Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath, with Lab Armor Beads

October 08, 2014

Marquette University
Biomedical Sciences
Technician

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Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Exterior view of the Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath.

Company:

Thermofisher Scientific (Water Bath) and Lab Armor Beads

Product Name:

Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath, with Lab Armor Beads

Catalog Number:

Water Bath: Model 283, 13491-032 (VWR), Lab Armor Beads: 42370-002 (MidSci)

Using cell culture, our lab assesses the viability of mouse cortical cells through several assays, including radioactive uptake. Since our culture plates will be out of the incubator for at least 30 minutes, depending on the experiment, we needed an efficient system to maintain temperature. We had used older water baths before, and the “just fill it with a little water" approach. While this worked, it was inefficient. First, they were down in the bottom of the water bath, making it difficult to see, and to work with. Second, the water level had to be just right. Too much water, and the plates would be floating. We searched for a better setup. Our search found the Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath, along with the Lab Armor Beads.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

The Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath can be used with water, or with Lab Armor Beads. We exclusively use the low-maintenance beads. Uses include thawing/warming reagents, as well as incubation.

Starting Material

NA

Protocol Overview

The Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath, with Lab Armor Beads, is a convenient solution to incubation dilemmas. The exterior dimensions of Model 283 are 15.3L x 14.8W x 9.8D" (38.8 x 37.5 x 25 cm), while the reservoir dimensions are 11.5L x 12.5W x 6D" (29.2x31.7x15.2cm). Temperature stability is ±0.2°C uniformity (at 37°C) and ±0.1°C control resolution (at 37°C) with stainless-steel gable cover, and it maintains water temperature from ambient to 99.9°C. The chamber capacity is 3.2 gal (12L). For ease of use, the control panel is front-mounted. When used in conjunction with the Lab Armor Beads (MidSci, Catalog #42370-002), the water bath is versatile. No need for weights, no bacterial growth in the water, no evaporation, and no spilled tubes.

Tips

We experimented with the depth of the beads in the reservoir, until we confirmed that our plates, resting on the surface, were actually at 37°C. We used approximately 3L of beads.

Results Summary

Since purchasing the water bath/beads over five years ago, it has performed well. The bath is used almost daily, for several hours/day. It takes less than 30 minutes to get to 37°C.

Features Summary

The Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath has been reliable, and easy to clean/maintain. The front-mounted controls are easy to read, while the serial number is mounted on the side.

Additional Notes

There are several models available, from 0.4 gal (1.5L) to 11.4 gal (43L), and they are available in 120V or 240V units.

Related Categories

Image Gallery

Exterior view of the Thermo Scientific Precision Digital Water Bath.

Summary

The Good

Reliable water bath, easy to read/use, and is low maintenance.

The Bad

Cost. Currently, $1,300 for the water bath at VWR, and $195 for 2L of beads at MidSci.

The Bottom Line

This water bath/bead combination is perfect for incubation of culture plates. Cells stay warm, as well as the media, and culture plates are stable during experiments.

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