Calorimeters – Buying guide & Comparison
If you’re short on time and you just want to find the best calorimeter, this short paragraph should help you get exactly the model you need. According to our research the Eisco Labs Food is the best because it is designed to be easy and convenient to use, and it also comes with a helpful guide. It’s lightweight construction ensures that it is easy for students to carry to class or the lab so they can begin to understand how energy related to food consumption. Since everything you need to get started, except food, is included with this kit it is also a great value for students on a budget. If the Eisco Labs Food is not available, your second option should be the American Educational Products Electric.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
This calorimeter is very safe since it uses water instead of gas. Other than the food sample, it comes with everything you need to get started. Since it also comes with a handy guide, it is a great tool for beginners who want to get started in a matter of minutes.
Because it does use water, not gas, it is not regarded as one of the best indirect calorimeters. Also, the Erlenmeyer flask really demands your attention when hot.
A great calorimeter for beginners since it comes with mostly everything you need to get started experimenting right away. It is easy to transport and use, leading you toward good experiments.
2nd Best
This calorimeter’s weight allows you to carry it to and from class with ease. Because it is a patent of American Educational Products, it is already approved for use in most school labs. The insulated handle is another great bonus since it offers classroom safety.
This model, unlike others from its category, does not come with a separate receptacle, like a flask, that will allow you to hold the sample being tested.
It is a good calorimeter which is shipped with all the basic components that you will need. It’s also quite affordable, even if you will need to purchase a few cylinders in the beginning.
Also To Consider
This is a surprisingly affordable calorimeter with very little that is hard to like in its structure. It comes already packed with everything you need and since it meets all ISO standards you can use it in class. The material is well protected, well insulated and looks very attractive.
It’s really hard to overlook the fact that you will have to buy a thermometer before actually being able to start your experiment in your classroom or at home.
A polished, effective calorimeter which comes with a few extra safety measures. If you can get over having to buy the thermometer, then this is a great addition to your “experiments” toolkit.
Whether you are studying to be a nutritionist or are looking for a scientific way to accurately measure the calories in your food, you need a specific kind of meter. A calorimeter measures the amount of energy released when food is heated so you can calculate the calories per gram. While this might sound a little complicated, in reality it is actually pretty easy. Before you rush out and buy one of these meters for home or school there are a few aspects to consider. In this buying guide you will find the information you need so you can confidently choose the best calorimeter in 2024.
Budget
As stated in the best calorimeter reviews one of the first aspects to consider is your budget, and this is true if you are a student or simply want one for use at home. There are several models to choose from and once you have decided on a set spending limit it will be easier for you to narrow down your possible options. One way you can save a little money is to avoid meters that come with a lot of extra features and functions.
While you can find calorimeters in a range of prices, you don’t want to try and save money by purchasing one constructed from inferior materials. The calorimeter will be used with heat, usually a flame or electricity, and one that is cheaply constructed can be dangerous to use. Not only can it be dangerous, but if it breaks after only a few uses it could become an expensive waste of money. This can also be true if you purchased one that is used.
Type
It is not uncommon for people to wonder what the best type of calorimeter is, and the answer usually depends on how it is going to be used. There are several types of calorimeters that use different methods but all measure the amount of heat emitted. Two of the most common types are the coffee cup and bomb calorimeter, and both come with their own advantages.
The coffee cup model is simple and inexpensive, and some students can even make one in the lab. All you really need is a styrofoam cup and a steady heat source to place it over. You will also need an instrument to measure the effect of the heat on the various liquids. While this type of meter is effective, it can only be used to measure small amounts at a time. If you are serious about determining the amount of energy released to determine precise calorie counts you will probably want to spend a little more on a bomb style meter.
You can often find these calorimeters in a variety of sizes and since the chamber is sealed and placed underwater it is often considered slightly safer to use. While these calorimeters can cost a little more, you can find some marketed as kits so everything that you need to get started is included for one fee. In some cases this can actually save you time and money since you don’t need to purchase additional accessories. For more precise measurements using specific methods there are also titration and scanning calorimeters, along with isothermal microcalorimeters. It should be noted that these types of meters are typically only found in a research lab, and may not be practical for all applications at home.
Other considerations
When you are looking for a calorimeter there are a few other factors to consider. The weight of the meter could be important, especially if you have to carry it to class. The same is also true for the size, though most calorimeters measure less than 8 inches tall. This ensures that not only are they relatively easy to take with you, but that the meters will fit on crowded counters and work desks. It is also important to note the power source, especially since not all models are electric. If you do choose one that is battery powered you will want to make sure that they are easy to replace as needed.
