Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 – Holds Twelve 16mm Tubes Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes

The Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes offers a compact and convenient solution for maintaining consistent temperatures of samples, reagents, or controls in a laboratory setting. This specialized cooler, crafted by Boekel, utilizes Peltier cooling technology to achieve sub-ambient temperatures without the need for traditional refrigerants. It’s essentially a mini-fridge designed for the specific task of keeping test tubes cold, without taking up the space of a full-sized lab refrigerator.

My need for this product stemmed from a frustrating experience with temperature-sensitive reagents degrading too quickly during experiments. I was tired of constantly replenishing solutions or dealing with inconsistent results due to fluctuating ambient temperatures. The promise of a stable, easily accessible cooling environment for my 16 mm tubes was highly appealing.

Upon receiving the Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes, I was immediately impressed with its solid construction and compact footprint. The unit feels robust and well-made, suggesting durability for long-term use. Its small size is a huge advantage for crowded benchtops, a common issue in most labs.

Compared to a standard ice bucket, which is messy and requires constant refilling, or a large refrigerator, which takes up valuable space and offers inconsistent temperatures across shelves, the Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes seemed like a significant upgrade. I also considered a competitor’s thermoelectric cooler, but Boekel‘s reputation for reliable laboratory equipment and the specific 16 mm tube insert made it the better choice for my application. My initial reaction was excitement, coupled with a healthy dose of skepticism – could it really maintain such precise temperatures so easily?

Real-World Testing: Putting Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes in my research laboratory, primarily focusing on enzyme kinetics experiments. I placed several tubes containing temperature-sensitive enzyme solutions into the cooler. The room temperature was approximately 23°C, and I set the cooler to maintain a temperature of 4°C.

The cooler reached the set temperature quickly and maintained it consistently throughout the experiment. The ease of use was remarkable; simply plug it in, set the desired temperature, and let it work. There were no unexpected issues or surprises during the initial use; it performed precisely as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily use, the Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my lab. The unit consistently maintains the desired temperature, even with frequent opening and closing. There have been no signs of wear and tear, and the unit appears to be very durable.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. Compared to my previous method of using ice buckets, this cooler offers superior temperature control and convenience. It has significantly improved the consistency and reliability of my experimental results.

Breaking Down the Features of Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes

Specifications

The Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes boasts several key specifications:

• Description: Holds Twelve 16 mm Tubes. This is the core functionality, providing a dedicated space for specific tube sizes.
• Unit: Each. It’s a self-contained unit, ready to use.
• Temperature Range: 4°C to ambient. This allows for maintaining samples at refrigeration temperatures or slightly below room temperature.
• Temperature Accuracy: ±0.5°C from setpoint. Critical for sensitive experiments that require precise temperature control.
• Overall Dimensions: 24.8W x 28.6D x 18.4H cm. Its compact size fits comfortably on most benchtops.
• Weight: 4.5 kg (10 lbs.). Lightweight enough to move easily but substantial enough to feel stable.

These specifications are significant because they directly impact the functionality and reliability of the cooler. The temperature accuracy, in particular, is crucial for ensuring consistent results in temperature-sensitive experiments. The compact size allows for easy integration into a lab environment without taking up excessive space.

Performance & Functionality

The Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes excels in its primary function: maintaining a stable and consistent temperature for samples. The temperature accuracy is excellent, and the unit recovers quickly after opening and closing. The twelve 16 mm tube slots are perfectly sized and provide secure placement for the tubes.

The main strength is its precise temperature control. A minor weakness is that it only accommodates one tube size, so a more versatile insert system would be a welcome improvement. It meets and exceeds expectations for a benchtop cooler designed for specific tube sizes.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent; the materials feel durable and well-assembled. The cooler is lightweight and easy to move, yet it feels substantial enough to be stable on the benchtop. The design is simple and functional, with a clear LCD readout for temperature monitoring.

The cooler is user-friendly and requires no special training or setup. The press-to-set microprocessor temperature control is intuitive and easy to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and performance over several weeks, the Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes appears to be built to last. The Peltier cooling system is known for its reliability and longevity. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The unit comes with a domed plastic lid to help maintain temperature and prevent contamination. There are no readily available customization options, such as different tube insert sizes. While it’s designed specifically for 16 mm tubes, it would benefit from compatibility with other common laboratory tube sizes through interchangeable inserts.

Pros and Cons of Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes

Who Should Buy Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes?

The Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes is perfect for researchers, laboratory technicians, and medical professionals who require precise and consistent temperature control for 16 mm tubes. This includes those working with enzymes, proteins, cell cultures, or other temperature-sensitive materials. It’s ideal for labs with limited space that need a reliable cooling solution.

Individuals who need to cool a variety of tube sizes or require temperatures significantly below 4°C should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a calibrated thermometer for independent temperature verification.

Conclusion on Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes

The Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes is a valuable investment for any lab needing precise temperature control for 16 mm tubes. The price of $163.99 is justified by its accurate temperature maintenance, compact design, and ease of use.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone seeking a reliable and convenient benchtop cooling solution. It has significantly improved the consistency and efficiency of my experiments. If you work with 16 mm tubes and need dependable temperature control, the Boekel Benchtop Cooler 110016 Block Inserts Holds Twelve 16 Mm Tubes is an excellent choice.