When your laboratory workflow requires both CO₂ incubator technology and orbital shaking, you have two options:
Use a CO₂-regulated shaking incubator for high-volume cell culture applications.
Place a compact orbital shaker inside a CO₂ incubator, offering a more affordable and flexible solution.
CO₂ shaking incubators are the preferred approach for large capacity and continuous workflows. However, adding a dedicated orbital shaker inside an existing CO₂ incubator is ideal for smaller throughputs, temporary projects, or budget-sensitive labs—all while maintaining controlled CO₂ and humidity conditions.
If you are considering this setup, here are the key factors to evaluate before purchasing a shaker for use inside a CO₂ incubator:
Choose the Right Dimensions for Your Orbital Shaker
Space inside a CO₂ incubator is valuable. Always ensure that both the orbital shaker and your flasks, culture dishes, or microplates fit comfortably inside the chamber. A compact footprint helps maintain optimal airflow and a stable atmosphere.
Explore our full portfolio of laboratory shakers to find suitable models:
➡️ Laboratory Shakers
Resistance to High CO₂ and Humidity Conditions
CO₂ incubators operate under harsh environmental conditions, typically:
High CO₂ levels (up to 20%)
High humidity (up to 90–95%)
Elevated temperatures (37°C+)
Not all shakers are designed to withstand these atmospheres. That’s why CO₂-compatible models are essential: they prevent corrosion, electrical issues, and performance degradation.
Our Edmund Bühler KM CO₂ orbital shakers are specifically engineered for extreme incubator environments (up to 20% CO₂ and 95% humidity):
Power Supply for the Shaker
Because orbital shakers require electricity, consider how power is routed into the incubator:
| CO₂ Incubator Feature | Power Cable Requirement |
|---|---|
| With access port | Standard cable passthrough |
| Without access port | Flat cable routed through inner door |
Using the wrong cable type can compromise incubator door sealing and affect CO₂ and humidity performance.
Our KM CO₂-FL model includes a flat cable engineered for door-gap routing, ensuring proper sealing and optimal incubator performance:
➡️ KM CO₂-FL Orbital Shaker
If you’re still evaluating your CO₂ incubator setup, we offer a wide range of advanced models for every lab size and application:
➡️ Binder CO₂ Incubators