Best centrifuge

 

Top Rated Centrifuges – Ratings & Comparison in 2024

 

These days, centrifuges have a lot of uses in many fields of science, and not only. The market is overflowing with models, which is why it can be rather difficult for you to find exactly what you might be looking for. This site will assist you with finding the right centrifuge for your needs and preferences as we’ve consulted a plethora of resources before putting together all of these articles that can hopefully allow you to make an informed choice.

Some of the most well-known uses for such devices include laboratory separations, isotope separations, material synthesis, commercial applications, aeronautics, and astronautics, as well as geotechnical centrifuge modeling. Even though few people are aware of this fact, any washing machine relies on the same operating principle as the centrifuge you might find in a lab. What’s more, the oil industry has been built around the use of centrifuges given that when it is being produced and squeezed from olives or seeds of any kind, oil doesn’t come out looking clear at all. The sediment can be separated with the help of a simple spinning process, but since the oil quantities that need to be packaged and shipped later on are fairly high, the models used in such factories nowadays are very large and have industrial capabilities. Therefore, it is easy to see why centrifuges are currently being employed in various domains and why they will probably never become obsolete.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

Most people who may want to invest their money in a centrifuge at some point or the other are most likely not looking for industrial models. You may intend to buy a unit that can be used in your high school laboratory so that you can show to your students how the sediment can be created from milk, oil, blood or any other type of substances. Perhaps you work in an analysis lab where you need to tell people how they stand from a health viewpoint. Whatever the case, you’ll find all there’s to know about these products on our website.

 

 

How to choose the best centrifuge

 

An online market is a crowded place nowadays, with many products being worth their weight in gold. To select the right kind of centrifuge, you should look at the application you’re purchasing the model for and whether you plan to use it rather often or not. Additionally, consider convenience and ease of use. If you want to learn the basics of buying the perfect centrifuge, just read the next buying guide.

 

Purpose

Just what are you trying to achieve by utilizing a centrifuge? While many units come in various shapes and sizes, the detail that separates them is their intended purpose. There are now four types of uses that you might be interested in getting a centrifuge for. The ones that are built for industrial applications are, in most cases, screen centrifuges which usually come equipped with many screens. A clothes washer is a type of industrial centrifuge, for instance.

The aerospace industry also relies on using such devices, but the ones that are employed in this field are considerably larger than any of the others we’ll describe in the buying guide. With the help of such models, the resistance of various pieces of equipment or materials can be tested as if the items were to float through space, which means that owning and using a centrifuge can be critical to the success of NASA operations.

Such devices are also utilized in the nuclear industry, but these models are specially designed so that they separate the isotopes of gas. Whether the ambition of the users, in this case, is to enrich weapons or energy production, the fact of the matter is that centrifuges have also proven to be quite useful in this domain, as well.

The most common applications for a centrifuge are medical and lab use, although the two tend to intertwine. Two types are rather popular in the medical field, and they consist of hematocrit units and ultracentrifuges. The first can be utilized to count the number of red cells given that the blood sample will be separated into a plasma layer and a red cell layer. This allows the physician or specialist to count the hemocytes so that a diagnosis is set with regard to whether the patient is suffering from iron and B12 deficiencies, bone marrow disorders, dehydration, and other health issues. Ultracentrifuges are mostly utilized in molecular biology and biochemistry, where they prove to be extremely useful for DNA extraction, for instance.

Rotational speed and rotor design

These are two core features to take into account when deciding between one model and another. The rotational speed, expressed as RPM (revolutions per minute), is even more important than the rotor design, as the RPM defines the capabilities of your chosen product. While some come with a fixed RPM such as 1,000, other units allow a certain degree of adjustability on the part of the operator, in that he or she can select revolutions ranging from 800 to 1,000 and more, depending on the sample they’re using. Keep in mind that, at a higher rotation, the sample will be done in less amount of time. However, the nature and material of the sample should also be considered as some can’t resist to too high RPMs.

