Shakers & Incubation Mixers

Orbit diameter and speed together set the mixing and oxygen transfer a flask receives, so both must match your protocol. Larger orbits suit bigger flasks and higher aeration, while smaller orbits suit tubes and plates. If you are reproducing published work, match the orbit as well as the speed, because moving a method to a different orbit can shift growth rates and cell density in ways that surprise people.

Temperature performance is the priority, so confirm the unit reaches and holds setpoint accurately and, for refrigerated models, that cooling still works down to specification. Run the drive across its speed range under a loaded platform, listening for imbalance and bearing wear. Check the platform, clamps and any flask clips, and ask about the operating hours, since continuous culture duty ages a shaker faster than intermittent use.

Every shaker has a rated dynamic load, which is lower than a static weight because the moving mass adds inertial force at speed. Overloading causes imbalance, vibration and premature drive wear. Work out the fully loaded weight of your flasks and clamps, keep within the rated dynamic capacity with margin, and confirm the platform size accommodates the vessel mix you plan to run.

Not really, since they produce different motions suited to different tasks. Orbital shakers create a swirling action ideal for aerating cultures and mixing flask contents, while rocking platforms give a gentle tilting motion suited to staining, blotting and gentle suspension. Choosing the wrong one leads to inadequate aeration on cultures or excessive shear on delicate protocols, so match the motion to the method.

Once you find a suitable listing, you contact the seller directly through Machinery Masters to confirm condition, request a demonstration of temperature and speed control, and agree terms. Delivery is arranged between you and the seller, and benchtop shakers usually travel easily by standard freight while large floor standing incubated units may need pallet transport. Finance on qualifying listings is available if you are equipping multiple stations.