Best Lab Heat Blocks of 2025

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Lab heat blocks are essential tools used in scientific and medical laboratories for maintaining precise and consistent temperatures during various experimental procedures. These compact devices are designed to accommodate multiple sample tubes or vials simultaneously, ensuring uniform heating or cooling across all samples. With adjustable temperature settings and rapid heat-up times, lab heat blocks offer researchers and technicians the convenience and accuracy required for experiments involving DNA amplification, enzyme reactions, protein denaturation, and many other applications. Their compact size, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance make lab heat blocks an indispensable asset in any laboratory setting.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ONiLAB HB120-S Cover #TOP 1
ONiLAB HB120-S
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ONiLAB Mini Dry Bath Incubator Cover #TOP 2
ONiLAB Mini Dry Bath Incubator
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Benchmark Scientific BSW50 Aluminum Dry Bath Heating Block Cover #TOP 3
Benchmark Scientific BSW50 Aluminum Dry Bath Heating Block
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lab Heat Blocks

#TOP 1

ONiLAB HB120-S

HB120-S
ONiLAB HB120-S Cover
ONiLAB Scientific Dry Bath Incubator,40 x1.5ml Aluminium Heating Block, LED Display, Timer Control, Temperature 15°C to 120°C, ± 0.5°C Accuracy (HB120-S)

The ONiLAB HB120-S Scientific Dry Bath Incubator is a versatile and reliable lab heat block. With a wide temperature range of up to 120°C and an accuracy of ±0.5°C, this incubator provides precise temperature control for various applications. The LED display shows the temperature and timer, allowing you to easily monitor and adjust settings. The included 40x1.5mL aluminium heating block is perfect for conical tubes. The incubator also features overheating protection for safety. Whether you need it for sample preparation, enzyme preservation, DNA amplification, or gel degeneration, the ONiLAB HB120-S is an ideal choice. With its 1-year warranty and adherence to international safety standards, you can trust in its quality and performance.

What We Like
Wide temperature range
Precise temperature control
LED display with timer
#TOP 2

ONiLAB Mini Dry Bath Incubator

Mini H100
ONiLAB Mini Dry Bath Incubator Cover
ONiLAB Mini Dry Bath Incubator,15 x1.5ml Aluminium Heating Block, LCD Display, Timer Control,UP to 100C, 0.5C Accuracy,9 Programs in Memory, Rapid Calibration Function…

The ONiLAB Mini Incubator is a versatile and user-friendly lab heat block. With a temperature range of up to 100°C and an accuracy of ±0.5°C, you can trust this incubator to deliver precise and consistent heating for your experiments. It comes with a included aluminium heating block that securely holds 15 x 1.5ml test tubes, ensuring uniform heating. The programmable feature allows you to store 9 sets of temperature and time programs for quick and easy selection. The LCD display and intuitive controls make it effortless to operate, with a time range of 0-999 minutes or seconds. Safety is also a priority, as this incubator has overheating protection and conforms to international safety standards. The ONiLAB Mini Incubator is a reliable and efficient tool for your lab heating needs.

What We Like
Wide temperature range
Precise and uniform heating
Programmable with 9 sets of programs
#TOP 3

Benchmark Scientific BSW50 Aluminum Dry Bath Heating Block

Benchmark Scientific
BMK-BSW50
Benchmark Scientific BSW50 Aluminum Dry Bath Heating Block Cover
Benchmark Scientific BSW50 Aluminum Dry Bath Heating Block for Digital Dry Bath Incubator, 5 x 50mL Centrifuge Tubes Capacity

The Benchmark Aluminum Dry Bath Block is a high-quality heating block designed for use with the Benchmark Digital Dry Bath. With a capacity to hold 5 centrifuge tubes and a tube size of 50ml, this heating block is perfect for various laboratory applications. The block is made of high-grade aluminum and precision machined to match the shape and size of the tubes, ensuring excellent temperature uniformity. This feature allows for accurate and reliable heating, making it ideal for experiments, incubation, and other scientific processes. The Benchmark Aluminum Dry Bath Block provides convenience and efficiency for researchers, ensuring consistent and precise temperature control for their experiments.

