Centrifuges

Buy new, refurbished, and used laboratory centrifuges from mLab Supply for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, clinical, and contract research laboratories. We help organizations source benchtop centrifuges, refrigerated centrifuges, microcentrifuges, high-speed centrifuges, and ultracentrifuges from leading manufacturers — whether you're replacing an aging instrument, expanding capacity, or sourcing a specific rotor configuration for an established protocol. Net 30 purchasing options are available for qualified organizations, and our team can assist with procurement documentation, quotations, and institutional purchasing requirements.

Centrifuges separate samples by density using centrifugal force, measured in relative centrifugal force (RCF, expressed as × g) or revolutions per minute (RPM). We source instruments from Eppendorf, Beckman Coulter, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Sorvall, Heraeus), Hettich, Sigma, Kubota, Labnet, and Hermle. Our team works with laboratories across North America to source, purchase, and remarket centrifuges ranging from compact benchtop instruments to floor-standing high-speed and ultracentrifuge systems.

Buying Guide: Laboratory Centrifuges

Centrifuges are available across several categories, each suited to different speed requirements, sample volumes, temperature needs, and sample types including whole blood, plasma, serum, cell cultures, bacterial cultures, DNA and RNA preparations, protein lysates, tissue homogenates, and environmental samples.

Benchtop Centrifuges

General-purpose instruments for tubes from 1.5 mL microtubes to 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, blood collection tubes, and deep-well plates. Benchtop centrifuges typically operate up to 6,000 × g and are well-suited for cell pelleting, serum separation, and routine sample preparation. Common configurations include fixed-angle and swinging-bucket rotors.

Microcentrifuges

Compact instruments designed for 0.5–2.0 mL microtubes, operating up to 21,000 × g. Widely used for nucleic acid isolation, protein precipitation, and high-speed pelleting in molecular biology workflows.

Refrigerated Centrifuges

Temperature-controlled instruments maintaining controlled temperatures during centrifugation, typically from −20°C to +40°C. Essential for temperature-sensitive samples including proteins, enzymes, cells, and biological fluids. Available in benchtop and floor-standing configurations. Common refrigerated models include the Eppendorf 5810 R, Beckman Coulter Allegra X-30R, and Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST 16R.

High-Speed Centrifuges

Floor-standing instruments operating above 20,000 × g, used for subcellular fractionation, bacterial cell harvesting, and protein purification. Capable of processing large volumes including 250–1000 mL bottles. Common instruments include the Beckman Coulter Avanti JXN-26 and Thermo Scientific Sorvall LYNX 4000.

Ultracentrifuges

Instruments operating at speeds exceeding 100,000 × g, used for lipoprotein separation, virus purification, subcellular organelle isolation, and density gradient separations. Beckman Coulter Optima XPN and Optima L-90K are the most widely sourced instruments in this category.

Rotor Selection

Rotor type significantly affects separation performance. Fixed-angle rotors hold tubes at a fixed angle (typically 25°–45°) and are preferred for pelleting applications. Swinging-bucket rotors allow tubes to swing out horizontally during centrifugation and are preferred for density gradient separations and cell separations requiring minimal disturbance. Vertical rotors and near-vertical rotors are used for specialized gradient applications requiring shorter run times. Microplate rotors enable centrifugation of standard 96-well and deep-well microplates. Confirm rotor type, compatibility, and availability when sourcing a used or refurbished centrifuge.

RCF vs. RPM

RCF (relative centrifugal force, expressed as × g) is the standard measure of centrifugal force applied to a sample. RPM (revolutions per minute) describes rotor speed but varies in effective force depending on rotor radius. When comparing centrifuges or following protocols, always confirm RCF rather than RPM to ensure equivalent separation conditions.

Biosafety Considerations

Laboratories processing infectious or potentially infectious samples should confirm that the centrifuge and rotor configuration support aerosol-tight operation. Aerosol-tight rotors and sealed safety buckets are designed to contain aerosols generated during centrifugation of infectious materials, including samples processed under BSL-2 conditions. Confirm rotor certification and aerosol containment specifications with available instruments before purchasing for infectious sample workflows.

Common Applications

Laboratory centrifuges support a broad range of workflows including cell pelleting and washing, plasma and serum separation from whole blood, protein precipitation and clarification, DNA/RNA and nucleic acid isolation, density gradient separations, subcellular fractionation, virus and nanoparticle purification, bioprocess cell harvesting, enzyme kinetics sample preparation, and clinical sample processing.

New vs. Refurbished Centrifuges

Refurbished centrifuges offer significant cost savings compared to new list pricing while delivering equivalent performance when properly serviced. Available instruments may include rotor inspection, speed verification, temperature calibration (refrigerated models), imbalance sensor testing, and service records where available. Surplus and as-is units are also available for laboratories with in-house service capability. Specific refurbishment scope and documentation vary by instrument — our team can provide details for each available system.

Documentation & Validation

Documentation and available accessories vary by system. Depending on the instrument, available documentation may include IQ/OQ documentation (where available), service records, maintenance history, calibration records, temperature verification records, speed verification records, rotor serial records, run-hour information (where available), and installed rotor inventory. Contact us for current availability and complete system specifications before purchasing.

