Let’s Dive into Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 might seem an unusual subject for an outdoor and tactical gear expert, but bear with me. These aren’t your grandmother’s crystal dishes; they’re laboratory-grade glassware designed for controlled crystallization, evaporation, and general-purpose use. Their robust construction, flat bottoms, and straight sides make them surprisingly versatile in field applications, beyond the sterile confines of a lab.
My initial foray into the world of KIMAX crystallizing dishes stemmed from a need to improve my off-grid water purification methods. I needed a durable, easily cleanable container for solar disinfection (SODIS) of water and for evaporating potentially harmful chemicals after treating water with purification tablets. The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050, with its seemingly simple design, offered a promising solution.
Unboxing the Kimble Chase 23000 7050 was…underwhelming, if I’m being honest. It’s a clear glass dish. However, the weight immediately spoke of quality. The glass felt thick and substantial, giving me confidence it could withstand some rough handling. Compared to cheaper beakers or plastic containers, the KIMAX dish screamed durability.
I considered using standard Pyrex baking dishes, but their curved bottoms are less efficient for solar water disinfection and evaporation. Plastic containers were also an option, but they can leach chemicals into water under intense sunlight. The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 was a clear winner due to its inertness and ideal shape.
My first impression? Cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t the flashiest piece of gear I’d ever tested, but the potential for practical applications was evident. The build quality inspired confidence, and I was eager to see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place during a week-long wilderness survival training exercise in the high desert. The primary goal was water procurement and purification. I used the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 for SODIS and post-purification evaporation.
The desert environment presented harsh conditions: intense sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and ubiquitous dust. The KIMAX dish performed admirably. Its clear glass allowed maximum sunlight penetration for SODIS, and the flat bottom ensured efficient evaporation of chlorine residue. Cleaning the dish was surprisingly easy, even with stubborn desert grime.
The only minor issue was its fragility. Being glass, it required careful handling to avoid breakage. I quickly learned to secure it inside my pack to prevent accidental damage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 has proven surprisingly resilient. I’ve used it in various environments, from humid forests to arid mountains. It has held up well despite being transported in a backpack and occasionally exposed to freezing temperatures.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear, aside from minor scratches from rough handling. Cleaning remains simple, even after prolonged use with various water sources and purification chemicals. Regular washing with soap and water is sufficient to maintain its cleanliness and transparency.
Compared to using plastic containers or improvised evaporation setups, the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 is a superior solution. It provides a reliable, chemically inert, and easy-to-clean surface for water purification tasks. It consistently outperforms improvised methods in terms of efficiency and safety.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050
Specifications
- Capacity: 160 mL – This size is ideal for individual water purification or small-scale evaporation tasks.
- Dimensions: 70 mm Diameter x 50 mm Height – The wide, shallow design maximizes surface area for both solar disinfection and evaporation.
- Material: KIMAX Borosilicate Glass – This is crucial. KIMAX glass offers excellent chemical resistance and thermal shock resistance compared to standard glass.
- Construction: Flat Bottom, Straight Sides, Reinforced Fire-Polished Top – These features contribute to stability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to chipping.
- Kimble Chase No.: 23000 7050 – This identifier ensures you’re getting the correct product and can easily reorder.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the dish’s performance and usability in outdoor settings. The borosilicate glass ensures chemical inertness, preventing contamination of water samples. The flat bottom and straight sides are key for efficient solar disinfection and evaporation.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 excels at its intended purpose: controlled crystallization and evaporation. In my testing, it proved equally effective for solar water disinfection and chemical residue evaporation. The wide, shallow design maximizes surface area exposure, accelerating both processes.
The dish’s primary strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. There are no moving parts to break or malfunction. Its weakness is its fragility; being glass, it is susceptible to breakage if not handled carefully.
The product meets and exceeds expectations for its intended use. It’s a simple, reliable, and effective tool for water purification and other field applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 has a minimalist design focused on functionality. The borosilicate glass feels substantial and durable, despite its delicate nature. Its weight is negligible when empty, adding minimal burden to a pack.
The dish is inherently user-friendly. There is no learning curve; its function is self-evident.
Durability & Maintenance
While glass is inherently fragile, the KIMAX borosilicate construction offers increased thermal shock resistance compared to standard glass. This means it’s less likely to crack from sudden temperature changes. With reasonable care, it should last for many years.
Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient. Stubborn residues can be removed with a mild abrasive cleaner.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 is a standalone product with limited accessory or customization options. However, it can be paired with various items to enhance its functionality.
A compatible silicone lid can protect water samples from contamination and reduce evaporation rates when desired. A small tripod or stand can provide a stable platform on uneven terrain. The dish is universally compatible with any standard cleaning supplies.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050
Pros
- Chemically inert borosilicate glass ensures water purity.
- Flat bottom and straight sides maximize surface area for efficient solar disinfection and evaporation.
- Easy to clean and maintain, even in field conditions.
- Durable construction withstands reasonable wear and tear.
- Versatile for a wide range of water purification and testing applications.
Cons
- Fragile glass construction is susceptible to breakage.
- Relatively expensive compared to plastic alternatives.
- Lacks a lid for protecting water samples from contamination.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050?
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 is perfect for survivalists, serious campers, and anyone prioritizing water purification and safety in the outdoors. It’s also valuable for those conducting field research or scientific experiments requiring chemically inert containers.
This product is not ideal for casual campers or those primarily concerned with lightweight gear. The fragility of glass might also deter users prone to rough handling.
A must-have accessory is a protective carrying case or wrap to minimize the risk of breakage during transport. A silicone lid or similar cover can also prevent contamination of water samples.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050
The Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050, while seemingly basic, is a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing water purification and safety. Its simple design, durable construction, and chemically inert material make it superior to plastic alternatives for various field applications.
The price of $279.99 seems high for a single glass dish. However, the KIMAX borosilicate glass justifies the cost for those who require a reliable and chemically inert container for water purification or scientific testing.
I would personally recommend the Kimble/Kontes KIMAX Crystallizing Dishes, Kimble Chase 23000 7050 to anyone seeking a durable and effective solution for water purification in the wilderness. Invest in your safety and well-being with a reliable tool that will last for years. Don’t settle for less when it comes to clean, safe water.