Dry Block Heaters
Dry block heaters are a type of laboratory equipment used to heat samples or containers to a precise temperature without the use of water or liquid. These compact and efficient instruments utilize metal blocks with precision-engineered holes or cavities to hold sample tubes, vials, or microplates, allowing them to be uniformly heated. Dry block heaters are often used for applications such as DNA amplification, enzyme reactions, or incubating samples at consistent temperatures, typically in the range of 20°C to 150°C. Unlike water baths, dry block heaters offer the advantage of eliminating the risk of cross-contamination and the need for constant water level maintenance. They provide more accurate and rapid temperature control, as the heat is transferred directly to the samples through the metal block. These heaters are commonly used in molecular biology, microbiology, and analytical chemistry for tasks such as incubation, sample digestion, or protein denaturation. Many models feature adjustable temperature settings, timers, and safety cutoffs to ensure precise and safe operation. Some dry block heaters are designed with interchangeable blocks to accommodate different sizes and types of sample containers, making them versatile heating equipment for a wide range of lab applications.