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
- What applications are you using the stirrer or mixer for? What result do you want to accomplish?
- What are the maximum volume and the maximum viscosity that you can use the stirrer for?
- Which stirring element is best suited to your application?
- What are the features and specs of the stirrers or mixers available?
- What level of accuracy does the digital speed indicator have?
- What type of motor is used in the stirrer or mixer?
- Can you determine the viscosity with the torque trend measurement?
- 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.
- Does the manufacturing company offer application and technical support over the phone?
- What warranty and delivery options are available? How quickly will the new purchase arrive?
Types of stirrer(s) used by survey respondents:
| Magnetic Stirrer | 82% |
| Hot Plate Stirrer | 82% |
| Overhead Stirrer | 24% |
| Other | 4% |
Stirrer problems reported by survey respondents:
| Stirrer doesn't maintain speed | 41% |
| Stirrer can't handle high viscosity fluid | 35% |
| Stirrer can't handle large volumes | 26% |
| Drive motor overheats | 15% |
| Impeller frequently becomes jammed | 6% |
| Other | 15% |
Nearly 49% 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 | 31% |
| First time purchase | 4% |
| Setting up a new lab | 2% |
| Other | 4% |
Top 10 Features/Factors Respondents Look for When Purchasing a Stirrer or Mixer:
| Durability of product | 86% |
| Low maintenance - Easy to use and clean | 80% |
| Value for price paid | 71% |
| Reliability of vendor | 54% |
| Minimal vibration | 53% |
| Safety features | 50% |
| Versatility | 47% |
| Reputation of vendor | 42% |
| Compact design | 40% |
| Warranty | 40% |
For more information on stirrers and mixers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/stirrers-mixers
