Hotplate & Stirrer

<h2>What Are Laboratory Hotplates and Stirrers?</h2>
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Laboratory hotplates are electrically heated work surfaces used to warm flasks, beakers, and vessels containing reagents, culture media, buffers, and reaction mixtures. Magnetic stirrers use a rotating magnetic field beneath the plate to spin a PTFE-coated stir bar inside the vessel, providing uniform mixing without mechanical contact. Combination hotplate-stirrer units integrate both functions in a single instrument and are the most common format in chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical labs. Standalone magnetic stirrers (without heating) are used for room-temperature mixing, pH measurement, and buffer preparation. Applications include chemical synthesis and recrystallization, cell culture media preparation, buffer and reagent preparation, dissolution testing, enzyme assays, protein and nucleic acid precipitation, and polymer synthesis. Digital hotplate-stirrers with PID temperature control, external probe inputs for actual solution temperature monitoring, and PTFE-coated ceramic or aluminum plates are the standard in research-grade instruments. Choose a combination hotplate-stirrer for most bench chemistry and biology work; choose a standalone magnetic stirrer for room-temperature mixing where a heating element would be a contamination or safety risk.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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<a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/temperature-control-equipment/hotplate-and-stirrers/magnetic-stirrers" title="Magnetic Stirrers">Magnetic Stirrers</a> provide powerful, quiet rotation using high-quality magnetic bars to ensure your liquids are blended perfectly every time.
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<a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/temperature-control-equipment/hotplate-and-stirrers/hotplate-and-stirrer-accessories" title="Hotplate &amp; Stirrer Accessories">Hotplate &amp; Stirrer Accessories</a> include everything from extra stir bars to external temperature probes, helping you customize your setup for better accuracy.
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<a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/temperature-control-equipment/hotplate-and-stirrers/multi-position-hotplate-stirrers" title="Multi-Position Hotplate Stirrers">Multi-Position Hotplate Stirrers</a> allow you to process several samples at once with uniform heat and speed, making your high-throughput days much more manageable.
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<a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/temperature-control-equipment/hotplate-and-stirrers/overhead-stirrers" title="Overhead Stirrers">Overhead Stirrers</a> deliver the high-torque power needed for thick, high-viscosity liquids that standard magnetic stirrers just can't handle.
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<h2>How to Choose a Lab Hotplate or Stirrer</h2>
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Hotplate-only vs. stirrer-only vs. combination unit
Hotplates without a stirring function are used for applications requiring only controlled heating: drying samples, warming baths, or maintaining solution temperature without agitation. Standalone stirrers (no heating) handle room-temperature mixing, titrations, and sample homogenization without thermal risk. Combination hotplate-stirrers serve both purposes in one instrument and are the standard choice for chemistry and cell biology benches where both heating and mixing are regularly needed.
Plate material: ceramic vs. stainless steel vs. aluminum
Ceramic top plates resist corrosive chemical spills, provide a white surface ideal for titrations and colorimetric work, and withstand temperatures up to 550 degrees C. Stainless steel plates offer stronger magnetic coupling and higher stirring force, preferred for dense suspensions or high-viscosity liquids. Aluminum plates heat and cool faster than ceramic, making them suitable for applications requiring rapid temperature changes. PTFE-coated plates are chemically resistant but limited to lower temperatures.
Temperature range and accuracy
Standard combination units reach 300 degrees C to 380 degrees C on the plate surface. Digital PID-controlled units with an external temperature probe monitor actual solution temperature (not plate temperature) and maintain the solution within plus or minus 1 degree C at setpoint, which is important for temperature-sensitive enzyme reactions, crystallization protocols, and culture media preparation. Analog units without external probes rely on plate surface temperature, which can differ significantly from solution temperature.
Stirring speed and stir bar volume
Stirring speed ranges from 100 rpm for gentle mixing to 1500 rpm for vigorous suspension. Match stir bar size to vessel volume: a 10 mm bar for tubes and small vials, a 25 mm to 40 mm bar for 50 mL to 500 mL beakers, and a 50 mm to 80 mm bar for 1 L to 5 L vessels. Using a stir bar too large for the vessel prevents rotation; too small causes inefficient mixing.
Safety features
For work with flammable solvents, specify an explosion-proof or EX-rated hotplate with enclosed heating elements that do not produce sparks. Digital models with over-temperature alarms and contact temperature sensors on the plate surface prevent runaway heating events. Some models include motor auto-shutoff if the stir bar decouples, reducing the risk of unattended overheating.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Maximum plate temperature (300 to 550 degrees C) is a surface rating; actual solution temperature depends on vessel geometry, fill volume, and heat loss. Use an external temperature probe (PT1000 or thermocouple) inserted into the solution for accurate setpoint control. Plate dimensions (typically 135 mm x 135 mm to 300 mm x 300 mm) determine the vessel sizes the unit can safely support; oversized vessels extending beyond the plate perimeter are unstable. PTFE stir bars should be inspected for wear periodically, as chipped PTFE releases particles into the solution; replace any stir bar showing surface damage.&nbsp;
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Ready to stir things up? Take a look through our hotplate and stirrer collection and <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">reach out to the MBP team</a> for a friendly quote today.

