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2016 Shakers Survey Results

Learn the top ten features readers’ readers look for and more from our latest shaker survey results.

by Ryan Ackerman

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

  1. What is the capacity of the unit (both for total weight and volume)?
  2. What accessories are available?
  3. What is the RPM range and what increments can it be controlled in?
  4. What are the temperature and humidity operating conditions for the unit?
  5. What programming functions, if any, does the unit have?

Shaker types used by survey respondents:

Orbital shaker62%
Vortex shaker57%
Rocking shaker45%
Incubator shaker32%
Biological shaker20%
Vibrating shaker17%
Nutating shaker13%
Reciprocal shaker6%
Other4%

Number of hours per day shaker is in operation:

Less than 1 hour28%
1 - 3 hours42%
3 - 5 hours9%
5 - 7 hours2%
more than 7 hours19%

Nearly 43% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new laboratory shaker. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Replacement of an aging system
57%
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
25%
Setting up a new lab
4%
First time purchase
2%
Other
12%

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a laboratory shaker:

Durability / Rugged design73%
Low maintenance / Easy to clean70%
Shaking speed56%
Simple operation - Easy to program and monitor54%
Low noise - Quiet40%
Warranty40%
Minimal vibration39%
Electronic speed controls37%
Orbital vs. reciprocating motion34%
Extended Warranty33%

For more information on lab shakers, visit www.labmanager.com/shakers

See the most recent survey results