# Orbital Shaker Guide: Choose by Orbit, Speed and Load for Canadian Labs

> How to choose an orbital shaker by orbit diameter, speed range and load capacity, with ERE's OHAUS and Labnet range compared from the product records.

- **URL:** https://www.ereinc.com/blogs/field-notes/orbital-shaker-guide-choose-by-orbit-speed-and-load-for-canadian-labs

Choose an orbital shaker by orbit diameter, speed range and load capacity, not by price tier. A 3 mm orbit at 800 rpm suits microplates and small flasks; a 19-25 mm orbit at 500 rpm handles culture flasks and extractions; a 51 mm orbit at 300 rpm carries up to 68 kg of bottles; a 3-60 rpm low-speed shaker is for gel staining and blot washing. This guide splits ERE's OHAUS and Labnet shaker range by those three specs and shows what to check before a platform, a flask and an incubator go together.

**Key takeaways**
- **Orbit diameter sets the use:** ERE's OHAUS Endeavor 5000 comes in 3 mm (100-800 rpm) and 20 mm (50-300 rpm) versions with the same 4 kg, 3 × 1 L flask capacity, so the same load behaves very differently.
- **Capacity falls as speed rises:** the incubating ISHD16HDG is rated 16 kg at 75 rpm but only 2.3 kg at 500 rpm, so quote the load at your working speed, not the headline figure.
- **Incubators change the model:** only shakers built for CO2 and humidity, such as the IP65-motor Extreme Environment Shaker, belong inside a cell-culture incubator.

**In this guide**
- [Which orbital shaker do you need: light duty, heavy duty, low speed or incubating?](#types)
- [Why does orbit diameter matter more than top speed?](#orbit)
- [How much load can a shaker really carry?](#load)
- [Can you put a shaker inside an incubator or cold room?](#incubator)
- [When is an orbital shaker the wrong tool?](#other)
- [What safety and setup checks apply?](#safety)
- [How do you choose an orbital shaker, step by step?](#choose)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)

## Which Orbital Shaker Do You Need: Light Duty, Heavy Duty, Low Speed or Incubating?

Start from the container and the load. ERE lists OHAUS and Labnet shakers in the [shakers collection](/collections/shakers). The figures below are from the product records; voltage, platform and accessory options are confirmed on a quote.

 | Class | Model (record) | Motion | Speed | Capacity

 | Light duty (benchtop, everyday shaking) | [Endeavor 5000 e-E51LD0403 AM](/products/endeavor%E2%84%A2-5000-light-duty-shakers) | Orbital, 3 mm | 100-800 rpm | 4.0 kg, up to 3 × 1 L flasks

 | [Endeavor 5000 e-E51LD0420 AM](/products/endeavor%E2%84%A2-5000-light-duty-shakers) | Orbital, 20 mm | 50-300 rpm | 4.0 kg, up to 3 × 1 L flasks

 | [Endeavor 5000 e-E51LDMP03 AM](/products/endeavor%E2%84%A2-5000-light-duty-shakers) | Orbital, 3 mm | 100-1,200 rpm | 4 microplates or 2 micro-tube racks

 | Heavy duty (large flasks, bottles, extractions) | [SHHD1619DG](/products/heavy-duty-orbital-shakers) | Orbital, 19 mm | 15-500 rpm | Not stated in record

 | [SHHD2325DG](/products/heavy-duty-orbital-shakers) | Orbital, 25 mm | 20-500 rpm | 22.7 kg

 | [SHHD4525DG](/products/heavy-duty-orbital-shakers) | Orbital, 25 mm | 15-500 rpm | 45.4 kg

 | [SHHD4550DG / SHHD6825DG](/products/heavy-duty-orbital-shakers) | Orbital, 51 mm | 15-300 rpm | 45.4 kg / 68 kg

 | Low speed (gels, blots, general mixing) | [Labnet Orbit LS](/products/orbit%E2%84%A2-ls-low-speed-shaker) | Circular, 19 mm | 3-60 rpm | 5 kg maximum load

 | Incubating (heat the samples while shaking) | [ISHD16HDG](/products/incubating-heavy-duty-orbital-shakers) | Orbital, 19 mm | to 500 rpm | 16 kg @ 75 rpm; 2.3 kg @ 500 rpm

 | [ISHD23HDG](/products/incubating-heavy-duty-orbital-shakers) | Orbital, 25 mm | to 500 rpm | 22.7 kg @ 125 rpm; 4.53 kg @ 500 rpm

The heavy-duty record covers eight models in analog and digital control with load capacities from 16 to 68 kg; the table lists the digital models whose capacity is stated. The incubating heavy-duty record gives a temperature range of ambient +5 °C to 65 °C. ERE also lists [incubating light-duty shakers](/products/incubating-light-duty-orbital-shakers) and an [incubating cooling orbital shaker](/products/incubating-cooling-orbital-shaker) for work that must be chilled as well as heated, and the [high-speed microplate shaker](/products/high-speed-microplate-shaker), which the record rates for up to 48 microplates.

