How to Choose the Right Centrifuge for Your Lab

Posted by Marketing Team on Aug 01, 2025

Centrifugation has been a tool in laboratories for centuries. Whether clarifying cell cultures, isolating nucleic acids, or separating plasma and blood, the dependable centrifuge enables replicable outcomes and efficient results. However, when the number of models, features and rotors seems endless, choosing the right centrifuge may appear difficult.

This guide aims to guide lab professionals to make informed decisions. We will discuss the various categories of centrifuges available, the primary attributes they possess, and how your application should inform the choice. It does not matter whether you are moving to a new lab or expanding your facilities; this blog will help you determine suitability.

Centrifuge Types and Their Ideal Uses

Centrifuges vary significantly in speed, capacity, and application. Here's a breakdown of the main types and what they do best: Selecting the right type starts with identifying what kind of separations you'll be doing and how sensitive your samples are to temperature or force.

Key Features That Should Guide Your Decision

Rotor Type

Centrifuges typically have either swinging-bucket rotors or fixed-angle rotors. Fixed-angle rotors hold tubes at a consistent angle and are ideal for rapid pelleting. The swinging-bucket rotors, conversely, permit the insertion of tubes into the horizontal position during operation and are better suited to applications that require parallel use or even sedimentation, such as blood or gradient separations. Interchangeability of rotors is provided in some models, which can be used when the lab needs a different type of rotor.

RPM and RCF

It's essential to understand the difference between RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force). RPM indicates the speed of rotation of the rotor, while RCF measures the actual force used to agitate the samples, which can be considered an accurate indicator of performance when comparing models. Selecting a centrifuge with an RCF equal to or greater than that required by your protocol gives consistent and high-quality results.

Capacity and Tube Compatibility

Take into account the number of tubes the rotor can hold and the volume of each tube. A centrifuge should not only accommodate your current sample load but also provide flexibility for different tube sizes. Many rotors include adapters for microtubes, conical tubes, or specialty formats, which are essential for labs with varying workflows.

Refrigeration and Temperature Control

If you are working with heat-sensitive materials such as enzymes, RNA, or blood, a refrigerated centrifuge is necessary. Models that provide cooling to a lower than 10 degrees C assist in maintaining sample integrity. These additional features, such as pre-cooling and steady temperature control during operation, provide an extra safeguard for critical samples.

Programmability and Interface

New-generation centrifuges feature user-friendly digital controls, programmability, and protocol memory. They improve repeatability and eliminate human error, which is extremely useful for labs that perform frequent or multi-step processes. Some units also allow control over acceleration and braking, which helps protect delicate biological samples.

Safety Features

High-speed centrifuges operate under significant force, so built-in safety features are essential. Seek models that have imbalance detection, auto lock, and rotor recognition. Besides averting accidents, these systems also increase the equipment's lifespan by relieving mechanical strain on it.

Choosing Based on Application Needs

Every lab discipline has its own set of centrifugation requirements. To make the best choice, align the centrifuge’s specifications with the materials and outcomes involved in your typical workflows.

Molecular Biology: Where isolating DNA or RNA is routine, a high-speed microcentrifuge capable of reaching 14,000 RPM or more is often required. These compact models can accommodate small-volume tubes and perform rapid pelleting for nucleic acid purification.

Cell Biology: Researchers frequently need to pellet cells or isolate organelles. Centrifuges in this setting should be compatible with both fixed-angle and swing-out rotors to accommodate different sample formats and separation protocols.

Clinical Diagnostics: A steady, controlled speed and gentle sedimentation are critical for blood processing. Clinical centrifuges operating around 3,000–4,000 RPM, particularly those equipped with swinging-bucket rotors, offer ideal performance for separating serum and plasma.

Pharmaceutical and Quality Control Labs: These often require multi-purpose models that can adapt to various protocols. Benchtop or universal centrifuges with multiple rotor options and wide speed ranges offer the flexibility needed for product testing and formulation workflows.

Biochemistry and Proteomics: Temperature control is often non-negotiable. Refrigerated centrifuges prevent the degradation of sensitive enzymes and proteins during processing, enabling better yield and integrity across experiments.

Centrifuge Options from MSE Supplies

MSE Supplies carries a versatile range of centrifuges to meet your lab's needs:

Model Type	Example Product	Best For
Compact Benchtop	Scilogex D1008 Microcentrifuge	Small-volume DNA or spin-down tasks
High-Speed Microcentrifuge	Hermle Z216-M High-Speed Centrifuge	Molecular biology, proteins, pelleting
Refrigerated Centrifuge	Benchmark Z446-K Refrigerated Centrifuge	Enzymes, RNA, temp-sensitive work
Clinical Centrifuge	DLAB DM0636 Clinical Centrifuge	Blood & plasma separation
Universal Model	Hermle Z306 Universal Centrifuge	Flexible tube and rotor setups

To review specific models and compare features, visit our dedicated Laboratory Centrifuges page.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a centrifuge is more than just fitting a model within a budget. It's a matter of ensuring that your instrument supports your lab’s core applications, protects your sample integrity, and adapts to evolving research needs. Running repetitive protocols or developing novel assays with the right centrifuge can mean everything in terms of speed, accuracy, and reliability.

Following a stair-step approach can help simplify the centrifuge selection process. Start by identifying what you do in your lab and, therefore, what applications the centrifuge must support. Next, learn about the rotor types and speed requirements needed for those tasks. Finally, take into account any special features you may require, such as refrigeration or programmable controls. By working through each of these steps, you’ll be able to make a confident choice—one that delivers immediate results while supporting your long-term laboratory goals.

Explore our comprehensive range of laboratory centrifuges and matching accessories to find the perfect fit for your application. Contact us to request a quote or speak directly with one of our product experts if you have questions and would like personalized recommendations.

To hear about new laboratory equipment, offers, and technical news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow MSE Supplies on LinkedIn. For additional laboratory products and solutions, go to MSE Supplies.

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