Benchtop centrifuges – Buying guide & Comparison
If you are short on time, and you just want to find the best benchtop centrifuge, this short paragraph should help you get just the right model you need. According to our findings, the ELMI CM-6MT-9 is the best option because it gives a lot of room for customization to users and is built to withstand the test of time. The model features a metal construction that manages to make it one of the most durable alternatives in the line. Additionally, you’re likely to be impressed by some of the core features and benefits offered by the ELMI CM-6MT-9 given that the rotational speeds are adjustable from 100 to 3,500 rpm. You’ll need to use up to six 50-ml tubes with this model, but it is compatible with a wide array of PRP kits. If the ELMI CM-6MT-9 is unavailable, your second option should be the Eppendorf 5810R.
These days, finding the best laboratory bench top centrifuge may be an adventure considering that the market is overflowing with options. We’ve taken the time to go over specialized articles as well as hundreds and hundreds of user reviews to see what models are worth bearing in mind. We ended up creating a comprehensive benchtop lab centrifuge guide that one can use in order to focus on the crucial factors that need to be considered when prospecting the market.
Rotor
One of the first things to consider is the rotor design. While some models come with a complimentary rotor, others lack it, and so you have to purchase it separately. The question you ought to ask yourself, in this case, is whether or not you’ll find rotor replacements in the future. In order to avoid any sort of compatibility issues, it might be recommended that you choose a rotor from one of the benchtop centrifuge manufacturers you plan to buy your unit from.
As for the type of rotor, you have to select a fixed-angle rotor or a swing one. These two are different from one another and cannot be used to mimic the features of their counterparts. That’s why it may be a good idea to assess your requirements before choosing one rotor over another.
Rotation speed
As is the case with any other model that you might be tempted to buy at some point or the other, the rotational speed is a critical factor also when choosing a benchtop clinical centrifuge. Expressed as the number of revolutions per minute (RPM), you’ll find this info in most product descriptions. If you don’t come across this detail, we recommend you to get on the phone with customer support as the velocity is most important when trying to obtain various types of organic sediments. The higher the speed, the less time it will take you to get the right sample. It’s important to note that some centrifuges come with fixed speeds, so you won’t be able to use them every time.
Ease of use and energy efficiency
While figuring out how easy it is for you to utilize a centrifuge can be done just by going through several user reviews, estimating the energy efficiency of a model is a daunting task. High-end models usually have high power requirements so they’ll take a toll on electricity bills. If this is not one of your concern as you are not the one paying the bills for the laboratory, perhaps this detail might be of less importance. On the other hand, if the centrifuge wastes a lot of energy every time you use it, maybe it’s not the best addition to your practice.
5 Best Benchtop Centrifuges (Reviews) in 2024
The best benchtop centrifuges are showcased below. We’ve taken the chance to check the features of many models and see why they’re so critically acclaimed. The following units have garnered the appreciation of many American and Canadian scientists. Since they come in different sizes, you’ll be able to select both a larger and a compact benchtop centrifuge by hovering over the product selection.
Contents
1. ELMI CM-7S Clinical PRP Benchtop Centrifuge with 6-Place
If you’ve been tossing and turning about getting a high-quality centrifuge that you can use with 50-ml tubes, perhaps it’s high time you had a look at the specs of the ELMI CM-6MT-9. For one, the model is considerably more affordable compared to many of its competitors. Secondly, the swing-out rotor can accommodate up to six 50-ml vials, thus allowing you to perform your tasks efficiently.
This isn’t the most lightweight benchtop centrifuge available out there, given that it weighs in at 22 pounds. Therefore, it may be less suited for individuals looking for a compact option that they can take from one place to the other.
Even so, considering that ELMI CM-6MT-9 is compatible with up to four interchangeable swing-out rotors, it goes without saying that it is a winner in terms of versatility. The same model also works with a wide array of adapters that can be bought separately.
