Collection: Shakers, Mixers & Rockers

Orbital shakers move platforms in fast circles — ideal for culture aeration, washing, and staining. Rockers produce a gentle see-saw (2D) or gyroscopic (3D) tilt for blots and low-foam mixing, while rotators turn tubes end-over-end to keep blood, beads, and cell preps in suspension. Matching the motion to the application prevents shearing and poor mixing.

Flask cultures aerate well on standard 19–25 mm orbits at moderate speeds, while microplates need a small orbit at high speed to mix without splashing. Larger flasks generally want a bigger orbit and lower rpm to keep liquid moving without foaming. Dedicated microplate models such as the Orbi-Shaker MP handle plate formats.

Only if it is rated for that environment — condensation and CO2 corrode standard electronics. Benchmark's BenchRocker 3D uses a brushless motor rated for cold rooms and incubators, and the Orbi-Shaker CO2 line is built for CO2 incubators with a remote controller that stays outside the chamber. Check the operating-environment spec before installing any unit.

A 2D rocker gives a linear see-saw wave, best for Western blot washing and staining in trays. A 3D rocker adds a circular, gyroscopic tilt that keeps liquid swirling gently across the whole surface — preferred for hybridizations and viscous samples. Variable-speed models with adjustable tilt, like the BenchRocker series, cover both kinds of work.

Some protocols need end-over-end mixing at a controlled temperature — antibody incubations, hybridizations, or enzymatic digests. An incubated rotator combines both in one small footprint, and the Roto-Therm Plus adds variable speed (5–70 rpm) with mix, pause, and rock modes. It avoids tying up a full-size incubator just to house a rotator.

The Benchmark Scientific shaker, vortexer, and rocker range is stocked and supported in Israel by Danyel Biotech, its official local distributor. Platform accessories, flask clamps, and tube racks are quoted together with the instrument — ask for a configuration recommendation.