The rotor design matters especially if you want to avoid compatibility issues. If you were to own a centrifuge and try to buy a rotor replacement, you’d need to look at many details to see whether the two are a perfect match. Regardless of the capacity and style of the rotor, you’ll have to decide between a swing one and a fixed angle rotor. It’s worth pointing out that one cannot be converted into the other, so you need to know beforehand exactly what kinds of samples you’ll be using.

 

Reliability, ease of use, and operating costs

As the heading suggests, aside from the actual characteristics of the model you may want to invest your money in, you’ll also need to consider factors that are rather hard to grasp from looking at a product description. When it comes to ease of use and reliability, you’ll have to refer to some of the best centrifuge reviews to see what other owners just like you have to say about the capabilities of the product. The operating costs are relatively hard to tell, but there is a pointer you can pay attention to. The higher the power necessities of a product, the less energy-efficient it is. If you’re buying the centrifuge for a lab where you’re not the one paying the bills, this might be less of a problem. If, however, you want to perform some tests at your personal office or home, this might be a crucial detail.

 

 

8 Best Centrifuges (Reviews) in 2024

 

 

1. Eppendorf 5424 Microcentrifuge for 24-Place Microcentrifuge Tubes

 

This Eppendorf model is probably the best lab centrifuge that comes to mind if you’re looking for an easy-to-use model that allows you to perform your tasks while you wait for the process to be completed automatically.

Aside from the fact that it comes with user-friendly controls, the neat thing about the Eppendorf is that it has special features that have been designed for protecting delicate samples or for minimizing the time you may need to wait for the sediment to be created. What’s more, the Eppendorf even has an alarm that can be customized depending on the time the samples may need to spend inside the centrifuge.

The advantage of an alarm cannot be denied, considering that it can give you the freedom to go from one spot to the next in the lab without worrying that your samples may be spoiled if you forget about them.

Although most of the characteristics are virtually the same, the Eppendorf can be bought in various styles, some of which come with a keypad control, with a rotary knob control, and a rotor. It goes without saying that the ones that come with a rotor are significantly less affordable than the ones that lack it.

 

Pros

If you are looking for a centrifuge that is easy to use and easy to understand, this is a very good choice for your lab.

Due to its automatic mechanism, you can do other work in your lab while the process is completed.

Thanks to its special feature, the needed time for the sediment in the samples to be created is shortened.

The delicate samples are protected thanks to the safety mechanism of this centrifuge.

You can set the exact time your samples need to be centrifuged as the product comes with an alarm.

The product comes with a rotor, a rotary knob control, and keypad control.

It has a large capacity as it can accommodate more than 20 samples of 1.5-2 ml.

 

Cons

This centrifuge is pretty heavy so it is harder to move it from one place to another.

Since it comes with a rotor, this model is less affordable than other products.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

2. ELMI CM-7S Clinical PRP Benchtop Centrifuge with 6-Place Swing-Out Rotor

 

The ELMI is a reasonably priced benchtop centrifuge that does the trick if you don’t have too many specimens or samples you must examine all the time.

There’s a single disadvantage that we’ve found with regard to the way this product may serve you and it consists of the fact that it comes with only six places that can be used to store the vials. Compared to the previously showcased Eppendorf option which can accommodate more than twenty 1.5/2-ml samples at the same time, it definitely looks as if the ELMI CM-6MT-9 has a significantly lower capacity. Even so, it is worth mentioning that the ELMI can accommodate up to six vials of which the volume is 50 milliliters and not 2.

Nevertheless, the ELMI is worth every penny, partly because it’s a very affordable alternative that usually costs less than thirteen hundred dollars, and partly because it’s entirely functional and can get the job done as some of its high-end counterparts.

Operating the model is easy enough considering that it features a digital display as well as controls that let owners benefit from all the freedom they may require in order to select just the perfect settings in accordance with the samples they’re using.

 

Pros

The parameters and programs of this centrifuge can be set very easy due to the digital controls and display.

