Lighting fuel, repeatedly squeezing the bellows, and relighting a smoker that has gone out can slow down a hive inspection. An automatic bee smoker can simplify some of these tasks, helping you spend less time managing smoke and more time working with your bees.
If you’re considering buying one, this guide will walk you through the essentials:
- What is an automatic bee smoker?
- How does it work?
- How do you set it up for hive inspections?
Read on to discover how automation can make your hive inspections easier and more efficient.
What is an automatic bee smoker?
An automatic bee smoker uses powered components or electronic controls to simplify smoke production and delivery during hive inspections. It may automate ignition, airflow, or output timing. The exact functions vary by model, so “automatic” does not necessarily mean fully hands-free operation.
Three common types
These electric bee smokers can be grouped into three practical designs based on the tasks they automate.
🟠Fan-assisted bee smokers: These models automate airflow and smoke delivery. Once activated, an electric fan supplies air to the burning fuel, replacing repeated manual bellows pumping. Some models also start the fan automatically when tilted toward the hive.
🟠Bee smokers with auto-ignition: These models automate the ignition of solid fuel. Once activated, a built-in heating element lights the fuel inside the chamber without a separate match or lighter. Models with a built-in fan also provide powered airflow, reducing manual effort during both startup and smoke delivery.
🟠Flameless bee smokers: These models automatically heat a specified liquid to produce fog or vapor, removing the need to light solid fuel or keep it smoldering. Output control varies: some models still require manual bellows pumping, while programmable models can also start and stop output automatically.
Pros and cons
Automatic bee smokers can make inspections less tiring and easier to manage. However, that convenience comes with additional costs and equipment needs.
Pros
🟢Less hand fatigue: Reducing repeated bellows pumping can ease hand strain during longer inspections, particularly when you need to check several hives in one session.
🟢More efficient hive inspections: Spending less time managing the smoker helps you focus on the colony and complete inspections with fewer interruptions and distractions.
Cons
🔴Potentially higher costs: Purchase prices, replacement batteries, and compatible parts can increase your overall spending compared with a manual bellows smoker.
🔴Dependence on power: A depleted battery can interrupt your inspections, so you need to plan charging, check remaining power, and consider carrying a suitable backup.
How does it work?
The automatic bee smoker coordinates quick auto heating, hands-free airflow, smart smoke cycling, and automatic safety shutoff to keep every inspection smooth. Here is how each step works behind the scenes.
Automatic heating or auto-ignition to generate smoke
You do not need matches or lighter fluid anymore. Just press the button, and the built-in heating element heats up instantly. It lights your smoker fuel fast and safely, getting cool smoke ready in just a few seconds.
Automatic smoke output without manual pumping
Forget about pumping bellows by hand until your wrist hurts. An internal electric fan takes over the work. It creates a steady airflow that pushes soft, thick smoke right through the nozzle with zero effort on your part.
Automatic smoke cycling
The smoker is smart enough to manage its own airflow. It runs on preset cycles, puffing out smoke and taking quick breaks automatically. This keeps your fuel burning gently while saving battery power and fluid during long yard visits.
Automatic protection to reduce fire risk
Some automatic bee smokers have built-in timers and dry-burn sensors turn off power automatically after a fixed run time or when fuel runs out. This stops the unit from overheating and keeps your apiary safe from fire risks.
How do you use an automatic bee smoker for hive inspection?
Using an automatic bee smoker can make smoke easier to manage during hive checks. Here’s how to use the COLBOR CF5 for automatic smoking.
1. Start automatic heating and smoke output
Fill the chamber with the specified fog liquid, then hold the power button for three seconds to switch on the CF5. Double-click the fog output button to start continuous smoke, with heating and output handled automatically.
2. Adjust output speed and density for your colony
Adjust the smoke output to suit the colony’s response. Briefly press the power button to select density or output speed, then use + or − to change the setting. Each setting has five levels to choose from.
3. Set automatic smoke cycles for hive checks
Briefly press the power button to open the smoke cycling settings, then adjust the values:
📍Set the continuous output duration to between 5 and 60 seconds.
📍Set the output interval to between 5 and 60 seconds.
📍Choose a total cycle count between 0 and 98.
The CF5 then alternates automatically between smoke output and pauses.
4. Monitor automatic protection during hive checks
The CF5 features automated protection to keep your equipment running safely during inspections:
📍Overheat protection: After five minutes of continuous output at maximum power, the CF5 pauses automatically for 30 seconds to cool.
📍Dry burning prevention: When fluid runs out, the CF5 stops output automatically and displays “Low Fluid”.
Conclusion
An automatic bee smoker can reduce repetitive work and make hive inspections easier to manage. Since automatic functions vary by model, focus on the tasks you want to simplify and choose the features that fit your routine.
Want to simplify smoke control during hive checks? Fill out the form to contact COLBOR and share your beekeeping needs.