Laboratories need a wide range of equipment for analysing samples, conducting experiments, and gathering data. The water bath shaker is among the most significant lab equipment that meets diverse requirements. Typically, it is a tool that is used for mixing and agitating separate samples. The uniqueness of the shaker is that it helps mix samples in a controlled manner. With the samples, you can homogenize, dissolve, suspend, or alter the samples in several different ways. Usually, the platforms within the device agitate the samples in a specific motion and disperse the samples based on the setting.
Whether it is for biochemical assays, microbiology, or cell culture or any application that requires controlled temperature, the lab shaker selection may have a significant impact on the accuracy of the result.
Listed below are a few tips to help you make the right decision when choosing a water bath shaker for your laboratory:
- What are the requirements of application?
When you start exploring different types of water bath shakers, the right way to begin is assessing your needs. For instance, the temperature conditions differ for different laboratory procedures. Besides, the other parameters like volume capacity and shaking speed may also differ. You need to keep the following aspects in mind:
- First you need to consider the range of temperature needed for the experiment; water bath shakers usually operate at very high temperatures up to 100 degrees Celsius, although a few models may offer higher cooling and heating options. If the work involves samples that are sensitive to heat, you must ensure that the equipment offers uniform heating and proper temperature control.
- The volume of samples that are to be processed using the water bath shaker is an important consideration. Precisely, the laboratory shakers are available in different sizes. Accordingly, the larger models are good enough to accommodate large-sized flasks and various samples. Be sure to choose a shaker that is capable of handling and accommodating the volume of samples based on your needs.
- The shaking speed also differs based on the experiment. A few models are capable of achieving very high speed while there are others that work at slower speed. Ideally, the shaking speed will differ based on factors like the type of experiment and the sample size.
- Compatibility of material
The make and model of this laboratory instrument impact the way you may conduct the experiment. Keep in mind that the lab shakers are constantly exposed to chemicals and water, which may lead to corrosion. Here are the things you need to keep in mind:
- Look for shakers that are made from materials that can easily resist corrosion like high-quality plastics or stainless steel. They are less prone to degradation when exposed to cleaning agents and moisture.
- The shaker must be easy to clean, especially if you are using them for them for biochemical or microbiological work; so look for trays with removable racks and trays that can be disinfected and cleaned easily.
- Check the temperature control features
Uniformity and stability of temperature is a vital aspect of experiments where precise control over environmental conditions is important. An ideal laboratory shaker needs to maintain consistent heating and cooling to ensure that all the samples here are well-maintained throughout the shaking mechanism. Here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Search for models where temperature settings can be adjusted to obtain the precise scale and exactly match your needs.
- A few bath shakers come with built-in systems that ensure even distribution of temperature and it is extremely important when samples are to be cooled or heated accurately to avoid errors in the outcome.
- Consider getting a bath shaker with temperature control mechanisms to safeguard the samples as well as the equipment from running into a malfunction.
- User-friendly interface
A device with user-friendly interface is essential to maintain ease of use. Try to look for models with digital controls that help the users adjust the temperature, time, and the shaking speed.
- Space and capacity
The next set of factors that go a long way when choosing a high-performance water bath shaker is space and capacity. You will find them in different sizes and it is essential to pick one that fits the laboratory workspace as well as good to work with multiple samples. While the larger shakers offer more space and appropriate when working with higher volumes and several containers, you will need a lot of space to keep them in your lab. On the other hand, the smaller models are effective based on the kind of space available in the laboratory.
- You need to check the dimensions and compare them with the space available in the laboratory ; a model for benchtop use would be more convenient than the larger models
- Make sure the shaker is good enough to accommodate test tubes, flasks, and containers that you will need for the laboratory. Apart from this, you must also assess whether it can support the weight of sample containers.
- Modern features
The modern laboratory water baths have unique features to boost convenience and safety of users like programmable settings and digital displays, temperature control, and alarms. Among the trending features in today’s laboratory water baths are display and digital controls. With a user-friendly digital control panel and easy display, researchers can achieve temperature precision more easily.
Selecting a water bath shaker requires you to analyse the features listed above before reaching a decision. At IGene Labserve, you will come across top-notch laboratory equipment and select the most fitting option to boost your scientific journey. Navigate the website here to get glimpses of the devices. When you consider the above-mentioned factors carefully, making an informed choice is easier and improves the quality as well as the efficiency of work. With the right bath shaker, you can maintain uniformity in the experiments and improve the level of precision in laboratory work.