Procurement Support

We regularly support university procurement departments, pharmaceutical purchasing teams, government laboratories, and contract research organizations by providing quotations, procurement documentation, vendor onboarding support, and institutional purchasing assistance. Net 30 purchasing options are available for qualified organizations.

Popular Centrifuge Models

Eppendorf 5810 R | Eppendorf 5425 R | Eppendorf 5430 R | Eppendorf 5702 R | Eppendorf 5424 R | Beckman Coulter Allegra X-15R | Beckman Coulter Allegra X-22R | Beckman Coulter Allegra X-30R | Beckman Coulter Avanti J-26S XPI | Beckman Coulter Avanti JXN-26 | Beckman Coulter Optima XPN | Beckman Coulter Optima L-90K | Beckman Coulter Optima MAX-XP | Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend RT | Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend X1R | Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST 16R | Thermo Scientific Sorvall LYNX 4000 | Thermo Scientific Sorvall RC 6 Plus | Hettich ROTINA 380 R | Hettich ROTANTA 460 R | Hettich MIKRO 220 R | Sigma 3-16KL | Sigma 3-18KS | Sigma 6-16KS | Kubota 5910 | Kubota 5922 | Kubota 6500 | Labnet Prism R

mLab Supply sources centrifuges from Eppendorf, Beckman Coulter, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hettich, Sigma, Kubota, Labnet, and Hermle.

Industries Served

Pharmaceutical manufacturing and QC | Biotech and life science research | Contract research organizations | Academic and government laboratories | Clinical and hospital laboratories | Bioprocess and cell therapy development

Related Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories sourcing centrifuges frequently evaluate complementary instruments including Automated Liquid Handlers for upstream sample preparation, Microplate Readers for downstream assay detection, Flow Cytometers for cell-based analysis, Cell Counters & Viability Analyzers for cell quantification, Spectrophotometers & Fluorometers for nucleic acid and protein quantification, Biosafety Cabinets for sample containment, and Freeze Dryers & Lyophilizers for downstream sample processing. Browse our complete Buy Lab Equipment catalog, Request a Quote for a specific instrument, or visit our Sell Lab Equipment page if you have surplus centrifuges to sell.

Why Buy From mLab Supply?

  • New, refurbished, and used laboratory equipment
  • Equipment sourcing for discontinued models and legacy rotor configurations
  • Vendor and procurement support for institutional purchasing
  • Net 30 purchasing for qualified organizations
  • Equipment liquidation and trade-ins
  • Nationwide shipping
  • Installation coordination available on select systems

Popular Centrifuge Searches

Researchers and laboratory purchasing teams commonly search for:

  • Used Centrifuges
  • Refurbished Centrifuges
  • Laboratory Centrifuges
  • Benchtop Centrifuges
  • Floor Standing Centrifuges
  • Refrigerated Centrifuges
  • Microcentrifuges
  • Ultracentrifuges
  • High-Speed Centrifuges
  • Blood Centrifuges
  • Clinical Centrifuges
  • Swing Bucket Centrifuges
  • Fixed Angle Rotors
  • Eppendorf Centrifuges
  • Beckman Coulter Centrifuges

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a refurbished centrifuge from mLab Supply?

Yes. mLab Supply sources pre-owned and refurbished centrifuges from Eppendorf, Beckman Coulter, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hettich, Sigma, Kubota, and other manufacturers. Submit a quote request and we'll confirm current availability and rotor configuration.

What is the difference between RCF and RPM?

RCF (relative centrifugal force, expressed as × g) measures the actual centrifugal force applied to a sample. RPM measures rotor speed but varies in effective force depending on rotor radius. Protocols typically specify RCF — confirm RCF rather than RPM when comparing instruments or following established methods.

What is the difference between a refrigerated and non-refrigerated centrifuge?

Refrigerated centrifuges maintain controlled temperatures during centrifugation, typically from −20°C to +40°C, and are essential for temperature-sensitive samples including proteins, enzymes, cells, and biological fluids. Non-refrigerated centrifuges are suitable for routine sample preparation where temperature control is not required.

What is the difference between a fixed-angle and swinging-bucket rotor?

Fixed-angle rotors hold tubes at a fixed angle and are preferred for pelleting applications. Swinging-bucket rotors allow tubes to swing out horizontally during centrifugation and are preferred for density gradient separations and cell separations requiring minimal disturbance. Vertical and near-vertical rotors are used for specialized gradient applications. Confirm rotor type and availability when sourcing a centrifuge.

Do you sell ultracentrifuges?

Yes. mLab Supply sources ultracentrifuges including Beckman Coulter Optima XPN and Optima L-90K instruments. Submit a quote request to confirm current availability.

Do you sell centrifuge rotors separately?

Yes. mLab Supply sources centrifuge rotors in addition to complete centrifuge systems. Rotor availability varies — submit a quote request specifying the centrifuge model and rotor type required.

Do you purchase used centrifuges?

Yes. mLab Supply purchases surplus and used centrifuges from pharmaceutical companies, universities, contract laboratories, and research organizations. If you have equipment to sell, visit our Sell Lab Equipment page or request an equipment valuation.

Are Net 30 or financing options available?

Net 30 purchasing terms are available for qualified organizations including universities, government laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and established research institutions. Contact our team for details when requesting a quote.