General Laboratory & Sample Preparation Equipment
General and sample-preparation equipment covers everyday laboratory workflow, from separating and mixing samples to temperature control, stirring, incubation, and drying. Equipment should be chosen based on sample type, working volume/capacity, speed or temperature range, precision and stability, vessel/accessory compatibility, lab space, and safety requirements.
Subcategories
Centrifuge
Centrifuges separate sample components by density difference under centrifugal force. Key selection criteria include actual RCF, rotor type/capacity, tube compatibility, refrigerated vs. non-refrigerated, acceleration/braking control, safety, and biocontainment rotor/lid availability.
Vortex Mixer
Vortex mixers give fast, uniform mixing of samples in tubes and small vessels — used in sample prep, solution making, cell suspension, and many routine protocols. Control mode (Touch or Continuous), speed range, timer, and head/holder variety matter most when choosing one.
Shaker
Shakers provide controlled, repeatable motion for cell culture, microbiology, solution prep, and research protocols. Motion type, speed, orbit, load capacity, platform size, clamp type, and (for incubated models) temperature control are the main selection criteria.
Laboratory Stirrer
Hotplate stirrers give controlled mixing of solutions, with simultaneous heating where needed. Speed range, temperature range/accuracy, plate material and diameter, external probe support, and stirring volume should match the application.
Water Bath
Water baths keep samples and reagents at a controlled, uniform temperature for routine, research, and QA/QC use. Capacity, temperature range, stability/uniformity, over-temperature safety, tank material, and ease of cleaning are the selection criteria.
Laboratory Oven
Laboratory ovens are used for drying, heating, and controlled thermal protocols in research, clinical, and industrial labs. Airflow type, capacity, temperature range/uniformity, over-temperature safety, timer, and chamber material are the key criteria.