Laboratory Water Baths
Laboratory Water Baths: Uses, Temperature and Choosing the Right Size
A water bath holds samples at a fixed temperature with even heating and no hot spots. The deciding factor is not the maximum temperature - nearly every model reaches 100 °C - but the chamber size, the number of holes and whether you need stirring.
- ±0.1 °Ctemperature control accuracy
- Room temp-100 °CWB100 series working range
- 4 chamber sizesfrom 160 × 160 to 450 × 300 mm
- One-piece tankstainless steel, corrosion resistant
How to choose a water bath size
- Size on the largest vessel, not the countA 500 mL beaker or a volumetric flask needs different depth and area than test tubes. Measure the largest vessel you will put in.
- Decide samples per batchA 160 × 160 mm chamber fits a few small vessels; 450 × 300 mm holds a whole teaching batch.
- Check whether you need stirringEnzyme incubation and viscous reactions need stirring for uniform temperature. A model with a magnetic stirrer combines two instruments in one body.
- Match power to heat-up speedPower from 300 W to 1,200 W decides how long the water takes to reach setpoint. A large chamber with low power will be slow.
- Plan the water and the lidUse demineralised water to reduce scale, and keep the lid on to cut evaporation and heat loss.
Joan Lab WB100 series compared
| Model | Working chamber (mm) | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB100-1 | 160 × 160 × 130 | 300 W | a few tubes, tight bench |
| WB100-2 | 300 × 150 × 140 | 600 W | long samples, a row of tubes |
| WB100-4 | 300 × 300 × 140 | 800 W | medium beakers and flasks |
| WB100-6 | 450 × 300 × 130 | 1.200 W | teaching batches or daily routine |
| WB-6PRO | with magnetic stirrer | - | reactions needing stable heat + stirring |
The whole series controls temperature to ±0.1 °C from room temperature to 100 °C with a one-piece stainless steel tank. Variants ending in F share the same performance.
Water baths available
| Model | Best for | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joan Lab WB100-1 water bath | 160 × 160 × 130 mm chamber, 300 W | Rp 1.587.000 | Buy online |
| Joan Lab WB100-2 water bath | 300 × 150 × 140 mm chamber, 600 W | Rp 1.840.000 | Buy online |
| Joan Lab WB100-4 water bath | 300 × 300 × 140 mm chamber, 800 W | Rp 2.758.000 | Buy online |
| Joan Lab WB100-6 water bath | 450 × 300 × 130 mm chamber, 1,200 W | Rp 3.485.000 | Buy online |
| Joan Lab WB-6PRO water bath with magnetic stirrer | Heating and stirring in one instrument | Rp 10.113.000 | Buy online |
| B-ONE Digital Waterbath DWBC-30L-6H (6 holes, 30 L) | A covered six-hole model for large batches; already delivered to a customer | on request | Request quote |
| Joan Lab DB dry bath | A water-free alternative for microtubes and small reactions | Rp 1.658.000 | Buy online |
Store catalogue prices before 11% VAT and shipping; subject to change. Stock and delivery time are confirmed in the quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a water bath used for in the laboratory?
Holding samples at a fixed temperature for incubation, dissolution, temperature-controlled reactions, heating materials that must not meet a direct flame, and thawing frozen reagents. Water transfers heat evenly so there are no hot spots.
What is the maximum temperature of a water bath?
With water as the medium the practical limit is about 100 °C because water boils. Above that you need an oil bath, a dry bath, or a laboratory oven.
Which water should be used?
Demineralised or distilled water. Tap water leaves limescale on the element and tank, slowing heat-up and accelerating corrosion.
Can a water bath be used for sterilisation?
No. Sterilisation needs 121 °C under steam pressure, which only an autoclave reaches. A water bath only maintains temperatures below 100 °C.
Need help choosing a specification?
Tell us about your samples, working temperature or test method. Our team will match the right model and send a formal quotation with an estimated delivery time.
