Vortex Mixers

<h2>What are laboratory vortex mixers?</h2>
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A laboratory vortex mixer is a small benchtop instrument with an eccentrically rotating motor that drives a cup-shaped rubber head in a rapid circular path, creating a vortex in liquid-filled tubes or vessels pressed onto the cup. The vibration transfers through the closed tube wall to the liquid, generating a powerful swirling vortex that thoroughly mixes tube contents within seconds. Vortex mixers are used throughout the laboratory for resuspending pellets after centrifugation, mixing enzyme reaction components, homogenizing samples, dissolving compounds, and briefly but thoroughly mixing any small tube or vessel.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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BLUline vortex mixer: with a flip-head for faster, touch-based mixing
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BenchMixer&trade; vortex mixers: for everyday, reliable lab vortexing
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BenchMixer&trade; XL multi-tube vortexer: for high-performance output sample processing
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Labnet Orbit 300 multipurpose digital vortexer: for programmable and controlled mixing
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Vortex mixer accessories: including horizontal heads, tube racks, and foam holders for different tube sizes and applications
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<h2>How to choose a vortex mixer</h2>
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Choose touch-mode for ad hoc brief mixing and continuous-mode for timed runs
Touch-mode vortex mixers run only when a tube or vessel is pressed against the cup head, stopping immediately on release &mdash; the natural format for brief, on-demand mixing during pipetting workflows. Continuous-mode switches the mixer to run at a set speed without tube contact, suitable for timed mixing steps or when using a multi-tube adapter for batch runs.
Match vortex speed range to your application
Standard vortex mixers operate between approximately 600 and 3200 rpm, with lower speeds appropriate for gentle mixing of delicate samples or larger vessels, and full speed appropriate for vigorous resuspension of tightly packed pellets. Variable-speed models with a dial allow speed to be dialed down for sensitive applications.
Confirm tube compatibility with the cup head or adapter
The standard cup head on most vortex mixers accommodates 1.5 mL and 2 mL microcentrifuge tubes directly, and most standard tube formats up to approximately 50 mL can be mixed by holding the tube against the cup at the appropriate angle. For 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, holding at a slight angle rather than vertical provides more efficient mixing.
Consider a multi-tube foam insert for batch processing
Foam inserts and multi-tube adapters allow 6, 8, or more tubes to be mixed simultaneously during a timed continuous-mode run, suited for batch mixing of many samples between processing steps.
Check that footprint and noise level suit your bench placement
Vortex mixers vary considerably in physical footprint and operating noise; models with a suction-cup base or weighted housing reduce walking on the benchtop at high speed. For open-plan labs or shared spaces, noise level at full speed is worth checking in product specifications.
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<h2>Specifications context</h2>
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The classic vortex mixing action produces a liquid vortex through eccentrically driven cup oscillation at typically 2000&ndash;3200 rpm for full-speed operation, a mechanism that has remained essentially unchanged since the Vortex-Genie design introduced by Scientific Industries in 1962. As of 2026, variable-speed vortex mixers with touch-mode and continuous-mode operation and a removable cup head for accessory attachment remain the most widely used format in molecular biology and biochemistry labs.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the MBP team today</a> to request a quote and find the right vortex mixer for your application.

Product Literature

BenchMixer V2, Vortex Mixer with flip top cup head Accessories

BenchMixer V2™ Vortex Mixers

The BenchMixer V2™ Vortex Mixer series by Benchmark Scientific is a compact variable-speed vortex mixer with a reversible rubber cup head — concave cup side for single-tube vortexing (1.5–50 mL) and flat/dimpled side for cuvettes. Speed variable from 200 to 3,200 rpm via Q-Drive™ dynamic balancing; touch and continuous modes; +4°C to +45°C. Accepts BV1003-T500 (5×50 mL) and BV1003-T150 (12×15 mL) foam rack accessories. Available as BV1003 (115V/60Hz) and BV1003-E (230V/50Hz).

Speed Range

Operating Modes

Orbit

Dimensions (in)

Dimensions (cm)

Operating Temp.

