Let’s Dive into Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf
The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf promises to be a crucial organizational tool for any lab dealing with a high volume of pipettes. Mitchell Plastics aims to provide a simple yet effective solution to a common problem: pipette clutter. This acrylic shelf offers an angled, compartmentalized design meant to safeguard and easily access pipettes of various sizes.
My own lab space was constantly overrun with pipette boxes stacked precariously. It was a safety hazard, a space hog, and frankly, an embarrassment. I was looking for a durable, easy-to-clean solution that wouldn’t take up too much bench space while improving overall organization and accessibility.
Upon unboxing, the Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf made a decent first impression. The white acrylic felt sturdy enough, though perhaps not as thick as I initially envisioned. The overall construction appeared clean and the angles of the compartments looked well-designed for easy pipette retrieval.
I considered several other options, including DIY solutions and wire racks. I decided against the DIY route due to time constraints and a desire for a professional aesthetic. I chose the Mitchell Plastics model due to its purpose-built design, compact footprint, and positive reviews regarding its sturdiness.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if it would actually live up to its promise of simplifying pipette management, or if it would just be another piece of lab equipment that ends up gathering dust.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf immediately upon receiving it in my university research lab. I populated each of the four compartments with a variety of pipettes, ranging from 1mL to 25mL sizes. It was immediately apparent that the angled design facilitated easy identification and retrieval of the desired pipette.
My lab environment is generally climate-controlled, but experiences occasional spills and exposure to humidity during cleaning. The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf handled both of these conditions without issue, showing no signs of warping or discoloration after being wiped down. The setup process was straightforward and required no additional tools or assembly.
No real surprises occurred during the initial setup and usage. The one slight issue I noticed was that the tallest pipettes (25mL) tended to slightly overhang the front of the shelf, though this didn’t significantly impede access or create stability concerns.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf has proven to be a worthwhile investment. The acrylic construction has held up extremely well, showing no signs of cracking or significant scratching despite constant handling.
The only maintenance required has been routine cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. The smooth surface of the acrylic allows for easy removal of any spilled reagents or dust.
The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf has far exceeded my expectations in terms of organization and accessibility. The pipette storage system is an improvement over the original method, providing a designated, organized space for a large amount of various sized pipettes.
Breaking Down the Features of Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf
Specifications
- Description: PIPET SHELF
- Unit: Each
- Material: 5mm (3/16″) acrylic
- Overall dimensions: 31.1Hx25.4Wx24.8Dcm (121/4x10x93/4″)
- Compartment dimensions: 13.3Hx12.1Wx24.1Dcm (51/4×43/4×91/2″)
These specifications are important because they directly affect the shelf’s functionality and suitability for various lab environments. The acrylic material guarantees chemical resistance and ease of cleaning, crucial for maintaining a sterile environment. The compartment dimensions determine the shelf’s capacity and ability to accommodate various pipette sizes, ranging from 1mL to 50mL (though 50mL might be a tight fit).
Performance & Functionality
The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf performs its intended function admirably: organizing and providing easy access to pipettes. The angled compartments allow for quick identification and retrieval, saving time and reducing the risk of contamination.
The primary strength of the Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. A minor improvement might be adding rubber feet to prevent sliding on smooth surfaces. The product has thus far fully met my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The white acrylic construction lends itself well to the sterile aesthetic of a laboratory. Its compact footprint ensures that it doesn’t take up excessive bench space.
The angled compartment design allows easy access to the pipettes. The product is easy to use and no learning curve is involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The 5mm acrylic construction suggests that the Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf is designed for longevity. The shelf has survived weeks of daily use without any sign of wear and tear.
The smooth surface of the acrylic construction makes maintenance extremely simple. A quick wipe-down with standard laboratory cleaning solutions is all that’s required to keep it looking and functioning like new.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf is a standalone product and does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available.
The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf‘s simple and universal design means that it should be compatible with any standard laboratory environment. Aftermarket labeling systems could be used to further categorize the shelf’s compartments.
Pros and Cons of Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf
Pros
- Excellent Organization: Keeps pipettes neatly arranged and readily accessible, significantly reducing clutter and wasted time.
- Durable Construction: The acrylic material ensures long-lasting use, even in demanding laboratory environments.
- Easy to Clean: Smooth surface allows for quick and efficient cleaning, maintaining a sterile workspace.
- Compact Footprint: Doesn’t occupy excessive bench space, making it suitable for labs of all sizes.
- Improved Lab Safety: Minimizes the risk of accidental spills and breakage by providing secure storage.
Cons
- Some longer pipettes (e.g., 50mL) may overhang slightly.
- The $269.99 price point is expensive for a molded acrylic product.
Who Should Buy Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf?
Perfect for: Researchers, lab technicians, and anyone working in a biological, chemical, or medical laboratory who requires efficient and organized pipette storage. Any lab striving to improve its overall efficiency and maintain a clean, safe working environment would benefit greatly.
Who should skip this product? Labs that use a very small number of pipettes, or that are on a very tight budget might find the price point prohibitive. A simpler, DIY solution may be more appropriate in these cases.
Must-have accessories or modifications? While not strictly necessary, adding rubber feet to the base would prevent the shelf from sliding on smooth surfaces.
Conclusion on Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf
The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf, Mitchell Plastics ML-100 Pipet Shelf is a well-designed and effective solution for organizing pipettes in a laboratory setting. While the $269.99 price tag may seem steep for an acrylic shelf, the improved organization, durability, and ease of cleaning it provides justifies the cost for labs that frequently use pipettes.
The value proposition lies in the efficiency gains and safety improvements it brings to the workspace. The Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf is an incredibly valuable investment for a safe lab environment.
I would personally recommend the Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf to any lab seeking to improve its organization and efficiency. Take control of your pipette chaos. Invest in the Mitchell Plastics Pipet Shelf today!