You can adjust the speed between 100 and 3500 revolutions per minute according to the specific needs of your samples.

The medium capacity of this centrifuge allows you to insert 6 tubes of 50 ml each.

Another great feature of this centrifuge is the automatic stop which ceases centrifuging when the rotor becomes unbalanced or the glass lid opens.

It is a versatile product as it can be used for clinical trials, industrial facilities, as well as research purposes and analysis as well.

 

Cons

This centrifuge weighs 22 pounds and it is not very portable as it is harder to move its place by yourself.

Its capacity doesn’t allow you to centrifuge more than 6 tubes at the same time which may be a problem in a big laboratory.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

3. Scilogex 91302341 Model DM0412 Clinical Centrifuge with A12-10P Fixed-Angle Rotor

 

What is the best centrifuge that won’t make you break the bank? The short answer to this question would be this Sciologex model as it is more than capable of providing a rotational speed of up to 4,500 RPM, and comes along with a fixed-angle rotor and adapters.

Therefore, you won’t have to spend any penny on getting a separate rotor. The minimum rotational speed achieved by this model is 300 RPM. While it is a rather compact and lightweight alternative when compared to some of the previously showcased products, the Scilogex is still worth taking into account if you’ll be mostly using 15-milliliter test tubes.

When it comes to the owner feedback, we couldn’t help noticing that there have been many buyers who have emphasized that the Scilogex is as good as its product description claims it to be. It doesn’t make a lot of noise, thus avoiding to bother you while you perform other tasks in your lab or office.

Besides, in spite of the fact that the case seems to have been constructed out of a rather inexpensive plastic, it can put up with a lot of abuse in the long run.

 

Pros

The great thing about this centrifuge is its rotational capacity of 4500 RPM (revolutions per minute).

For more professionalism, this product comes with its own adapters and a fixed-angle rotor so you don’t need to buy them separately.

This product is compact and lightweight which makes it very easy to move its place when needed.

If you are mostly working with 15ml tubes, this device is what you need in your laboratory.

You won’t be disturbed by the centrifuge while doing other work in your lab since it doesn’t make noise.

When the time you set for centrifuging is over, the lid is automatically released to let you know when they’re ready.

 

Cons

The case of the device is made of plastic that looks inexpensive.

You can’t use samples of a large capacity in this centrifuge as it accommodates only 8 tubes of 15 ml.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

4. Globe Scientific 6261 Polypropylene Centrifuge Tube

 

It would have been impossible to leave out the Ample Scientific model from our selection considering that it is usually priced under three hundred dollars and as such, it can be afforded even by beginning lab technicians and biochemistry and medical students.

As it is to be expected from such a financially accessible centrifuge, this one can accommodate up to eight 15-ml test tubes or eight 7-ml test tubes, as long as they are fitted along with small tube sleeve inserts.

There are several reasons you may need to consider the Ample Scientific Champion F-33D before selecting a different unit. For one, its rotational speed raises up to par under most circumstances, given that the RPM of this machine can be customized between 550 and 3,300 revolutions per minute. Second, it comes with its own PC rotor which automatically eliminates any extra expenses.

Besides, this model doesn’t even make a whole lot of noise, thus allowing you to benefit from a quiet working space, where you can focus at will. As for the people who bought the Ample Scientific alternative, most of the buyers seem to think that it offers great value for the price as it runs quietly and features easy-to-operate digital controls.

 

Pros

If you are a beginner regarding the lab techniques or a medical/biochemistry student, this centrifuge is an outstanding choice for you.

You can centrifuge up to 8 tubes of 15 ml at the same time but you can also use 7-ml tubes if they are fitted with small tube sleeve inserts.

It has an adjustable rotation capacity between 550 and 3300 RPM.

You don’t need to spend extra money as this product comes with its own PC rotor included.

Using this centrifuge allows you to focus on other tasks while in use because it doesn’t make noise.

The device is very easy to use thanks to the digital controls which make your job more pleasant.

