Convenient but not made very well

June 16, 2015

University of Nebraska Medical Center
Pathology and Microbiology
Graduate student

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Argos

Product Name:

Flexifuge Mini Centrifuge

Catalog Number:

C1000

Browse similar products: Benchtop Centrifuges

As with any lab, we do quite a bit of centrifuging. We purchased this Mini Centrifuge because of its convenience and its ability to fit a variety of tube sizes (ranging from 0.2 mL to 5 mL). The 5 mL tube adapter is very nice as none of our other centrifuges can hold these. The downside is that it is a (fairly) cheap piece of equipment. The lock on the lid is not very secure so it is common for the lid to pop open during centrifuging or to hear a loud buzzing noise from the lid vibrating (we always have tape holding the lid in place to prevent this).

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Centrifuging 0.2, 0.5, 1.5, and 5 mL tubes

Starting Material

0.2, 0.5, 1.5, and 5 mL tubes

Protocol Overview

Install the appropriate adapter. Place tubes in centrifuge. Push "pulse" button for short spins or "continuous" button for long spins. Alternatively, turn timer knob to desired spin time and push down on knob. Spin will stop when time is up.

Tips

Use tape to hold down lid. This will prevent lid from popping open and the buzzing sound.

Results Summary

Centrifuge has two speed options, 2000xG and 5000xG. This is fast enough for what we need to spin down (usually bacterial cultures).

Features Summary

Good for spinning down bacterial culture, colorful lights are fun

Additional Notes

None

Image Gallery

Summary

The Good

2 speed options, offers pulse, continuous, and timer spin options, convenient for different tube sizes (especially 5 mL tubes)

The Bad

Lid does not lock very well

The Bottom Line

For the price and what it does, our lab is willing to put up with the build quality of this centrifuge. It is small and lightweight so while we have never seen it go flying off during a spin, we are expecting it to at any moment. The lid is a problem but one that is easily fixed with some tape.

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