What We Like
High-grade aluminum construction
Precision machined for temperature uniformity
Accurate and reliable heating
#TOP 4

Prime Metal Lab Heat Block

Prime Metal and Scientific
Prime Metal Lab Heat Block Cover
Lab Heat Block - Aluminum Reaction Block for Heat/Stir Plates - Holds 25-mL Round-Bottom Flasks, Scintillation Vials, 2-Dram Vials, & NMR Tubes – Anodized Aluminum, Blue - Fits 135 mm Round Plate Tops

The Prime Metal Heat Block is a versatile tool designed to accommodate various glassware types commonly used in laboratories. You can use it to heat 25 mL round-bottom flasks, scintillation vials, and NMR tubes, eliminating the need for messy oil baths. This heat block fits perfectly on 135 mm hot plate stirrers and includes slots for temperature probes, ensuring accurate readings. Additionally, it can be chilled in a refrigerator or freezer, allowing it to double as a cooling block. Its durable aluminum construction ensures even heat distribution, enhancing your experimental results.

What We Like
Multipurpose glassware compatibility
Eliminates oil baths
Durable aluminum construction
Even heat distribution
Cooling block capability
#TOP 5

Argos Technologies CB96 Polarsafe Aluminum Cooling Block 96-Well

Argos Technologies
CB96
Blue
96-Well
Argos Technologies CB96 Polarsafe Aluminum Cooling Block 96-Well Cover
Argos Technologies CB96 Polarsafe Aluminum Cooling Block 96-Well for 0.2 mL Tubes, Strips or 96-Well Plates, Blue

The Argos Technologies CB96 Polarsafe Aluminum Cooling Block 96-Well, also known as the Argos Cooling Block, is a versatile lab heat block designed to accommodate 0.2 mL tubes, strips, or 96-well plates. This cooling block is made of durable aluminum and comes in a striking blue color. With a compact size of 14.478 L X 8.382 W X 3.048 H (Cm) and a lightweight package weight of 0.317 kilograms, it is convenient to use and carry. The cooling block is manufactured in China. It provides an efficient cooling solution for various lab applications, ensuring that your samples stay at the desired temperature. The Argos Cooling Block is an essential tool for any lab that requires precise temperature control and reliable cooling capabilities.

What We Like
Versatile
Durable aluminum
Compact size
#TOP 6

Benchmark BSW15 Aluminum Dry Bath

Benchmark Scientific
BMK-BSW15
Benchmark BSW15 Aluminum Dry Bath Cover
Benchmark Scientific BSW15 Aluminum Dry Bath Heating Block for Digital Dry Bath Incubator, 12 x 15mL Centrifuge Tubes Capacity

The Benchmark Dry Bath Block is designed to hold up to 12 standard 15ml test tubes, making it ideal for various laboratory applications. Its high-grade aluminum construction ensures durability while providing excellent heat distribution. This means you can expect consistent temperatures throughout your samples, which is crucial for accuracy in experiments. Additionally, it's precision-engineered to fit the tube size perfectly, allowing you to work efficiently without worrying about misfits or temperature discrepancies.

What We Like
12 tube capacity
High-grade aluminum construction
Consistent temperature uniformity
Precision fit for test tubes
#TOP 7

JOANLAB Digital Dry Bath Incubator

JOANLAB
Regular Size
JOANLAB Digital Dry Bath Incubator Cover
JOANLAB Dry Bath Incubator Digital Laboratory Thermostatic Block Heater with 35 x 1.5ml Heating Block Programmable (Single Heating Function)

The JOANLAB Dry Bath Incubator offers versatile heating and cooling functions, allowing you to maintain precise temperature control for your experiments. With an impressive calibration accuracy of ±0.5°C, you can trust the intuitive LED display for accurate readings. You can also program up to nine different temperature and time settings, making it easy to streamline your processes without manual adjustments for each run. Safety is prioritized with built-in over-temperature protection and a failure detection system that alerts you to any issues, ensuring your experiments run smoothly and securely.