Another reason for you to select this unit is that it comes with customizable rotational speeds, which can be adjusted depending on the specimen you plan to examine. As such, you will be able to choose any speed between 100 and 3,500 RPM. The ELMI CM-6MT-9 is FDA-registered and manufactured by a widely popular brand.
Pros
The machine is a variable speed benchtop. You can choose the speed you need for centrifuging your materials, between 100 and 3500 rpm.
It has digital display and controls. That makes it really easy to set the program parameters. Having control over the operation is critical since most of the materials need to undergo specific processes.
It has a medium capacity that is well suited for a moderate amount of substances. The centrifuge can accommodate 6 tubes of 50ml each.
The product can be used in clinical or industrial facilities, for clinical trials, analyses or research purposes.
One of its features is the automatic stop. If the glass lid opens or the rotor becomes unbalanced then the device will cease centrifuging.
Cons
There are no obvious concerns related to this machine, other than the fact that it’s less compact and a bit difficult to move it.
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2. Eppendorf 5810 R Multi-Purpose Variable-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge
In spite of its significantly higher price, this Eppendorf benchtop centrifuge is an investment that pays for itself. This model is a refrigerated variable-speed unit that does the trick under most circumstances. With an unparalleled speed capability and the ability to work with up to eighteen interchangeable rotors, it goes without saying that this product is definitely worth taking into account.
One of the core advantages offered by this Eppendorf model is that it comes with a plethora of characteristics that manage to make it considerably more durable when compared to other units in the same line. For example, the product is capable of automatically recognizing the type of rotor that is being used so that it doesn’t use a too high speed that might affect its structure.
Besides, if any imbalance is detected, the unit automatically shuts itself off so that it doesn’t have to suffer from any wear, vibration, or noise. Of course, all of these characteristics might look like they’re overly complicated, but they help this Eppendorf model withstand the test of time.
Finally, one of the most impressive features belonging to this model is its ability to reach speeds of up to 14,000 revolutions per minute. In a nutshell, this detail is what makes it possible for the unit to work with a plethora of samples.
Pros
Unlike the more common centrifuges, it is refrigerated. The temperature can be set to as low as -9 degrees C and the standby cooling maintains it when it’s not in use. The feature is helpful for clinical labs.
It has rotor recognition function. When it kicks in, the machine sets the rotation speed limit according to the type of rotor you’re using. The Eppendorf 5810R is compatible with 18 different types of rotors.
Automatic shut-off is meant to stop the cycle when an imbalance is detected. This way, possible problems can be avoided. It also decreases wear, vibration and noise.
You can benefit from the ample program memory. It can store up to 35 types of programs and use them as shortcuts for repeating results.
It reaches a high speed of rotation, with 200 to 14000 rpm.
Cons
It is pricier than the other centrifuges, but it has better capacities as well.
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3. Hettich 320RPLATE Model Universal 320R Plate Benchtop Centrifuge
The Hettich 320RPLATE is yet another model to consider if you’re looking for a sturdy centrifuge that does exactly what it has been designed to do. The neat thing about this unit is that it comes with temperature control, which means that users can select any of the temperatures they prefer in the range of -20 to 40 degrees Celsius. As is the case with other models in the line, the Hettich 320RPLATE comes with a swing-out rotor.
Based on the information that we were able to gather about the Hettich 320RPLATE, it looks as if it does not come with an adjustable rotational speed. Instead, all of the samples have to be done at 4000 revolutions per minute.
Depending on the nature of the samples that you might need to use, this might be an advantage or a disadvantage. For instance, the Hettich 320RPLATE does prove its worth when working with blood, urine, and cell/tissue plates. Also, the same model manages to offer great results if you’re looking to utilize it in areas such as cytology.
In spite of the fact that it costs less when compared to the previously showcased Eppendorf unit, this one comes with a complimentary rotor, buckets, adapters, as well as biocontainment lids.
Pros
The device is multi-functional. It can be used with confidence for clinical purposes, research or industrial applications.
It’s sturdy and reliable thanks to the all steel construction. That offers you more power, reinforced security, and durability than small plastic centrifuge machines.
