2012 Guide to Buying a Shaker
Lab shakers are available in two different mixing actions: orbital and reciprocal and are primarily used for culturing organisms in shake flasks or test tubes, and can also be used for mixing liquids.
Lab shakers are available in two different mixing actions: orbital and reciprocal and are primarily used for culturing organisms in shake flasks or test tubes, and can also be used for mixing liquids. Shakers range from small to mid-size bench top models, larger-capacity console (floor standing) models, or space-saving stackable models.
Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Shaker
- What is the capacity of the unit (both for total weight and volume)?
- What accessories are available?
- What is the RPM range and what increments can it be controlled in?
- What are the temperature and humidity operating conditions for the unit?
- What programming functions, if any, does the unit have?
Choosing a shaker comes down to such features as heating/cooling capability, capacity, shaking speed, orbital vs. reciprocating motion, ease of use, programmability, heating capability, and footprint. With research budgets tight and lab space even tighter, groups or departments are increasingly sharing shakers.
Different types of lab shakers respondents are using or planning to purchase for their lab, based on our latest survey data:
Currently Using | Planning to Purchase | |
Rocking shaker | 93% | 7% |
Vortex shaker | 92% | 8% |
Vibrating shaker | 88% | 12% |
Orbital shaker | 88% | 12% |
Biological shaker | 87% | 13% |
Incubator shaker | 87% | 13% |
Reciprocal shaker | 86% | 14% |
Nutating shaker | 82% | 18% |
Components respondents are using with their lab shaker:
Microtube adaptor | 22% |
Plate adaptor | 19% |
Flask attachments | 18% |
Holding clamps | 36% |
Top 10 factors and features our readers look for when buying a lab shaker:
Important | |
Durability/rugged design | 92% |
Simple operation – easy to program and monitor | 89% |
Low maintenance/easy to clean | 87% |
Shaking speed | 86% |
Compact design | 71% |
Low noise—quiet | 66% |
Electronic speed controls | 65% |
Warranty | 63% |
Heating/cooling capability | 59% |
Orbital vs. reciprocating motion | 51% |
Recently Released Shakers
Xplorer plus®
• Series includes the VSN-5 Nutating Mixer, the VSM-3 Vortex Mixer, the VSR-50 Variable Speed Rocker, the VSOS-4P Orbital Shaker and HPS-7 Hot Plate Stirrers
• Features a variety of available accessories for an array of applications
• Can be integrated into current lab procedures with ease
• Simplifies everyday lab processes such as mixing, blending and resuspending
PRO Scientific
www.proscientific.com
SS-10
• Provides fast, accurate separations of materials 2mm and finer
• Touchscreen programmable controller allows selection of vibration level, time, and pauses
• Allows storage of 99 testing profiles in non-volatile memory
• For 8in and 200mm sieves
Gilson Company
www.globalgilson.com
AS 450 basic
• Sieves large quantities up to 15 kg
• Accepts sieve diameters up to 450 mm and covers a measuring range from 25 μm to 125 mm
• Allows time and amplitude to be digitally set
• Offers efficient electromagnetic drive with 3D movement
Retsch
www.retsch-us.com
Sieve Shakers
• Rapid vertical movement imparted by the shaker continuously helps clear apertures
• Several models are fitted with a high degree of control over the shaker functions—useful with many materials in establishing a rapid end point
• Include a unique clamping device enabling the clamp plate to be fitted in seconds
Endecotts USA
www.endecotts.com
Shaker Manufacturers
Bel-Art Products | www.belart.com |
Boekel Scientific | www.boekelsci.com |
Eberbach | www.eberbachlabtools.com |
Endecotts USA | www.endecotts.com |
Eppendorf | www.eppendorfna.com |
Gilson | www.globalgilson.com |
Grant Instruments | www.grantsci.com |
Heidolph USA | www.heidolphUSA.com |
IKA Works | www.ika.net |
Jeio Tech | www.jeiotech.com |
Kinematica | www.kinematica-inc.com |
Labnet International | www.labnetlink.com |
Labnics Equipment | www.labnics.com |
LabStrong | www.labstrong.com |
New Brunswick Scientific | www.nbsc.com |
Pro Scientific | www.proscientific.com |
Retsch | www.retsch-us.com |
Sartorius Stedim | www.sartorius-stedim.com |
Scientific Industries | www.scientificindustries.com |
Stovall Life Science | www.slscience.com |
Thermo Fisher Scientific | www.thermo.com |
Troemner | www.troemner.com |
UDY Corporation | www.udyone.com |
Yamato Scientific America | www.yamato-usa.com |