A bee smoker is an essential tool for hobbyist and professional beekeepers alike. It helps calm bees for safer, more efficient hive inspections.
This buying guide introduces two innovative bee smokers that offer continuous fog output without an open flame or bellows pumping. You’ll also learn how to compare smoker types and other key factors to find the right one for your needs.
2 best bee smokers from COLBOR
| Models | COLBOR CF3 | COLBOR CF5 |
| Best for | Beginners and hobbyists seeking a portable bee smoker with simple controls | Professional beekeepers needing precise smoke density control |
| Smoke density | 5 levels | 5 levels |
| Smoke output speed | Not adjustable | 5 levels |
| Output cycle settings | Not supported | Adjustable output duration, intervals, and cycle count |
| Chamber capacity | 12 mL | 13 mL |
| Battery runtime | 30 min | 30 min |
| Wireless remote range | Up to 10 m | Up to 10 m |
| Dimensions | 71 × 41 × 145 mm | 231 × 48 × 42 mm |
| Weight, main unit | 334.5 g | 351 g |
1. Best smoker for beginners: COLBOR CF3
The COLBOR CF3 is our top pick for beginners who want simple controls and a lightweight bee smoker to carry between hives.
Unlike traditional stainless steel or copper smokers, it heats compatible fog fluid instead of burning solid fuel. There’s no dry fuel to select, fire to maintain, or bellows to pump.
You also avoid the sparks, hot embers, and ash associated with burning fuel. A silicone insulation cover makes the unit more comfortable to hold.
Simple button controls let you start smoke output and select from five density levels. The included flexible hose and fan also help direct the smoke where you need it.
The compact body weighs just 334.5g and is small enough to fit in a pocket, making it easy to bring along when checking multiple hives.
If you want to spend less time managing burning fuel during routine inspections, the COLBOR CF3 is an ideal choice.
2. Best smoker for experienced beekeepers: COLBOR CF5
The COLBOR CF5 suits experienced beekeepers who want more ways to control smoke release.
It combines five smoke intensity settings with five output speed settings, giving you 25 combinations. The magnetic fan and included tubes help direct or disperse the smoke.
You can also program smoke release duration, intervals, and cycle count. This is particularly useful when checking multiple hives, as it automates repeated smoke release and reduces the need to keep operating the controls.
For example, you could set 15 seconds of output, a 60-second pause, and 20 cycles. Once activated, the CF5 repeats the sequence automatically, without a button press for each release. You can adjust the timing to suit your inspection pace and the colony’s needs.
The cycle count can be set as high as 98, giving you more flexibility to plan repeated releases. For professional apiaries, this combination of precise output settings and automated timing makes smoke control easier to manage throughout the inspection routine.
👉Fill out the form on the right to contact COLBOR and find the right bee smoker for your hive inspections.
Which type of bee smoker should you choose?
Choosing the right bee smoker starts with finding the type that suits your needs. The newer COLBOR flameless electric bee smoker and traditional fuel-burning models have their own pros and cons.
Quick comparison
| Type | Fuel-burning bee smokers | Flameless electric bee smokers |
| Best for | Beekeepers on a tight budget with easy access to suitable fuel | Beekeepers seeking efficient smoke delivery and precise control |
| How it works | Smolders solid fuel; bellows or a fan push smoke through the spout | Electrically heats compatible liquid to produce smoke |
| Smoke density control | Adjusted through fuel loading and airflow | Selectable density settings |
| Smoke output speed | Depends on bellows pumping or fan operation | Adjustable on models such as the COLBOR CF5 |
| Output cycle control | Usually controlled manually | Programmable duration, intervals, and cycle count on models such as the COLBOR CF5 |
| Smoke direction | Aim the spout by hand | Direct or disperse smoke using hose and fan accessories |
| Ease of use | Requires lighting, maintaining the fire, and removing ash | Uses button controls; requires charging and liquid refills |
| Safety | Hot surfaces, sparks, and embers require careful handling | No fuel fire or burning embers; heated components still require care |
| Price | Approx. $35–$70 | Approx. $100–$300 |
Fuel-burning bee smoker
Choose a fuel-burning smoker if you have convenient access to suitable dry fuel and are comfortable lighting it, keeping it smoldering, and cleaning out ash.
