Shakers

Laboratory Shakers: Precision Mixing Solutions for Research and Industry

Discover ARES Scientific's comprehensive selection of laboratory shakers and orbital shakers designed for precise sample mixing, cell culture agitation, and laboratory applications. Our extensive portfolio includes benchtop orbital shakers, CO2 incubator shakers, microplate shakers, and heavy-duty shaking platforms from industry-leading manufacturers including Benchmark Scientific and Ohaus. Whether you need gentle microplate mixing or high-capacity flask agitation, we offer reliable shaking solutions engineered for accuracy, durability, and consistent performance in research laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, biotechnology companies, and quality control environments.

From compact mini orbital shakers ideal for space-constrained benchtops to heavy-duty platforms capable of handling multiple large flasks simultaneously, our laboratory shaker collection provides the versatility and precision control required for cell culture maintenance, bacterial growth, protein expression, sample preparation, and general laboratory mixing applications. Each shaker features intuitive controls, variable speed settings, and reliable motor systems designed for years of continuous operation. Explore our selection of touch screen orbital shakers, CO2-compatible shakers for incubator use, specialized microplate shakers, and customizable platforms with MAGic Clamp technology for tool-free flask attachment and maximum laboratory productivity.

Types of Laboratory Shakers

Benchtop Orbital Shakers

Standard benchtop orbital shakers provide reliable circular shaking motion for Erlenmeyer flasks, culture bottles, and various laboratory vessels. These versatile shakers feature variable speed control from 30-300 rpm or higher, with platforms ranging from compact sizes for limited bench space to large 18" x 18" high-capacity configurations. Touch screen models offer programmable operation with digital displays for precise speed and time control. Ideal for bacterial culture, cell suspension, extraction procedures, and general laboratory mixing applications requiring consistent orbital agitation.

CO2 Incubator Orbital Shakers

Specialized CO2 incubator shakers are engineered to operate reliably within the harsh environment of CO2 incubators, withstanding elevated temperatures and near-saturated humidity conditions. These shakers feature remote controllers that allow adjustment of speed and time without opening the incubator door and disrupting the controlled atmosphere. Available in various platform sizes to maximize capacity within standard incubators, CO2 shakers are essential for suspension cell culture, mammalian cell growth, and applications requiring simultaneous environmental control and orbital agitation.

Microplate Shakers

Dedicated microplate orbital shakers accommodate multiple microplates simultaneously with specialized platforms designed for secure plate positioning during high-speed mixing. These shakers typically operate at speeds from 100-1200 rpm with small 3mm orbits suitable for microplate applications including ELISA assays, cell-based assays, bead-based immunoassays, and high-throughput screening workflows. Available in benchtop configurations and CO2-compatible versions for incubator use, microplate shakers maximize productivity for laboratories processing numerous samples in parallel.

Heavy-Duty Orbital Shakers

Heavy-duty shakers from manufacturers like Ohaus provide robust construction and high load capacity for demanding applications requiring large platform sizes and substantial weight handling. These professional-grade shakers feature the Accu-Drive shaking system for exceptional speed control accuracy and durability, with platforms up to 68" x 50" accommodating numerous flasks or custom configurations. Digital and analog models offer flexibility for various laboratory requirements, with optional accessories including flask clamps, tube racks, and specialized platforms for diverse vessel types.

Mini Orbital Shakers

Compact mini orbital shakers like the Benchmark Orbi-Shaker Jr provide space-saving solutions for laboratories with limited bench space or lower-capacity mixing requirements. Despite their small footprint, these shakers deliver reliable performance with variable speed control and sufficient platform size for small flasks, Petri dishes, and other vessels. Mini shakers are ideal for individual workstations, teaching laboratories, and applications where full-size platform capacity isn't necessary but precision mixing remains essential.

Key Features of Laboratory Shakers

Variable Speed Control and Precision

Modern laboratory shakers offer precise speed control with adjustable ranges suitable for various applications. Standard orbital shakers typically operate from 30-300 rpm for gentle to moderate mixing, while high-speed microplate shakers reach 1200 rpm or higher. Digital controls with speed increments as fine as 1 rpm enable researchers to optimize agitation conditions for specific protocols. Touch screen interfaces provide intuitive operation with programmable speed ramps, timed operations, and memory storage for frequently used settings, ensuring reproducible results across experiments.

