Desktop High-Speed Centrifuge Buying Guide

Desktop High-Speed Centrifuge Buying Guide
Desktop high-speed centrifuges (typically operating at speeds ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM) are widely used in biological laboratories, medical testing, pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, and other fields for critical operations such as cell separation, protein precipitation, and nucleic acid extraction. When selecting a centrifuge, it’s essential to take into account factors such as rotational speed, capacity, temperature control, and safety comprehensively.
I. Core Purchase Criteria
1. Rotational Speed and Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)
Maximum rotational speed (RPM): 10,000–30,000 RPM (for routine experiments); ultra-high-speed models can reach up to 100,000 RPM (for specialized research).
Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF, ×g): More important than specific speed, it affects separation efficiency (calculation method: RCF = 1.118 × 10?? × r × RPM², where r is the centrifugal radius).
Shopping recommendations:
Routine experiments (such as cell separation): 15,000 RPM (~20,000×g).
Nucleic acid/protein precipitation: ≥25,000 RPM (~50,000×g).
Ultra-high-speed requirements (such as virus isolation): 50,000 RPM or higher.
2. Capacity and Rotor Type
Rotor compatibility: Angle rotor (high-speed), horizontal rotor (large capacity), microvolume rotor (PCR tubes/1.5 mL EP tubes).
Common capacities:
Microcentrifugation: 0.2 mL to 2 mL (PCR tubes/EP tubes).
Routine experiments: 10 mL to 50 mL (conical tubes, blood collection tubes).
Large capacity: 100 mL to 500 mL (industrial/pharmaceutical applications).
Shopping recommendations:
- The laboratory commonly uses 4×50 mL angular rotors or 24×1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes.
- Compatible with various tube types (such as 1.5 mL/2 mL/5 mL EP tubes).
3. Temperature control function
Refrigerated type (4℃~40℃): Suitable for heat-sensitive samples (such as proteins and RNA).
Non-cooled type: Conventional room-temperature centrifugation, lower cost.
Shopping recommendations:
- If the experiment involves temperature-sensitive samples (such as enzymes or cells), select a refrigerated model.
- A non-cooled model is available for standard DNA/serum separation.
4. Control System and Program Storage
Basic model: Speed/time is adjusted using a mechanical knob.
Smart model: LCD touch screen, capable of storing multiple programs (such as gradient centrifugation).
Shopping recommendations:
- If you frequently change experimental conditions (such as different RPMs or durations), we recommend choosing a programmable model.
5. Security and Certification
Security features:
- Electronic lock cover (prevents opening the cover during operation).
- Imbalance detection (automatic shutdown).
- Over-speed/overheat protection.
Certification standards:
CE (European Union), UL (United States), GB (China).
Shopping recommendations:
- Prioritize brands that meet international safety standards (such as Eppendorf and Thermo Fisher).
II. Recommended Models for Different Application Scenarios
| Application Scenario | Recommended Parameters | Representative Models |
 |--|--|--|
| Routine Laboratory (Cell/Serum Separation) | 15,000 RPM, 4×50 mL Rotor | Eppendorf 5424R |
| Molecular Biology (DNA/RNA Extraction) | 25,000 RPM, 24×1.5 mL Rotor | Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST 16R |
| Low-temperature centrifugation (proteins/enzymes) | 20,000 RPM, refrigerated (4℃) | Beckman Coulter Allegra X-15R |
| Microcentrifuge (PCR tubes) | 14,000 RPM, 8×0.2 mL rotor | Labnet Spectrafuge 16M |
| Industrial/Pharmaceutical (Large Capacity) | 10,000 RPM, 6×500mL Rotor | Sigma 6-16KS |
III. Brand and Budget Reference
| Brand | Features | Budget (RMB) |
 |-|-||
| Eppendorf | High-end, Precision, Durable | 30,000–100,000+ |
| Thermo Fisher | Research-grade, widely applicable | 20,000–80,000 |
| Beckman Coulter | Ultra-High-Speed Centrifugation Specialist | 50,000–200,000+ |
| Sigma | High cost performance, suitable for industrial applications | 10,000–50,000 |
| Domestic (Xiangyi, Luxiangyi) | Economical and practical, for basic experiments | 5,000–30,000 |
IV. Precautions for Selection
1. Rotor compatibility: Ensure the centrifuge supports the required tube types (e.g., 1.5 mL EP tubes/15 mL conical tubes).
2. Noise Level: Recommended for laboratory use ≤ 60 dB (to avoid impacting the working environment).
3. Maintenance costs: Rotor lifespan, after-sales support (e.g., whether replacement parts are easy to obtain).
4. Future Scalability: Does it support rotor upgrades (e.g., in the event that higher rotational speeds may be required in the future)?
V. Future Development Trends
Intelligence: IoT remote monitoring and automated report generation.
Energy-saving and environmentally friendly: low-energy motor, oil-free vacuum technology.
Modular design: Quickly replace the rotor to accommodate a wider range of experimental needs.
Summary
When selecting a desktop high-speed centrifuge, you need to comprehensively consider your experimental requirements (rotational speed, capacity, temperature control), safety, and budget. For high-end research, we recommend Eppendorf or Thermo Fisher; for cost-effective options, you can choose the domestically produced Xiangyi. If your experiments involve ultrahigh-speed or low-temperature centrifugation, be sure to select a specialized model to ensure experimental accuracy.