There are a handful of tools that are essential for beekeepers to be successful. One of those items is a bee smoker. With a smoker, beekeepers can tame bees and keep them calm during hive interactions.
Honeybees communicate through smell. They release pheromones to communicate a message to one another. When an intruder is near the hive, bees will release an alarm pheromone that will cause the rest of the bees to react defensively. This alarm will make the other bees ready to stage an attack against the threat that is approaching them. A bee smoker masks the pheromone, leaving bees unaware of any potential threat. Without their sense of smell, other bees won’t know of any danger and therefore, they stay calm.
When you open the hive, you’ll notice a lot of bees eating the honey that they stored in the combs. A bee smoker also simulates a forest fire for honeybees. That’s because as soon as bees come into contact with smoke, they go into survival mode. They think their surroundings are on fire so they begin preparations to leave the hive. They eat up as much honey as they can so they can save it from the flames and move it to their new home. This not only distracts bees from beekeepers, but full stomachs also make bees happy. When a bee has a belly full of honey, their abdomens expand and they can’t sting predators.
Smoke is widely used when working with honeybees because it effectively calms bees down by making them seemingly drowsy. Using a smoker minimizes the chances of stinging and makes it a safer environment for the beekeeper. For more information on how smokers affect bees and their health, see our article Is Smoking Bees Bad.
Smokers have been used for generations and continue to be a necessity for a majority of beekeepers. Over the years, several modifications have been added that give you the smoker design that we have today. With the various types of smokers on the market, you can be sure to find the right unit for your beekeeping endeavors. And lucky for you, the research has already been done!
In this article, we will discuss our list of the 12 best bee smokers on the market today. These bee smokers come with high recommendations from customers do to their effectiveness, durability, and attention to budget limitations.
Want to Skip The Long Article?
If you’re in a rush or just don’t want to scroll through this whole article and all you want is a quick suggestion for the best bee smoker, then this section is for you! After assessing countless bee smoker reviews from all levels of beekeepers, we found that the Mann Lake HD540 Stainless Steel Smoker may be the best smoker for you!
If you’re looking to purchase one smoker that will get the job done right every time, then invest in the Mann Lake bee smoker. Unlike the other models in this list, this smoker has rubber bellows which show no wear over time. It’s lightweight, yet very sturdy. This is the top smoker on the market and buyers agree that its ability to smoke for a long time is worth the cost. No matter if you have one hive or dozens, the Mann Lake smoker will be an effective tool that can last for many years.
If the Mann Lake HD540 Stainless Steel Smoker is not available, then our next best pick would be the Foxhound Bee Company Large Pro Stainless Steel Bee Smoker.
| Picture | Model | Bellow Material | Weight | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | VIVO Stainless Steel Bee Hive Smoker with Heat Shield (BEE-V001) | Leather | 1.74 Pounds | Compact and Portable Heat Shield Mounting Hook Perforated Fire Base 6-Month Warranty |
  | Mann Lake HD540 Stainless Steel Smoker | Rubber | 1.81 Pounds | Compact and Portable Heat Shield Mounting Hook Rubber Bellow Easy to identify while inspecting a hive |
  | Flexzion Bee Hive Smoker | Vinyl | 1.90 Pounds | Compact and Portable Heat Shield Popular unit for deer hunters to cover up scents Long-lasting Smoke Budget-Friendly |
  | Foxhound Bee Company Large Pro Stainless Steel Bee Smoker | Faux Leather | 1.95 Pounds | Larger Model Mounting Hook Heat Guard Faux-Leather, Green Bellow for easy identification Heavy duty double pull ring for easy lid-opening with gloves |
  | MUDUOBAN Electric Bee Hive Smoker | N/A; Electric | 1.75 Pounds | Mounting Hook Heat Guard Electric Blower Easy to use |
  | Blisstime Bee Hive Smoker | Vinyl | 2.15 Pounds | Mounting Hook Heat Guard Comes with 54 pieces of Smoker Pellets Durable Budget-Friendly |
  | Agralogix Bee Smoker (Heavy Duty Stainless Steel) | Leather | 2.50 Pounds | Ideal for smoking multiple hives Heat Shield Mounting Hook American designed |