Platform Configurations and Capacity

Laboratory shakers accommodate diverse vessel types through various platform sizes and configurations. Standard benchtop models feature platforms from 9.5" x 11.5" for compact applications up to 18" x 18" for high-throughput requirements. Platforms include non-slip rubber mat surfaces for low-speed universal use, or optional MAGic Clamp systems enabling tool-free magnetic attachment of flask clamps. This revolutionary quick-change technology allows instant swapping between different flask sizes from 50ml to 3000ml Erlenmeyer flasks, microplate holders, tube racks, and custom vessels without tools or extended downtime.

Motor Technology and Reliability

Quality laboratory shakers employ maintenance-free brushless motor drives or triple eccentric drive systems engineered for years of continuous operation. These advanced motor technologies deliver consistent orbital motion with precise speed maintenance regardless of platform load. Beltless designs eliminate wear components that require periodic replacement, reducing maintenance requirements and operating costs. Heavy-duty models incorporate specialized drive systems like the Ohaus Accu-Drive for exceptional accuracy and long-term reliability even under demanding high-capacity applications.

Environmental Compatibility

Specialized shakers are designed for operation in challenging environments including CO2 incubators, cold rooms, and warm rooms. CO2-compatible models feature sealed electronics, corrosion-resistant materials, and remote control operation to function reliably in high-humidity, temperature-controlled environments without compromising the incubator atmosphere. Cold room-rated shakers operate effectively at low temperatures, while all-environment designs accommodate temperature ranges from 4°C to 60°C or higher, expanding application versatility across diverse laboratory settings.

Safety and Compliance Features

Laboratory shakers incorporate safety features including overload protection, imbalance detection, and automatic shutoff systems. Touch screen models provide password protection and audit trail capabilities for regulated environments requiring documentation of operating parameters. Timer functions from 1 minute to 48 hours plus continuous operation modes enable unattended overnight incubations with automatic shutoff at completion. Low-profile designs maintain stability during operation, while optional stacking configurations maximize laboratory space utilization without compromising safety.

Applications for Laboratory Shakers

Cell Culture and Microbiology

Orbital shakers are essential equipment for suspension cell culture, bacterial culture, and microbiology applications requiring continuous agitation. The circular shaking motion prevents cell settling while providing aeration for optimal growth conditions. CO2 incubator shakers enable mammalian cell culture under controlled atmospheric conditions, while benchtop models accommodate bacterial culture in Erlenmeyer flasks with various volumes. Applications include bacterial growth curve studies, protein expression systems, hybridoma production, and large-scale culture preparation for downstream processing.

Sample Preparation and Extraction

Laboratory shakers facilitate sample preparation workflows including extraction procedures, dissolution studies, and sample homogenization. The orbital motion promotes efficient mixing of samples with extraction solvents, buffers, or reagents without requiring magnetic stir bars or manual intervention. Microplate shakers accelerate high-throughput sample preparation for screening applications, while larger platforms accommodate multiple extraction vessels simultaneously. Applications span environmental testing, pharmaceutical analysis, food safety testing, and chemical synthesis requiring gentle to vigorous mixing conditions.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and molecular biology protocols frequently require controlled agitation for procedures including membrane washing, blot development, antibody incubations, and hybridization reactions. Orbital shakers provide gentle, uniform agitation for these sensitive applications where excessive force could damage delicate membranes or denature proteins. Variable speed control enables optimization of mixing conditions for specific protocols, while timer functions automate incubation periods for Western blots, Northern blots, Southern blots, and immunodetection procedures.

Quality Control and Testing

Quality control laboratories utilize orbital shakers for standardized testing procedures including dissolution testing, stability studies, and product uniformity assessments. Pharmaceutical QC applications require precise, reproducible agitation conditions documented through digital controls and audit capabilities. Food and beverage testing laboratories employ shakers for sample extraction and preparation prior to analysis. Environmental testing facilities use shakers for water quality analysis, soil sample preparation, and standardized extraction protocols mandated by regulatory methods.

