Orbital Shakers

Consistent, reliable mixing that fits your budget - not flashy features you'll never use

Digital speed control maintains exact RPM for reproducible protocols

Sturdy platforms handle everything from microplates to culture flasks

Built for years of daily use without expensive service calls

Compatible with CO2 incubators for cell culture work

Whether you're growing bacterial cultures, running ELISA assays, or maintaining cell lines, consistent orbital motion is critical. This curated collection of orbital shakers delivers the precise, circular agitation your protocols require without the premium pricing that drains equipment budgets. Discover how straightforward engineering and proven reliability can take a lot of worry off your shoulders.

Models suitable for…

Cell culture and microbiology

Protein and antibody assays

Bacterial and yeast cultures

Sample extraction and washing

stressed out lab tech

What orbital shaker info can you find on this page?

What are you using right now?

Aging orbital shakers with speed drift

The problem: Inconsistent RPMs compromise protocol reproducibility and waste expensive reagents on failed experiments.

Manual rocking or swirling

The problem: What is this, the dark ages? It’s time-consuming, inconsistent, and ties up staff for tasks that should be automated.

Premium brand shakers

The problem: Paying for features you don't use while basic maintenance costs eat into your operating budget.

Shared equipment creating bottlenecks

The problem: Multiple users waiting for access, plus increased wear from overuse.

Why switch to a reliable orbital shaker from your old methods?

Get the consistent results your protocols demand

Reproducible experiments start with consistent agitation. Our orbital shakers deliver steady, precise orbital motion that eliminates the variability compromising your data and wasting valuable samples.

Why choose from our collection of orbital shakers for consistency?

Digital controls that actually hold their settings. No more speed drift halfway through your overnight culture - set your RPM and trust it stays there.
Balanced orbital motion without wobble. Proper counterbalancing and sturdy construction mean even mixing across your entire platform.
Temperature stability in incubators. Models designed for CO2 incubator use maintain consistent motion in high-humidity, elevated-temperature environments.
Same results, shift after shift. When multiple technicians run the same protocol, they get the same mixing performance.

The protocols we help you standardize

Bacterial growth curves

Maintain exact agitation speeds for consistent doubling times and reproducible OD600 readings.

Cell culture maintenance

Even distribution of nutrients and gases without creating shear stress that damages sensitive cells.

ELISA and immunoassays

Uniform mixing ensures consistent antibody binding and reliable colorimetric development.

When your lab uses our orbital shakers, you're investing in equipment that delivers predictable performance - not expensive features that sit unused.

Don't let inconsistent agitation put your experimental results at risk. Explore our range of orbital shakers and take control of your mixing protocols.

Learn more about our most popular benchtop orbital shaker here

Handle the mixing your samples actually need

Different applications require different orbital speeds and platform configurations. Our collection of lab orbital shakers provides the specific parameters your protocols demand, from gentle cell culture agitation to vigorous bacterial growth.

Gentle low-speed mixing (30-80 RPM) prevents cell damage while maintaining suspension in adherent cell cultures.

Standard speeds (100-300 RPM) provide optimal aeration for E. coli and yeast cultures without excessive foaming.

Higher speeds (up to 500 RPM) deliver aggressive mixing for extraction protocols and tough sample preparation.

Keep your experiments running without interruption

Equipment failures and inconsistent performance derail entire experimental runs. Our orbital shakers are built for dependable, continuous operation that keeps your protocols on schedule.

What does reliable operation mean practically?

Continuous operation capability. Run overnight cultures and long-term experiments without worrying about motor burnout or overheating.
Quiet motors that don't disturb. Work comfortably without the grinding noise that signals impending equipment failure.
Accessible maintenance points. When routine cleaning or belt replacement is needed, you can handle it yourself without expensive service calls.

A practical approach to mixing

Standard controls anyone in your lab can operate without specialized training or confusing menus.

Robust construction handles daily use, accidental spills, and the occasional overloaded platform without breaking down.

Universal platforms accommodate your existing flask clamps, tube racks, and microplate holders without proprietary accessories.

Compare benchtop and incubator models here

Expand your capabilities without expanding your budget

As your research grows, you need equipment that adapts without requiring constant upgrades. Our orbital shakers are built for flexibility, offering the features that matter at prices that make sense.

