2014 Shaker Survey Results

The wide variety of lab-shaker designs on the market reflects the increasing diversity of scientific experimentation. Labs now use a greater range of sample sizes than ever before, from liters to microliters. And while replicate and combinatorial studies increase the number of samples, requirements for environmental control create yet a third dimension that shaker designers must consider.

| 2 min read

Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying an Laboratory Shaker

  1. What is the capacity of the unit (both for total weight and volume)?
  2. What accessories are available?
  3. What is the RPM range and what increments can it be controlled in?
  4. What are the temperature and humidity operating conditions for the unit?
  5. What programming functions, if any, does the unit have?

Type of laboratory shakers used by survey respondents:

Vortex shaker24%
Orbital shaker18%
Incubator shaker17%
Rocking shaker17%
Vibrating shaker10%
Biological shaker6%
Reciprocal shaker5%
Nutating shaker3%
Other1%

Number of hours per day shaker is in operation:

Less than 1 hour25%
1 - 3 hours26%
3 - 5 hours11%
5 - 7 hours9%
> 7 hours29%

Nearly 27% of respondents plan on purchasing a new laboratory shaker in the next year. The estimated budget ranges for these purchases are as follows:

Less than $500
$500 - $1,000
$1,500 - $3,000
$3,000 - $6,000
$6,000 +
Don't know

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a laboratory shaker:

Durability / Rugged design67%
Low maintenance / Easy to clean53%
Shaking speed46%
Simple operation - Easy to program and monitor41%
Compact design33%
Low noise - Quiet32%
Warranty28%
Minimal vibration26%
Heating/cooling capability26%
Electronic speed controls24%

For more information on laboratory shakers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/shakers

See the most recent survey results

About the Author

  • Trevor Henderson headshot

    Trevor Henderson, PhD

    Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), is the creative services director at Lab Manager.  He has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific and technical writing, editing, and creative content creation. With academic training in the areas of human biology, physical anthropology, and community health, he has a broad skill set of both laboratory and analytical skills. Since 2013, he has been working with LabX Media Group developing content solutions that engage and inform scientists and laboratorians. He can be reached at thenderson@labmanager.com.

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