Orbital shakers
Orbital shakers move samples in a circular path, the most widely used motion for flask culture, extraction, and general laboratory mixing. Labman’s range spans compact analog models for everyday bench work through to programmable digital shakers with load sensing and RS232 connectivity, plus a heated variant for protocols needing controlled temperature alongside agitation. Models are available from Edmund Buhler and Ohaus, covering capacities from 4 kg up to 30 kg on this page, with larger multi-flask options available separately.
- Motion: orbital
- Shaking platform: 457 mm × 610 mm
- Max load: 23 kg at 125 rpm, 4.5 kg at 500 rpm
- Shaking speed: 25 to 500 rpm
- Stroke: 25 mm
€3.590,00 excl. VAT
- Motion: orbital
- Shaking platform: 457 mm × 610 mm
- Max load: 23 kg at 125 rpm, 4.5 kg at 500 rpm
- Shaking speed: 25 to 500 rpm
- Stroke: 25 mm
€4.115,00 excl. VAT
- Motion: orbital
- Shaking platform: 610 mm × 610 mm
- Max load:45 kg at 125 rpm, 18 kg at 300 rpm
- Shaking speed: 55 to 500 rpm
- Stroke: 25 mm
€5.535,00 excl. VAT
- Motion: orbital
- Shaking platform: 610 mm × 610 mm
- Max load:45 kg at 125 rpm, 18 kg at 300 rpm
- Shaking speed: 55 to 300 rpm
- Stroke: 51 mm
€5.536,00 excl. VAT
- Motion: orbital
- Shaking platform: 910 mm × 610 mm
- Max load: 68 kg at 125 rpm, 18 kg at 300 rpm
- Shaking speed: 15 to 500 rpm
- Stroke: 25 mm
€6.630,00 excl. VAT
- Motion: orbital
- Shaking platform: 910 mm × 610 mm
- Max load: 68 kg at 125 rpm, 18 kg at 300 rpm
- Shaking speed: 15 to 300 rpm
- Stroke: 51 mm
€6.940,00 excl. VAT
| Model | Brand | Speed Range | Max Load | Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-E51LD0403 / e-E51LD0420 | Ohaus | 50-800 rpm | 4 kg | Digital, programmable | Budget-friendly bench and incubator use |
| KS 15 A | Buhler | 30-420 rpm | 15 kg | Analog | Everyday general-purpose shaking |
| KS 15 A control | Buhler | 30-420 rpm | 15 kg | Programmable, touch screen | Documented, repeatable protocols |
| SM 30 A | Buhler | 15-300 rpm | 30 kg | Analog | Larger loads, continuous operation |
| SM 30 A control | Buhler | 15-300 rpm | 30 kg | Programmable, touch screen | High-capacity documented protocols |
| SM 30 AT control | Buhler | 15-300 rpm | 25 kg | Programmable, heated to 120°C | Mixing with controlled temperature |
How orbital motion works, and when to use it
An orbital shaker moves its platform in a small circular path at a fixed radius, keeping the sample moving continuously without a sharp change of direction. This motion suits flask cultures, extractions, and general mixing where a steady, even circulation is enough, and it is the default choice across most laboratory shaking applications.
The Buhler KS 15 and SM 30 ranges
Edmund Buhler’s orbital range splits into two platforms: the KS 15 compact series, built for a 15 kg load on a 400 x 300 mm platform, and the SM 30 universal series, built for a 30 kg load on a larger 560 x 400 mm platform. Both are available in analog form for straightforward everyday use, or as a “control” version with a programmable touch screen, load sensing, RS232 connectivity, and an optional Defined Stop for integration with robotic systems. The SM 30 AT control adds an integrated heating plate for protocols that need controlled temperature up to 120 degrees C alongside agitation.
Ohaus Endeavor 5000: a budget-friendly digital option
The Ohaus Endeavor 5000 light duty models bring digital, programmable orbital shaking to a lower price point, with on-board program storage and a triple eccentric drive that keeps the platform flat through the speed range. They suit incubator and cold room use and everyday bench shaking where a full-size Buhler platform is not required.
Who chooses an orbital shaker
Orbital shakers cover the bulk of day-to-day shaking needs across university labs, pharmaceutical and biotech quality control, and industrial process labs: cell culture, bacterial and yeast suspensions, extractions, and staining or destaining protocols. Choose a compact KS 15 or Endeavor 5000 model for routine bench work, move to the SM 30 range for larger loads or documented, reproducible protocols, and add the AT control variant if your process needs heat as well as motion.
Related shaker categories
If your protocol needs straight-line motion instead of a circular path, see our reciprocating shakers. For samples sensitive to shear or foam, our rocking, tilting, and 3D shakers use a gentler motion, and roller mixers are gentler still for tubes and bottles. If you need a shaker sized to fit inside an incubator or fridge, see our CO2-incubator and miniature shakers, and for dedicated microplate work, see our microplate shakers. For loads above 30 kg, see our multi-flask and heavy-duty shakers. For an overview of the full range, see our laboratory shakers category. If your workflow also needs quick tube mixing, see our laboratory vortex mixers, or for combined shaking and incubation in one unit, see our shaking incubators.