Get more done with practical features

Multiple platform sizes

Accommodate everything from 96-well plates to 2L flasks with interchangeable platforms that actually stay secure.

Timer functions

Set and forget your mixing protocols without babysitting equipment or worrying about weekend runs.

Stackable designs

Double your capacity without doubling your footprint - perfect for space-limited labs.

Why smart purchasing matters

You buy once, use everywhere

One versatile shaker handles bacterial cultures, cell maintenance, and wash protocols instead of dedicated equipment for each.

You reduce bottlenecks

When equipment works reliably, multiple users can schedule time efficiently without backup plans for equipment failure.

You preserve budget for reagents

Money not spent on premium equipment features or frequent repairs stays available for the consumables that actually generate data.

Equip your lab with orbital shakers that deliver performance and value. Explore our range to find the right fit for your applications.

Explore the complete range of digital orbital shakers here

How do these compare to Ohaus, IKA, VWR, and Corning orbital shakers?

When evaluating orbital shakers, labs often default to familiar brands like Ohaus, IKA, VWR, and Corning. Here's why our collection delivers what you actually need without the premium markup.

The specs that matter are identical

Speed accuracy, temperature stability, and weight capacity match what you need.
Like VWR and Corning models, our shakers deliver consistent orbital motion - because that's the fundamental requirement, not touchscreens or app connectivity.

You're not paying for features you won't use

While IKA adds Bluetooth connectivity and Ohaus includes proprietary software, our shakers are built for your budget and your practical work.
Premium brands bundle accessories and capabilities that sound impressive but sit unused in most labs - you're paying for their development costs.

Maintenance doesn't require a service contract

Unlike some Corning and VWR models that need factory service, our straightforward design means your staff can handle routine maintenance.
When Ohaus and IKA charge hundreds for annual service contracts, our shakers keep running with basic care and occasional belt replacement.

The same protocols run the same way

Labs switching from premium brands report no adjustment period - set your speed, load your samples, get your results.
Your SOPs don't change, your outcomes don't change, but your equipment budget suddenly has room for other priorities.

Real labs choose practical solutions

Academic labs stretching grant money, clinical labs managing tight budgets, and startups scaling operations all reach the same conclusion.
When the choice is between one premium shaker or two reliable workhorses, the math is simple.

The bottom line

When compared to Ohaus, IKA, VWR, and Corning, our orbital shaker collection delivers the core functionality every lab needs - consistent, reliable orbital motion - without the costly extras. It's not about competing on features; it's about delivering dependable mixing while respecting your budget.

Where are our orbital shakers being used today? (and does this sound like your application?)

Microbiology and bacterial culture

Consistent orbital agitation is essential for optimal bacterial growth and aeration. Our customers use orbital shakers to...

Grow E. coli cultures overnight with precise speed control for consistent protein expression yields.
Maintain uniform cell density in large-volume cultures without settling or concentration gradients.
Culture anaerobic organisms in sealed flasks while ensuring proper mixing and gas exchange.

With our orbital shakers, microbiology labs achieve reproducible growth curves and reliable cell densities.

Cell culture and tissue engineering

Gentle, consistent agitation supports healthy cell growth without damaging sensitive cultures. Our collection of orbital shakers plays a vital role in...

Maintaining suspension cultures with minimal shear stress on delicate mammalian cells.
Supporting 3D tissue culture systems that require constant nutrient circulation.
Operating inside CO2 incubators for long-term culture maintenance at 37°C and 5% CO2.

Our incubator-compatible models help cell culture facilities maintain optimal growth conditions around the clock.

Immunology and protein research

Antibody binding and protein interactions require precise mixing conditions. Our orbital shakers are used to...

Run ELISA plates with consistent agitation for uniform antibody binding across all wells.
Support Western blot washing steps with gentle but thorough buffer exchange.
Mix protein purification columns and binding reactions for optimal yield.

Trust our benchtop orbital shakers for the reproducible mixing that antibody work demands.

Quality control and analytical labs

QC protocols require consistent, documented performance for valid results. Applications include...

