Benchtop units Laboratory Shakers

Laboratory Shakers: Designs and Selection Criteria

Laboratory shakers differ fundamentally in the type of motion they generate—from high-frequency vibration to gentle rotation. The correct choice depends on the sample type, vessel format, and the desired mixing intensity.

Vortexers

Vortexers generate a high-frequency circular motion for the rapid mixing of small volumes in individual tubes—the classic choice for Eppendorf and test tubes. The range extends from simple press-to-mix models (110.00 €) to digital models with adjustable speeds of 200–3,000 rpm (360.00 €), the analog Vortex-Genie 2 (395.00 €), and the VX-200 with a Combi-Cup for various tube sizes.

Orbital Shakers

Orbital shakers move the entire platform in a circular path—suitable for cell culture, Western blots, and larger sample vessels. The range includes high-performance models with a capacity of up to 23 kg (3,605.00 €), models for extreme environments with up to 100% humidity (4,660.00 €), as well as the Crystal OSC-26M specifically for operation in CO₂ incubators (promotional price 2,205.00 €) and the CELLTRON benchtop orbital shaker for incubators and warm rooms.

Roller Mixers

Roller mixers gently mix samples by rolling them over inclined or rotating rollers—the gentle choice for blood samples and suspensions that could be damaged by vigorous shaking. Available with 5 to 11 interchangeable rollers and variable speeds from 0.5 to 80 rpm, starting from 456.23 €.

Overhead Shakers

Overhead shakers rotate sample vessels continuously by 360°—suitable for incubations where complete and uniform mixing is required over the entire sample duration. The Mini Incubator with Mini LabRoller offers a complete system with rotisseries for 50, 15, and 1.5 ml tubes.

Rocking or Teetering Shakers

Rocking and teetering shakers move the platform in a slow tilting motion—ideal for the gentle staining of gels and Western blots without trapping air bubbles. The ProBlot series offers shaking platforms from 260×200 mm to 300×300 mm, also with a two-tier setup for higher throughput. The incubation rocking and 3D shakers from Ohaus additionally offer a temperature range from ambient +5°C to 65°C (3,400.00 €–3,725.00 €).

Shakers for Microtiter Plates

The Orbit TM microtiter plate shaker accommodates up to 4 plates simultaneously and offers an adjustable speed of 100 to 1,200 rpm—for ELISA incubations and other plate-based assays.

Accessories

For orbital shakers and shaking incubators, stainless steel spring clamps are available for Erlenmeyer flasks from 10 ml to 5,000 ml for secure attachment, as well as swivelling test tube racks in numerous diameters and capacities—also for Falcon tubes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laboratory Shakers

The most important questions regarding the selection of the appropriate shaker type for different sample types.