Hotplate & Stirrers

Flyer

GHS-380S - Product Guide

GHS-380H - Product Guide

Hotplate Stirrer

GHS-380 Group Hotplates & Stirrers

The GHS-380HS by Globe Scientific is a digital hotplate stirrer with a 380°C maximum temperature, 200–1,500 RPM stirring range, and a 140 × 140 mm (5.5 × 5.5 in) ceramic-coated aluminum plate. Rated at 510 W with IP21 protection, it operates on 100–120 V or 200–240 V and supports up to 5 L stir volume. Available from MBP Inc. for laboratory procurement across the USA and Canada.

Manufacture

Hotplate Stirrer, Digital, 380C Maximum Temperature, 5.5 x 5.5 inch ceramic coated top plate, 100-120v, 50-60Hz

Hotplate Stirrer, Digital, 380C Maximum Temperature, 5.5 x 5.5 

Hotplate, Digital, 380C Maximum Temperature, 5.5 x 5.5 inch ceramic coated top plate, 100-120v, 50-60Hz

Hotplate, Digital, 380C Maximum Temperature, 5.5 x 5.5 inch ceramic coated top plate, 200-240v 50-60Hz

Stirrer, Digital, 5.5 x 5.5 inch ceramic coated top plate, 100-240v, 50-60Hz

Hotplate-Stirrer

Sensor support stand and clamp, for use with GHS-550 models

Sensor support stand and clamp, small, for use with GHS-380 models

Temperature sensor, 230mm length, for use with GHS models with heat

Temperature sensor, 230mm length, glass coated, for use with GHS models with heat

GHS-550 Group Hotplates & Stirrers

GHS-550 by Globe Scientific — four-model group of digital hotplates, magnetic stirrers, and combination hotplate-stirrers with a 7 × 7 in glass ceramic surface and 550°C maximum. Stirrer models: 0–1500 rpm, brushless DC motor, up to 20 L (GHS-550HSP). GHS-550HSP adds PID control, LCD display, and RS232 port.

Hotplate Stirrer, Digital, 550C Maximum Temperature, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic  top plate, with RS232 port, 100-120v, 50-60Hz

Hotplate Stirrer, Digital, 550C Maximum Temperature, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic  top plate, with RS232 port, 200-240v 50-60Hz

Hotplate Stirrer, Digital, 550C Maximum Temperature, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic  top plate, 100-120v, 50-60Hz

Hotplate Stirrer, Digital, 550C Maximum Temperature, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic  top plate, 200-240v 50-60Hz

Hotplate, Digital, 550C Maximum Temperature, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic  top plate, 100-120v, 50-60Hz

Hotplate, Digital, 550C Maximum Temperature, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic  top plate, 200-240v 50-60Hz

Stirrer, Analog, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic  top plate, 100-120v, 50-60Hz