 

Cons

This centrifuge doesn’t have a large capacity so if you have a lot of samples to examine, it will take you a long time to centrifuge all of them.

Some customers complained about the instruction manual as being incomplete.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

5. Unico C806 Power Spin Model FX Centrifuge

 

If we were to compare the features of some of the units we’ve mentioned earlier on and the ones coming along with the UNICO C806 we’d come across a major difference.

The rotational speed of the UNICO cannot be adjusted depending on the needs of the user or the nature of the samples that should be analyzed. In fact, based on the information that we have gathered, the UNICO brand manufacturers two types of centrifuges, some of which come with fixed or variable speed settings, depending on the capabilities of the rotor.

The rotor belonging to the UNICO C806 Powerspin can accommodate between six and eight 7.5 to 15-ml test tubes.

If you plan to use vials of which the volume is under 7 milliliters, it’s worth mentioning that you won’t be getting the adaptors along with this centrifuge and as such, you’ll have to purchase them separately.

In spite of the fact that its characteristics don’t look as impressive as the ones belonging to the products we’ve showcased above, the UNICO C806 appears to be able to do a good job considering that most of the consumer reviews speak highly of its capabilities. Plus, it is very easy to install and utilize.

 

Pros

If you are looking for an economical and easy-to-use centrifuge, this model may interest you.

This centrifuge is user-friendly as it is very easy to install or use it so you won’t waste your time on technical stuff.

The device accommodates six to eight test tubes between 7 ml and 15 ml.

It has a fixed rotational speed of 3600 revolutions per minute.

You can adjust the centrifuging time according to the type of sample you want to analyze.

This centrifuge has a compact design so it doesn’t occupy much space in your lab.

It doesn’t make noise so you can focus on other tasks while the samples are centrifuged.

 

Cons

The rotational speed of this centrifuge can’t be adjusted according to your samples.

If you want to use vials under 7ml, you have to buy adaptors separately as the product doesn’t come with these.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

Types of centrifuges

 

Since centrifuges come with different features and can be destined for unique purposes, we’ve thought about making it a whole lot easier for prospective buyers to select the right one. Following months of research, we’ve come up with a short categorization of the most common types of centrifuges you will be likely to stumble upon while completing your buying journey. We have chosen to review three main kinds mostly because they are among the most critically acclaimed alternatives and manage to be great choices for various science fields. Keep reading if you want to learn all there’s to know about microcentrifuges, benchtop versions, and Eppendorf models.

 

 

Best microcentrifuge

 

Microcentrifuges are popular in laboratories as their use is close to mandatory when it comes to achieving the right consistency of some samples. As their name suggests, these models are mostly designed so that they work best with vials of which the volume is up to five milliliters. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as various Eppendorf models whose capacities may range between 15 to 50 milliliters, given that these models can accommodate larger conical tubes. However, in most cases, a microcentrifuge comes with a rotor that cannot be used for vials larger than five milliliters.

When trying to decide between one model or the next, you ought to consider the speed and capacity, as you would when selecting a regular centrifuge. The rotor can differ greatly with regard to the number of samples you will be using at the same time. If you want your microcentrifuge to perform its task with up to forty-eight standard tubes per session, it goes without saying that you should look at the configuration of the rotor and see whether or not it can accommodate this many plastic or glass vials. Some units come with complimentary adaptors which can be used to decrease the volume of the tubes you’ll be using. Instead of the tubes flying around during the revolving process, you’ll be able to place them neatly in the rotor without worrying about them ever being misplaced and as such, affected in any way.

 

 

6. Scilogex 91101511 D2012 Personal Micro-Centrifuge with Timer

 

This Scilogex model is one of the most user-friendly ones we’ve come across which is why we felt compelled to recommend it for many kinds of purposes. Whether you’re looking for the best centrifuge for cell culture or plan to stick to a hematocrit alternative, this microcentrifuge can raise up to par as it features an adjustable rotational speed which may be customized between 200 RPM and 15,000 RPM.

