Lab water baths differ in many ways. Some are better than others for specific applications. Some have lower accuracy in temperature, while others have more consistent temperature levels. Depending on your application, temperature stability is essential. Here are some things to look for in a lab water bath.
High-temperature Uniformity
Scientific lab water baths should be stable enough to maintain the correct temperature at any given point. The exact temperature will vary slightly from one point to the next, but temperature uniformity should be greater than 0.2 degrees Celsius. These water baths should be stable and come with a cover. In addition, they should be accurate enough to match a calibration standard. There are a few different types of scientific water baths, each with its unique features and price tag.
A shaking water bath is an ideal tool for a wide range of temperature-controlled shaking protocols. Its magnetically coupled shaking mechanism provides maximum reliability, consistency, and quiet operation. This product allows for orbital and linear shaking in one product and has a compact, space-saving design.
Without a proper water bath, your cell culture reagents can become contaminated, resulting in distorted data and unpredictable results.
Water baths are easy to use. Before using one, clean the surrounding area and insert samples carefully. Then, ensure the water level is sufficient and the thermostat indicates enough heat. Once the water temperature is correct, insert the samples. The temperature sensor will maintain the temperature throughout the procedure.
Tank Capacity
The scientific water baths for labs come in different sizes and features. There are basic models, such as the 1.6L model, which is excellent for electrophoresis experiments, and larger models that can handle larger volumes of water. These models come with a thermometer holder and a tight-fitting polycarbonate cover.
Water baths differ by their tank capacity, the volume of water, or the thermal beads they can hold. Some can hold as little as two liters, while others can hold up to 12. Specific models also have optional tube blocks and sample racks to store small samples.
General-purpose water baths, available in 2 to 28 L, provide accurate temperature control from ambient to 100degC. They also feature a digital temperature readout and up to four preset temperature settings. In addition, these models offer a high degree of accuracy and stability at any temperature.
Research laboratories use water baths to perform various activities, including reagent incubation, cell culture, media prep, and sample heating. These units have many features, including a PID controller and a space-saving design. Some even have an extra control for shaking, which is helpful for serologic and enzymatic experiments.
Water baths are used in government and industrial labs for their temperature control capabilities. Some are even used for environmental testing and other applications. These water baths provide a warm environment for samples and have higher surface areas than dry blocks. However, they are more susceptible to water-borne contamination and must be properly disinfected to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Safety Features
Safety features are critical for scientific water baths. They monitor the temperature of the bath and the level of liquid and shut off when the thresholds are exceeded. This helps prevent the splashing of hot water out of the bath. Water baths should be UL-listed and have CE and CSA certifications.
Water baths are used in virtually every lab and are essential for various experiments. Whether doing a microbiology study or conducting a coliform analysis, you’ll need a water bath to ensure proper sample temperature and avoid contamination. The temperature of the water baths should be consistent for the samples, so a high-quality unit is essential.
Scientific water baths can come in many different styles and types. For example, thermal bead baths are famous for applications requiring consistency. These baths contain antimicrobial beads that prevent contamination and fire. Furthermore, they can be swapped out for your current baths. Another type of bath is the heating mantle.