Since you will be working with heat you also want to calorimeter to be insulated, at least on the handle so you can safely lift the lid. You might also want to choose one that comes with a convenient thermometer or else this will be something that you might have to purchase separately. Since you are trying to measure the calories in specific foods, models that come with a built in cork and nail. This will provide you with a place to secure the small food sample so the reaction to the heat can be accurately measured.
5 Best Calorimeters (Reviews) in 2024
A calorimeter is a great tool for anyone looking to make healthy changes to their diet or for students in the lab. While we can’t choose the right model for you we can help you make an informed decision, which is why we have the best calorimeter showcased below.
Contents
1. Eisco Labs Food Calorimeter
Even though this isn’t the best indirect calorimeter since it does use water instead of gas, this can actually be an advantage since it is easier and safer to use.
This is also why this calorimeter by Eisco Labs is frequently recommended for use at home or by students just starting out in the lab. Since it also comes with everything you need to get started, except for the food sample, it is a good value for anyone on a budget.
You will love how easy this meter is to use, and to ensure that they aren’t any mistakes it even comes with a handy guide that will walk you through the experiments. Simply add water and attach the food to the included holding assembly, and in a few minutes you can calculate the number of calories by the amount of energy released.
The small thermometer will accurately measure the changes in water temperature so you can begin to understand the basic thermodynamic concepts. It is also extremely lightweight and measure less than 7 inches tall which makes it easy to carry to class or the lab.
Pros
Designed to utilize water and not gas, this calorimeter is indeed easy and safe to use in the home and school.
The unit ships with the needed components to help you get started on calorie testing applications, so it definitely is good value for the money. You receive an entire kit comprising an Erlenmeyer flask, a metal suspension plate, a cylindrical metal stand, a cork with a nail, a rubber stopper, and an experiment guide.
This model offers ease of use and enables you to execute worry-free experiments thanks to the handy guide that walks you through various experiments that can be done using the tool.
Any changes in water temperature can be measured via the small thermometer for the study of basic thermodynamic principles.
Less than 7 inches tall and a pound heavy, the implement is easily transportable aside from being easy to store as an entire kit.
Cons
The Erlenmeyer flask needs to be handled with care particularly when hot.
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2. American Educational Electric Calorimeter
Weighing only 8 ounces when empty you can easily carry this calorimeter to and from class as needed. Since it is manufactured by American Educational Products it is already approved for use in most school labs and classrooms.
You will also appreciate its extremely affordable price, especially if you are on a tight student budget. While you will need to purchase a few inexpensive cylinders, it is still an excellent value for your money.
You will appreciate the insulated handle when you are trying to lift the hot lid. This is another reason why it is often rated safe for use in the classroom.
To ensure an accurate reading it comes with a small stirrer so you can move the heated liquid around without burning your fingers. When this calorimeter is connected to a 6 volt battery the temperature will rise an additional 5 degrees centigrade in 5 minutes or less.
If you are looking for the best insulated calorimeter but are on a tight budget, this model might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
Shipped with all the basic components of a functional calorimeter, this model comes with an insulated handle for problem-free sample taking, a stirrer, and a single-hole rubber stopper for a sealed assembly.
Useful for determining the electrical equivalent of heat, this model features a cover with a mounted heating coil with a resistance of around 1.5 ohms and standard binding posts to accommodate electrical connections. This will ensure safety during experiments.
To efficiently prevent electrolysis, the supporting coil and posts are coated. This ensures that measurements are accurate and not influenced by any material or composition alterations.
Measuring only 4 inches in diameter and 7 inches high, the device will not eat up much space on the worktable. Neither will it be difficult to transport and store.
Cons
This model has no separate receptacle to hold the sample being tested, unlike other units that have an inner vessel, cylinder, or flask for that purpose.
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3. Block style Calorimeter Brass Eisco Labs
There is very little not to like about this calorimeter by Eisco. It comes at a surprisingly affordable price, along with everything you need to get started.
You get the inner and outer vessel, along with a tightly sealing lid and convenient stirrer. It should be mentioned that you will need to purchase a thermometer before you start your experiments. Since it meets all ISO standards this calorimeter is approved for use in the classroom and at home.
Not only does the polished copper vessel look attractive, this material is also durable, resistant to corrosion and an excellent conductor of heat.
The smaller inner vessel also comes with cork supports that help to protect the surfaces from scratches and other abrasions.
