A survey of laboratory managers conducted by Lab Manager Magazine offers some fascinating insights for those in the market for mixers and stirrers. On any given day, just more than half (51%) of lab team members are in the process of purchasing this equipment.
Reasons and Criteria for Purchasing New Stirrers and Mixers
Their primary motivation was to replace old equipment (61%). Coming in a distant second was to increase capacity or functionality (30%). Setting up a new lab was the reason given by just 2% of those who were in the market for new stirrers or mixers.
Interestingly, most lab workers prized ease of cleaning and maintenance as their No. 1 criterion when considering stirring equipment. That came in at 79%. It just edged out performance (78%) as the most looked-for quality.
Common Types of Stirrers Used in Labs
In general, the most common kind of stirrer used is magnetic stirrer. The survey found this composed 91% of stirrer types. The second most common was the hot plate stirrer at 86%. A distant third was the overhead stirrer at 20%.
A Highly Rated Scientific Stirrer
A representative example of an overhead stirrer for use in labs is the variable-speed Caframo Bdc6015. It scores high in the two top categories prized by the professionals who use this kind of device every day. This unit is easy to clean and maintain. It also gets top marks across an array of performance factors.
For example, the Caframo Bdc6015 features an easy impeller adjustment process that saves time, lab workers said. It offers speed adjustment and speed maintenance to handle changes in viscosity. The unit has a brushless DC motor and totally enclosed metal housing.
Scientific Stirrers in Branchburg, NJ, is a company that handles a large array of lab equipment, including the Caframo Bdc6015. Company officials report that satisfaction with the Caframo brand remains consistently positive. You can learn more about this and other lab products at the Scientific Stirrers.