Product Overview
Why Lappe’s Bee Supply
Commercial Beekeeping since 1978 • Family Owned/Operated • Full Service Beekeeping Supplier since 2015
At a Glance
The Smoke Master Small Stainless Steel Bee Smoker is a compact beekeeping smoker designed for one or two hives or short inspections across several hives.
Its stainless steel body, leather bellows, removable perforated base plate, heat shield, and side hook give beekeepers a practical smoker for routine hive checks.
Quick Answer
A small bee smoker produces cool smoke that helps calm bees during hive inspections.
This 3-1/2" x 6" stainless steel smoker is sized for smaller apiaries, quick inspections, and beekeepers who want a lightweight smoker for basic hive work.
Best choice if: You manage one or two hives or need a compact smoker for quick inspections.
Quick Specs
- Size: 3-1/2" x 6"
- Metric size: 9 cm x 16 cm
- Material: stainless steel
- Bellows: leather
- Key feature: removable perforated base plate for airflow
- Heat protection: outside heat shield
- Use: one or two hives or quick inspections of several hives
Is This Right for You?
- ✔ Good for beekeepers with one or two hives
- ✔ Good for short hive inspections
- ✔ Good when a compact smoker is easier to carry
- ✖ Not ideal for long inspections across many colonies where more fuel capacity may be needed
Bottom line: This is a compact smoker for smaller apiaries and quick hive work.
Why Beekeepers Use This Product
Beekeepers use smoke to make hive inspections more manageable and less disruptive.
A smoker helps calm bees while the beekeeper checks frames, brood, food stores, hive condition, or colony progress.
How It Works
The leather bellows pumps air into the smoker chamber to help create smoke.
- The removable perforated base plate creates an air pocket at the bottom of the smoker.
- The airflow design helps support a longer burn.
- The outside heat shield helps protect the beekeeper’s hands from the hot smoker body during use.
- The side hook allows the smoker to be hung on a hive or nearby object.
Apiary Management Notes
- A small smoker is useful when inspections are short and the beekeeper does not need a large fuel chamber.
- The side hook helps keep both hands free during inspection work.
- Always make sure the smoker is lit and producing steady smoke before opening the hive.
- Set a hot smoker where it will not burn equipment, grass, or other surfaces.
Seasonal Use
- Spring: Useful for early colony checks and routine inspections.
- Summer: Useful for quick hive checks during active beekeeping work.
- Fall: Useful for shorter inspections before cold weather.
What’s Included
- One small stainless steel bee smoker
- Leather bellows
- Protective outside heat shield
- Removable perforated base plate
- Side hook on the heat shield
Comparison
| Feature | Smoke Master Small Stainless Steel Bee Smoker | Larger Smokers |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One or two hives and quick inspections | Longer inspections or many colonies |
| Size | Compact 3-1/2" x 6" size | Larger fuel chamber |
| Ease of carrying | Lightweight and easy to handle | Bulkier to carry |
| Burn time | Good for shorter hive work | Better for longer burn time between refills |
| Best choice if | You want a compact smoker for basic hive checks | You inspect many colonies at one time |
Who This Is For
- Beginner beekeepers with one or two hives
- Hobby beekeepers who want a compact smoker
- Beekeepers doing quick inspections across several hives
Common Mistakes
- Starting an inspection before the smoker is producing steady smoke
- Setting a hot smoker where it can burn equipment or vegetation
- Choosing a small smoker for long inspections where more fuel capacity may be needed
Key Beekeeping Terms
- Bee smoker: A beekeeping tool that produces smoke to help calm bees during hive inspections.
- Bellows: The hand-operated part of the smoker that pushes air into the smoker chamber.
- Heat shield: The outside guard that helps protect hands from the hot smoker body.
- Base plate: The perforated insert at the bottom of the smoker that helps create airflow under the fuel.
FAQ
What size is the Smoke Master Small Stainless Steel Bee Smoker?
The smoker measures 3-1/2" x 6", or 9 cm x 16 cm.
Who is this small bee smoker best for?
This smoker is best for beekeepers with one or two hives or for quick inspections of several hives.
Does this smoker include a heat shield?
Yes. This smoker includes a protective outside heat shield, though the exact heat shield placement or size may vary.
What does the removable base plate do?
The perforated removable base plate creates an air pocket at the bottom of the smoker to support airflow and help the smoker stay lit longer.