Stirrer, Analog, 7 x 7 inch glass ceramic top plate, 200-240v 50-60Hz

Magnetic Stirrers

<h2>What Are Laboratory Magnetic Stirrers?</h2>
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A laboratory magnetic stirrer uses a rotating permanent magnet or electromagnet installed below a flat work surface to create a spinning magnetic field above the plate. A PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-coated magnetic stir bar placed inside a vessel couples to this field and rotates, mixing the liquid from within. Because there is no physical contact between the stirrer and the contents of the vessel, the technique is contamination-free, amenable to closed-vessel operation, and compatible with corrosive, biological, and hazardous reagents. Magnetic stirrers are used without heating for buffer and media preparation, titrations, pH measurement, enzyme inhibition assays, hybridization reactions, and dissolution studies. Multi-position magnetic stirrers drive multiple stir bars simultaneously on a single unit, enabling parallel sample processing in analytical laboratories, pharmaceutical quality control, and environmental testing workflows. Use a standalone magnetic stirrer (no heat) when you need uniform mixing without thermal input: titrations, pH measurement, cold-room work, and mixing heat-labile reagents.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:&nbsp;</h2>
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Digital hotplate magnetic stirrers offer precise temperature control up to 550&deg;C and dual LED displays, making it easy to monitor both heat and speed at a glance.
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High-capacity magnetic stirrers are designed to handle larger volumes with ease, providing the powerful torque needed for consistent mixing in bigger batches.
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Compact and ultra-flat stirrers provide a space-saving solution for crowded benchtops, featuring low-profile designs and PET surfaces that are tough and easy to clean.
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Multi-channel magnetic stirrers allow you to stir up to 10 samples simultaneously with uniform speed, perfect for boosting your lab&rsquo;s productivity.
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Analog and classic stirrers bring reliable, straightforward performance to your workstation with durable stainless steel or ceramic-coated plates that resist wear and tear.
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Auto-reverse and timer functions give you professional-level control over your mixing cycles, ensuring your samples get exactly the treatment they need.
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<h2>How to Choose a Magnetic Stirrer</h2>
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Single-position vs. multi-position
Single-position stirrers are the most common format for benchtop chemistry and biology work, accommodating one vessel at a time. Multi-position magnetic stirrers (2, 6, 10, or 15 positions on a single plate) are used for high-throughput applications such as dissolution testing, parallel reaction screening, and environmental sample preparation, where identical mixing conditions across multiple vessels are required simultaneously.
Digital vs. analog control
Analog (dial-control) magnetic stirrers are reliable, low-maintenance, and appropriate when mixing speed precision is not critical. Digital stirrers display speed in rpm, maintain the setpoint with a feedback motor controller, and provide reproducible speed settings session to session, which is important for protocols requiring a specific agitation rate (e.g., OD600 turbidity assays, viscosity studies). Some digital models log rpm and run-time data via USB.
Speed range and stir bar compatibility
Most magnetic stirrers cover 100 to 1500 rpm. Microplate and high-throughput models reach up to 1500 rpm with small stir bars. For large-volume vessels (3 L and above), a lower maximum speed (300 to 500 rpm) with a large stir bar (60 mm to 80 mm) is more appropriate than attempting high speed with an undersized bar. PTFE stir bars are available in lengths from 3 mm (for microcentrifuge tubes) to 80 mm (for large vessels); octagonal, cross-shaped, and egg-shaped bars improve mixing in round-bottom flasks compared to standard cylindrical bars.
Plate size and chemical resistance
Plate dimensions determine the largest vessel the stirrer can stably support. A 135 mm x 135 mm plate accommodates a 1 L beaker; larger plates (200 mm x 200 mm and above) are needed for 3 L to 5 L vessels. PTFE-coated plates or ceramic tops offer the highest chemical resistance for work with acids, bases, and organic solvents. Stainless steel tops provide stronger magnetic coupling for viscous materials.
Cold-room and CO2 incubator use
Magnetic stirrers designed for cold-room use (2 degrees C to 8 degrees C) or for operation inside a CO2 incubator use sealed, humidity-resistant motor housings and are rated for continuous operation under those environmental conditions. Standard benchtop stirrers are not rated for cold-room or high-humidity incubator use; using them in these environments shortens motor life.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Motor type affects long-term reliability: brushless DC motors require no maintenance and last longer than brushed motors, which need periodic brush replacement in continuous-use settings. PTFE stir bars should be replaced when the PTFE coating chips or shows wear; bare metal exposure contaminates the solution and interferes with magnetic coupling. For regulated applications (pharmaceutical QC, ISO 17025 labs), specify a stirrer with a digital speed display and speed accuracy of plus or minus 1 rpm to support protocol documentation requirements. Related equipment:&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/temperature-control-equipment/hotplate-and-stirrers"></a>
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Ready to find the perfect spin for your lab? Browse our magnetic stirrer collection and <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">reach out to the MBP team</a> for a quote today.

