Struggling with high prices, long delivery times, or a lack of local suppliers? If you already have suitable materials and basic hand tools, a DIY bee smoker can cost you nothing.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make one in five simple steps, then explore the pros and cons of homemade smokers to help you decide whether to make or buy one.
5 steps to make a DIY bee smoker
One of the simplest ways to make a DIY bee smoker is to use an upright metal can and two metal tubes. Blowing into the lower tube supplies air to the smoldering fuel and pushes smoke out through the upper tube. You may already have most of the materials and basic hand tools at home or in your apiary. Follow these five steps to build your own.
1. Prepare the materials and tools
Before you start building your bee smoker, gather the following:
📍A metal can with a removable lid: Choose a clean, uncoated steel can that can handle heat, preferably with a handle. Avoid containers with unknown linings or a history of storing chemicals.
📍Two metal tubes with smooth ends: Prepare a longer tube for the smoke outlet and a shorter tube for the air inlet. Choose sizes that fit your can and keep the mouthpiece well away from the hot body.
📍Basic hand tools: You’ll need a hammer, a nail, an awl or tapered punch, and a small metal file. Wear work gloves and safety glasses when making the holes.
📍Optional heat protection: Prepare a dry, thick cotton towel or a piece of old cotton clothing to wrap around a can without a handle and help insulate your hand from the hot metal. Keep the air inlet and smoke outlet clear.
📍Fuel and lighting supplies: Gather dry, untreated fuel such as pine needles, small twigs, cotton, straw, or egg cartons, plus a lighter or matches.
2. Make the smoke outlet
Mark a hole low on the side of the empty can, keeping the base intact. Support the can firmly, start a small hole with the nail, enlarge it gradually with the punch, and file away sharp edges.
Fit the longer tube snugly into the opening. Keep its inner end open, clear of the opposite wall. Correct any wobbling or loose fit before lighting fuel.
3. Make the air inlet
On the opposite side of the can, choose a spot near the top. Hold the nail or punch at a downward angle into the can before making the first puncture. Maintain this angle as you widen the hole.
Smooth the edges and insert the shorter tube at the same angle, with its outer end pointing upward and away from the can. This makes it easier to direct smoke toward the hive while keeping the can upright. Check that the tube fits securely and keep its inner opening clear of fuel.
4. Wrap your DIY bee smoker for handling
The metal can gets very hot when the bee smoker is lit. If it has no handle, wrap the body to help protect your hand from burns.
Fold a dry cotton towel or a piece of old cotton clothing into several layers and wrap it around the area you will hold. Keep the lid and both tube openings clear, and check that the fabric does not slip when you grip the can.
5. Light the fuel and test the bee smoker
Once your bee smoker is assembled, light it to test the smoke output.
Use dry, untreated fuel such as pine needles, cotton, or straw. Light a small amount of tinder in the can, then gradually add fuel. Close the lid when the fuel is smoldering with no visible flames.
Check that the inlet tube’s mouthpiece stays cool. Blow gently into it and move your mouth away before breathing in. Never inhale through the tube.
Watch the smoke outlet. Stop immediately if the mouthpiece gets hot, parts loosen, or flames or sparks appear.
What are the pros and cons of a homemade bee smoker?
Making your own smoker can be rewarding, but the savings and convenience depend on what you already own and how well the finished assembly works.
Here are the pros and cons of a DIY bee smoker:
Pros
🟢Low cost: You can make one for free if you already have suitable materials and tools.
🟢Custom size: You can choose a can size and tube lengths that suit your needs.
🟢Hands-on learning: Building one helps you understand how a bee smoker works.
Cons
🔴Time and effort: You’ll need to punch holes in metal, smooth sharp edges, and fit the tubes securely.
🔴Build quality varies: Loose tubes, blocked openings, or poor insulation can make the smoker difficult to use.
🔴Awkward with a veil: Blowing into the inlet tube can be difficult while wearing a beekeeping veil.
Should you make or buy a bee smoker?
A DIY bee smoker makes sense if your budget is tight and you already have suitable materials and tools. Buying is more convenient if you want to skip the build and have easier control during hive inspections.
For that convenience, consider the COLBOR CF5. It heats compatible fog liquid instead of burning solid fuel, so there’s no fire to maintain or ash to clear away. Button controls let you produce fog without blowing into a tube.
Five fog-density levels and five output speeds help you control how much fog you release. You can also set the output duration, intervals, and cycle count to automate repeated releases.
If you inspect hives regularly, these controls can make buying worthwhile. Read our article to find the best bee smoker for your needs!
Conclusion
A DIY bee smoker starts with a simple idea: supply air to smoldering fuel and direct the smoke through an outlet. It can be a practical choice if you’re on a tight budget, have limited delivery options, and are confident in your DIY skills. However, if you want more consistent smoke output and easier operation, consider buying one.