  | Goodland Bee Supply Bee Hive Smoker | Leather | 2.13 Pounds | Compact and Portable Heat Shield Mounting Hook Leather Bellow Includes 3 smoke fuel logs |
  | CO-Z Bee Smoker Stainless Steel Beehive Smoker | Vinyl | 1.64 Pounds | Compact and Portable Heat Shield Popular unit for deer hunters to cover up scents Long-lasting Smoke Budget-Friendly |
  | Hoont Commercial Grade Bee Smoker for Beekeeping | Vinyl | 1.75 Pounds | Easy to use Mounting Hook Heat Guard Vinyl Bellow Heavy duty double pull ring for easy lid-opening with gloves |
  | Honey Keeper Bee Hive Smoker | Leather | 2.3 Pounds | Mounting Hook Heat Guard Easy to Use Budget-Friendly Durable |
  | SODIAL Stainless Steel Electric Bee Smoke Transmitter Kit | N/A; Electric | 1.45 Pounds | • Mounting Hook • Heat Guard • Electric Blower • Batteries are included |
How To Use A Bee Smoker
A bee smoker works by releasing carbon smoke into a hive. To start a smoker, you will need a match or lighter, newspaper, a flammable starter material, and smoker fuel. Many different materials can be used as fuel for a smoker. The most common ones are cotton fiber, wood, pine needles, wood pellets, and burlap.
The basic steps for lighting a bee smoker are:
- Burn some old newspaper and place it on the bottom of the smoker.
- Squeeze the bellows to ensure the newspaper maintains a flame.
- Add some kindling, such as dry twigs or pine cones, until the burner is around ¾ full.
- Once the kindling is glowing, add any fuel of your choice.
- Use the bellows until you have a cool, white smoke.
What To Consider When Choosing A Bee Smoker
There are several features to consider when purchasing a bee smoker.
Durability & Ease of Use
Look for smokers that are made from durable material to ensure your smoker will last. The most popular material is stainless steel. It’s high quality and will last after many uses. Don’t invest in a smoker that will break or deform in a short time.
Also, look for smokers that are designed with the user in mind. Be sure that the smoker can be pumped using only one hand. When you are inspecting a hive, you will need to use your other hand to do other tasks like lifting the hive top or adjusting frames. A smoker should not be difficult to use, especially if your bees become aggressive. You’ll want a smoker that is smooth and easy to operate.
Finally, high-quality smokers come with a mounting hook. A mounting hook allows you to hang up the smoker when it’s not in use. It also allows the smoker to cool down safely after use.
Heat Protection Cage
High-quality smokers will feature a heat protection cage. A heat protection cage prevents you from burning your hands while using the smoker. You’ll want to be sure that the cage is made from durable material so you can keep yourself protected from the high heat.
Bellow Material
The bellow of a bee smoker delivers air to the fuel and grows the cool, white smoke that will be used on the hives. High-quality smokers will have larger bellows that provide more direct air into the burn chamber. Beekeepers can pump less to grow more smoke.
Typically, bee smoker bellows are made of several types of material: leather, vinyl, or rubber. Evaluate your personal needs to determine which bellow is right for your beekeeping endeavors. Some beekeepers prefer rubber bellows because it has a longer service life. People also find rubber bellows to be more durable when exposed to water and direct sun. If the leather gets wet, it starts to crack, while rubber is unaffected.
Leather and vinyl are still high-quality materials for a smoker bellow. You shouldn’t be opening a hive when it’s raining so your smoker should not have direct contact with water. If you find that your bellow is damaged in any way in the future, you can typically purchase a replacement unit without needing to replace the entire smoker.
VIVO Stainless Steel Bee Hive Smoker with Heat Shield (BEE-V001)
The VIVO Bee Hive Smoker is a favorite among all levels of beekeepers. It’s made of stainless steel which keeps the tool durable and produces cool smoke. It’s portable with a height of 11 inches and a canister diameter of 4 inches. The smoker weighs approximately 1.74 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to use during hive inspections. This high-quality unit also comes with a heat shield that surrounds the smoker and prevents burns. The VIVO smoker features a mounting hook to safely store the tool. The smoker also has air pockets at the bottom to ensure good airflow and to keep the chamber from getting too hot. The bellows are made of leather material. VIVO stands behind its product by offering a 6-month warranty.