In spite of the fact that the rotor featured by the Scilogex comes with 12 places intended for 2-milliliter test tubes, the manufacturing brand has tailored the product to the needs of users who also may need to use .5 and .2ml vials.

None of these sample tubes are provided in the pack, which is a detail that’s worth mentioning considering that you ought to own them already or buy them separately.

Since personal microcentrifuges aren’t created to accommodate larger tubes, you won’t be able to use 5-milliliter ones or any larger vials at all. All in all, the Scilogex appears to be a more than decent option considering that it is easy to install and utilize and does not raise any technical difficulties even for first-time users.

 

Pros

The great thing about this centrifuge is the big rotational speed it can reach that is between 300 and 15000 revolutions per minute.

This centrifuge is a great choice for cell culture or hematocrit as you can use up to twelve 2-ml test tubes.

The set-up is very easy even for first-time users so you won’t spend a lot of time with technical stuff.

This item is very lightweight and the design is compact which makes it very easy to move it from one place to another.

For easier maneuverability, the visual information is provided by the LCD display.

It is a professional item that helps you achieve accurate results for your research or analysis.

 

Cons

The test tubes are not included so you have to buy them separately.

This centrifuge is made for small samples which means you can’t use 5-ml test tubes or large vials.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

Best benchtop centrifuges

 

Compared to their micro counterparts, benchtop options are considerably larger and heavier, which is why they need to be set up in a designated place, where they cannot affect other devices in a laboratory due to the vibration they might create during the rotational process. Many models aren’t capable of RPMs higher than 4000, which is why some of the standard applications for such a product include separating blood from plasma, spinning urine, as well as cell washing.

Typically, benchtop centrifuges can be used with tubes of which the volume is higher when compared to the vials that can be utilized in microcentrifuges. Therefore, these two kinds cannot be compared with one another given that the applications for each of them are unique. The test tubes that can be employed with a benchtop alternative usually come with a capacity ranging from ten milliliters to fifteen milliliters. As is the case with many other models, this type is equipped with a rotor that might come along with the base unit or one that needs to be bought separately. Adaptors must be used in order to tailor the attributes of the tubes so that they are able to go in the rotor adequately.

 

 

7. Premiere XC-2415 Bench-Top Centrifuge

 

The Premiere unit is one of the most reasonably priced centrifuges we’ve come across during our entire research, and that must count for something considering that this type of lab equipment doesn’t really come cheap.

As is the case with many other products in the same line, the Premiere XC-2415 has a rotational speed which can be customized between 1,000 RPM and 4,000 depending on the task that you might need to perform at some point or the other. The fixed-angle rotor that this model has been equipped with can accommodate up to twelve test tubes of which the capacity can range between 10 to 15 milliliters.

Another reason you may be interested in glancing at the features of this option is that it is not particularly large and as such, it doesn’t take up too much space on any lab table. In fact, it measures just 17 by 15 by 13 inches, which means that it’s one of the compact versions that can be bought nowadays.

What’s more, the Premiere doesn’t take a toll on your hearing given that its noise level has been estimated at under 60 dB, thus allowing you to be able to focus on your other tasks while the device is operating.

 

Pros

The rotational speed of this centrifuge can be adjusted between 1000 and 4000 RPM (revolutions per minute) according to your sample type.

It comes with a fixed-angle rotor that can accommodate about 12 test tubes between 10 to 15 ml.

The compact design allows you to place the device in your lab without occupying much space on a table.

Since the noise level is about 60 dB, you will be able to work in a quiet environment and focus on your tasks when the device is operating.

The slipping of the unit is avoided due to the fact that the centrifuge comes with four suctioned feet that also reduce the vibrations.

 

Cons

You won’t be able to centrifuge large test tubes as this unit has space for a maximum of 15ml tubes.

