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
