Incubators - A Vital Tool for Laboratories

An essential piece of laboratory equipment in research and clinical laboratories, incubators are widely used for applications such as coagulation studies, bacteriology, warming of samples, E. coli tests, premature baby care, cell culturing, denaturing DNA, genetic engineering, hybridization, enzyme reactions and in-vitro fertilization stem cell research.

There are different types of incubators available in the market, varying in specifications and features as well as in size. Analog dry bath incubators are available in 2 block and 4 block capacity and come with features such as block extractor rod, amber pilot light, interchangeable blocks with digital models and hydraulic thermostat. Digital dry bath incubators offer excellent temperature stability and are integrated with features such as LED displays (to view temperature readings, humidity set point), PID micro processor control for temperature selection, and rapid heat-up options.

Regardless of your lab environment, buying an incubator for your applications can prove a challenging task. Leading manufacturers of laboratory equipment offer a variety of analog and digital incubators incorporated with several advanced features. So it is important to evaluate the product carefully before purchase to ascertain if it will satisfy your specific needs. In addition to application requirements, size and capacity are important factors to consider when choosing an incubator.

Top Models of Incubators

• MyBlock™ HLMini Dry Bath with Heated Lid, (100-240V) - Manufactured by Benchmark Scientific, Inc, this mini heat block features a heated lid for protecting samples against unwanted condensation and evaporation. A compact model that fits in the palm of your hand, it is an ideal choice for the most temperature sensitive applications including immunoassays, LAMP assays, enzyme reactions and other temperature hyper-sensitive procedures. It comes with exchangeable blocks for 0.2 to 0.5ml tubes.
• IsoBlock™ Digital Dry Bath, (with Two Independently Controlled Chambers, without Blocks, 115V) - This model from Benchmark Scientific, Inc. is ideal for incubation of samples at two different temperatures in a single compact unit. It features two isolated chambers that independently control time and temperature. The device comes with a hinged lid which improves temperature uniformity and conserves energy.
• Orbi-Shaker™XL Orbital Shaker with Flat Mat Platform, (230V) - With a large 18 x 18 inch platform and a powerful, beltless motor drive, this model from Benchmark Scientific, Inc. is capable of mixing up to five 2L flasks or nine 1L flasks simultaneously. The device features a horizontally circular 19mm orbit for aeration and mixing. While the included non-slip rubber mat platform is ideal for low speed applications, the convenient MAGic Clamp™ platform is also available for high speed mixing of Erlenmeyer flasks, tube racks or microplates.
• Digital Dry Bath, 4-Block, (230V) - Manufactured by Boekel Scientific, this model is ideal for a variety of applications including restriction digests, COD denaturing DNA, BUN, melting agar, coagulation studies, in situ hybridization and Hot Start PCR. With a 4 block heating module, this model comes with PID Microprocessor controlled temperature selection. A 'Set it and forget it' convenience feature ensures superb temperature stability.

Find a Reliable laboratory Equipment Supplier

Purchase of lab incubators from a reputable lab equipment supplier comes with many benefits. A professional dealer will provide customers with guidance to choose the lab incubator that can meet their specific needs. In addition, they will also provide efficient post-sales support for installation, training and maintenance.