.
Affordable and great value for the price.

Cons of the Hoover Hive

Some people have reported issues with the wood splitting when hammering nails. To avoid this, you can pre-drill holes slightly smaller than the nail’s diameter.
Wax may not be evenly applied. If this is the case, you must add more wax to the wood.
Paint will not stick to waxed wood, so if you prefer to paint your hive, you cannot do it with Hoover Hives.

Where to Get Hoover Hives

Hoover Hives are made in the US and are primarily sold online. You can buy Hoover Hives from their website, galenafarms.com. A good thing about ordering from their website is that they offer free, fast shipping for orders $50 or more. They also have discounts for bulk orders and bundles.

Summary

I hope this Hoover Hives review was able to teach you more about these beehives. Overall, Hoover Hives displays quality workmanship in their hives. From the precision cut joints, to the wax dipped wood, much care and thought has gone into making them.

If you are a reader of my blog, you probably already know that I am a big fan of wax coated beehives. There are just so many benefits to them, I think any beekeeper would enjoy a using one. My personal favorite wax dipped hive is Hoover Hives.

Hoover Hives beehive kits are great for beginner beekeepers, as it includes everything you would need. These hives have many pros and very few cons, so I do recommend Hoover Hives to anyone interested in beekeeping.

If you are interested in tyring Hoover Hives, use code COMPLETEBEEHIVES for 5% off your order. Click the button below, or see their website here.

Click Here to See Hoover Hives

This post was originally published on July 29, 2020 and updated on 5/3/2022.