Hot Plate Stirrer: Uses and How to Use It
Hot Plate Stirrer: Uses and How to Use It
A hot plate stirrer is an electrical device that heats a vessel on a flat plate and stirs its contents with a magnetic stir bar turned by a rotating magnet under the plate. Temperature and speed are set separately, and it heats without an open flame.
What is a hot plate stirrer used for?
- Heating and dissolving substances with even stirring.
- Preparing solutions and media in larger volumes without hand stirring.
- Holding a reaction at a set temperature, especially with a temperature probe.
- Heating solvents without an open flame, which is safer than a Bunsen burner.
Parts of a hot plate stirrer
- 1Heating plate – ceramic or coated aluminium
- 2Temperature knob – sets the plate temperature
- 3Speed knob – sets the magnet speed (rpm)
- 4Magnetic stir bar – PTFE-coated, placed in the vessel
How to use a hot plate stirrer
Slide the stir bar in gently
Tilt the vessel and slide the stir bar down the wall (1). Dropping it straight in can crack the bottom of a glass vessel.
Centre the vessel on the plate
Place a flat-bottomed vessel in the centre of the plate (1) so the stir bar spins steadily and heats evenly. Use borosilicate glass.
Increase speed and temperature gradually
Turn the speed knob up slowly from low (1) until a small vortex forms. If the stir bar jumps, lower the speed and raise it again slowly. Then set the temperature.
The plate stays hot after switching off
After switching off, the plate can stay hot for more than 30 minutes. Do not touch it; watch for the HOT warning light if fitted.
Common mistakes
- Going straight to maximum speed: the stir bar decouples and jumps.
- Heating flammable solvents in open vessels near ignition sources or outside a fume hood.
Care and safety
- Clean spills off the plate once cool and unplugged; never pour water over the unit.
- Retrieve stir bars with a magnetic retriever, not by hand from hot solutions.
SOP for using a hot plate stirrer
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a hot plate stirrer that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
- Safety glasses; goggles where corrosive splashes are possible.
- Nitrile gloves suited to the chemicals handled; heat-resistant gloves for hot items.
2Before use
- The cable and plug are undamaged; the unit is on a level, dry surface.
- The plate is clean; the PTFE stir bar is intact.
- The vessel is flat-bottomed borosilicate glass with no cracks.
- Heat flammable solvents only in a fume hood and below their autoignition temperature; never heat a sealed vessel.
3Procedure
4After use
- Turn the temperature and speed knobs to zero, switch off and unplug.
- Retrieve the stir bar with a magnetic retriever, wash and dry it.
- Wipe the plate with a damp cloth once cool; never pour water on the unit.
5Verification & calibration
- Check the plate or liquid temperature periodically with a calibrated thermometer; knob markings are approximate.
- Annual service and electrical safety test by a technician.
6Emergencies
- Smoke, burning smell or short circuit: switch off at the socket if safe, never use water, use a CO₂ extinguisher.
- Vessel breaks on the hot plate: switch off, let it cool, then remove the glass with tongs.
- Burn from hot glass: cool under running water for 10–20 minutes; do not apply toothpaste or butter.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Options include magnetic stirrers without heating, analogue or digital hot plate stirrers with temperature displays, multi-position models (4–15 points) for many samples, and high-capacity stirrers for tens of litres. Ceramic plates resist chemicals; aluminium plates heat more evenly.
Hot Plate Stirrer at AMI Scientific
Examples of hot plate stirrer available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Pengaduk Magnetik Mini EcoStir BiologixFrom Rp1.856.031
Pengaduk Magnetik Mini Layar Digital Joan Lab MS5SFrom Rp2.043.000
Hotplate Stirrer Pemanas Magnetik Joan Lab HS-5From Rp2.222.000
Hotplate Stirrer Layar Digital Joan Lab HS-5CFrom Rp3.913.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hot plate and a hot plate stirrer?
A hot plate only heats. A hot plate stirrer heats and stirs with a magnetic stir bar.
Why does the stir bar jump around?
The speed was raised too quickly, the vessel is off-centre or the liquid is too viscous. Lower the speed and raise it gradually.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a hot plate stirrer for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Pengaduk Magnetik Mini EcoStir Biologix
From Rp1.856.031