Biological shakers, also sometimes referred to as a laboratory shaker, are vital pieces of equipment for many types of research. They're well known in the drug discovery community for their role in perfecting some of the early and most commonly used antibiotics. In later years, they played a similar role in developing more sophisticated antivirals. As with any piece of equipment on the lab bench, shakers must be manufactured with quality and precision. They need to operate with consistency and dependability throughout their use. Experiments depend on their accuracy and precise operation.

If you're outfitting or restocking a lab and its equipment, many shakers are available. You'll be choosing between orbital and reciprocating then deciding about numerous added features that are available. They include heating or cooling capabilities, programmability (generally with digital controls that are increasingly sophisticated), capacity, variable shaking speeds, and of course, size. With space at a premium in many busy labs, many are stackable for shared equipment rooms. Most shakers are shared by groups or departments, given tighter budgets and a premium on laboratory space.

Older analog-style shakers tended to have abrupt start/stop movements, which were well known to cause complications with some experiments. Newer digitally controlled models quickly gained popularity for their smoother and gentler on/off actions. Models with more sophisticated features offer a wider range of temperatures, some going as high as the boiling point and refrigerated temps on the other end of the spectrum. Smaller experiments are also driving down the size of the smallest shakers, which need to maintain the consistency of larger models on a much more finite scale.

It's also crucial for shakers to operate inside incubators for some experiments. Their motors need to be temperature resistant and all parts capable of handling varying temperatures. For very small samples, thorough and consistent mixing becomes more complicated. It's why product developers have continued to add smaller sizes that maintain the capabilities of larger models. If your lab needs to replace its shakers or add them, you'll want to gather a lot of information before purchasing. If you make the right decision, you'll meet your lab's needs reliably for years to come.