Buyers love the VIVO smoker. It’s appropriate for all levels of beekeeping, particularly for hobbyists. Multiple buyers emphasized that the smoke lasts for 20-30 minutes which is typically beyond the time it takes to conduct a standard hive inspection. Some buyers found the smoker to get very hot although this is typical for all bee smokers. When other buyers discovered the air holes at the base of the tool, they said it helped keep things cool. Several buyers complained about the leather material of the bellow. For some, the bellow began to rip after purchase. Luckily, the 6-month warranty gave them a replacement bellow.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable
- Heat Shield
- Mounting Hook
- Perforated Fire Base
- 6-Month Warranty
Cons:
- Leather bellow sometimes needs replacement
Mann Lake HD540 Stainless Steel Smoker
The Mann Lake bee smoker is a high-quality tool that is not only durable but convenient. This smoker is made from heavy-duty stainless steel material. It’s convenient to carry with its 10-inch height and 4-inch diameter. The smoker weighs approximately 1.81 pounds, making it easy to lift with one hand during hive inspections. This unit features a heat guard to protect the user from burns. It also has a mounting hook to safe storage. The Mann Lake smoker has a rubber bellow that can be replaced. However, buyers love the high-durability of this bellow compared to other units on the market.
Buyers boast about the reliability and effectiveness of the Mann Lake smoker. They love how it produces a large amount of cool smoke that lasts for the duration of their hive inspection. Buyers who have owned the tool for a long time love that the rubber bellow remains intact with no signs of wear after multiple uses. One buyer mentioned that the yellow color of the bellow makes it easy to identify the smoker when they are wearing a beekeeping veil. A handful of users found the lid of the smoker difficult to properly close and seal during use however it is achievable after a few attempts. This unit is also higher in price compared to others on the list however, buyers agree that the price is worth the quality of heavy-duty stainless steel and the durability of the rubber bellow.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable
- Heat Shield
- Mounting Hook
- Rubber Bellow
- Easy to identify while inspecting a hive
Cons:
- Sometimes, the lid does not fit properly and requires the user to take additional time to close it
- The unit is pricier compared to other smokers on the market
Flexzion Bee Hive Smoker
The Flexzion Bee Hive Smoker is a quality smoker at an affordable cost for any beekeeper. This smoker is made from heavy-duty stainless steel. It’s an easy-to-carry tool that is 10.6 inches high and weighs 1.9 pounds. The Flexzion smoker features a mounting hook so it can be hung on the hive box edge for safe storage during inspections. The unit includes a built-in heat shield that protects users from being burned.
Buyers love this model because it is easy to use and competitively priced. It’s an effective smoker that keeps smoking for a long time. The Flexzion smoker is popular among deer hunters who use this smoker for hours to cover up their scent. Buyers love that the bellow is durable and long-lasting. Several buyers noted that they found the aluminum lid to bend and fall easily. On top of that, some found it difficult to open and close the lid and even experienced burns when attempting to touch the lid throughout the session.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable
- Heat Shield
- Popular unit for deer hunters to cover up scents
- Long-lasting Smoke
- Budget-Friendly
Cons:
- Some complained of the lid being flimsy, making it difficult to open and close it
Foxhound Bee Company Large Pro Stainless Steel Bee Smoker
The Foxhound Bee Company Large Pro Smoker is a large smoker that is dependable and effective. This smoker is made from stainless steel which makes it durable. Compared to other units on the market, this smoker is larger with a height of 12.5 inches and a diameter of 4 inches. Although the chamber is larger, this smoker is still lightweight at 1.95 pounds. The large size is ideal for beekeepers who inspect multiple hives. This smoker features a heat shield around the smoking chamber to prevent burns and fires during inspections. It has a mounting hook for safe storage. The Foxhound Bee Company smoker also has a heavy-duty double pull ring installed into the top to make opening the lid easier while wearing gloves. The smoker has air pockets at the bottom to ensure good airflow and produce more smoke. The bellows are made of synthetic leather material which makes it resistant to wear even after long-term use.