Magnetic Stirrer, 100-240v, 50/60Hz, with US, UK and EU plugs, 300-2000rpm, Retort stand, PET surface

GSE by Globe Scientific is a 300-2000 rpm magnetic stirrer with analog dial control, PET chemical-resistant surface, brushless DC motor, integrated retort stand with probe clamp, and universal 100-240V input with US, UK, and EU plug adapters included. Max stirring volume approximately 1.5 L. No heating function.

Magnetic Stirrer, Low Profile, 100-240V, 50/60Hz, with US, UK, EU Plugs, 25 to 1500rpm, Auto-Reverse Function, IP65 rating, PET surface

GSF by Globe Scientific is a 15 mm (0.6 in) low-profile magnetic stirrer with universal voltage (100–240 V), included US/UK/EU plug adapters, IP65 ingress protection, chemical-resistant PET surface, and auto-reverse mix mode. cTUVus certified. ISO 9001:2015 manufacturer.

Magnetic Stirrer, Square, with Custom Labels, 100-240v, 50/60Hz, with US, UK and EU plugs, 300-2000rpm, Retort stand, PET surface

GSE-S by Globe Scientific is a square magnetic stirrer with a 120 × 115 mm chemical-resistant PET surface, operating at 300–2,000 rpm via a brushless DC motor at just 7.2 W total power. The unit weighs 0.3 kg (150 × 144 × 54 mm), runs virtually silently, accepts 100–240V with US, UK, and EU plugs included, and ships with a retort stand and four interchangeable custom-label overlays. Maximum stirring capacity is 1.5 L (water), with a 2-year warranty.

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Maximum volume

Maximum magnetic bar length

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Spill Protection

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Hotplate & Stirrer Accessories

