What is a benchtop centrifuge
A benchtop centrifuge, also known as a table-top or tabletop centrifuge, is a compact laboratory centrifuge that fits on the workbench and separates samples by density through rapid rotation. These general-purpose centrifuges are designed for a broad range of tube formats and applications, making them suitable for both routine and demanding lab work. From spinning down blood tubes in clinical chemistry to pelleting cells in cell culture, a benchtop centrifuge handles diverse protocols on a single platform.
Our benchtop centrifuge range
Poly Temp Scientific supplies a complete programme of Thermo Scientific benchtop centrifuges from the well-known Multifuge and Megafuge family. Each series is matched to a specific performance level and lab profile:
- Thermo Scientific S Series: reliable centrifuges for routine, everyday applications in clinical and general laboratories. Available as benchtop and floor versions.
- Thermo Scientific X Series: high-performance centrifuges for demanding labs, offering maximum flexibility and full traceability. Available as benchtop and floor.
- Thermo Scientific C Series: compact centrifuges for clinical and research applications, reliable and reproducible. Available as benchtop and floor.
- Thermo Scientific Medifuge: compact clinical benchtop centrifuge for clinical chemistry, hematology and life science; 1000 to 5000 rpm, up to 10,000 x g, with 8 x 15 ml (fixed-angle rotor) or 8 x 10 ml (swing-out rotor).
Clinical or general purpose
General-purpose benchtop centrifuges such as the S, X and C Series offer broad applicability and handle many different tube formats and rotors. Clinical centrifuges such as the Medifuge are optimised for standardised sample preparation in diagnostics, with fixed protocols for blood, serum and plasma. If you work mainly with patient samples, a compact clinical model offers ease of use; if you have a mixed workflow with varying applications, a versatile general-purpose centrifuge is the logical choice.
Benchtop or floor version
Many models in our S, X and C Series are available as both benchtop and floor-standing versions. A benchtop centrifuge is compact and ideal when bench space is available and capacity can remain limited. A floor version offers greater rotor capacity and higher throughput, suitable for labs that process many samples at once. In addition, you can choose between a ventilated version for ambient temperature and a refrigerated version for temperature-sensitive samples.
Rotor choice and buying advice
The choice between a swing-out rotor and a fixed-angle rotor determines your separation result. A swing-out rotor swings the tubes out horizontally during rotation, delivering a flat pellet and optimal phase separation, ideal for blood separation and cell culture. A fixed-angle rotor holds the tubes at a fixed angle and reaches higher g-forces in a compact design. When choosing, determine the required tube format, the number of tubes per run, the maximum g-force and whether cooling is needed. Our specialists help you assemble the right configuration. All benchtop centrifuges are supplied on the basis of a no-obligation quotation.
Related categories
If you work with microtubes, view our Microcentrifuges. If you need very high speeds, consult the Superspeed centrifuges. For temperature-sensitive samples you will find suitable solutions among the Refrigerated centrifuges.
Frequently asked questions about benchtop centrifuges
What is a benchtop centrifuge
A benchtop centrifuge is a compact laboratory centrifuge that fits on the workbench and separates samples through rapid rotation. Thanks to support for a wide range of tube formats and rotors, it is a versatile platform for clinical chemistry, hematology, cell culture, microbiology and general lab work.
Which benchtop centrifuge suits my lab
For routine daily work the Thermo Scientific S Series is a good fit. Demanding labs needing flexibility and traceability choose the X Series. The C Series offers a compact clinical and research solution, and the Medifuge is ideal for standardised clinical sample preparation. Our specialists advise you based on your tube formats and throughput.
What is the difference between a clinical and a general-purpose centrifuge
A clinical centrifuge is optimised for standardised diagnostic sample preparation, such as separating blood, serum and plasma. A general-purpose centrifuge is more versatile and handles a broader range of tube formats, rotors and applications on a single platform.
What is the difference between a benchtop and a floor version
A benchtop version is compact and sits on the workbench, ideal when capacity needs are limited. A floor version stands on the floor, offers greater rotor capacity and higher throughput, and suits labs that process many samples at once.
What does swing-out rotor versus fixed-angle rotor mean
With a swing-out rotor the tubes swing out horizontally during rotation, giving a flat pellet and sharp phase separation. With a fixed-angle rotor the tubes stay at a fixed angle, reaching higher g-forces in a compact design.
What does a benchtop centrifuge cost
The price depends on the model, rotor choice, version (ventilated or refrigerated, benchtop or floor) and the required accessories. Poly Temp Scientific supplies all benchtop centrifuges on the basis of a no-obligation quotation, tailored to your configuration.
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