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.
Shaker types currently in use as reported by survey respondents:
| Vortex shaker | 25% |
| Orbital shaker | 19% |
| Rocking shaker | 16% |
| Incubator shaker | 15% |
| Vibrating shaker | 11% |
| Biological shaker | 7% |
| Reciprocal shaker | 5% |
| Nutating shaker | 3% |
Shaker usage per day as reported by survey respondents:
| less than 1 hour | 33% |
| 1 - 3 hours | 26% |
| 3 - 5 hours | 14% |
| 5 - 7 hours | 5% |
| more than 7 hours | 22% |
Nearly 28% of respondents plan on purchasing a new or additional laboratory shaker in the next year. The estimated budgets for these purchases are:
 | Less than $500 |  |
 | $500 - $1,500 | |
 | $1,500 - $3,000 | |
 | $3,000 - $6,000 | |
 | $6,000+ | |
 | Undecided |
Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Laboratory 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?
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a laboratory shaker:
Completed Surveys: 202
For more information on laboratory shakers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/shakers
