Sciencemadness Discussion Board - Is this Hotplate Stirrer good?

Is this Hotplate Stirrer good?

FluoroPunch - 1-12-2019 at 19:30

Does anyone know if this hotplate stirrer is good? If anyone has it or heard good/bad things about it?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32862854564.html?spm=a2g0s.8...

I am looking to buy a good hotplate stirrer (finally). I started out with the SH-2 and have been kicking myself for my stupidity ever since. 180W is nowhere near enough to do anything meaningful. I'm not sure what they mean by the temperature safety loop, is that just a restriction on the max temperature? 400 degC sounds a bit low, even considering its power.

vibbzlab - 2-12-2019 at 06:32

Hey consider me too in the quest I am also trying to find a good hotplate and stirrer

Ubya - 2-12-2019 at 08:01

from the specs it doesn't look that bad, and for 100$ even if it is not the best it would still be great

G-Coupled - 2-12-2019 at 08:46

The Aliexpress one doesn't mention its power anywhere that I can see - it could be grossly underpowered.

You should be able get a surplus/2nd hand lab quality heater/stirrer for around USD40-100 - I got a surplus ex-laboratory hotplate/stirrer for about €50 on eBay - a 450W UK-made one which appears to be good for up to around 230C. I'm really pleased with it.

Sulaiman - 2-12-2019 at 09:32

Quote: Originally posted by G-Coupled

The Aliexpress one doesn't mention its power anywhere that I can see - it could be grossly underpowered.

The AliExpress description clearly gives the heating power as 600W,
which is enough for most purposes,
the maximum rated temperature of 380^oC is similarly enough for most purposes,
and with a stirring capacity of up to 5 litres,
everything looks good.

How durable is it ? ... impossible to determine without user reviews.
It does not look as rugged as the Indian hotplate stirrer discussed in the thread by vibbzlab
... but that does not necessarily have any relevance.

G-Coupled - 2-12-2019 at 09:38

Quote: Originally posted by Sulaiman

Quote: Originally posted by G-Coupled

The Aliexpress one doesn't mention its power anywhere that I can see - it could be grossly underpowered.

I'm on mobile format, so I think that's why I couldn't see the specifications anywhere. The 'specifications' section was blank, in fact.

If it's an honest 600W, then I would imagine it likely is good for up to 350-380C or so.

I agree about the Indian hotplate though - it gives of a sturdy vibe.

[Edited on 2-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

Abromination - 2-12-2019 at 16:16

I would recommend a hotplate with a rating of well over 600 watts. Also dont buy off of amazon unless you are buying a Corning model.

FluoroPunch - 2-12-2019 at 16:42

Quote: Originally posted by Abromination

I would recommend a hotplate with a rating of well over 600 watts. Also dont buy off of amazon unless you are buying a Corning model.

What's the power of your hotplate stirrer? Do you know how long it takes to boil say...100mL water? I'm just trying to get an idea of how much power is enough. I'm quite happy with my 300W heating mantle which can distill sulfuric acid so 600W for an uninsulated hotplate seems amazing.

Deathunter88 - 2-12-2019 at 16:57

I've gone through three of these, they work amazing for a limited time - about 6 months. Afterwards the stirring breaks and soon after the heating breaks.

Get yourself a Thermal Fisher or Corning.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CORNING-PC-162-LABORATORY-HOT-PLATE...

[Edited on 3-12-2019 by Deathunter88]

G-Coupled - 3-12-2019 at 13:39

Seeing as how you can get used lab-quality US/Euro made hotplates, in working condition with decent ratings for upwards OF USD40-50, I'd look into that option first.

Or take the plunge on the USD100 Indian hotplate linked elsewhere which looks like it might be pretty good - or at least more durable than the cheap Chinese ones. It's a little underpowered, but if you can manage with max temps of 210-230C or so, then it should suffice.

The cheaper USD100 analogue hotplate/stirrer is rated at 350W 250C & 2L, and the more expensive model is US210, 600W 350C and also 2L.

If you insist on new stuff then I'd get the Indian ones, and if you don't mind owning 'pre-owned' stuff, then I'd consider the cheaper Indian hotplate or getting a surplus Corning, Fisher, Stuart or whatever lab-grade one.

Pictured below respectively are the analogue and digital Indian hotplates and links to where they can be purchased.

Analogue hotplate

Digital hotplate

[Edited on 3-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

FluoroPunch - 3-12-2019 at 14:01

Quote: Originally posted by G-Coupled

Seeing as how you can get used lab-quality US/Euro made hotplates, in working condition with decent ratings for upwards OF USD40-50, I'd look into that option first.

Or take the plunge on the USD100 Indian hotplate linked elsewhere which looks like it might be pretty good - or at least more durable than the cheap Chinese ones. It's a little underpowered, but if you can manage with max temps of 210-230C or so, then it should suffice.

