Hettich Mikro 185 Centrifuge Review

Hettich Mikro 185 centrifuge overview

The Hettich Mikro 185 centrifuge is a powerful micro centrifuge designed to spin 1.5/2ml ‘Eppendorf’ type tubes in an angled rotor. This centrifuge is very popular in hospitals, paediatric clinics and pharmaceutical laboratories.

This particular model is only available as a non-refrigerated version. Users who require refrigeration should consider the Hettich Mikro 200R centrifuge.

Superb quality with a range of features

The Hettich brand is synonymous with quality and reliability. The Mikro 185 lives up to this reputation and is backed up by a full 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. However, the reality is that if you look after this centrifuge properly and have it regularly serviced, it will probably last you at least 10 or 15 years. I’ve seen Hettich centrifuges in labs that are more than 20 years old!

Whilst users cannot program the centrifuge with different run profiles and there is no swing-out rotor available, it still has a number of features worth mentioning. For example, users do have a choice of four different angle rotors to choose from depending on the size of tube being spun. All angle rotors come with a lid included and two of these lids offer bio-containment tested by TÜV in accordance with DIN EN 61010, section 2 – 020.

There is also a ‘pulse’ button which users can press for short bursts of centrifugation. The centrifuge starts spinning when users hold the ‘pulse’ button. It coasts to an eventual stop when the user lets go of the button. This is useful for users who want to spin for less than 1 minute as the time can only be set from 1 to 99 minutes and 59 seconds (or continuously).

Hettich Mikro 185 price

We have to remember that this centrifuge exists at the entry level of the market. There are literally dozens of cheap non-refrigerated centrifuges out there that spin micro tubes. Just take a look at Ebay or Amazon and you will find such centrifuges for less than £100. Although these cheaper centrifuges do not have the same level of quality at the Hettich Mikro 185, they can be a viable option for users that just want a very basic centrifuge for intermittent use. So for users on a tight budget, who just want to spin a small number of micro tubes, the Hettich Mikro 185 can seem a bit on the expensive side.

Hettich Mikro 185 conclusion

The Hettich Mikro 185 is a fantastic little centrifuge which will give you years of trouble free use. Yes, it is a lot more expensive than some of the competition, but by buying this centrifuge, you are guaranteed superb reliability, even under heavy use.

Pros

• Small footprint and light enough to carry.
• Handy impulse button for short bursts of centrifugation.
• Choice of four different rotors.
• 2-year warranty.

Cons

• An abundance of cheaper alternatives means this centrifuge could be considered too expensive for some.
• No swing-out rotor option. Only spins at a fixed angle.
• Cannot store programs.

Overall score for the Hettich Mikro 185 centrifuge: 7/10

How Henderson Biomedical can help

Henderson Biomedical is an authorised UK distributor of Hettich centrifuges. We are able to offer excellent sales and technical advice for the Hettich Mikro 185 centrifuge. Our company can also offer a comprehensive service plan to look after your centrifuge in the coming years and ensure it is always in peak condition. Our team of highly qualified service engineers can also perform both standard and UKAS calibrations on your centrifuges if required. For more information, please contact our friendly team on 0208 663 4610 for more information of complete our online form.