Mann Lake 10-Frame Deep Hive Kit, Fully Assembled 9⅝" Bee Hive Body with 10 Frames & Beeswax-Coated Plastic Foundation for Brood Replacement, Colony Growth & Honey Production, Made in USA, Painted

Nice hive

very well made product, with a really thick layer of wax, on the frames. I already have it out in my yards for two new hives, and they're drawing frames out really quickly. Will certainly buy more from this company.

The price of this hive body may cause new bee keepers to be hesitant when it comes to hitting that, "add to cart," button. Don't be. I've purchased three of these so far and they hold up very well. They've been through drastic temperature fluctuations and severe storms. Some other hive body's may be more aesthetic or have a special feature, but it will cost you when a product like this does the job just fine for a lot less money.

If you read my review of the medium version of this kit, HK200, my sentiments are the same. I'm a first year beekeeper and found myself really enjoying the hobby. I currently have two hives, a mid season installed nuc that did very well, so well that part of the hive swarmed. The captured swarm became the second colony. Assuming a successful overwinter, they'll need additional space to grow. Hence the purchase of the Mann Lake HK180 (deep) super. The HK180 super is constructed of pine, accommodates 10 frames, preassembled, unfinished and includes 10 medium wood frames with waxed Rite-Cell foundation. If you're worried about the bees not drawing comb on the plastic foundation, don't. I purchased these earlier in the year and the bees drew them out quickly, as alluded to during the opening paragraph. The super, with all 10 frames inserted, is a little heavier than the medium but that's to be expected. Each corner of the super is connected using finger joints with staples strategically placed for added strength. The quality of the pine was acceptable, as no knots, fractures, cracks or off putting smells were observed. With that being said, I did notice inconsistent spacing between some of the finger joints. While minimal, this could allow water to enter the joints and compromise their structural integrity over time. Nevertheless, the solution was an easy one, we simply used a bit of wood filling putty, sanded it down and gave the super three coats of a white satin exterior paint. Yeah I know, three coats may be overkill but hey, my son and I shared quality bonding time and the super turned out great. This super will serve dual purposes. Throughout the winter, I will remove the frames and use it to house a gallon mason jar feeder. While in the spring, I will install the frames and add it as a brood chamber. Now, before the comments come in asking where did I find the gallon mason jar feeder, my beekeeping mentor had a couple extra that I purchased. I plan to use a new and unused epoxy lined paint can for my other hive but back to the review. Overall I'm pleased with the purchase. The fact that the super was readily available, preassembled, included frames and foundation and reasonably priced (I guess) made it an easier buy for this hunting, fishing, soap making, canning, photographing, too many irons in the fire beekeeper. Hopefully we'll get many years of use from it.

I am pleased that this deep brood box was constructed of quality pine wood. It seems a little heavier and stronger than what I am used to here in the southeast. It is well made. The foundation is plastic with a coat of wax. I brushed mine with some 1:1 sugar water and the bees took to it immediately. It was delivered within two working days, all assembled and ready to go except for painting the outside. I plan to buy more in the near future.

Very nice quailty, fit and finish great and painted well. We've ordered from other companies and the quality of those imported was very poor. These American made Dee hives are well worth the extra small amount we paid. We'll be purchasing many more hives and products from Mann Lake in the future.

After unexpectedly receiving notice of an available bee nuc, I had just three days to get a hive purchased and set up. This didn't allow time to assemble a hive, paint it, treat it, and let it cure, so I was very happy to come across this hive, with all of the above already completed. The hive arrived very promptly-same day as the nuc. I set it up and immediately placed the bees in it, where they have been thriving ever since. The only thing I have added is a screened bottom. Very pleased! This product is much appreciated!

Out of the box, this deep hive was great. But after a few hive inspections (about 3 weeks), it already has a crack in the wood above the top. Sadly, I am sure it will need to be repaired or replaced soon and I am bummed that I had to spend money on a box that isn't going to last even 1 season. I expected a quality company like Mann Lake to have a little better durability.