[Edited on 3-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

Heh, I wish. All the used lab ones are 150+ with at least 50$ shipping (USD) so I can't get any of them for less than 200-250. I'm pretty cheap but I'm willing to pay more for something guaranteed to be good and last.

Also the one I posted is 600W and goes to 350°C so...

G-Coupled - 3-12-2019 at 14:06

Quote: Originally posted by FluoroPunch

Also the one I posted is 600W and goes to 350°C so...

Yeah, but for how long? If you only got 6 months out of it before it broke irreparably, then it's not very good value IMO.

You're not in the US then? You can pickup a Corning hotplate for upwards of USD50:

Corning hotplates @ eBay

Also see the edit I did to my last post above re: the Indian hotplates.

[Edited on 3-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

FluoroPunch - 3-12-2019 at 14:22

Quote: Originally posted by G-Coupled

You're not in the US then? You can pickup a Corning hotplate for upwards of USD50:

Corning hotplates @ eBay

Also see the edit I did to my last post above re: the Indian hotplates.

Nooope. Canada. Also the minimum seems to be 70 for hotplate stirrers. Idk how you guys are finding such sweet deals. Also there's the risk that if you get a used one it might break down or not work.

I'm looking for something upwards not 500W preferably 600W or higher of its a really good deal

[Edited on 3-12-2019 by FluoroPunch]

G-Coupled - 3-12-2019 at 14:42

The thing is with the Corning etc. brand hotplates, if they're working when you get them, they are more than likely to keep working under reasonable conditions for many years to come.

They're made of old-skool, over-specified rugged components that last and can usually be repaired/replaced - the cheap Chinese ones appear to be a crapshoot of shoddy construction with dubious QC using only the cheapest cost-cutting under-specced components.

I'd much rather have a used lab-grade 350-450W hotplate for up to USD150 (mine cost USD55 - I'm in Europe) than any cheap Chinese '600W' one.

I do like the look of those Indian hotplates though (I think they're free shipping, and they have a 20% off sale ATM) - they kinda look like they're built like old skool decent Soviet gear IMO - simple and rugged.

As opposed to the cheap Chinese hotplates which look to me to be constructed from papier-mâche and bits recovered from old TVs.

[Edited on 3-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

morganbw - 3-12-2019 at 16:03

I think a person should buy what they want.
I chose to buy a used corning pc320 and it has served me well.
It stirs well and gets as hot as I have needed. I believe it is 575 watts.

I think I agree that going used is often better than buying some of the inexpensive (but pretty) ones that seem common with a google search.

G-Coupled - 3-12-2019 at 18:16

Quote: Originally posted by morganbw

I think a person should buy what they want.
I chose to buy a used corning pc320 and it has served me well.
It stirs well and gets as hot as I have needed. I believe it is 575 watts.

I think I agree that going used is often better than buying some of the inexpensive (but pretty) ones that seem common with a google search.

How much did you pay for your Corning PC-320 and how long have you had it?

morganbw - 3-12-2019 at 20:35

I have had it for a couple of years, I think it was around 125 us dollars that I paid. I have seen it cheaper since but it is what it is.

I am content with what I have and also what I paid.

G-Coupled - 3-12-2019 at 21:21

Quote: Originally posted by morganbw

I have had it for a couple of years, I think it was around 125 us dollars that I paid. I have seen it cheaper since but it is what it is.

I am content with what I have and also what I paid.

A Corning hotplate/stirrer rated @ 675W and up to 2L @up to 480C that's served you well for a couple of years is a pretty good score for USD125. :cool:

[Edited on 4-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

FluoroPunch - 13-12-2019 at 15:25

Does anyone know what the wattage is for Corning PC-351 hotplate stirrer? Or have a manual? I can't for the love of me find out anywhere...

G-Coupled - 13-12-2019 at 15:55

Quote: Originally posted by FluoroPunch

Does anyone know what the wattage is for Corning PC-351 hotplate stirrer? Or have a manual? I can't for the love of me find out anywhere...

615W for the 120V model, with a max temperature of 520C, I believe.

[Edited on 14-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

[Edited on 14-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

FluoroPunch - 13-12-2019 at 18:31

Quote: Originally posted by G-Coupled

Quote: Originally posted by FluoroPunch

Does anyone know what the wattage is for Corning PC-351 hotplate stirrer? Or have a manual? I can't for the love of me find out anywhere...

615W for the 120V model, with a max temperature of 520C, I believe.

[Edited on 14-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

[Edited on 14-12-2019 by G-Coupled]

You're a babe. Thanks.

[Edited on 14-12-2019 by FluoroPunch]

Abromination - 14-12-2019 at 11:18

Quote: Originally posted by FluoroPunch

Quote: Originally posted by Abromination

I would recommend a hotplate with a rating of well over 600 watts. Also dont buy off of amazon unless you are buying a Corning model.

I can test in a bit