## Why Does Orbit Diameter Matter More Than Top Speed?

Because the orbit sets how the liquid moves, and speed alone does not. A small orbit at high speed mixes small volumes and plates; a large orbit at moderate speed swirls liquid in a flask so it picks up air, which is why the larger orbits are used for cell culture and aeration. [Eppendorf's Lab Academy note on shaker orbits](https://www.eppendorf.com/ca-en/lab-academy/lab-solutions/others/shaker-orbit-revolving-in-space-around-the-samples) describes the main purpose of shaking cultures as improving their aeration.

The Endeavor 5000 record shows the split clearly. Both the 3 mm and 20 mm versions carry 4.0 kg and up to 3 × 1 L flasks, but the 3 mm unit runs 100-800 rpm and the 20 mm unit 50-300 rpm. Neither is a substitute for the other: a protocol written for a 25 mm orbit at 200 rpm does not translate to a 3 mm orbit at the same rpm. When a method gives only a speed, ask which orbit it was validated on.

## How Much Load Can a Shaker Really Carry?

Less than the headline number, once you run fast. The incubating heavy-duty records state capacity at two speeds: the ISHD16HDG holds 16 kg at 75 rpm and 2.3 kg at 500 rpm, and the ISHD23HDG 22.7 kg at 125 rpm and 4.53 kg at 500 rpm. Add the weight of the platform, clamps, flasks and liquid together before you compare a model with your load, and use the capacity at your working speed.

For non-incubating heavy-duty units, the 25 mm models are recorded at 22.7 kg (SHHD2325DG) and 45.4 kg (SHHD4525DG), the 51 mm models at 45.4 and 68 kg. The 51 mm models stop at 300 rpm, while the 19 and 25 mm models reach 500 rpm. If your method needs both a large load and high speed, tell us the numbers and we will confirm which model's rating covers both.

## Can You Put a Shaker Inside an Incubator or Cold Room?

Only if the model is made for it. The Endeavor 5000 record states that all three models can be used in incubators and cold rooms. For CO2 and humidity, the [Extreme Environment Shaker](/products/extreme-environment-shaker) is the specific model: its record describes use up to 100% humidity, an IP65-rated motor, a 19 mm orbit at 15-500 rpm, a 33 × 33 cm tray, and a remote touchpad that attaches to the outside of most incubators over a 170 cm cable. [The IEC's IP code (IEC 60529)](https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings) defines what an IP rating such as IP65 means for dust and water ingress.

A standard shaker with an exposed motor is not a CO2-incubator shaker. If you need heating or cooling but no gas control, an incubating shaker (benchtop, with its own heated chamber) saves incubator space; the heavy-duty record is worded exactly that way.

## When Is an Orbital Shaker the Wrong Tool?

When the motion has to be something other than a circle. ERE's range also includes:
- **Reciprocating:** the [OHAUS Reciprocating Shaker](/products/reciprocating-shaker) (SHRC0719DG) moves back and forth with a 19 mm stroke at 20-300 rpm and 6.8 kg capacity, used for extractions and culture work.
- **Rocking and waving:** the [Rocking & Waving Shakers](/products/rocking-waving-shakers) give a seesaw or 3D wave motion at 1-75 rpm (digital waving models 1-30 rpm) and 2.3-7.3 kg, with a low-foaming wave motion described in the record.
- **Vortexing:** the [Labnet Orbit 300](/products/orbit%E2%84%A2-300-multipurpose-vortexer) takes three interchangeable platforms, sold separately, for different sample containers.

A shaker mixes by movement. Where the vessel is a beaker and the liquid needs heating, a [magnetic stirrer](/blogs/field-notes/magnetic-stirrer-guide-choose-by-volume-speed-and-heat-for-canadian-labs) is usually the better fit, and where you need to separate rather than mix, a [laboratory centrifuge](/blogs/field-notes/laboratory-centrifuge-guide-choose-by-tube-g-force-and-rotor-for-canadian-labs).

## What Safety and Setup Checks Apply?

Level the bench, secure the load and never exceed the platform rating. The OHAUS Endeavor record notes integrated overload and unbalanced-load detection, and a maintenance-free brushless DC motor with a triple eccentric drive, as protections for samples and the unit. They back up good loading, not replace it: clamp or mat flasks, keep the load centred and ramp speed up gradually.

