Top-bar hive
Also known as: horizontal top-bar hive, Kenyan top-bar hive, topbar hive
A top-bar hive is a hive in which bees build combs hanging from removable bars, with no frames or foundation.
A top-bar hive is a hive in which bees build combs hanging from removable bars, with no frames and no foundation. FAO places it on its own step between traditional hives such as the log hive and the frame hive: the combs are movable, but there are no frames.
According to FAO, top-bar hives come from Africa and are now used worldwide. They combine low-cost materials and traditional skills with the main advantage of a frame hive: the nest can be inspected and combs moved, so the apiary can be managed more intensively.
Because each comb is attached only to its bar, it cannot be spun in an extractor. Honey is taken mostly by pressing, sometimes by draining; FAO advises against melting combs and recommends collecting cut combs in buckets with tight lids. EU honey law defines pressed honey as obtained by pressing broodless combs, with or without moderate heat not above 45 °C. Even with careful comb selection, such honey contains a lot of pollen.
FAO also notes that frame hives are more productive, because combs are reused and hives can be moved for migratory beekeeping.
Why this matters to you. A top-bar hive is a cheap way to start beekeeping and to get pressed or comb honey, but it yields less than a frame hive.
Facts
| Main use | Movable combs without frames or foundation |
|---|---|
| Region | Originated in Africa, now used worldwide (FAO) |
| House range | Honey: pressed or drained from cut combs |
| Temperature | Pressed honey: moderate heat up to 45 °C (EU) |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Top-bar hive → kind of → Apiary and beekeeping → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Apiary and beekeeping
- Similar and different
- Log hive, Frame hive, Comb honey, Langstroth hive
Frequently asked questions
What is a top-bar hive?
A hive in which bees build combs hanging from removable bars, with no frames or foundation.
Where does the top-bar hive come from?
According to FAO, top-bar hives come from Africa and are now used worldwide.
How is honey taken from it?
Mostly by pressing the combs, sometimes by draining; the combs cannot go into an extractor.
Is it true that a top-bar hive gives more honey than a frame hive?
No. FAO notes that frame hives are more productive thanks to comb reuse and migratory beekeeping.
Can the nest be inspected?
Yes. The combs on bars are movable, so the nest can be inspected and combs moved.
Similar
Dadant hive · Frame hive · Log hive · Honey extractor · Hive frame · Langstroth hive
Sources
- FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin 124: Honey, harvesting and processing (§2.6)
- Council Directive 2001/110/EC relating to honey (consolidated text)