Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570 Review

Let’s Dive into Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570

The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570 represents a crucial piece of equipment for any serious lab. These incubators provide a controlled environment for cell cultures and other biological samples that require precise temperature and agitation, and Sheldon promises reliability and affordability. I’ve spent years in various labs, troubleshooting fickle equipment and wrestling with inconsistent results, so when I saw this model advertised, I was keen to see if it could deliver on those promises.

My own struggles with maintaining consistent cell culture growth spurred my search. Temperature fluctuations and inadequate shaking speeds were constant headaches, leading to unreliable experimental outcomes. The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 caught my eye because it claimed to offer precise control and robust shaking capabilities at a reasonable price point.

Unboxing the incubator, my initial thought was that Sheldon hadn’t skimped on the build. The stainless steel interior immediately spoke to quality and ease of cleaning, and the overall design felt sturdy. I was hoping for something that felt like it could withstand the rigors of daily lab use, and my first impression was positive.

Compared to the New Brunswick Innova 2100 and Eppendorf Galaxy 170 S that I’ve used in the past, the Sheldon model seemed to strike a better balance between features and affordability. While the Innova offered more advanced programming options, its price tag was significantly higher. The Eppendorf, while compact, lacked the shaking capacity and stroke length adjustments of the Sheldon.

Initially, I was excited by the potential of the Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 to streamline my cell culture work and improve the reproducibility of my experiments. I admit I was also a little apprehensive – could it really deliver on its promises, or would I be facing another piece of temperamental lab equipment? Only time and testing would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 with a series of bacterial cultures and mammalian cell lines. The goal was to evaluate its temperature accuracy, shaking consistency, and overall ease of use. I set the temperature to 37°C and the shaking speed to 150 rpm, monitoring both parameters closely.

Under various humidity conditions within our lab, the incubator maintained a remarkably stable temperature, hovering consistently around the 37°C setpoint. The shaking motion was smooth and consistent, even with a relatively full load of flasks, without any noticeable vibrations or erratic movements. The digital display was clear and easy to read, and the keypad controls were intuitive.

After the initial use, the only slight issue was the leveling feet needing minor adjustment to eliminate a slight wobble. It was a minor inconvenience, and easily addressed, but something to be aware of during setup. Otherwise, the initial run was encouraging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of nearly daily use, the Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. Temperature and shaking speed remain consistent, even during prolonged runs. The stainless steel interior has held up well, showing no signs of corrosion or staining, despite frequent spills and cleaning cycles.

The incubator has shown no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scratches on the exterior. Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the smooth, non-porous surfaces and the easily removable shaking platform. Regular cleaning with a mild disinfectant is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Previously, I had been using a combination of a standard incubator and a separate orbital shaker. The Sheldon model has significantly streamlined my workflow by combining these two functions into a single, reliable unit. It consistently outperforms my previous setup in terms of temperature stability, shaking consistency, and overall convenience.

Breaking Down the Features of Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570

Specifications

• The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 boasts a chamber volume of 113.3 liters (4.0 cu. ft.). This is an important feature as it offers substantial space for culturing multiple samples simultaneously, increasing productivity.
• The internal dimensions are 48.3 x 49.5 x 43.8 cm (19 x 19¹/₂ x 17¹/₄ in.). These dimensions provide enough room for various flask sizes and configurations.
• The exterior dimensions are 54 x 59.7 x 68.6 cm (21¹/₄ x 23¹/₂ x 27 in.). This benchtop design makes efficient use of lab space while still offering a spacious internal chamber.
• The unit does not include any shelves, but one universal shaking platform is included. This is important for planning initial experiments as additional platforms or flask clamps might be needed.
• The shipping weight is 100 kg (220 lbs.). This substantial weight suggests a robust construction and stable operation.
• The temperature range is 5° above ambient to 60°C (140°F). This is sufficient for most common cell culture and microbial growth applications.
• Temperature uniformity is ±0.5°C @ 37°C. Precise temperature control is crucial for consistent and reliable experimental results.
• The temperature controller accuracy is 0.1°C. This level of precision ensures minimal temperature fluctuations, which is critical for sensitive cultures.
• The platform dimensions are 43.8 x 43.8 cm (17¹/₄ x 17¹/₄ in.). This platform size is suitable for a variety of flask sizes and quantities.
• It operates on 120/230V, 50/60Hz, 1100W. This is standard electrical compatibility for most labs.

Performance & Functionality

The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 excels at providing a stable and controlled environment for cell culture. The temperature control is precise, and the shaking mechanism is smooth and reliable. It has noticeably improved the consistency of my cell growth, leading to more reproducible experimental results.

The incubator’s primary strength lies in its ability to maintain stable temperature and consistent shaking speed, creating an optimal environment for cell growth. However, the lack of included shelves and the somewhat basic control interface could be seen as areas for improvement. Still, the overall performance meets and even exceeds expectations for a unit in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 is built with a focus on functionality and durability. The stainless steel interior is easy to clean and resistant to corrosion, while the exterior is sturdy and well-finished. The unit is relatively heavy, which contributes to its stability, but it also means that moving it requires some effort.

The control panel is straightforward and easy to navigate, with clear digital displays for temperature and shaking speed. There’s a slight learning curve to understanding the calibration process, but the user manual provides clear instructions.

Durability & Maintenance

The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 appears to be built to last. The materials are high-quality, and the construction is solid. With proper care and maintenance, this incubator should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 is relatively simple. The stainless steel interior can be easily cleaned with standard lab disinfectants, and the shaking platform is easily removable for thorough cleaning. The unit’s non-contact heating element should provide a long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 comes with one universal shaking platform. Test tube racks are sold separately. This allows for flexibility in accommodating different vessel types.

While there are no built-in customization options beyond adjustable shaking speed and stroke length, the incubator is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket flask clamps and accessories. Compatibility with standard test tube racks and flask clamps from other brands allows for easy customization to suit specific experimental needs.

Pros and Cons of Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570

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Who Should Buy Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570?

The Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 is perfect for cell biology researchers, microbiologists, and anyone working with cell cultures or microbial growth. It’s a great option for labs that need a reliable and affordable shaking incubator for routine experiments.

If you require advanced programming options, extensive data logging, or a refrigerated model, you might want to consider a higher-end incubator. Also, labs with limited budgets might consider a used model from other manufacturer.

Must-have accessories include a variety of flask clamps and test tube racks to accommodate different vessel types.

Conclusion on Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubators 1570 Model 1570

Overall, the Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 is a solid and reliable piece of equipment. It delivers consistent temperature and shaking performance at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value for labs on a budget. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it provides the essential features needed for successful cell culture and microbial growth.

The price is justified by the incubator’s performance, durability, and ease of use. It’s a worthwhile investment for any lab that needs a reliable shaking incubator without breaking the bank.

I would definitely recommend the Sheldon Signature Benchtop Shaking Incubator 1570 Model 1570 to anyone looking for a dependable and affordable solution for their cell culture needs. If you’re tired of inconsistent results and temperamental equipment, this incubator could be just what you need to streamline your workflow and improve the reproducibility of your experiments. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.