Shaking uncovered cultures can release aerosols. For work with regulated biological materials, the [Canadian Biosafety Standard, Third Edition](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-biosafety-standards-guidelines/third-edition.html) sets the containment requirements your facility must meet, and your biosafety officer decides what applies. ERE supplies the equipment, not the risk assessment.

## How Do You Choose an Orbital Shaker, Step by Step?
- **List the vessels.** Flasks (size and number), bottles, plates, gel trays or tubes.
- **Add up the load** including platform, clamps and liquid, and note the speed you will run at.
- **Pick the orbit.** 3 mm for plates and small volumes, 19-25 mm for flasks and cultures, 51 mm for large heavy loads at lower speed.
- **Check the speed range.** The method's rpm must sit inside the model's range, and low-speed work such as staining needs a shaker that goes as low as 3 rpm.
- **Decide on temperature and atmosphere.** Open air, incubating, cooling, or CO2 and humidity.
- **Choose the platform and clamps.** Flat mat, flask clamps or microplate holders; confirm they fit the model.
- **Confirm power and bench space.** The Orbit LS, for instance, is listed at 10 × 12.6 × 6.3 in. and 120 V or 230 V; incubating units are far larger (the ISHD23HDG is 23.5 × 41.1 × 26.6 in.).

Send us the vessels, the load, the speed and any temperature needs and we will match the model, platform and clamps. The same labs often need a [laboratory balance](/blogs/field-notes/laboratory-balance-buyers-guide-for-canada) for weighing and a [pH meter](/blogs/field-notes/ph-meter-buyers-guide-for-canada) for buffers.

**Need help choosing an orbital shaker?**

ERE Inc. has been Canada's environmental equipment specialist for 30+ years. Send us your vessels, load and speed and we will match the model, platform and clamps.

 [**→ Request a Quote**](/pages/request-a-quote) | [1-888-287-EREC](tel:+18882873732) | [Browse Shakers](/collections/shakers) | [sales@ereinc.com](mailto:sales@ereinc.com)

## Frequently Asked Questions

## What is an orbital shaker used for?

It moves a platform in a circular path to mix liquids, suspend solids, aerate cultures, stain gels and wash blots. Light-duty and heavy-duty orbital models are used for flasks and bottles, low-speed models for gels and blots.

## What is the difference between a 3 mm and a 20 mm orbit?

Orbit diameter changes how the liquid moves. ERE's Endeavor 5000 3 mm model runs 100-800 rpm and the 20 mm model 50-300 rpm, both with 4 kg capacity. A method validated on one orbit does not carry directly to the other at the same rpm.

## How much weight can an orbital shaker hold?

It depends on the model and the speed. OHAUS heavy-duty records list 22.7, 45.4 and 68 kg, while the incubating ISHD16HDG is rated 16 kg at 75 rpm and 2.3 kg at 500 rpm. Always use the capacity at your working speed.

## Can I use any shaker in a CO2 incubator?

No. Use a model built for humidity and CO2. The OHAUS Extreme Environment Shaker is described for up to 100% humidity with an IP65-rated motor and a remote controller outside the incubator.

## What speed do I need for staining or washing gels?

Low speed. The Labnet Orbit LS runs 3-60 rpm with a 19 mm orbit and a 5 kg maximum load, which its record describes as useful for staining and destaining gels, washing blots and general mixing.

## Do you quote shakers for delivery across Canada?

We quote OHAUS and Labnet shakers for delivery across Canada. Send the vessels, load and speed through the quote form and we confirm the model, platform and availability.

## Related articles
- [Magnetic Stirrer Guide: Choose by Volume, Speed and Heat](/blogs/field-notes/magnetic-stirrer-guide-choose-by-volume-speed-and-heat-for-canadian-labs)
- [Laboratory Centrifuge Guide: Choose by Tube, g-Force and Rotor](/blogs/field-notes/laboratory-centrifuge-guide-choose-by-tube-g-force-and-rotor-for-canadian-labs)
- [Laboratory Balance Buyer's Guide for Canada](/blogs/field-notes/laboratory-balance-buyers-guide-for-canada)
- [pH Meter Buyer's Guide for Canada](/blogs/field-notes/ph-meter-buyers-guide-for-canada)

*Lire en français : [Agitateur orbital : guide de choix par orbite, vitesse et charge au Canada](/blogs/perspectives-securite/agitateur-orbital-guide-de-choix-par-orbite-vitesse-et-charge-au-canada)*