Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938 Review

Let’s Dive into Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938

The Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938 is a multi-channel pipettor designed for high-throughput liquid handling in laboratory settings. Manufactured by Wheaton, this pipettor boasts a 12-channel configuration and a volume range of 20 to 350 microliters, making it a versatile tool for various applications. Its lightweight, all-plastic construction combined with a durable stainless steel pipet promises both comfort and reliability for the user.

My need for a multi-channel pipettor arose during a recent expansion of our team’s research capabilities. We were struggling with the time-consuming task of replicating samples across multiple plates manually. I needed a solution that would increase throughput and improve the consistency of our experiments, making this pipettor a potential game-changer.

Unboxing the Wheaton Pipettor, I was immediately struck by its lightweight design, something crucial for reducing fatigue during long pipetting sessions. The all-plastic body felt sturdy enough, but the stainless steel pipets inspired confidence in terms of chemical resistance and durability. The tapered, collared pipet design looked precise and appeared to be well-suited for accessing small containers.

Compared to other multi-channel pipettors on the market, I was drawn to the Wheaton Pipettor’s stated focus on viscous liquids. Many of the cheaper alternatives I’d researched struggled with consistent aspiration of anything thicker than water. The Wheaton’s fluoropolymer top and stainless steel components seemed better equipped to handle the challenges of different viscosities.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design and the promise of improved handling of viscous liquids were exciting, however, the all-plastic construction raised questions about long-term durability. At $2699.00, my expectations were high, hoping that the Wheaton Pipettor would deliver on its promises of speed, precision, and reliability.


Real-World Testing: Putting Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Wheaton Pipettor in our lab’s cell culture facility, using it for a media transfer experiment. The goal was to quickly and accurately distribute cell culture media across multiple 96-well plates. Initially, getting the aspiration speed and depth right took some practice, however, the 12-channel design significantly sped up the process compared to single-channel pipetting.

The lab’s temperature and humidity are carefully controlled, but the liquid being used did vary in viscosity. The Wheaton Pipettor handled both water-based and slightly more viscous solutions relatively well, providing a more consistent and accurate liquid transfer. The pipettor tips sealed well and there was less dripping than I’d previously experienced.

The Wheaton Pipettor required a bit of a learning curve to master the aspiration and dispensing speeds. The feel of the plunger was different from the other pipettors in our lab, requiring a lighter touch. I had some initial concerns but the time saved compared to single-channel pipetting was instantly apparent.

After the first use, I did notice one potential issue. The flip-top lid, while convenient, felt a bit flimsy and I worried about its long-term durability. Otherwise, the Wheaton Pipettor’s performance was encouraging, and I was eager to see how it would hold up with extended use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938 has proven to be a valuable asset in the lab. It has significantly reduced the time required for repetitive liquid handling tasks. The pipettor has allowed us to complete experiments much faster with greater consistency.

The plastic body hasn’t shown any significant signs of wear and tear, but the flip-top lid is still a concern. The stainless steel pipets, however, have held up remarkably well, showing no signs of corrosion or damage. The all stainless steel, tapered, collared pipet has remained accurate and efficient.

Maintaining the Wheaton Pipettor is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a mild detergent. The tapered pipets are easily accessible and cleanable, helping to prevent cross-contamination. I also appreciated the scratch-resistant frosted writing area to clearly mark different pipettors.

Compared to our older multi-channel pipettors, the Wheaton offers superior speed and consistency, especially when working with viscous liquids. It outperforms our older models in terms of ease of use and overall reliability. I would recommend this model for labs in need of a pipettor for similar uses.

Breaking Down the Features of Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938

Specifications

  • Catalog Number: 89210-068. This number makes reordering and identifying the Wheaton Pipettor easier.
  • Type: PIPETTORS. This helps the user to understand the main purpose of this device.
  • Channels: 12. This allows for simultaneous dispensing into multiple wells or tubes, greatly increasing throughput.
  • Volume Range: 20-350ul. This range makes the Wheaton Pipettor suited for a variety of molecular biology and biochemical applications.
  • Material: All Plastic Body, Stainless Steel Pipets, Fluoropolymer Top. These materials are chosen for chemical resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning.
  • Features: Flip-Top Lid, Tapered Collared Pipets, Frosted Writing Area. These features are designed to improve usability and convenience.
  • Certification: USP Class VI. This certification assures users that the pipettor is free of DNase, RNase, and pyrogens, making it suitable for sensitive biological applications.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the pipettor’s performance, reliability, and suitability for different laboratory applications. The range of volume it can hold is one example. The 12-channel design saves a considerable amount of time.