Mixing dissolution samples for pharmaceutical testing with exact, recorded speeds.
Supporting extraction protocols that require specific agitation parameters.
Running stability studies that need continuous mixing over extended periods.

Our digital orbital shakers provide the parameter control and reliability that QC environments require.

Environmental and water testing

Environmental monitoring often requires specific mixing protocols for accurate analysis. Our orbital shakers support...

BOD bottle mixing for wastewater analysis with gentle, consistent agitation.
Sample preparation for heavy metal extraction from soil and sediment samples.
Algae culture maintenance for toxicity testing and environmental research.

By using our orbital shakers, environmental labs achieve the mixing consistency required for regulatory compliance.

Academic and teaching laboratories

Education and research facilities need reliable equipment that handles diverse applications. Our shakers are used for...

Student practicals where multiple users need straightforward, dependable equipment.
Graduate research requiring consistent protocols across long experimental timelines.
Core facility operations where various research groups share common equipment.

These orbital shakers offer the durability and simplicity needed for high-use educational environments.

Why do your peers prefer this collection to others?

Lab technicians

Straightforward operation

Lab technicians manage multiple experiments simultaneously, and complicated equipment just slows them down. Our orbital shakers have clear digital displays and simple controls - set your speed, set your time, press start. No menu diving, no proprietary software to learn, no wondering if the settings saved correctly. Technicians can train new users in minutes and trust that everyone gets the same results.

Predictable performance

Nothing ruins a day like discovering your overnight culture didn't grow because the shaker stopped at 2 AM. Our orbital shakers run continuously without mysterious shutdowns, speed changes, or error codes. This reliability means technicians can start Friday cultures knowing they'll have cells Monday morning, schedule long washing protocols without babysitting, and trust their experiments will run as planned.

Lab managers

Operational efficiency

Lab managers balance multiple projects while keeping everything on schedule. Reliable orbital shakers eliminate equipment-related delays - no waiting for service technicians, no scrambling when equipment fails mid-experiment, no bottlenecks from shared equipment breaking down. With dependable shakers, managers can accurately schedule equipment time, plan experiments months ahead, and deliver results on deadline.

Budget predictability

When shakers need expensive repairs or proprietary replacement parts, budgets evaporate quickly. Our orbital shakers use standard components, require minimal maintenance, and don't need annual service contracts. This predictability means managers can allocate funds to consumables and new projects instead of emergency repairs. The money saved on one premium shaker repair covers the cost of an entire backup unit.

Team productivity

Equipment problems create stress that affects the entire lab. When shakers work reliably, technicians stay focused on science instead of troubleshooting. This leads to better data quality, faster project completion, and higher job satisfaction. Managers report fewer equipment-related complaints, less overtime from failed experiments, and improved team morale when basic equipment just works.

Lab directors

Capacity for growth

Lab directors think strategically about scaling operations and taking on new projects. Reliable, affordable orbital shakers mean labs can equip multiple workstations, establish backup equipment, and expand capacity without massive capital expenditure. This flexibility helps labs pursue new contracts, support more researchers, and grow revenue without proportional equipment investment.

Compliance confidence

Regulatory audits and client inspections focus on protocol consistency and equipment validation. Our orbital shakers deliver documented, reproducible performance that satisfies auditors without complex validation procedures. Directors appreciate equipment that maintains calibration, provides clear operational parameters, and doesn't require extensive documentation to prove reliability.

Return on investment

Every equipment purchase needs to justify its cost through improved productivity or reduced operating expenses. Our orbital shakers pay for themselves through reduced maintenance costs, eliminated service contracts, and increased experimental success rates. Directors can demonstrate clear ROI when basic, reliable equipment replaces expensive, over-engineered alternatives without compromising quality.

Choosing the right orbital shaker model

1. Benchtop vs incubator models

Benchtop orbital shakers

Standard benchtop models work perfectly for room-temperature applications like bacterial cultures, protein binding assays, and general mixing tasks. These units offer larger platforms, higher weight capacities, and easier access for loading and unloading samples. If most of your work happens at ambient temperature or you have dedicated incubator space, benchtop models provide the best value.

