2017 Shakers Survey Results
Learn how often our readers use their lab shakers and much more in our 2017 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.
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