7 Most Common Laboratory Machines and Their Functions

Sophisticated equipment for a variety of analytical and processing operations is available in modern labs. Labkafe has experience working in many different areas of the laboratory industry, from entry-level pathology labs to elaborate physics research facilities. We discovered that certain lab equipment are more frequently used than others after noticing regular demand trends.

Based on our sales data, we have created a list of the top 7 most popular lab equipment and their primary uses to offer some insight.

1. Water Distillation Machine

Distilled water is a fundamental requirement in almost every laboratory, from educational institutions to advanced research centers. While smaller labs might use pre-packaged distilled water, larger facilities need a continuous, reliable supply. This is where water distillation machines come in. These units purify water by removing inorganic solutes, bacteria, and organic material, producing lab-grade water suitable for a variety of applications. Water distillers come in many sizes and configurations to accommodate different lab needs.

2. Weighing Machine (Precision Balances)

Accurate measurement of materials is essential for creating precise mixtures and solutions. Precision balances are essential in nearly every lab to ensure exact weight measurements. Many academic labs use balances that measure to the milligram and can weigh up to 500 grams. However, more advanced labs may require analytical balances that measure even the smallest amounts (micrograms) for ultra-precise experiments.

3. Magnetic Stirrer

A magnetic stirrer is a convenient tool for continuously mixing solutions without manual effort. The setup includes a base with a motor-driven rotating magnet and a stir bar, which is a small magnet coated with a material like glass or Teflon. When the stir bar is placed in a liquid, the rotating magnet spins it, allowing the solution to be stirred evenly. Magnetic stirrers are available in various models, with options for heating plates, adjustable speeds, and different sizes to match lab requirements.

4. Water Bath

Water baths are perfect for heating substances to a constant temperature over extended periods without overheating them. Unlike a direct flame, which would increase the temperature, a water bath ensures a steady heat source, making it ideal for processes that require long-term, consistent heating. Water baths are especially useful for heating flammable substances, and come in various types, including circulating and shaking water baths.

5. Incubator

Incubators are essential for creating controlled environments where temperature, humidity, and gas levels are precisely regulated. Just as poultry eggs are incubated to hatch, laboratory incubators allow the growth of bacteria or other living organisms that require specific atmospheric conditions. Incubators range from compact tabletop models to larger, more complex units suited for high-demand applications.

6. Autoclave

While autoclaves aren’t directly involved in experiments, they are vital for maintaining safety in biological and medical labs by ensuring sterilization. An autoclave functions much like an industrial pressure cooker. It uses superheated steam under pressure to sterilize contaminated lab equipment, glassware, and instruments, effectively eliminating harmful microorganisms. Autoclaves are crucial for decontamination in microbiology and medical research labs.

7. Hot Air Oven

For sterilizing materials that cannot be exposed to moisture, such as paper products, powders, or flammable materials, a hot air oven is the solution. Unlike an autoclave that uses steam, a hot air oven sterilizes through dry heat. Capable of reaching extremely high temperatures (up to 300°C), the oven effectively neutralizes any microbial life by circulating hot air, ensuring complete sterilization without the risk of water damage or combustion.