Smokers what is the best type and where to get it?

[markylaird]

What are the best type of smoker?

 

[BBG]

One with an insert £24ish Mod Beek do them and they stay alight for an age.

 

[victor meldrew]

I should think with 7 colonies your present smoker must suffice
VM

 

[Winker]

Rauchboy Smokers

google it

 

[Arfermo]

Woodbines?

 

[Nic Rhodes]

Rauchboy or Dadant, though I have always fancied a 'Vulcan' clockwork one fron Germany .

 

[Black Comb]

Before you buy a Rauchboy read this

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?223654-not-too-impressed-with-Rauchboy-smoker

 

[Suzi Q]

Mt. Etna, smallish but ok for my few hives..I love it. From 'Prickles'

 

[susbees]

I want a Dadant. Stamps foot. What I don't want is to pay the astronomical shipping....and then our taxes and handling charges. Humpff.

 

[beebreeder]

As I have just posted on beesource I have had a Rauchboy for at least five years and yes it does have its faults mainly the lid lifting ring, but the whole can is stainless guard and all so it can be cleaned in bleach or caustic with no damage and it burns all day on one filling.

 

[beebreeder]

Susbees PM rooftops he used to do dadant smokers

 

[Poly Hive]

Buy a larger one than you think you will need. Preferably stainless steel.

It MUST have a cage if you are to hold it between your legs. This avoids burning your bee suit or worse you.

A good smoker like a good hive will see you out.

Buy the best you can.

PH

 

[drstitson]

Both my "main" smokers all now have DIY inserts - empty tin can perforated with a drill - only takes 10 minutes to do.

 

[victor meldrew]

Both my "main" smokers all now have DIY inserts - empty tin can perforated with a drill - only takes 10 minutes to do.

I'm lazier than that My insert is a scrunched up piece of s/steel mesh, bagel shaped and plonked in the smoker !
When cleaning off tar deposits with a blow lamp, the insert will take all the attention no bother
VM

 

[drstitson]

VM - i didn't find that smokers with perforated basal "platforms" (a bit like your mesh bagel) were satisfactory - hence the tin can with all round perforations (like the rauchboy insert).

 

[victor meldrew]

VM - i didn't find that smokers with perforated basal "platforms" (a bit like your mesh bagel) were satisfactory - hence the tin can with all round perforations (like the rauchboy insert).

Suits me fine
Using the 'bagel' (or not perhaps) allows me to use crunched up newsprint , which burns long enough to do full hive inspections !
What was your problem with the platform base?
Going out , hard to light or swieling away too quickly ?
VM