CO2 incubator orbital shakers

For cell culture work requiring 37°C and 5% CO2, incubator-compatible models are essential. These compact units fit inside standard CO2 incubators, feature corrosion-resistant materials for high-humidity environments, and maintain consistent operation in elevated temperatures. The smaller footprint means less platform space, but the ability to maintain sterile, controlled conditions makes them indispensable for cell culture facilities.

2. Speed range and orbit diameter

Matching your application needs

Different organisms and protocols require specific agitation speeds. Mammalian cell cultures typically need gentle speeds (30-100 RPM), bacterial cultures thrive at moderate speeds (150-250 RPM), while vigorous mixing for extractions may require 300+ RPM. Consider both your current protocols and potential future applications when selecting speed ranges.

Orbit diameter considerations

Smaller orbits (10-20mm) provide gentler mixing suitable for cell culture and microplates. Larger orbits (25-30mm) generate more vigorous agitation better suited for bacterial cultures in flasks. Some models offer adjustable orbits, though fixed-orbit models typically cost less and require less maintenance.

3. Platform size and weight capacity

Calculating your throughput needs

Platform dimensions determine how many samples you can process simultaneously. A 330x330mm platform handles nine 250mL flasks or four microplates comfortably. Larger platforms increase capacity but require more bench space and may have lower maximum speeds. Consider your typical batch sizes and available lab space when choosing platform size.

Weight capacity requirements

Standard models handle 2-7.5 kg, sufficient for most culture flasks and plates. If you're working with multiple 2L flasks or dense samples, verify the weight capacity matches your maximum load. Remember that overloading causes uneven mixing and premature motor wear.

4. Control features and programming

Digital vs analog controls

Digital orbital shakers provide precise speed control, timer functions, and often display actual vs set speed. Analog models cost less but offer less precision. For protocols requiring exact speeds or timed operations, digital control justifies the modest price increase.

Programming and timer functions

Basic timers shut off agitation after a set period - useful for washing steps or fixed-duration protocols. Advanced programming allows speed ramping or interval mixing, though most applications don't require these features. Consider whether your protocols actually benefit from programming or if simple timer functions suffice.

By choosing the right orbital shaker model, labs address their immediate mixing needs while maintaining flexibility for future applications. Whether you prioritize incubator compatibility, high throughput, or basic reliability, selecting equipment that matches your actual use patterns delivers the best long-term value.

What determines your orbital shaker price?

When investing in an orbital shaker, understanding the cost drivers helps you identify where to spend and where to save. Here are the key factors affecting price.

Speed range and precision

Wider speed ranges and more precise digital controls increase cost. Models offering 10-500 RPM with 1 RPM resolution cost more than basic 50-250 RPM units. Consider whether your protocols actually require extreme speeds or if standard ranges suffice.

Platform size and weight capacity

Larger platforms and higher weight capacities require stronger motors and more robust construction. A unit handling 7.5 kg costs more than a 2 kg model, but buying excess capacity you won't use wastes budget.

Incubator compatibility

CO2 incubator models require special materials and compact designs that resist corrosion in high-humidity environments. These features add cost but are essential for cell culture applications. Room-temperature models cost less if you don't need incubator operation.

Control systems and displays

Digital displays, microprocessor controls, and programming capabilities increase price compared to analog controls. While digital provides better precision and documentation, simple analog controls work fine for basic mixing needs.

Construction materials

Stainless steel platforms, chemical-resistant housings, and sealed electronics cost more than basic materials but extend equipment life in harsh environments. Standard labs may not need premium materials designed for extreme conditions.

Brand premium and features

Established brands charge more for reputation and include features like smartphone apps or proprietary software. These additions significantly increase price without improving basic mixing performance.

Warranty and support

Longer warranties and comprehensive support programs add to initial cost but may provide value through reduced downtime. Balance warranty cost against your ability to handle basic maintenance internally.

Orbital shaker frequently asked questions

1. What's the difference between an orbital shaker and a reciprocating shaker?

Orbital shakers create circular motion ideal for cell culture and general mixing. Reciprocating shakers move back-and-forth, providing more aggressive agitation for extractions. Most biological applications work better with orbital motion.

