Let’s Dive into Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE
The Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE is not your average laboratory equipment; it’s a sophisticated tool designed for precise temperature control and orbital shaking, essential for a myriad of scientific applications. Manufactured by Barnstead, this water bath aims to combine reliability with user-friendly digital controls, making it a workhorse in any lab setting.
My journey to finding the Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE stemmed from a pressing need to upgrade my existing, less reliable water bath. My previous unit struggled to maintain consistent temperatures during prolonged solubility studies, leading to inconsistent results. I needed a bath capable of maintaining accurate temperatures and providing consistent shaking, crucial for my research on novel extraction procedures.
Unboxing the Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE, the first thing that struck me was its robust construction. The stainless steel interior looked incredibly durable, and the powder-coated steel exterior gave a sense of long-lasting quality. It felt considerably heavier and more substantial than my old unit, suggesting better insulation and a more powerful shaking mechanism.
I was choosing between this Barnstead model, a similar shaking water bath from Grant Instruments, and a more basic model from Benchmark Scientific. The Barnstead stood out due to its digital controls and the promise of higher temperature accuracy, combined with the five-year warranty. I was also swayed by the easy-access drain system, a feature that was sorely lacking in my previous water bath.
My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of hope. Could this be the end of temperature inconsistencies and unreliable shaking? Only time and testing would tell, but the initial build quality and feature set certainly pointed in the right direction.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE in my lab, focusing on a series of solubility studies for a new pharmaceutical compound. The ambient temperature was a steady 22°C, allowing for a controlled environment to assess the bath’s temperature regulation.
The bath performed admirably, even with a full load of flasks and test tubes. The shaking motion was smooth and consistent, and the digital display made it easy to monitor and adjust both temperature and speed. There were no immediate issues, and the easy access drain proved its worth after the initial cleaning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily use, the Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE has become a mainstay in my lab. It maintains temperature with remarkable accuracy, rarely deviating more than 0.1°C from the setpoint.
So far, there are no noticeable signs of wear and tear. The stainless steel interior wipes clean effortlessly, and the exterior remains scratch-free despite constant handling. Its ease of maintenance is a significant upgrade from my previous, more cumbersome water bath, and it definitively outperforms the older model in both reliability and user-friendliness.
Breaking Down the Features of Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE
Specifications
- Electrical: 240V, 50/60Hz. This ensures compatibility with standard lab power outlets in many regions.
- Speed Range: 15-500 rpm. This wide range provides flexibility for various applications, from gentle mixing to vigorous shaking.
- Shipping Weight: 48.5 kg (107 lbs.). The substantial weight suggests a durable construction and stable operation.
- Thermo Scientific No.: SHKE7000-1CE. This is the unique identifier for easy ordering and referencing.
- Temperature Range: 5° above ambient to 65°C (149°F). This is suitable for a wide range of biological and chemical applications.
- Temperature Accuracy: ±0.2°C at 37°C in flask. This high level of accuracy is crucial for temperature-sensitive experiments.
- Orbit: 1.3 cm (1/2″). This orbit size provides effective mixing without being overly aggressive.
- Load Capacity: 15.9 kg (35 lbs.). The high load capacity accommodates multiple samples or larger containers.
- Interior Dimensions: 35.6W x 40.6L x 20.3H cm (14 x 16 x 8″). These dimensions provide ample space for various flask and tube configurations.
- Exterior Dimensions: 54.6W x 63.5L x 45.7H cm (211/2 x 25 x 18″). Understanding the exterior dimensions is essential for planning lab space.
Performance & Functionality
The Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The precise temperature control and consistent shaking have significantly improved the reliability of my experimental results.
One of the strengths is the PID temperature controller, which maintains a stable temperature even with fluctuating ambient conditions. The overtemperature safety signal provides added peace of mind, preventing accidental overheating.
While the temperature range is adequate for most applications, a broader range extending to higher temperatures would be beneficial for certain specialized experiments. Overall, it exceeds my expectations in terms of temperature accuracy and shaking consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch, featuring a robust stainless steel interior and a durable powder-coated steel exterior. The bath feels solid and well-engineered, and its weight reflects the quality of the materials used.
The digital interface is intuitive and easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with water bath operation. The controls are logically arranged, and the separate LED displays for temperature, speed, and time are clear and easy to read.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the robust construction and high-quality materials, I expect the Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE to last for many years. The seamless stainless steel interior is resistant to corrosion and easy to clean, and the powder-coated exterior protects against scratches and dents.
Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving regular cleaning and disinfection. The front-mounted drain makes water changes simple and mess-free.
Accessories and Customization Options
The base unit doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, but Barnstead offers a range of compatible platforms, clamps, and racks. Universal platforms (57018-990 series) allow for flexible use with various vessel sizes.
Clamps (97007-248 series) provide secure mounting for flasks and bottles, and tube racks (80080-554 series) are available for smaller samples. The cooling coil accessory is especially useful for reaching near-ambient temperatures, and the gable covers minimize heat loss and evaporation.
Pros and Cons of Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE
Pros
- Exceptional Temperature Accuracy: Maintains temperature within ±0.2°C, ensuring reliable experimental results.
- Consistent Orbital Shaking: Provides smooth and uniform agitation, ideal for solubility studies and cell cultures.
- Durable Construction: Features a stainless steel interior and powder-coated steel exterior for long-lasting performance.
- User-Friendly Digital Controls: Intuitive interface with separate LED displays for temperature, speed, and time.
- Easy Maintenance: Front-mounted drain simplifies water changes and cleaning.
Cons
- Limited Temperature Range: Maximum temperature of 65°C may not be sufficient for all applications.
- Price Point: The initial investment is significant, especially compared to simpler water bath models.
Who Should Buy Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE?
This Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE is perfect for researchers, scientists, and laboratory professionals who require precise temperature control and consistent shaking for their experiments. It is ideally suited for applications such as solubility studies, extraction procedures, cell cultures, general mixing, hybridization, bacterial suspensions, diagnostic tests, staining, destaining, and washing procedures.
Those on a tight budget or who only require basic heating capabilities may want to consider a simpler, less expensive water bath model. Users who need to work with temperatures above 65°C should also explore alternative options.
A must-have accessory is the universal platform, which allows for flexible use with various flask and tube sizes. Depending on the application, the cooling coil accessory and gable cover can also be invaluable.
Conclusion on Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE
The Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE is a high-quality, reliable piece of laboratory equipment that delivers on its promise of precise temperature control and consistent shaking. While the price point is substantial, the performance, durability, and user-friendly design justify the investment for those who require these capabilities.
The value proposition lies in its ability to improve the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, ultimately saving time and resources in the long run. The five-year warranty provides added peace of mind, knowing that Barnstead stands behind its product.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Barnstead Water Bath 240V Digital SHKE7000-1CE to any laboratory seeking a dependable and accurate shaking water bath. Upgrade your lab today and experience the difference that precision and reliability can make!