Buyers love this model for its high-quality materials and effectiveness. Buyers boast that the smoke stays strong for a long time. The bellow is a green color with a star image which makes it easy to identify while wearing a veil. Buyers are extremely satisfied with this smoker and find it sturdy, easy to use, and competitively priced.
Pros:
- Larger Model
- Mounting Hook
- Heat Guard
- Faux-Leather, Green Bellow for easy identification
- Heavy duty double pull ring for easy lid-opening with gloves
Cons:
- N/A
MUDUOBAN Electric Bee Hive Smoker
The MUDUOBAN Electric Bee Hive Smoker is a portable smoker with an electric fan in the place of the bellow. The smoker is made from stainless steel. It’s a lightweight unit weighing in at 1.75 pounds and has a height of 11.5 inches. This high-quality unit also comes with a heat shield that surrounds the smoker and prevents burn accidents. The MUDUOBAN electric smoker features a side mounting hook to safely store the tool. Electric bee smokers do not have bellows. Instead, there is a battery-operated blower that grows the smoke. This unit requires 4 “AA” batteries.
This electric bee smoker is ideal for hobbyists and commercial beekeepers. Buyers boast that the electric smoker is less labor-intensive compared to the traditional smoker. It took some buyers more time to learn how to light up the tool. Some buyers complained that the smoker did not include batteries and that they had to invest in rechargeable batteries.
Pros:
- Mounting Hook
- Heat Guard
- Electric Blower
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- No instructions included
Blisstime Bee Hive Smoker
The Blisstime Bee Hive Smoker is another great option for beekeepers. It’s made of stainless steel which keeps the tool durable and produces cool smoke. It’s portable with a height of 11.4 inches. The smoker weighs approximately 2.15 pounds, making it heavier than other models on the market, but still efficient to use during hive inspections. This high-quality unit also comes with a heat shield that surrounds the smoker and prevents burns. The Blisstime smoker features a mounting hook to safely store the tool. This unit also comes with 54 pieces of smoker pellets with each purchase. The pellets are made of natural plant and herb. The pellets are excellent for smoking 1-2 hives or they can be used as a starter for any other smoker fuel.
Buyers love the Blisstime smoker because it’s appropriate for all levels of beekeeping, especially for hobbyists. Multiple buyers emphasized that the smoker is very sturdy. Its durability and affordability make it a great option for new beekeepers.
Pros:
- Mounting Hook
- Heat Guard
- Comes with 54 pieces of Smoker Pellets
- Durable
- Budget-Friendly
Cons:
- Heavy
Agralogix Bee Smoker (Heavy Duty Stainless Steel)
The Agralogix Bee Smoker is the perfect smoker for those who have to inspect multiple hives. It’s made of heavy gauge stainless steel and assembled with heavy-duty hardware. It’s a larger smoker that weighs approximately 2.5 pounds. This unit comes with a heat shield that surrounds the smoker and prevents burns for the user. The Agralogix bee smoker features a side mounting hook to safely store the tool. The bellows are made of leather material. This is an American-designed smoker that is built to last for many years.
Buyers love the large size of the Agralogix bee smoker. The size allows for more fuel without having to compact it resulting in a long-lasting, cool smoke. One buyer claimed that he was able to smoke 30 hives throughout several hours without refueling it. This tool is easier to light and keep smoking compared to other models.
Pros:
- Ideal for smoking multiple hives
- Heat Shield
- Mounting Hook
- American designed
- Cons:
N/A
Goodland Bee Supply Bee Hive Smoker
The Goodland Bee Supply Bee Hive smoker is designed with the user in mind. This smoker is made from polished stainless steel material. It’s convenient to carry with its 11-inch height. The smoker weighs approximately 2.13 pounds, which is heavier than some of the other models on this list. This unit features a heat guard to protect from burns. It features a perforated smoke pellet stand that allows for proper airflow. This model has a mounting hook to safely store it. It features a removable internal burn tray that allows for easy cleanup. The Goodland Bee Supply is designed to be used while wearing beekeeping gloves which reduces the chances of dropping the unit. Finally, this unit also comes with 3 smoke logs with Mugwort as the main ingredient.
