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.
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?
Shaker types used by survey respondents:
| Vortex shaker | 57% |
| Orbital shaker | 56% |
| Rocking shaker | 43% |
| Incubator shaker | 41% |
| Reciprocal shaker | 20% |
| Vibrating shaker | 17% |
| Biological shaker | 13% |
| Nutating shaker | 6% |
| Other | 4% |
Number of hours per day shaker is in operation:
| Less than 1 hour | 23% |
| 1 - 3 hours | 28% |
| 3 - 5 hours | 14% |
| 5 - 7 hours | 6% |
| more than 7 hours | 30% |
Nearly 52% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new laboratory shaker. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:
 | Replacement of an aging system | 55% |  |
 | Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | 25% | |
 | Setting up a new lab | 2% | |
 | First time purchase | 10% | |
 | Other | 8% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a laboratory shaker:
| Durability / Rugged design | 80% |
| Low maintenance / Easy to clean | 69% |
| Shaking speed | 60% |
| Simple operation - Easy to program and monitor | 53% |
| Low noise - Quiet | 47% |
| Minimal vibration | 44% |
| Warranty | 44% |
| Electronic speed controls | 36% |
| Orbital vs. reciprocating motion | 35% |
| Compact design | 34% |
For more information on lab shakers, visit www.labmanager.com/shakers