These smokers usually have a metal fuel chamber, a spout, and bellows or a fan to supply air. Manual bellows models work without charging. Fan-assisted electric models reduce hand pumping but still burn solid fuel.
🟢Pros: Several fuel choices; battery-free operation with manual models.
🔴Cons: Ignition takes practice; fuel, airflow, and ash need attention.
Flameless electric bee smokers
Choose a flameless electric bee smoker if you value button controls and want to skip solid-fuel ignition and ash removal.
These devices heat a compatible liquid to create fog. Some are marketed as smokeless bee smokers, referring to the absence of combustion smoke rather than an invisible output.
🟢Pros: No solid fuel to keep burning; convenient output control.
🔴Cons: Requires charging, compatible liquid, and any cooling breaks specified for the device.
What else should you consider when choosing a smoker for bees?
After choosing the type, compare these five factors to find a bee smoker that fits your inspections.
1. Match operating time to your inspection needs.
Consider how many hives you inspect and how long you usually work. For electric models, distinguish total battery runtime from uninterrupted output time. Allow for cooling breaks and fluid refills.
For fuel-burning models, check chamber capacity and how conveniently you can add fuel.
2. Look for easy output control.
Look for controls that let you start, reduce, and stop output easily. Check whether they are manageable while wearing beekeeping gloves.
Adjustable output helps you use brief releases rather than producing more smoke or fog than the inspection needs.
3. Check weight and handling.
Compare the weight with the accessories attached, not just the bare unit. Consider grip comfort, nozzle direction, and how you will carry or set down the smoker between hives.
4. Consider fuel or fluid availability.
Check whether you can reliably obtain the required consumables. Dry fuels need suitable storage, while liquid-based devices require compatible refills.
Also check the availability of replacement chambers, bellows, and other parts relevant to the model.
5. Compare upfront and ongoing costs.
Compare the complete kit price, including essential accessories. Then factor in fuel or fluid, replacement parts, and maintenance.
A lower purchase price may be less useful if refills or replacement parts are difficult to obtain.
FAQs about bee smokers
Here are answers to common questions about how bee smokers work, what to put in them, and where to buy one.
What does smoke do to bees?
Smoke temporarily reduces honey bees’ responsiveness to odors, including alarm pheromones. This can interfere with signals that help organize a defensive response. Bees can still sting, so gentle handling and appropriate protection remain important.
How does a bee smoker work?
A fuel-burning smoker uses smoldering material to produce smoke. Bellows or a fan supply air and push it through the spout. A flameless electric smoker instead uses a heating element to turn compatible liquid into fog.
What can I use in my bee smoker?
Combustion models can use suitable dry, untreated materials, including pine needles, cotton smoker fuel, burlap, or bee-smoker pellets. Liquid-based devices need their specified fog fluid.
How do I use a smoker for bees?
Prepare the correct fuel or fluid and start the device according to its instructions. Apply a few gentle puffs before opening the hive, pause, and add more only as needed. Keep hot outlets away from bees and comb.
How do I keep a bee smoker going?
For a fuel-burning smoker, start with dry fuel and a strong bed of embers. Maintain airflow with occasional bellows pumping, add fuel before output fades, and keep the air inlet clear of ash.
How much does a bee smoker cost?
Many standard fuel-burning smokers cost roughly $35–$70. Premium builds and electric kits can cost more. Include consumables, maintenance parts, and shipping when comparing prices, and contact COLBOR for current CF3 and CF5 pricing.
Should I buy a bee smoker or make one myself?
A DIY bee smoker may save money if you already have suitable tools and materials. Consider assembly time, airflow, heat shielding, and durability. Buying a finished unit is more convenient if you want equipment ready to prepare and use.
Where can I buy a bee smoker?
You can buy a bee smoker from specialist beekeeping stores, farm supply retailers, manufacturer websites, and online marketplaces.
For a flameless electric option, explore the COLBOR CF3 and CF5. Fill out the form to contact COLBOR and find the model that fits your beekeeping routine.