General Laboratory Mixing

Beyond specialized applications, laboratory shakers serve as versatile mixing platforms for general laboratory workflows. Applications include reagent mixing, buffer preparation, staining procedures, washing steps, and any protocol requiring gentle to moderate agitation. The orbital motion provides thorough mixing without splashing or spilling, accommodating vessels from microtubes to large bottles. Variable speed and programmable operation enable adaptation to diverse mixing requirements across research disciplines including chemistry, biology, environmental science, and materials research.

Choosing the Right Laboratory Shaker

Assessing Capacity Requirements

Select platform size and load capacity based on typical vessel types and quantities used in your laboratory workflows. Compact mini shakers suit individual researchers working with limited vessel numbers, while high-capacity 18" x 18" platforms accommodate multiple large flasks for high-throughput applications. Consider future scaling needs and whether simultaneous processing of multiple samples is required. Evaluate whether a single large-capacity shaker or multiple smaller units better serves your laboratory layout and workflow patterns. Heavy-duty models supporting 20+ kg loads are essential for laboratories routinely handling numerous large flasks simultaneously.

Speed Range and Orbit Considerations

Match shaker speed range and orbital diameter to your specific applications. Cell culture and bacterial growth typically require 30-300 rpm with 19mm orbits for adequate aeration and mixing. Microplate applications need higher speeds up to 1200 rpm with smaller 3mm orbits for efficient mixing in well plates. Some protocols may require very gentle agitation (below 30 rpm) or vigorous mixing (above 300 rpm), necessitating specialized shaker models. Consider whether variable speed in fine increments is necessary for protocol optimization versus simple low/medium/high settings.

Environmental and Special Features

Determine whether your applications require environmental compatibility such as CO2 incubator use, cold room operation, or general ambient conditions. CO2-compatible models with remote controllers are essential for suspension cell culture in controlled atmospheres. Cold room-rated shakers must function reliably at low temperatures for applications requiring refrigeration. Evaluate whether touch screen controls, programmability, audit trail capabilities, or other advanced features are beneficial versus basic analog controls sufficient for straightforward mixing applications.

Accessory and Platform Options

Investigate available accessories and platform configurations to ensure compatibility with your vessel types. MAGic Clamp systems provide maximum flexibility through tool-free flask clamp exchange, ideal for laboratories frequently changing between different flask sizes. Dedicated microplate platforms, tube rack holders, and universal clamps expand shaker versatility. Consider whether included accessories meet your needs or whether additional purchases are required. Some manufacturers offer extensive accessory catalogs with over 70 options, while others provide more limited configurations.

Manufacturer Support and Service

Evaluate manufacturer reputation, warranty coverage, and local service availability. Quality laboratory shakers from established manufacturers like Benchmark Scientific and Ohaus typically include 2-year warranties and have proven track records for reliability. Verify that replacement parts and technical support are readily available in your region. Consider whether calibration services, preventive maintenance programs, and rapid repair response are important factors for your laboratory operations. Reading product reviews and consulting with existing users provides valuable insights into long-term performance and manufacturer support quality.

Why Choose ARES Scientific for Laboratory Shakers

ARES Scientific provides comprehensive laboratory shaker solutions backed by expert technical support and nationwide service coverage. Our experienced team helps researchers and laboratory managers select the optimal shaking equipment for their specific applications, considering factors including capacity requirements, environmental conditions, vessel types, and budget constraints. We represent leading manufacturers including Benchmark Scientific and Ohaus, offering proven reliability and innovative features like MAGic Clamp technology, touch screen controls, and specialized CO2-compatible designs.

As a trusted laboratory equipment supplier, ARES Scientific delivers complete solutions beyond just equipment sales, including installation support, training, preventive maintenance programs, and rapid service response. Our architectural resource library assists facility planners with equipment specifications and layout optimization. Whether you're establishing a new research facility, upgrading existing equipment, or expanding laboratory capacity, our team provides personalized consultation to ensure you select laboratory shakers that meet current needs while accommodating future growth. Contact ARES Scientific today to discuss your laboratory shaker requirements and discover how our expertise and comprehensive product portfolio can enhance your research capabilities.