How Much Does a Lab Centrifuge Really Cost:

Laboratory centrifuges are used to separate samples based on density and are found in nearly every clinical, biotech, and research lab. While they may appear straightforward, centrifuge pricing varies significantly depending on performance and safety features.

Key Takeaways

• Benchtop centrifuges start around $1,000 used

• Ultracentrifuges can exceed $100,000

• Rotor selection greatly impacts price

• Refrigeration increases cost

• Used centrifuges offer major savings

 

---

 

Factors That Affect Centrifuge Cost

Type of Centrifuge

• Benchtop Centrifuge: $1,000–$5,000

• High-Speed Centrifuge: $5,000–$25,000

• Refrigerated Centrifuge: $8,000–$40,000

• Ultracentrifuge: $30,000–$100,000+

Rotor Configuration

Different rotors (fixed-angle, swinging bucket) can cost $1,000–$10,000 each.

Speed & Capacity

Higher RPM, larger volumes, and higher G-force increase pricing.

Safety & Compliance

Advanced imbalance detection, sealed rotors, and bio-containment features raise cost but improve safety.

 

---

 

Benefits of Laboratory Centrifuges

• Faster sample processing

• Improved sample purity

• Essential for cell biology and diagnostics

• Reliable long-term operation

 

---

 

Tips to Reduce Centrifuge Costs

• Buy refurbished with tested rotors

• Avoid unnecessary max-speed specs

• Purchase bundled rotor packages

• Confirm brake and refrigeration performance

 

---

 

Centrifuge Cost Summary

Laboratory centrifuges range from $1,000 to over $100,000, with refurbished options offering the best balance of cost and performance.