Weight

Electrical

Warranty

Manufacture

BenchMixer V2™ Vortex Mixer with flip top cup head and new counter balance, 115V

BenchMixer V2™ Vortex Mixer with flip top cup head and new counter balance, 230V

Rack for 96 x 0.2ml tubes or strips (3pk)

Tube Rack for 7x50ml QuEChERS, horizontal

BenchMixer XLQ, QuEChERS Shaker/Vortexer with QuEChERS Racks Accessories

BenchMixer XLQ, QuEChERS Shaker/Vortexer

The BenchMixer XLQ by Benchmark Scientific is a 500-2500 rpm multi-tube vortexer configured for QuEChERS and sample prep workflows, supplied with a rack starter kit for 50mL, 15mL, and 1.5/2.0mL tubes. Available in 115V (BV1010-TST) and 230V (BV1010-TST-E).

Timer

Platform Dimensions

BenchMixer XLQ, QuEChERS Shaker/Vortexer with QuEChERS Racks, 115V

BenchMixer XLQ, QuEChERS Shaker/Vortexer with QuEChERS Racks, 230V

Optional attachment for 16 x 5-7ml tubes (12-13mm)

BenchMixer™ MP  Vortex Mixer Accessories

BenchMixer™ MP Vortex Mixers

The BenchMixer™ MP Vortex Mixer series by Benchmark Scientific operates from 200–3000 rpm with auto-recognition of installed holders. Includes cup head (single-tube touch mode), plate holder (deep-well/PCR/ELISA plates), and 30 × 1.5/2.0 mL foam insert. Available as BV1007 (115V/60Hz) and BV1007-E (230V/50Hz).

Operating Temp. Range

BenchMixer™ MP with attachments for plates, 30x2.0ml, 12x15ml, 4x50ml and cup head attachment, 115V

BenchMixer™ MP with attachments for plates, 30x2.0ml, 12x15ml, 4x50ml and cup head attachment, 230V

BenchMixer™ Vortexer Mixer Accessories

BenchMixer™ Vortex Mixers

The BenchMixer Vortex Mixer by Benchmark Scientific is a variable-speed benchtop vortexer running 200-3200 rpm with Q-Drive technology, touch or continuous mode, no-walk suction feet, and cold room and incubator compatibility. Available in 115V (BV1000) and 230V (BV1000-E).

BenchMixer™ Vortexer 115V

BenchMixer™ Vortexer, 230V

BenchMixer™ XL Multi-Tube Vortexer

The BenchMixer XL by Benchmark Scientific is a heavy-duty multi-tube vortexer that runs 500-2500 rpm on a 12 x 7 in platform, supplied with a 50 x 12mm tube rack and a programmable pulsing mode. Available in 115V (BV1010) and 230V (BV1010-E).

