A beaker is a fundamental piece of laboratory equipment, typically cylindrical in shape with a flat bottom and a small pouring lip. These containers are designed primarily for holding, mixing, and heating various liquids and solutions in scientific settings. While they often feature approximate volume markings, beakers are not intended for precise measurements; other lab tools like graduated cylinders or volumetric flasks serve that purpose more accurately.
Factors Influencing Beaker Costs
The price of a laboratory beaker is influenced by several key characteristics, with material being a primary determinant. Borosilicate glass is a popular choice due to its resistance to heat and chemicals. Soda-lime glass is less expensive but also less durable and not typically used for heating.
Plastic beakers, often made from polypropylene (PP) or polymethylpentene (PMP), offer shatter resistance and are more economical. Highly specialized plastics like PTFE (Teflon) are an exception, providing excellent chemical resistance and higher temperature tolerance. Stainless steel beakers are another option, valued for their durability and excellent heat conduction, but they are opaque and can be more expensive than basic glass or plastic.
Beyond material, the beaker’s size or volume significantly impacts its price, with larger capacities generally costing more due to increased material usage. The quality or grade of the beaker also plays a role; laboratory-grade beakers are manufactured to stricter standards for precision and durability, leading to higher prices compared to those intended for educational or hobby use. Purchasing beakers in bulk quantities often results in a lower per-unit cost than buying single items. Minor design variations, such as the common low-form Griffin beaker versus taller, narrower Berzelius beakers, can also contribute to slight price differences based on manufacturing processes.
Common Beaker Price Ranges
Beaker prices vary widely, reflecting their diverse materials, sizes, and intended uses. Small glass beakers, typically ranging from 50mL to 250mL, often cost between $3 and $15 for individual units. For instance, a 50mL glass beaker can be found for around $2.95 to $7.50, while a 250mL glass beaker might range from $5.95 to $11.82. A set containing multiple small glass beakers, such as 50mL, 100mL, and 250mL, can be purchased for approximately $21.95.
Medium-sized glass beakers, including 500mL to 1000mL capacities, are generally priced from $9 to $30 per unit. A 500mL glass beaker is commonly available for about $8.95 to $16.49. Larger glass beakers, those with capacities of 2000mL or more, can range from $25 to over $75 for individual, high-quality units. For example, a 2000mL borosilicate glass beaker can be found for approximately $24.95 to $45.50.
Plastic beakers are typically more affordable than their glass counterparts. A set of polypropylene beakers covering various sizes, such as 50mL to 1000mL, might cost around $15 to $20. Individual plastic beakers can be as low as $2 to $10 for smaller sizes, with larger or specialized types, like PTFE beakers, being considerably more expensive, ranging from $8 for a 50mL PTFE beaker up to $68 for a 1000mL version. Stainless steel beakers also show a broad price range, with a 600mL stainless steel beaker priced around $50, and larger 4-liter versions potentially costing less at $15, depending on the supplier and specific features.
Where to Buy Beakers
Online retailers like Amazon and eBay provide a wide selection of beakers from various brands and materials, often at competitive prices, making them accessible for general consumers and small labs. Specialized laboratory supply companies such as Fisher Scientific, VWR, and Lab Depot are primary sources for professional laboratories, offering high-quality, certified products and often providing bulk purchasing options.
Educational suppliers, including Home Science Tools and Educational Innovations, focus on providing beakers suitable for classrooms and students, balancing quality with affordability. For specific niche applications or smaller quantities, hobby and craft stores may carry basic plastic or glass beakers. Additionally, the used market, accessible through platforms like LabX.com or local scientific surplus stores, can be a source for more economical options, though the quality and condition of these items may vary.