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Lab Trends

What Are Users Saying About Stirrers?

Find out the main issues users run into, and more, from the latest stirrer survey results

by
Erica Tennenhouse, PhD

Erica Tennenhouse, PhD, is the managing editor of Clinical Lab Manager.

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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 10 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Stirrer or Mixer

  1. What applications are you using the stirrer or mixer for? What result do you want to accomplish?
  2. What are the maximum volume and the maximum viscosity that you can use the stirrer for?
  3. Which stirring element is best suited to your application?
  4. What are the features and specs of the stirrers or mixers available?
  5. What level of accuracy does the digital speed indicator have?
  6. What type of motor is used in the stirrer or mixer?
  7. Can you determine the viscosity with the torque trend measurement?
  8. Have you purchased everything you need to start mixing? Sometimes stirrers and mixers are sold as kits, while sometimes all or some of the accessories must be purchased separately.
  9. Does the manufacturing company offer application and technical support over the phone?
  10. What warranty and delivery options are available? How quickly will the new purchase arrive?

Types of stirrer(s) used by survey respondents:

Hot Plate Stirrer 83%
Magnetic Stirrer 81%
Overhead Stirrer 26%
Other 9%

Stirrer problems reported by survey respondents:

Stirrer can't handle high viscosity fluid 45%
Stirrer can't handle large volumes 38%
Stirrer doesn't maintain speed 33%
Drive motor overheats 19%
Impeller frequently becomes jammed 12%
Other 22%

Nearly 58% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new stirrer or mixer. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Replacement of aging system
58%
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
26%
Setting up a new lab
10%
First time purchase
5%
Other
0%

Top 10 Features/Factors Respondents Look for When Purchasing a Stirrer or Mixer:

Durability of product 84%
Low maintenance - Easy to use and clean 78%
Value for price paid 69%
Safety features 55%
Reliability of vendor 52%
Warranty 50%
Versatility 48%
Service and support 46%
Minimal vibration 42%
Reputation of vendor 41%

For more information on stirrers and mixers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/stirrers-mixers

See results from previous surveys: