2015 Shakers Product 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 | 57% |
Orbital shaker | 56% |
Rocking shaker | 43% |
Incubator shaker | 41% |
Reciprocal shaker | 20% |
Vibrating shaker | 17% |
Biological shaker | 13% |
Nutating shaker | 6% |
Other | 4% |
Number of hours per day shaker is in operation:
Less than 1 hour | 23% |
1 - 3 hours | 28% |
3 - 5 hours | 14% |
5 - 7 hours | 6% |
more than 7 hours | 30% |
Nearly 52% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new laboratory shaker. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:
Replacement of an aging system | 55% | ||
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | 25% | ||
Setting up a new lab | 2% | ||
First time purchase | 10% | ||
Other | 8% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a laboratory shaker:
Durability / Rugged design | 80% |
Low maintenance / Easy to clean | 69% |
Shaking speed | 60% |
Simple operation - Easy to program and monitor | 53% |
Low noise - Quiet | 47% |
Minimal vibration | 44% |
Warranty | 44% |
Electronic speed controls | 36% |
Orbital vs. reciprocating motion | 35% |
Compact design | 34% |
For more information on lab shakers, visit www.labmanager.com/shakers