Platform Dims

BenchMixer™ XL Multi-Tube Vortexer, includes 50x12mm tube rack, 115V

BenchMixer™ XL Multi-Tube Vortexer, includes 50x12mm tube rack, 230V

Vortex Mixers Accessories

<h2>What are vortex mixer accessories?</h2>
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Vortex mixer accessories are the interchangeable cup heads, foam inserts, and platform adapters that convert a standard single-tube vortex mixer to batch-process multiple tubes or different vessel formats simultaneously. The standard single-tube cup head can be replaced with a multi-tube foam insert holding 6 to 24 microcentrifuge tubes, a tube strip or microplate adapter, or a platform-style attachment for larger vessel formats. These accessories are typically instrument-specific, using a proprietary attachment mechanism that varies between vortex mixer brands.&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Tube racks for 0.5 ml, 1.5/2.0 ml, 12 mm, 13 mm, and 15 ml tubes</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">High-capacity tube racks for holding up to 96 samples</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Horizontal heads for mixing 2 &times; 50 ml tubes and 4 &times; 15 ml tubes</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Foam tube holders for 6 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, and 16 mm tubes</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to choose vortex mixer accessories</h2>
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Select foam inserts by the tube format they accommodate
Foam inserts for vortex mixers are sized to hold specific tube formats by pressing the closed tube caps into the foam at defined positions: standard microcentrifuge inserts hold 1.5 mL and 2 mL tubes, larger foam blocks accommodate 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, and low-profile inserts hold 0.5 mL tubes or PCR strip tubes in defined arrays. Check that the insert format matches the tube types you use most and that the insert is rated for your vortex mixer's speed range.
Confirm accessory compatibility with your vortex mixer model
Vortex mixer accessories attach via model-specific connectors &mdash; threaded onto the drive spindle or clipped onto the instrument head &mdash; and are not universally compatible between brands or models. Always check that the specific accessory is listed as compatible with your vortex mixer model before ordering.
Use a microplate adapter for 96-well plate mixing
Microplate vortex adapters replace the standard cup head with a flat or recessed platform sized to hold a standard 96-well plate, allowing entire plates to be mixed in continuous mode for ELISA plate washing steps, microplate cell resuspension, and plate-format biochemical assays. The adapter should be rated for the speed at which it will be used to prevent plate sliding.
Check that foam insert speed ratings are compatible with your operating speed
Foam inserts are rated for a maximum operating speed, and using a foam insert at speeds above its rating risks tubes not being securely retained by the foam compression at high rpm. Confirm that the insert's rated speed covers your intended operating speed before batch-processing valuable samples.
Consider a universal platform adapter for flexible use
Some vortex mixer manufacturers offer a universal platform adapter that replaces the cup head with a flat non-slip platform, accepting a wide range of vessel formats using a non-slip mat for retention. While less format-specific than a dedicated foam insert, a universal platform provides flexibility for less common vessel formats.
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<h2>Specifications context</h2>
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Foam inserts work by compressing foam around tube caps to provide frictional retention during high-speed oscillation; foam material and cell size determine tube sizes accommodated and maximum safe speed. As of 2026, inserts accommodating PCR strip tubes alongside microcentrifuge tubes in a single insert have become available, reducing the number of separate formats needed.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the MBP team</a> today to request a quote and find the right accessories for your vortex mixer.

Vortex Mixer Accessories

COMBO™ head for one microplate and microtubes (38 x 1.5ml and 28 x 0.5ml tubes)

BV1000-COMBO by Benchmark Scientific is an optional combination head that holds either one microplate or 66 microtubes (38 x 1.5mL and 28 x 0.5mL), compatible with BenchMixer (BV1000) and Mortexer (BV1005) vortex mixers.

Foam Sheet, no holes (1 each)

BV1010-00 by Benchmark Scientific is a replacement foam sheet (no holes) for the BenchMixer XL (BV1010) multi-tube vortexer platform, sold as a single sheet.

Horizontal head, for 12 x 1.5ml

The BV1000-H15 by Benchmark Scientific is an optional horizontal head that holds 12 tubes of 1.5mL each, built to attach to the BenchMixer (BV1000) and Mortexer (BV1005) vortex mixers.

Horizontal head, for 2 x 50ml

BV1000-H500 by Benchmark Scientific is an optional horizontal head that holds 2 x 50mL tubes in a flat orientation on the BenchMixer (BV1000, BV1003) and Mortexer (BV1005) vortex mixers.

Optional Foam Rack for 12 x 15ml tubes (BV1003 model only)

BV1003-T150 by Benchmark Scientific is an optional foam rack that holds 12 x 15mL tubes and attaches to the BenchMixer V2 (BV1003) vortex mixer only.

Optional attachment for 70 x 0.5ml tubes

BV1007-T05 by Benchmark Scientific is a foam insert for the BenchMixer MP BV1007 vortex mixer, enabling simultaneous vortexing of up to 70 × 0.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes. The BV1007's automatic recognition feature detects the BV1007-T05 when installed and adjusts maximum speed accordingly. Compatible with BV1007 (115V) and BV1007-E (240V) only — not compatible with BV1003 or BV1005. Parent instrument BV1007 operates 200–3,000 rpm with a built-in timer (1 sec–999 min) and +4°C to +65°C range. 1 insert per order.

BV1010-MP02 by Benchmark Scientific is a pack of 3 carriers for 96 x 0.2 mL PCR tubes or strip tubes, designed to load into the BV1010-MP multiplate rack on BenchMixer XL vortex mixers (BV1010 and BV1010-TST). The BV1010-MP parent rack is required and sold separately.