What We Like
Precise temperature control
Multiple program setups
Safety features included
Custom module options
#TOP 8

4E's USA Dry Bath Incubator TC0401001-76

4E's USA
TC0401001-76
Vials 20x12mm
4E's USA Dry Bath Incubator TC0401001-76 Cover
4E's USA Dry Bath Incubator Block - Universal Aluminum Block for Vials 20 x 12mm Test Tubes, Slot Size ⌀12.7mm x 30mm, Model: TC0401001-76

The 4E's USA Dry Bath Incubator offers premium aluminum construction, ensuring durability and long-lasting reliability for your lab needs. With a variety of sizes available, it can accommodate different sample types, providing versatility in your experiments. You'll appreciate the maximum contact it achieves with samples, which enhances heat transfer efficiency and ensures accurate results. This device is perfect for maintaining precise temperature control, allowing you to achieve consistent outcomes in your laboratory work.

What We Like
Durable aluminum construction
Versatile size options
Efficient heat transfer
Precise temperature control
#TOP 9

Cold Block for 96-Well Plates by Sergi Lab Supplies

Sergi Lab Supplies
1012a
Cold Block for 96-Well Plates by Sergi Lab Supplies Cover
Cold Block for 96-Well Plates (Current)

The Sergi Cold Block is designed to maintain low temperatures for your experiments, ensuring your reactions stay cold throughout the process. It accommodates various types of 96-well plates, whether skirted, semi-skirted, or unskirted, providing versatility for your lab needs. Additionally, the block fits individual PCR tubes and stripes ranging from 100 to 250 microliters, making it ideal for diverse applications. With a standardized footprint of 127.76 x 85.48 mm, it is compatible with most pipetting robots, enhancing efficiency and convenience in your workflow.

What We Like
Maintains low temperatures
Fits various 96-well plates
Compatible with PCR tubes
Standardized robot footprint
#TOP 10

Cold Block for 384-well Plates by Sergi Lab Supplies

Sergi Lab Supplies
= SKU
Cold Block for 384-well Plates by Sergi Lab Supplies Cover
Cold Block for 384-well Plates

The Sergi Cold Block is designed to keep your reactions chilled throughout your experiments, ensuring optimal conditions for your samples. It accommodates various types of 384-well plates, whether they are skirted, semi-skirted, or unskirted, making it versatile for your lab needs. With a compact size compatible with most pipetting robots, it offers convenience and efficiency in automated setups. The conical wells mimic the plate shape, enhancing thermal transfer and improving your results. Additionally, the through-holes simplify the washing and sterilization process, saving you time and effort in maintaining your equipment.

What We Like
Maintains low temperatures
Compatible with various plate types
Fits most pipetting robots
Improved thermal transfer
Easy to clean and sterilize
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the principle of laboratory dry bath?

A laboratory dry bath is used for various purposes in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and other fields. It can thaw, boil, incubate, and warm samples. Modern dry baths are equipped with microprocessors and digital displays, making it easy to set and confirm temperatures.

2. Should you put water in a heat block?

No, you should not put water in a heat block. It is important to avoid immersing the heat block in water or any cleaning solution. Additionally, do not attempt to open the enclosure and use the appropriate power cord for the region to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

3. Why are water baths better than heat blocks?

Water baths are preferable to heat blocks for several reasons. Firstly, water is more efficient at transferring heat to samples compared to air, resulting in a faster and more consistent heating rate. Additionally, water baths promote better heat distribution within the sample, ensuring uniform heating.

4. Why use water bath instead of direct heating?

Using a water bath instead of direct heating methods like a Bunsen burner or hot plate offers several advantages. Indirect heating in a water bath ensures uniform heating throughout the reaction mixture, minimizing the risk of fire hazards. It provides a safer and more controlled environment for heating samples.

Editor's Notes

During our lab heat block research, we found 24 lab heat block products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,496 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lab heat blocks list. We found that most customers choose lab heat blocks with an average price of $116.41.

The lab heat blocks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lab heat blocks, including ONiLAB, Benchmark Scientific, Argos Technologies, JOANLAB, 4E's USA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 129 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.