Silent operation is one quality you need for your lab equipment. This one is no noisier than a normal conversation. That saves you from distraction during focused work.
It provides refrigeration and has a fast cooling function. For sensitive samples, it can bring down the temperature to 4 degrees C in about 10 to 15 minutes. The unit operates in the range of -20 to 40 degrees C.
It has a functional design, with a self-closing and auto-locking lid that’s easy to lift and a control panel providing effortless access and programming.
Cons
You need to break the bank to get to this centrifuge.
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4. Premiere XC-2415 Bench-Top Centrifuge
It sometimes boils down to the price of the centrifuge as some people might be less tempted to ruin their entire budgets over getting a high-end alternative. If you’ve been trying to purchase a fully functional product under three hundred dollars, the Premiere XC-2415 might make just the right choice.
There are several differences between this model and the ones we’ve described earlier on. First and foremost, the Premiere comes with a fixed-angle rotor that can accommodate up to twelve tubes of which the capacity is from 10 to 15 milliliters.
While it might be less versatile and convenient compared to other, more expensive products in the line, the Premiere manages to do its job wonderfully.
The rotational speed can be adjusted from 1,000 to 4,000 depending on the specimen and the time you need it to be done in. In case you need to customize the speed even more, the centrifuge can be adjusted in 100 RPM increments.
Another difference between the Premiere and other models is that it is compact and lightweight, which means that you’ll be able to use it in various places and labs, wherever your practice might take you.
Pros
It can memorize the last preferred setting for the next operation. The last-spin memory feature saves time and keeps the machine ready for fast paced execution.
Premiere XC-2415 has four suction feet designed to hold the unit in place once the cycle has started. Vibrations caused by spinning can and set off slipping and shifting and this is a good way to prevent all that.
The unit comes with plenty of safety precautions. It has a balance control, lid lock, and temperature/speed protection. It also features a release latch for emergency cases.
It has a quiet motor that generates less than 65 dB. Labs sometimes need to run several centrifuges at the same time, and that is unpleasant and distracting so having a quiet motor is important.
Cons
As a low-speed centrifuge machine, it has a variable speed of 1000-4000 rpm, but you can only operate with 500 rpm increments.
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5. Globe Scientific 6261 Polypropylene Centrifuge Tube
It would have been close to impossible to leave out the Ample Scientific benchtop centrifuge from our selection given that it is probably the most affordable option out there. It usually costs under three hundred dollars and Amazon buyers can even get it for a lower price.
On the one hand, getting this model is advantageous because it comes with a number of sleeves that make it possible for users to adjust the rotor tube capacity. Therefore, the Ample Scientific Champion F-33D can be used either with eight 15-ml tubes or with eight 7-ml tubes with sleeves.
The fixed-angle rotor can deliver speeds between 550 and 3,300 revolutions per minute. The centrifuge has been equipped with a unique vortex ventilation system that actively protects the samples while they are being prepared.
This system chills down the temperature of the centrifuge chamber so that no overheating ever occurs. As for the speed of the rotor, it can be customized using a digital controller. Also with regard to safety, it’s important to note that the model comes with a motor that automatically shuts down whenever the centrifuge is open. This feature increases the durability of the product.
Pros
The vortex ventilation system keeps your samples safe. Since temperature can raise while the motor is functioning, the ventilation keeps the centrifuge chamber cool.
The motor safely shuts down when the centrifuge is open. That preserves the samples and reduces the stress on the motor.
The unit is equipped with a digital tachometer and a controller. That’s how you can monitor the rotor speed and change it, respectively.
It is manufactured with an impact- and wear-resistant material. Lab equipment should last longer, so the ABS used for building this centrifuge is a nice solution for an extended lifespan.
The Ample Scientific Champion F-33D is easy to work with. Setting the rotations per minute and time is a no-brainer thanks to the simple controllers.
Cons
It has a lower speed and smaller RCF than other centrifuge machines, so you’ll have a limited range of procedures available.
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