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.
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 | 55% |
Orbital shaker | 55% |
Rocking shaker | 46% |
Incubator shaker | 38% |
Vibrating shaker | 20% |
Biological shaker | 17% |
Reciprocal shaker | 15% |
Nutating shaker | 4% |
Other | 4% |
Number of hours per day shaker is in operation:
Less than 1 hour | 33% |
1 - 3 hours | 29% |
3 - 5 hours | 19% |
5 - 7 hours | 9% |
More than 7 hours | 4% |
Nearly 42% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new laboratory shaker. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:
Replacement of an aging system | 60% |
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | 24% |
First time purchase | 4% |
Setting up a new lab | 3% |
Other | 9% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a laboratory shaker:
Durability / rugged design | 80% |
Low maintenance — easy to clean | 74% |
Shaking speed | 65% |
Simple operation — easy to program and monitor | 58% |
Orbital vs. reciprocating motion | 43% |
Electronic speed controls | 41% |
Warranty | 40% |
Minimal vibration | 38% |
Compact design | 36% |
Low noise — quiet | 33% |
For more information on lab shakers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/shakers