For added convenience there is a small tube that is designed to hold the thermometer so you can easily get accurate readings for all your experiments. Ideal for students ages 14 to 21 or for use at home when you are trying to plan a healthy low calorie diet, this copper calorimeter might be just what you are looking for.
Pros
With its polished copper inner and outer vessels, this device is effective in performing thermal conductivity experiments because of the material. Copper is malleable, ductile, and is an effective conductor of electricity and heat.
The lid keeps the sample safely in the container to prevent accidental splashes when the sample expands due to the application of heat during experiments.
The lid features a central tubule to hold a separately bought thermometer, along with a slit to accommodate a stirrer and ensure a consistent constitution of the sample.
The cork supports on the inner vessel are instrumental in protecting surfaces during the conduction of experiments. The material of the vessels is resistant to corrosion to ensure lasting use.
Suitable for high school and college students, the kit can be used in a wide variety of activities including aeronautics, engineering, chemistry, robotics, geology, physics, and biology.
Cons
This is a model approved for classroom and home use and may be too small for gross testing of samples in industrial settings.
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4. Carolina Biological Supply Company Deluxe Double Wall
Students and nutritionists can all benefit from using this calorimeter, along with anyone at home that simply wants to know the exact calorie count of their food.
First time users will appreciate the included manual that contains precise instructions on how to conduct three common calorimetry experiments. Since it does come at an affordable price it can fit almost any budget, including students who are often on a fixed income.
The inner and outer vessels come with a phenolic cover that is molded to ensure a perfect fit. Supporting the inner container is never a problem thanks to the fiber washer that also provides plenty of insulation so heat doesn’t escape.
Since the heat is contained in the vessel it is easier to get accurate measurements, which are important when you are conducting any scientific experiment whether it is for school or personal use.
It also comes with a convenient rubber stopper that will prevent liquids from leaking out, along with a stirrer so you don’t have to worry about burning your hands. Perfect for home, school or professional use, you can easily conduct all your calorimetry experiments with this convenient meter.
Pros
This double-walled calorimeter consists of a 900-ml outer vessel with a molded phenolic cover, a 300-ml inner vessel, a rubber stopper, fiber washer, and a stirrer. It makes a good acquisition for buyers who want value for the money.
The customer also receives dependable instructions for performing three calorimetry experiments. It enables nutritionists as well as students and those trying to lose weight to determine the actual calorie count of food.
The supplied manual will be appreciated by those who have never worked with calorimeters before. This model is a budget-friendly means for people who want caloric determination without delving into the scientific concepts themselves.
A perfect fit along with user safety is ensured by the phenolic cover on the inner and outer vessels. The fiber washer on the inner container delivers a good level of insulation while preventing heat from escaping.
Cons
Most likely because this product is from a less known brand, it has not gotten that much attention on the market from consumers.
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5. Science First Electric
If you are looking for an affordable and accurate calorimeter, this model from Science First might be the perfect choice for you.
While this is an electric calorimeter the heating element still needs to be connected to a 6 volt battery, and since it is not included this should be factored into your budget. You will also need to purchase a thermometer, but you can find an inexpensive one at almost any neighborhood drug store or pharmacy.
Since the calorimeter is doubled walled you only need one vessel to measure the heat emitted from various solids and liquids.
With fewer pieces it is easier to carry to class to store at home. The styrofoam liner provides plenty of insulation to ensure heat doesn’t escape, and for added assurance it also comes with an insulator ring constructed from durable plastic.
This ensures that your readings will be accurate for precise experiments. You will also appreciate the spring heating element that can be easily removed and reattached to the container’s lid. Easy and convenient to use at home or school, this calorimeter from Science First might be just what you need.
Pros
Designed as a double-walled device, this calorimeter is useful for measuring the specific heat of a variety of solids. It can be used in the classroom setting to demonstrate thermodynamic concepts and in understanding how the application of heat to various materials produces effects and changes.
The included heating element enables the determination of the electrical equivalent of food, so those who are carefully watching what they eat have an idea which foods are good for them.
This is an entire kit that comes with a 150-ml aluminum outer can, a styrofoam liner, plastic insulator ring, along with instructions. The components ensure optimal performance and functionality from the device.
With the holes on the transparent lid, you can easily insert the heating element and stirrer for safety. The built-in thermometer cork enables you to hold the temperature-measuring device easily and safely.
Operating on 0 to 6-volt DC, the removable spring heating element enables you not to include it in experiments to accommodate heat-free applications.
Cons
This seems to be another one of those models from brands that consumers are not familiar with.
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