This model is an ideal smoker for hobbyist beekeepers as well as advanced beekeepers. Many buyers found it easy to light the tool and keep it lit. One buyer was able to inspect 15 hives and keep it lit for over two hours. They also find the leather bellows to be high-quality. One buyer loved the spring tension in the bellows which made it easier to pump without wearing out their hands. On top of that, this unit is easier to clean compared to other models because there are no protruding nails or screws.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable
- Heat Shield
- Mounting Hook
- Leather Bellow
- Includes 3 smoke fuel logs
Cons:
- N/A
CO-Z Bee Smoker Stainless Steel Beehive Smoker
The CO-Z Bee Smoker is a quality smoker for the hobbyist beekeeper. This smoker is constructed from stainless steel. It’s an easy-to-carry tool that is 12 inches high and is lightweight at only 1.64 pounds. The CO-Z smoker features a mounting hook so it can be hung on the hive box edge for safe storage during inspections. The unit includes a built-in heat shield that protects users from being burned. There is a removable, perforated base plate that provides optimal airflow. This unit features vinyl bellows that remain durable for a long time.
Buyers love this model because it’s durable and designed for long-term use. Buyers agree that the smoker is easy to use, especially while wearing gloves. Many buyers are impressed with the construction of the unit. The bellow material is durable and shows no signs of wear even after multiple uses. Many hunters use this unit to cover their scent. Some buyers found the lid to be too flimsy. One buyer discovered that the hinge holding the top became very loose after a few uses.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable
- Heat Shield
- Popular unit for deer hunters to cover up scents
- Long-lasting Smoke
- Budget-Friendly
Cons:
- Flimsy Lid
- No Instructions
Hoont Commercial Grade Bee Smoker for Beekeeping
The Hoont Commercial Grade Bee Smoker is a great choice for new beekeepers. This smoker is made from heavy-duty stainless steel which makes it durable. The unit is 11 inches in height and weighs 1.75 pounds. This smoker features a heat shield around the smoking chamber to prevent burns and fires during inspections. It has a metal mounting hook for safe storage. The bellows are made of sturdy vinyl making it easy to create smoke quickly.
Buyers believe this model is comparable to more expensive units. It’s a great smoker for those who have less than 10 hives. Many loved that the tool stayed lit for a long time and were impressed with the craftsmanship. One complaint from buyers is that the bellows are not standardized and therefore can’t be replaced. Several buyers noted that the lid is too large for the body of the smoker and it does not close properly.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Mounting Hook
- Heat Guard
- Vinyl Bellow
- Heavy duty double pull ring for easy lid-opening with gloves
Cons:
- The bellows are not replaceable.
- Some find the lid to not fit properly
Honey Keeper Bee Hive Smoker
The Honey Keeper Bee Hive Smoker is made of stainless steel which keeps the tool durable and produces cool smoke. The smoker is 11 inches high and weighs approximately 2.3 pounds. This high-quality unit also comes with a heat shield that surrounds the smoker and prevents burns. The Honey Keeper smoker features a hook to safely mount the tool when it’s not in use. There is a heat aerator that makes the smoke last longer and provides better airflow. The bellow is a leather material that remains durable after multiple uses.
Buyers find the Honey Keeper to be an affordable option for anyone who needs a smoker. The tool burns well and works as designed. One complaint from a few buyers was that disposing of the ashes was a challenge because the raised platform easily falls out.
Pros:
- Mounting Hook
- Heat Guard
- Easy to Use
- Budget-Friendly
- Durable
Cons:
- The raised platform will fall out as you dispose of the ashes
SODIAL Stainless Steel Electric Bee Smoke Transmitter Kit
The SODIAL electric bee smoker is the second electric smoker on our list. Weighing in at about 1.45 pounds, this compact tool is easy to handle while inspecting hives. The unit is about 11 inches tall. Electric bee smokers do not have bellows. Instead, there is a battery-operated blower that grows the smoke. The smoker can be charged with a USB connection and 4 “AA” batteries are included.
This electric bee smoker is ideal for hobbyists and commercial beekeepers. Buyers think this is a durable and affordable option for those who need to smoke multiple hives. It works as expected and remains durable after many uses.
Pros:
- Mounting Hook
- Heat Guard
- Electric Blower
- Batteries are included
Cons:
- N/A
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