Benchtop Centrifuges

Centrifuges separate or concentrate substances suspended in a liquid medium by density. Space-saving fixed- and variable-speed benchtop or tabletop centrifuges are used for applications including tissue culture, protein work, DNA/RNA research, and cell harvesting. Although spinning is used to achieve separation in all centrifuges, the rotor’s rpm only indicates the power of the motor. The best indication of separation power is its RCF, or relative centrifugal force. Versatile multipurpose centrifuges are the most common type, with an RCF up to about 24,000 × g, a variety of volume ranges, and the ability to spin plates. They can accommodate different types of rotors, including fixed angle, swinging bucket, and continuous flow. Ultraspeed centrifuges offer g-forces up to 1,000,000 × g, useful in nanotechnology. Microcentrifuges spin small sample volumes, such as 0.2-mL PCR tubes, at very high speeds. Other factors to consider include noise level, easy bowl access, refrigeration capabilities, and rotor material, which can be metal, plastic, or composite.