Magnetic stirrers are a popular type of laboratory stirrer that use a rotating magnetic field to cause a stirrer bar to rotate within the solution. These stirrers are often combined with a hotplate and are ideal for small volumes of non-viscous liquids and for situations in which a reaction must take place in a closed vessel or system. The overhead stirrer, however, is more suitable for larger volumes and more viscous solutions, but can be less convenient and more time-consuming to set up.

Top 6 Questions Stirrers (Including Overhead) You Should Ask When Buying an Overhead Stirrer

1. When purchasing an overhead stirrer, know the application information and the result that needs to be accomplished as this will help to determine the best stirrer fit for the application. The following would be helpful when talking to a sales rep:

• Product being mixed (liquid/ liquid or liquid/powder), volume and viscosity and speed range required
• Size and shape of mixing vessel—this helps to determine the size and shape of the mixing impeller. Know the ID (inner diameter) of the opening of the vessel as well as the height
• Features needed for the applicationtimer, clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, motor that can withstand usage (ie. 24/7 or once a month)

2. What are the features and specs of the overhead stirrers available?

3. What type of motor is used in the stirrer? A brushless DC motor is very efficient and maintenancefree. A brushed motor contains brushes which wear and over time need replacing.

4. Does the manufacturing company offer application and technical support over the phone?

5. H ave you purchased everything you need to start mixing? Sometimes stirrers are sold as kits and sometimes the stirrer motor, stand, clamp and mixing impeller accessories are sold separately.

6. Finally, ask about warranty and delivery to determine how quickly the new purchase will be received.

The types of lab stirrers respondents to our latest survey are using or planning to purchase for their labs:

Accessories our readers are using with their lab stirrers:

Top ten factors/features our readers are looking for when buying a lab stirrer:

Recently Released Stirrers

Various Models
• Line of mixers, stands, clamps and high quality electropolished blades and impellers offered to satisfy a wide variety of mixing methods
• All stirrers are built with brushless DC fractional motors which deliver large amounts of power
• Built to be safe, quiet and reliable
• Wide range offered— from the ultra-compact Petite Digital BDC250 stirrer to the ultra-high torque BDC1850

Caframo
www.caframo.com

AHP-800MSP Magnetic Stirring Cold/Hot Plate
• All major features are adjustable; includes five stir speed settings and varying fan speeds for reduced noise
• Temperature control can be internal or external with the flip of a switch
• Optional sleeves can be added, allowing the instrument to accept smaller beakers
• Standard sleeve sizes range from 2 liters to 0.6 liters

TECA
www.thermoelectric.com

Stuart SM5 Magnetic Mini Stirrer
• Stirs volumes up to 1 liter and offers a choice of three stylish fascia designs
• Provides stirring speeds of 350 to 2,000 rpm
• Constructed from polypropylene with a chemically resistant polycarbonate top
• Casing incorporates silver-based BioCote® antimicrobial protection

Bibby Scientific
www.bibby-scientific.com

Asynt Hotplate Stirrer
• Incorporates two independent control circuits, so that the set temperature values are held constant in the event of one circuit malfunctioning
• Includes an expanded range of safety features
• Hermetically sealed design protects the motor assembly from spillages

Asynt
www.asynt.com

Stirrer Manufacturers