Performance & Functionality

The Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938 performs its job effectively, delivering accurate and consistent liquid handling across all 12 channels. This helps ensure reproducibility in experiments and reduces the risk of errors. Its ability to handle viscous liquids with relative ease is a significant advantage.

One of its strengths is its lightweight design, which minimizes user fatigue during prolonged use. A possible weakness, as mentioned earlier, is the flip-top lid’s perceived fragility. Overall, the Wheaton Pipettor largely meets expectations, delivering on its promise of increased throughput and reliable performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wheaton Pipettor’s build quality is decent, with a sturdy plastic body and durable stainless steel pipets. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to hold and operate for extended periods. The pipettor is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive plunger mechanism and easy-to-read volume settings.

While there is a slight learning curve to master the aspiration and dispensing speeds, the Wheaton Pipettor is generally easy to use. The flip-top lid is convenient for accessing the liquid reservoir, but as noted, its durability remains a concern. The scratch-resistant frosted writing area is a thoughtful addition for labeling and organization.

Durability & Maintenance

The Wheaton Pipettor is expected to last for several years with proper care and maintenance. The stainless steel pipets are resistant to corrosion and can withstand repeated use. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent is recommended to prevent build-up and ensure optimal performance.

The Wheaton Pipettor is designed for easy maintenance and repair. The pipets can be easily removed and replaced if necessary. The overall simplicity of the design minimizes the risk of mechanical failures.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wheaton Pipettor comes with a basic set of accessories, including a user manual and calibration tool. It is compatible with a wide range of standard pipette tips, allowing for flexibility in different applications. However, there are limited customization options available for the Wheaton Pipettor.

The Wheaton Pipettor is primarily designed for its core function of multi-channel pipetting, with less emphasis on add-ons. However, the compatibility with universal pipette tips is an essential feature. The collared pipets are useful for more viscous liquids.

Pros and Cons of Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938

Pros

  • High Throughput: The 12-channel design significantly speeds up liquid handling tasks, saving time and improving efficiency.
  • Viscous Liquid Handling: Performs well with viscous liquids, offering consistent and accurate aspiration and dispensing.
  • Lightweight Design: Reduces user fatigue during prolonged use, improving comfort and productivity.
  • Durable Pipets: The stainless steel pipets are corrosion-resistant and designed for long-term reliability.
  • USP Class VI Certified: Ensures the pipettor is free of DNase, RNase, and pyrogens, making it suitable for sensitive biological applications.

Cons

  • Flip-Top Lid Durability: The flip-top lid feels somewhat flimsy and may not withstand heavy use over time.
  • Price: At $2699.00, the Wheaton Pipettor is a significant investment.


Who Should Buy Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938?

The Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938 is perfect for:

  • Molecular biology labs that need to replicate samples onto multiple plates at once.
  • Biochemistry research teams handling viscous liquids.
  • High-throughput screening facilities needing greater efficiency.
  • Any lab wanting to make liquid transfers quicker with more reliability.

Who should skip this product?

  • Labs on a very tight budget may find the price prohibitive.
  • Those who only need a single-channel pipettor.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

  • A high-quality supply of compatible pipette tips.
  • Regular calibration tools to maintain accuracy.

Conclusion on Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938

The Wheaton Pipettor 20-350ul 12chan Cs1 W870938 is a valuable tool for any laboratory seeking to improve the speed and consistency of its liquid handling processes. Its ability to handle viscous liquids, its lightweight design, and its high throughput capabilities make it a worthwhile investment. While the price is significant and the flip-top lid raises some durability concerns, the overall performance and reliability of the Wheaton Pipettor justify the cost for labs with specific needs.

The price is high, but if you are working with viscous liquids frequently, the cost is justified. Yes, I would personally recommend it. If your lab needs high-throughput liquid handling and requires reliability with viscous substances, then the Wheaton Pipettor is an ideal solution.

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