Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Is this hotplate too good to be true?

weeksie98 - 14-1-2014 at 22:58

Hello all,

I've been acquiring various pieces of equipment for my home setup, glass pipettes, cylinders and the like, and am about to acquire some flasks and beakers. I have some budget set aside for a hotplate/stirrer, and have found this one on eBay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Origin-New-hot-plate-magnetic-stir...

It seems to be of a reasonable price, and includes all the functionality I would need. My question is, since there are very few at this price on eBay, does this seem too good to be true, or should I just go for it?

Thanks

elementcollector1 - 14-1-2014 at 23:13

Seller seems legitimate. Go for it.

Mailinmypocket - 15-1-2014 at 03:15

The seller may seem legit as far as ratings, shipping speed etc but the quality of the hotplate may be a disappointment. There are lots of reports on this board of the heating elements burning out on these Chinese hotplates, it seems like the thermostats are often poor quality which leads to the thing over heating. You are far better off finding a used (or if you have a horse shoe up your arse, new) hotplate on eBay from a reputable manufacturer such as IKA, Thermolyne, Corning... They might have a few stains or something but they are tough as hell and will serve you well. Best to start off with a good one instead of a cheap one that breaks, leading you to buy a quality one in a year or so anyways!

confused - 15-1-2014 at 06:20

sorry to derail your topic, but does anyone have any experience with Bante instruments MS-400 stirrer hotplate
http://bante-china.en.alibaba.com/product/411502109-21067834...

so far i've found one review that says the product doesn't perform up to expectations, but anyone has any first hand experience on it?

Hexavalent - 15-1-2014 at 10:22

weeksie, save your money and don't buy a Chinese/Koren hotplate.

The following items on eBay UK at the moment would be much better choices:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KA-RH-basic-2-Magnetic-Hotplate-St...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stuart-Undergrad-Analogue-Hotplate...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hotplate-Magnetic-Stirrer-IKA-WERK...

I'm not sure what your budget is, but you will be far better off buying one of this from a reputable, major supplier than going down the route of buying cheap Chinese/Korean 'plates.



[Edited on 15-1-2014 by Hexavalent]

paulr1234 - 30-1-2014 at 21:22

I always wanted a corning 220 hotplate stirrer but was put off by the price and chose a cheaper model. The cheaper model disappointed and I now own a Corning (and it is worth every penny :)

Mr_Magnesium - 31-1-2014 at 03:57

Do not get the hotplate,

i can already tell its a Chinese made one from the amount of times i have seen it trawling ebay for bargains.

Be patience and you will find a well priced one and even possible brand new.

I have seen a new Corning 420 and 620 go for 150.

Bidding is also an option if you keep it late enough and find a good deal, because not many people will wait till the last minute of the bid because hotplates are not exactly a sort after item compared to jewelry etc

Mr_Magnesium - 31-1-2014 at 03:57

Delete this post please.

[Edited on 31-1-2014 by Mr_Magnesium]

TheChemiKid - 31-1-2014 at 04:18

Can someone delete on of Mr_Magnesium's previous posts, he double posted.

weeksie98 - 31-1-2014 at 13:33

I see. I have my eye on a few Cornings, IKA and Stuart plates. The Cornings are the PC351, PC320 and PC420 models.

weeksie98 - 1-2-2014 at 00:47

Just one more thing: if I were to purchase a Corning plate/stirrer, I would presumably need to use some form of adapter to get the two-prong plug to work in the UK, is that right? Or is there something else that would need doing?