The Short Answer
This 3-box kit (2 deep boxes + 1 medium super) stands out for its full 100% beeswax-coating process, applied to every wooden component including boxes, frames, and even the entrance reducer and mouse guard — not just the frames, which is where most competing kits stop. It’s a genuinely more complete setup than typical 2-box starter kits, since two deep boxes gives a colony more room to establish before you need to add anything.
What’s in the Box
| Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| Hive | 2 deep brood boxes + 1 medium super, all 100% beeswax-coated |
| Frames | 20 total (10 deep, 10 medium), wax-coated CellTech foundation |
| Top cover | Telescoping, capped with galvanized steel, wax-coated |
| Extras | Plastic queen excluder, entrance reducer, mouse guard — all included and wax-coated |
| Assembly required | Yes — predrilled holes and screws included for easy assembly |
3-Box System Explained
Two deep boxes instead of one gives a new colony significantly more room to build up brood before you need to add a honey super — a genuine advantage for a first-year colony over kits that ship with only a single deep box. The included queen excluder and entrance reducer round out a setup that’s closer to what many kits sell as add-ons, rolled into the base price.
Value vs. Premium Kits
Reviewers consistently cite the wax-coating process and overall craftsmanship as standout positives for the price, alongside occasional reports of light craftsmanship issues or spots where the wax coating didn’t fully penetrate — worth a quick visual check on arrival before assembly, as you would with any unassembled woodenware kit. Compared to fully assembled premium options, this kit trades some finishing polish for a meaningfully lower price and more included components.
Who Should Buy This
- Beginners who want two deep boxes from the start rather than adding a second one later
- Beekeepers who want the queen excluder and entrance hardware included rather than as separate purchases
- Anyone comfortable with basic assembly who’s inspected wooden kits before and knows to do a quick quality check on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this kit fully assembled?
No — it ships unassembled with predrilled holes and screws included, designed for straightforward assembly with basic tools.
Does the wax coating replace the need for exterior paint?
The wax coating helps preserve the wood and encourages bees to accept the hive faster, but it’s not a substitute for exterior paint if you want maximum long-term weather protection — many beekeepers still add a coat of paint over time as the wax coating wears.
Does this kit include bees or protective gear?
No. Like our other kit reviews, bees and protective gear are separate purchases not included with any woodenware kit.
See how this compares to other kits: Best Complete Beginner Beekeeping Kits.