As the rotor is made of aluminum and the housing is made of plastic, it won’t hold up well to imbalance.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

Best Eppendorf centrifuge

 

Few brands manage to raise up to par when it comes to manufacturing high-quality and fully capable centrifuges. One of the most remarkable companies in the industry is Eppendorf, of which the basis was set in Germany in 1945. Considering that the company now has over 3,000 employees all over the world as well as subsidiaries in twenty-five countries including the United States, it goes without saying that purchasing an Eppendorf centrifuge is close to a safe bet. The variety of products manufactured by this brand is truly baffling, as it is a world-known leader when it comes to creating high-end bioreactors, freezers, incubators, DNA amplification equipment, as well as cell manipulation systems.

Some of the most critically acclaimed units designed by Eppendorf range from mini-centrifuges and microcentrifuges to benchtop models as well as rolling cabinets. Even if you might be interested in taking advantage of a sale or discount offered by an online retailer such as Amazon, we recommend you to have a look at the official Eppendorf websites as it offers visitors a concise and comprehensive system that allows them to select their needs and choose their product accordingly. All you have to do is select the tubes that you may want to use in the future.

 

 

 

8. Eppendorf 5810 R Multi-Purpose Variable-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge

 

This model is one of the most cutting-edge ones we’ve stumbled upon while prospecting the market, and that’s mostly due to the fact that it has unique features which you’ll fail to find in any of its competitors. For one, this centrifuge does a great job with tubes of which the capacity ranges from fifteen to fifty milliliters.

The unit has been created in such a way that it manages to be an excellent fit for a wide array of rotors also manufactured by Eppendorf, some of which can even accommodate up to four 750-ml tubes. The rotational speeds of the Eppendorf 022628168 range from 200 to 14,000 RPM.

To make sure that your samples always come out as they should, the manufacturing brand has fitted a timer into this model, which means that you’ll have more than enough freedom to set the time from one to ninety-nine minutes or utilize the continuous mode.

Since this is a professional option, it offers the benefit of many user-friendly features as well as many characteristics that enhance its performance. Regrettably, it can be bought for a high price, which is why we recommend it for professional users and laboratories where the accuracy of tests matters a great deal.

 

Pros

One special feature of this centrifuge is the fact that it can accommodate test tubes between 15 ml and 50 ml so you won’t be limited by the size of the samples.

It also has a wide rotational speed range between 200 to 14000 RPM (revolutions per minute).

The unit is specially designed to fit 750-ml tubes manufactured by Eppendorf.

You can adjust the time between 1 and 99 minutes according to your sample or you can use the device in continuous mode.

Even though it is a professional centrifuge, it has a user-friendly mechanism.

 

Cons

If you are a beginner, it is recommended to check other models since this one is specially made for professional laboratories and therefore it has a high price.

It is not easy to move it from one place to another as this centrifuge weighs 218 pounds.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

What is a centrifuge and how does it work

 

Centrifugation is used in many fields all over the world but the simplest prototype you might be using on a weekly basis is your washing machine. Any clothes washer basically relies on the same operating principle as the machines that are used in scientific laboratories, aerospace labs, as well as some areas of engineering.

The many uses of centrifuges nowadays include anything from separating blood and plasma to doing virtually the same thing for PCR and DNA extraction techniques. Industrial applications also exist where these machines are used rather regularly, although the looks of an industrial centrifuge are considerably different compared to the ones you may own and use on a daily basis for performing blood tests in your lab. These units are larger and bulkier and above all, they have to be in complete accordance with the safety standards imposed by international organisms, as otherwise, they might leak out potentially dangerous gasses or chemical compounds.

A typical lab centrifuge is composed of the following parts: a motor, a spindle and flexible collar, as well as rotor components for inserting the test tubes. The machine has to be loaded and then secured by closing the lid, to prevent the tubes from being damaged as well as the substances therein. These days, digital displays and controls have become more popular than the rotary dial that could be found in older models. On the one hand, using digital controls is more accurate as there will not be any human errors, which might happen if you were not to turn the rotary dial correctly. On the other hand, these settings can be adjusted far more easily so you’ll waste less time customizing the functions of the machine than you would if you were to use a rotary dial-equipped option.