2. Can I use a standard orbital shaker inside my CO2 incubator?

Standard benchtop models aren't designed for incubator use - the humidity and temperature will damage electronics and cause corrosion. Use incubator-specific models with appropriate materials and sealed components for CO2 incubator applications.

3. How do I know what speed to use for my cultures?

Mammalian cells typically need 30-80 RPM, E. coli grows well at 200-250 RPM, and yeast cultures often use 150-200 RPM. Start with published protocols for your organism and adjust based on growth rates and cell health.

4. What size orbital shaker do I need?

Consider your typical batch size and available bench space. A 330x330mm platform handles most routine work. Larger platforms process more samples but may have speed limitations and require more space.

5. How often do orbital shakers require maintenance?

Basic cleaning and periodic belt inspection typically suffice. Most units run for years with minimal maintenance. Unlike premium models requiring annual service contracts, our shakers use standard parts you can replace yourself if needed.

6. Can I stack orbital shakers to save space?

Some models are designed for stacking with appropriate frames. This doubles capacity without doubling bench space. Verify the specific model supports stacking before attempting this configuration.

7. Why is my orbital shaker making noise?

New units may need a break-in period. Persistent noise usually indicates an unbalanced load, loose platform, or worn belt. These issues are typically user-serviceable without expensive technician visits.

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Orbital Shakers

Consistent, reliable mixing that fits your budget - not flashy features you'll never use

Digital speed control maintains exact RPM for reproducible protocols

Sturdy platforms handle everything from microplates to culture flasks

Built for years of daily use without expensive service calls

Compatible with CO2 incubators for cell culture work

Models suitable for…

Cell culture and microbiology

Protein and antibody assays

Bacterial and yeast cultures

Sample extraction and washing

Orbital Shakers

What orbital shaker info can you find on this page?

What are you using right now?

Aging orbital shakers with speed drift

Manual rocking or swirling

Premium brand shakers

Shared equipment creating bottlenecks ​

Why switch to a reliable orbital shaker from your old methods?

Get the consistent results your protocols demand

Why choose from our collection of orbital shakers for consistency?

The protocols we help you standardize

Bacterial growth curves

Cell culture maintenance

​

ELISA and immunoassays

Handle the mixing your samples actually need

Gentle low-speed mixing (30-80 RPM) prevents cell damage while maintaining suspension in adherent cell cultures.

Standard speeds (100-300 RPM) provide optimal aeration for E. coli and yeast cultures without excessive foaming.​​

Higher speeds (up to 500 RPM) deliver aggressive mixing for extraction protocols and tough sample preparation.

Keep your experiments running without interruption

What does reliable operation mean practically?

A practical approach to mixing

​

Expand your capabilities without expanding your budget

Get more done with practical features

Multiple platform sizes

Timer functions

Stackable designs

Double your capacity without doubling your footprint - perfect for space-limited labs.

Why smart purchasing matters

You buy once, use everywhere

You reduce bottlenecks

You preserve budget for reagents

How do these compare to Ohaus, IKA, VWR, and Corning orbital shakers?

The specs that matter are identical

You're not paying for features you won't use

Maintenance doesn't require a service contract ​

The same protocols run the same way

Real labs choose practical solutions

The bottom line

Where are our orbital shakers being used today? (and does this sound like your application?)

Microbiology and bacterial culture

Cell culture and tissue engineering

Immunology and protein research

Quality control and analytical labs

Environmental and water testing

Academic and teaching laboratories

Why do your peers prefer this collection to others?

Lab techni​cia​ns

Straightforward operation

Predictable performance

Lab managers

Operational efficiency

Budget predictability

Team productivity

Lab directors

Capacity for growth

Compliance confidence

Return on investment

Choosing the right orbital shaker model

1. Benchtop vs incubator models

2. Speed range and orbit diameter

3. Platform size and weight capacity

4. Control features and programming

What determines your orbital shaker price?

Speed range and precision

Platform size and weight capacity

Incubator compatibility

Control systems and displays​

Shared equipment creating bottlenecks

Standard speeds (100-300 RPM) provide optimal aeration for E. coli and yeast cultures without excessive foaming.

Maintenance doesn't require a service contract

Lab technicians

Control systems and displays