Overhead stirrers, magnetic stirrers and vortex mixers

Laboratory mixers for every application

An overhead stirrer, magnetic stirrer and vortex mixer are among the most used mixing devices in the laboratory. As a result, each type provides its own mixing action, suited to different viscosities, volumes and protocols. This combines in one workspace fast vortex mixing of small tubes, steady magnetic stirrer action for reagent preparation and powerful overhead stirrer mixing of viscous solutions. Our Thermo Scientific laboratory mixers cover the full spectrum from compact benchtop models to industrial configurations.

Which types of laboratory mixer do we supply?

Our range covers three main types of mixing devices, each suited to specific laboratory applications.

Magnetic stirrer: a mixing device that drives a magnetic stir bar in the liquid via a rotating magnetic field beneath the work surface. As a result, the liquid remains closed without mechanical contact. Therefore, the magnetic stirrer is ideal for preparing reagents, dissolving salts, pH adjustments and buffer preparation. Moreover, many magnetic stirrers combine a hot plate heating function for protocols requiring simultaneous heating and mixing.

Vortex mixer: a compact device that brings test tubes, Eppendorf tubes and falcon tubes into rapid circular motion. Therefore, you thoroughly mix small volumes within seconds. In addition, the vortex mixer offers a touch mode for short bursts and a continuous mode for longer protocols. Particularly in PCR preparation, sample preparation and pellet resuspension, this type is essential.

Overhead stirrer: a powerful stirring device with a vertical stir shaft driven by a strong motor above the vessel. As a result, you mix large volumes and viscous liquids too heavy for a magnetic stirrer. Furthermore, the overhead stirrer suits formulations, emulsions, polymer preparation and industrial mixing. Moreover, you fit various impeller types for specific mixing requirements.

Key technical features

Adjustable speed: our overhead stirrers, magnetic stirrers and vortex mixers offer speed regulation from 50 to 3000 RPM, depending on the type. As a result, you tune mixing intensity precisely to your protocol. Moreover, digital displays provide exact control.

Hot plate heating (magnetic stirrer): many magnetic stirrers combine mixing with a heated plate up to 350°C. Therefore, you dissolve salts, run reactions and maintain temperature during mixing.

Programmable timer and protocols: built-in timers with automatic shut-off simplify routine protocols. In addition, you save frequently used settings for consistent reproducibility.

Touch mode (vortex mixer): pressing on the vessel activates mixing directly, without operating a switch. As a result, the device automatically stops when you remove the vessel. Ideal for fast PCR tube mixing.

Variable impellers (overhead stirrer): interchangeable impellers such as propellers, anchors, dispersers and turbines for specific mixing. Furthermore, the system features speed sensors that compensate for varying viscosity.

Safety features: automatic shutdown at overheating, motor overload or stalling. Moreover, overload protection on the overhead stirrer provides process safety.

Which laboratory mixer suits your application?

Reagent preparation and salt dissolution: choose a magnetic stirrer with hot plate function. Steady mixing and optional heating for buffer preparation and standard solutions.

Mixing small volumes in tubes: choose a vortex mixer. Compact footprint, rapid mixing within seconds of Eppendorf and falcon tubes.

Viscous liquids and large volumes: choose an overhead stirrer with suitable impeller. Powerful mixing of formulations, emulsions and polymer solutions up to several litres.

pH adjustments and titrations: choose a magnetic stirrer with adjustable speed. Uniform mixing while dropwise adding acid or base.

PCR preparation: choose a vortex mixer with touch mode for quick mixing of reaction mixes.

Industrial formulation: choose an overhead stirrer with strong motor and variable impellers. Suitable for production environments and quality control.

Applications by sector

Laboratory and R&D: reagent preparation, buffer formulation, sample preparation and small-scale mixing for research.

Pharmaceutical industry and biotech: drug formulation, emulsions, solubility tests and stability research within pharmaceutical processes.

Food industry: mixing extracts, viscosity tests and homogenisation of liquid food samples within the food industry.

Agriculture and horticulture: preparation of crop protection solutions, nutrient solutions and mixing of soil extracts within agriculture and horticulture.

Medical diagnostics: preparation of reagents, calibration standards and buffer solutions in diagnostic laboratories.

Universities and research institutes: broad use of magnetic stirrers, vortex mixers and overhead stirrers for education and fundamental research.

Shaking and mixing overview

View our complete shaking and mixing range on the shakers and mixers laboratory landing page. In addition, you will find orbital shakers, platform shakers, microplate shakers and tube rotators for various shaking applications there.

Service and maintenance on all laboratory mixers

Besides supplying and installing a Thermo Scientific overhead stirrer, magnetic stirrer or vortex mixer, we provide periodic maintenance, speed calibration, hot plate temperature calibration and NEN 3140 electrical safety inspection. Moreover, our engineers perform motor inspection and bearing replacement. Our certified service engineers work on laboratory mixers from all brands, including IKA, Heidolph and Velp. For advice on the right overhead stirrer or a maintenance contract, please contact our specialists.

Frequently asked questions about laboratory mixers