Water baths remain one of the most popular and essential pieces of equipment in school science departments. From heating experiments to supporting practicals that require stable temperatures, they are a trusted workhorse in classrooms across the country.
But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your lab? At SLS Select Education, we’ve put together some top tips to make the choice simpler.
Temperature Control, Range & Precision
Water baths come with both digital and analogue controls. Analogue baths are often the more budget-friendly choice, making them great for everyday classroom use. However, digital models provide greater accuracy and consistency – something particularly important for higher-level studies, such as A Level practicals.
Size Matters
While capacity is often advertised in litres, this doesn’t always give a clear picture of what you can actually fit inside. Instead, check the internal dimensions and think about how many beakers or test tube racks you’ll realistically use at once.
It’s also worth considering portability. Larger baths are heavier and can be tricky to move between classrooms, especially if your labs are spread across multiple floors. For bigger models, features such as a drain tap can make handling easier.
Safety First
Safety is a top priority when selecting lab equipment. While technicians do their best to avoid water baths running dry, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s important to look out for safety features such as:
Our Top Picks
To make things even easier, here are our top recommendations for schools:
Need More Help?
Our Territory Sales Managers are on hand to provide tailored advice to help you find the perfect water bath for your department. You can find your local contact at www.science2education.co.uk/team or reach us directly at [email protected]
Click below to download and print our Water Baths Buying Guide below to keep handy in your prep room.