<h2>What Are Hotplate and Stirrer Accessories?</h2>
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Hotplate and stirrer accessories are supplementary components for single-position and multi-position hotplate stirrers that improve temperature accuracy, expand vessel compatibility, enable reflux setups, and maintain equipment in working condition. The most important accessory for research-grade hotplate use is an external temperature probe, which monitors actual solution temperature rather than hotplate surface temperature, which can be 20 to 50 degrees C higher than the liquid in the vessel. PTFE stir bars in standard cylindrical, oval, octagonal, cross-shaped, and polygon geometries allow matching of bar shape to vessel type and mixing requirement. Support rods and clamp assemblies secure condensers, separating funnels, and other glassware above the hotplate for reflux chemistry. Magnetic stir bar retrieval wands recover stir bars from flasks without contaminating the solution. An external temperature probe is the single most impactful hotplate stirrer accessory: without one, you are controlling plate temperature, not solution temperature, and the two can differ by 20 to 50 degrees C.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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<li data-section-id="dpsp0x" data-start="25" data-end="139">Temperature sensors for compatible GHS-series hotplate stirrers, available in standard and glass-coated designs.</li>
<li data-section-id="yvvor4" data-start="140" data-end="248">Sensor support stands and clamps for secure positioning of temperature probes during heating applications.</li>
<li data-section-id="hdqu1" data-start="249" data-end="353">Support rods and clamp sets for mounting laboratory apparatus and accessories above hotplate stirrers.</li>
<li data-section-id="rtdv85" data-start="354" data-end="446">Magnetic stir bars, including standard and pivot ring styles, for efficient sample mixing.</li>
<li data-section-id="1hl26tt" data-start="447" data-end="560" data-is-last-node="">Chemically resistant clamp set options featuring inert PTFE construction for demanding laboratory environments.</li>
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<h2>How to Choose Hotplate and Stirrer Accessories</h2>
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External temperature probes
Confirm probe type compatibility with the hotplate stirrer model: most digital hotplate stirrers accept either a PT1000 resistance temperature detector (RTD) or a Type K thermocouple, and these are not interchangeable between models. The probe is inserted directly into the solution and feeds temperature data back to the PID controller to maintain the solution (not the plate surface) at the setpoint. Probe length and sheath material (stainless steel, glass, or PTFE) should be matched to the vessel size and chemical compatibility requirements.
PTFE stir bars: geometry and size
PTFE stir bars are available in cylindrical, oval (egg-shaped), octagonal, cross (X-shape), polygon, and ring geometries. Cylindrical bars are the most common general-purpose format. Octagonal bars provide more turbulent mixing in flat-bottomed vessels than cylindrical bars. Cross-shaped bars improve mixing in round-bottom flasks by preventing the bar from riding the wall. Ring or hoop bars are used for mixing around fixed probes or frits inside the vessel. Stir bar length is selected to match vessel diameter, typically 30 to 50% of vessel inner diameter.
Support stands and clamp sets.
Support stands (rod-and-base assemblies) mount above or adjacent to the hotplate to hold condensers, addition funnels, thermometers, and other glassware in reflux setups. Confirm rod diameter compatibility with the clamp set (most lab glassware clamps fit 12.7 mm or 16 mm rods). Weighted bases provide stability for tall assemblies. Crossbar assemblies allow horizontal positioning of clamps at adjustable heights along the support rod.
Magnetic stir bar retrieval tools
Stir bar retrievers are magnetic wands encased in a non-contaminating sleeve (PTFE or glass) that attract and remove the stir bar from a vessel without inserting fingers or metal into the sample. Available as handheld wands or bench-mounted extractors. An essential accessory for labs processing multiple samples per day, as losing track of stir bars is among the most common minor equipment management issues in bench chemistry.
Replacement sensors and calibration weights
Temperature probes degrade after repeated heating cycles or chemical exposure; replace probes showing drift against a calibrated reference thermometer. For hotplate stirrer models with external calibration weights (balance verification), confirm the weight set is OIML or ASTM traceable for regulated workflows.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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PTFE stir bars should be inspected regularly for chipped or worn PTFE coating. Bare metal exposure from a chipped bar contaminates the sample with metallic particles and alters the bar's magnetic coupling properties, resulting in reduced mixing efficiency or bar stall at lower speeds. Discard and replace any stir bar showing PTFE damage. For regulated lab environments (GMP, ISO 17025), maintain a stir bar inventory log and retire bars on a scheduled basis. External temperature probes rated for immersion in aqueous solutions should be verified against a calibrated reference thermometer at least annually; probes showing more than 1 degree C deviation should be recalibrated or replaced.&nbsp;
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Looking for that one missing piece to complete your setup? Browse our accessories collection and <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">reach out to the MBP team</a> for a friendly quote today.

The GHS-STD by Globe Scientific is a sensor support stand and clamp accessory for Globe Scientific GHS-550 series hotplate stirrers. It provides a stable mounting point for external temperature probes (PT1000), enabling precise in-sample temperature measurement during stirring operations in research and analytical laboratories.

The GHS-STDSM by Globe Scientific is a sensor support stand and clamp (small) sized for GHS-380 hotplate stirrer models. It holds temperature probes and sensors in a fixed, repeatable position during heated stirring applications. Sold individually; for GHS-550 models, use the GHS-STD instead.

GHS-S230 by Globe Scientific is a 230 mm external temperature sensor for Globe Scientific GHS series heated hotplate stirrers, enabling direct in-liquid temperature measurement and closed-loop control instead of relying on plate-surface setpoints. Compatible with GHS models that include a heating function. A glass-coated variant (GHS-S230G) is also available — confirm which is needed for your chemistry. Order via <a href="/quickorder">Quick Order</a> at mbpinc.net or email customerservice@mbpinc.net.

GHS-S230G by Globe Scientific is a 230 mm glass-coated temperature sensor for Globe Scientific GHS hotplate stirrer models equipped with heating (GHS-380HS, GHS-380H, GHS-550HS, GHS-550HSP). The glass coating provides chemical resistance for direct immersion in acidic, basic, or corrosive media during heated stirring and synthesis workflows. A non-coated version (GHS-S230) is also available.