Nowadays, finding the right hotplate stirrer can be a tedious task. This is because there are a lot of products available now. Before you choose a product for your laboratory, it’s essential to learn more about it.
A hotplate stirrer is a device used in laboratories and its primary function is to spin or rotate a container of liquid quickly to stir its contents. Such devices are typically used in biology and chemistry. They’re quieter and more efficient than motorized stirrers driven by gears. Hotplate stirrers are also smaller and easier to maintain. That is as compared to other devices used for stirring. They also include a hotplate which is essential for heating the samples.
If you’re looking for the best hotplate stirrer to use, you need to consider a few crucial factors. These include:
The purpose of your hotplate stirrer
This is the first thing you need to find. Think about your goal for using such a product. Think about the uses of the hotplate stirrers and the volume and type of samples you’ll use the stirrer for.
The size of the device
Just like any other product, all hotplate stirrers aren’t made equally. Such products have the same primary purpose. But they would each have different features. For instance, some stirrers can only mix a single vessel at a time in a unique position on the hotplate. On the other hand, the more significant models may be more versatile. So, you need to think about how many samples you’d typically need to process each time.
Regarding size, also think about the space in your laboratory. One main feature of hotplate stirrers that a lot of people appreciate is their handy sizes. Although you may want a device which can handle more samples, it would be useless if it can’t fit in your workspace.
Usually, those who work in big laboratories need bigger models. This is because of the full requirements and activities of their profession. A lot of times though, many home users choose the handy hotplate stirrers for specific purposes. If you’re one of these users, then a smaller-sized unit may be enough for you.
Convenience and ease of use
These are important factors to consider when purchasing a hotplate stirrer. This is especially true if you need one for home use. Look through the product’s specifications and check if it has user-friendly features. For instance, would you prefer an analog controller or a digital readout on your device? You should also focus on the heat sensor feature of hotplate stirrers. This is important so you can keep track of the temperature while it’s processing a liquid. Such convenient features will make it easier to work with the device even from home.
When it comes to purchasing a hotplate stirrer, you need to think about a lot of things. It’s also better for you to buy the unit from a reputable source. One which will give you a warranty for the device in case you encounter any problems. Aside from this, it’s also important to learn all you can about the device. Do this before getting one for your home or laboratory.
Tips to Consider Before Buying Hot Plate Stirrer
You can select the hotplate stirrer class basis the application. However, you must consider the following factors before purchasing hot plate stirrers.
1 Capacity/Volume: One of the critical factors to consider is the sample’s capacity or volume to be stirred. Typically, you can mix 0.4L to 20L. However, there are also hot plate stirrers that may heat up to 100L of the sample. Magnetic stirrers are great for up to 20L, and for stirring up to 100L, overhead stirrers would be a great choice.
2. Operating Range: The temperature range depends on the material of the top plate of the magnetic stirrer. For instance, the ceramic hot plate has magnificent chemical resistance and is ideal for working with corrosive chemicals. It also heats up quickly, offering high temperatures of up to 400°C-500°C. On the other hand, aluminum hot plate ranges from 300-400°C and have excellent thermal conductivity. They are using hot titanium plates to work with temperatures going up to 600°C.
3. Uniformity: Uniformity is also affected by the material of the hot plate used. Aluminum hot plates have a superior temperature uniformity of ±10°C depending on the size of the top container and temperature. On the other hand, porcelain top plates also offer temperature uniformity and good corrosion resistance. However, ceramic plates do not provide the same temperature uniformity over top plate surfaces as other top plate surfaces do.
4. Viscosity: Viscosity is the thickness of the fluid, or in other terms, it is the resistance of a liquid. It is also known as the friction of the molecules in a fluid. For high-viscosity solutions, it is recommended to get magnetic stirrers with higher magnetic coupling strength. It is a critical parameter to consider while purchasing a hot plate stirrer. Drive-magnet’s shape and size, the stir bar’s shape and size, the distance between the stir bar and drive magnet, the vessel shape and size, desired stir speed, and the solution’s viscosity drive the effectiveness of the solution stir.
5. Stability & Precision: Basic analogue hot plate stirrers suffice if precise control is not required for temperature control and stirring speed. However, digital hot plate stirrers will offer excellent accuracy and stability if temperature control and stirring speed are influential.
6. Environment: Working with stirrers means fumes are bound to emit. If the hot plate stirrers are not good quality, it may cause an explosion in the laboratory, and none of us want that. So ensure to get a good quality stirrer.
What else are you looking to do?
Stay up to date with the latest news, ideas and insights from Evolve
Evolve is your trusted science partner
At Evolve, we have specific sector knowledge and tailor scientific solutions to your requirements by selecting and adapting our service offering, which includes:
- Facility design, laboratory supplies and lab furniture layout
- Expertise to help you make quick and informed decisions for all your clinical, scientific or analytical needs
- We can provide you with a comprehensive maintenance and support service
- We offer training in a number of areas of interest to the scientific community
Our proactive, consultative approach is underpinned by the expertise of our team of dedicated professionals, ensuring that you’ll get personal support from one of our experts.
If you need to speak with someone from Evolve, please visit our Support Centre page.
