When it comes to learning about laboratory equipment, A detailed list of essential lab apparatus followed by pictures, clear explanations of their uses can be incredibly helpful.
In this post, we’ll provide you with an extensive list of laboratory equipment commonly used in scientific experiments and research. Each item will be accompanied by an image to help you study and familiarize yourself with these tools. As well as a description of its uses and functions. In the end there’s a downloadable PDF version of the list so you can have it on hand whenever you need it.
List of Laboratory Equipment Names
A lab equipment refers to the various tools, instruments, devices, and materials used in laboratory to perform scientific experiments, research, and analyses.
Basic Tools and Glassware:
- Beaker
- Erlenmeyer flask
- Volumetric flask
- Test tube
- Graduated cylinder
- Pipette and Pipettor
- Burette
- Petri dish
- Watch glass
- Funnel
- Stirring rod
- Spatula
- Forceps
- Microscope
- Microplate reader
- Tongs
- Microscope slides
- Cover slip
- Crucible
- Dropper
- Magnifier
- Syringe
- Mortar and Pestle
- Filter paper
- Weighing boat
- Desiccator
- Test tube rack
- Wash bottle
- Litmus paper
- Lab notebook
- Autoclave
- Waste disposal container
- Centrifuge
Safety Equipment:
- Safety goggles
- Gloves (Nitrile, Latex, etc.)
- Lab apron
- Safety shower and Eyewash station
- Fire extinguisher
- Fire blanket
- First aid kit
Heating and Cooling:
- Hot plate
- Bunsen burner
- Heating mantle
- Incubator
- Water bath
Measuring Instruments:
- Weighing scale
- Thermometer
- Calorimeter
- pH Meter
- Conductivity meter
- Caliper
- Hygrometer
- Anemometer
- Sound level meter
- Refractometer
- Spectrophotometer
Mixing and Stirring:
- Stirring motors
- Orbital shaker
- Magnetic stirrer
- Vortex mixer
- Homogenizers
Laboratory Equipment and their Uses
Let’s take a closer look at some common laboratory equipment and their specific uses. The following equipment can be common in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Microbiology labs.
Beaker
A beaker is a cylindrical container with a flat bottom, used for holding and measuring liquids.
Erlenmeyer flask
An Erlenmeyer flask is a conical-shaped glass container with a narrow neck, utilized for mixing, heating, and containing liquids.
Volumetric flask
A vessel for measuring specific liquid volumes with high accuracy.
Test tube
A test tube is a small cylindrical container for holding and examining small amounts of liquids or substances.
Graduated cylinder
Cylinder-shaped glassware used to precisely measure and pour liquids.
Pipette
A pipette is a laboratory tool used to accurately measure and transfer small volumes of liquids to experiments and tests requiring controlled liquid handling.
Burette
A burette is a laboratory apparatus consists of a long, graduated glass tube with a stopcock at the bottom for controlled release of the liquid. Often used to deliver one solution gradually into another solution to determine their exact reaction point or concentration.
Petri dish
A Petri dish is a shallow lidded dish made of glass or transparent plastic used for cultivating and observing microorganisms.
Watch glass
Watch glass used in laboratories for various purposes, such as covering beakers or containers to prevent contamination, and facilitating the evaporation of liquids.
Funnel
A funnel is a conical or tapered tube-like tool used to direct the flow of liquids or fine-grained substances from one container to another easily.
Stirring rod
Stirring rod aids in uniform mixing and stirring of liquids and solutions.
Spatula
Spatula used in laboratories for transferring solids and powders, as well as for scraping.
Forceps
Forceps, also known as tweezers, are small handheld instruments used for grasping and holding objects.
Microscope
A microscope is a scientific instrument designed to magnify small objects and reveal details that are not visible to the naked eye.
Microplate reader
A microplate reader is a laboratory instrument used for analyzing the contents of microplates, The microplate reader can measure absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, or other optical properties of samples.
Tongs
We can use tongs in laboratory tool for grasping and holding objects, particularly when they are hot or need to be handled without direct contact.
Microscope slides
Microscope slides are thin, flat, rectangular pieces of glass used for observing microscopic organism under a microscope.
Crucible
A crucible used for heating substances to extreme temperatures for processes like melting, fusion, calcination.
Magnifier
A magnifier is a simple optical tool used to enlarge and enhance the visibility of small objects or details.
Syringe
A syringe is an instrument used for injecting or withdrawing fluids from a container or a body.
Mortar and pestle
A mortar and pestle is a traditional laboratory tool used for grinding, crushing, and mixing substances into fine powders or pastes.
Filter paper
Filter paper is a specialized paper designed to allow liquids or gases to pass through while retaining solid particles.
Desiccator
A desiccator is a sealed container or chamber designed to maintain a low-humidity environment, primarily used for drying or storing moisture-sensitive substances.
Test tube rack
A test tube rack is used for holding and organizing multiple test tubes in an upright position.
Wash bottle
A wash bottle is a laboratory container designed for dispensing small quantities of liquid, often used for rinsing or washing equipment, glassware, or samples.
Litmus paper
Litmus paper is a type of pH indicator used to determine whether a solution is acidic or alkaline (basic) based on its color change.
Lab notebook
A lab notebook, also known as a laboratory notebook or lab journal, is a structured record-keeping tool used by scientists, researchers, and students to document their experiments, observations, procedures, and findings in a systematic manner.
Autoclave
An autoclave is a machine used for sterilizing equipment, laboratory glassware, and other items by subjecting them to high-temperature steam under pressure.
Waste disposal container
A waste disposal container is a container for the proper collection and disposal of various types of waste materials, ensuring proper waste management and environmental safety.
Centrifuge
A centrifuge is a device used to separate substances of different densities within a liquid mixture by subjecting the mixture to centrifugal force. It achieves this separation by rapidly spinning the mixture in a circular motion around a central axis.
Safety goggles
Safety goggles are protective eyewear to shield the eyes from potential hazards, such as flying debris, chemicals, dust, or splashes of liquids.
Lab apron
An apron is a protective garment worn over clothing to shield the body from splashes, spills, and other potential hazards.
Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a firefighting device for quickly suppress and control small fires.
Gloves
Gloves are protective coverings worn on the hands to prevent contact with harmful substances, contaminants, or hazardous materials.
First aid kit
A first aid kit is a collection of medical supplies and equipment assembled to provide immediate assistance for minor injuries and medical emergencies.
Bunsen burner
Bunsen burners are versatile tools used in a wide range of scientific applications, including heating solutions, sterilizing equipment, conducting flame tests, and more.
Incubator
An incubator is a controlled environment chamber commonly used in microbiology lab to provide optimal conditions for the growth, cultivation, and maintenance of biological cultures, cells, and other organisms.
Weighing scale
A weighing scale is a measuring instrument used to determine the weight or mass of various substances.
Thermometer
A thermometer is a measuring instrument used to measure temperature. Thermometers are of various types, such as liquid-in-glass thermometers, digital thermometers, infrared thermometers, and thermocouples.
pH Meter
A pH meter is a scientific instrument used to measure the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of a solution.
Caliper
A caliper is a measuring tool used to accurately measure the dimensions of objects with precision.
Hygrometer
A hygrometer is a scientific instrument used to measure and quantify the relative humidity or moisture content in the air.
Sound level meter
A sound level meter is a measuring instrument used to quantify the intensity or volume of sound in the environment.
Magnetic stirrer
A magnetic stirrer is a laboratory device used to agitate and mix solutions using a rotating magnetic field.
Download Pdf
By downloading the PDF, you can easily access it whenever you need it, whether you’re in the lab or preparing for an experiment.
