Eppendorf 5810R Refrigerated Centrifuge with S-4-104 Rotor

Eppendorf 5810R Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge with S-4-104 Swing-Bucket Rotor

When sample volume starts increasing, a general-purpose centrifuge can quickly become a bottleneck. Cell culture laboratories, biotechnology facilities, clinical research groups, and pharmaceutical labs may need to process dozens of conical tubes, larger bottles, or multiple plates without stepping up to a floor-model centrifuge. The Eppendorf 5810R Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge with S-4-104 swing-bucket rotor is particularly well suited to that middle ground.

This configuration combines the proven refrigerated 5810R platform with the Eppendorf S-4-104 medium-capacity swing-bucket rotor, providing a maximum capacity of 4 × 750 mL, or 3 liters per run. The S-4-104 reaches 3,900 RPM and 3,214 × g and can accommodate an exceptionally broad range of laboratory vessels when equipped with the appropriate adapters. For laboratories routinely processing 15 mL or 50 mL conical tubes, blood collection tubes, cell culture samples, bottles, or plates, this is one of the most useful configurations available for the 5810R.

Unlike a high-speed fixed-angle setup, the S-4-104 prioritizes capacity, flexibility, and batch processing. That makes this combination an excellent choice for laboratories where throughput matters more than extremely high RCF.

At American Instrument Exchange, every refurbished Eppendorf centrifuge is inspected, cleaned, and tested before shipment. Our technicians evaluate the drive system, controls, lid and safety mechanisms, refrigeration performance, and overall mechanical condition. When a centrifuge is supplied with a rotor, we also test the rotor and centrifuge together as a complete operating system.

Features of the Eppendorf 5810R with S-4-104 Rotor

• Includes Eppendorf S-4-104 swing-bucket rotor

• Rotor capacity: 4 × 750 mL

• Total maximum rotor capacity: 3 liters

• Maximum rotor speed: 3,900 RPM

• Maximum rotor RCF: 3,214 × g

• Broad adapter selection for tubes and bottles from approximately 0.2 mL through 750 mL

• Suitable for high-throughput conical tube, blood tube, bottle, and plate workflows

• Refrigerated temperature range: -9°C to +40°C

• Centrifuge platform capable of up to 14,000 RPM and 20,913 × g with compatible high-speed rotors

• 35 user-program spaces

• 10 acceleration and 10 braking ramps

• Automatic rotor recognition and imbalance detection

• FastTemp pre-cooling function

• ECO shut-off helps reduce unnecessary compressor operation

• Low loading height for easier rotor access

• 120V electrical configuration

• 90-day warranty included from American Instrument Exchange

• Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange

The S-4-104 also uses an aerodynamic bucket design developed to reduce energy consumption compared with earlier-generation Eppendorf high-capacity swing-bucket rotors, making it a particularly well-matched rotor for laboratories running multiple batches throughout the day.

Why the S-4-104 Changes What the Eppendorf 5810R Can Do

The Eppendorf 5810R is already a versatile refrigerated centrifuge, but the S-4-104 rotor turns it into a true medium-to-high-throughput benchtop processing system.

Its 3-liter total capacity is substantially greater than the 4 × 250 mL capacity offered by smaller swing-bucket configurations. For a laboratory regularly processing larger batches of cultured cells, clinical tubes, conicals, or bottles, that difference can translate directly into fewer centrifuge runs and less technician time spent loading and unloading samples.

The swing-bucket design provides another practical advantage. As the rotor accelerates, the buckets move to a horizontal position, allowing samples to centrifuge along the length of the vessel. This is useful for many applications where clean layering, horizontal pellet formation, or reproducible separation interfaces are desirable.

The 5810R also provides the temperature control needed for samples that should remain chilled during processing. Its -9°C to +40°C operating range, FastTemp pre-cooling function, and continued cooling after a run make it well suited for biological samples that may be sensitive to temperature changes.

For laboratories comparing this instrument with other high-capacity systems, American Instrument Exchange maintains a broad selection of used and refurbished laboratory centrifuges from Eppendorf, Thermo Scientific, Beckman Coulter, and other manufacturers.

Common Applications for the Eppendorf 5810R with S-4-104 Rotor

The 5810R/S-4-104 combination is particularly useful in laboratories where significant sample volume must be processed without moving to a larger floor centrifuge.

Common applications include:

• Mammalian cell harvesting

• Cell culture processing

• Bacterial culture centrifugation

• 15 mL and 50 mL conical tube processing

• Blood collection tube centrifugation

• Clinical and translational research

• Protein sample preparation

• Molecular biology workflows

• Biotechnology process development

• Pharmaceutical research

• Larger-volume sample clarification

• Plate processing with the appropriate bucket configuration

For labs routinely running multiple racks of conical tubes, the increased capacity of the S-4-104 can be especially valuable because more samples can be processed during each centrifugation cycle.

Eppendorf S-4-104 Rotor Compatibility and Capacity

The included S-4-104 is a four-position swing-bucket rotor designed around 750 mL maximum bucket capacity.

Key rotor specifications include:

• 4 × 750 mL maximum capacity

• 3 liter total capacity

• 3,900 RPM maximum speed

• 3,214 × g maximum RCF

• Swing-bucket design

• Broad adapter compatibility

• Compatible with vessels ranging from small laboratory tubes through 750 mL bottles with appropriate adapters

• Plate-processing configurations available

• Optional aerosol-tight bucket caps available for compatible configurations

One of the strongest reasons to choose the S-4-104 is not simply its 750 mL bottle capacity, but the range of adapters that can be installed inside the buckets. A laboratory can configure the rotor for frequently used sample formats rather than dedicating an entire centrifuge to one vessel size.

Depending on adapters and bucket configuration, the broader 5810R platform can support high-throughput loads such as numerous 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, blood collection tubes, microplates, Deepwell plates, and larger bottles.

Customers should verify the adapters and accessories included with the individual centrifuge before purchase, as configurations can vary between systems.

Eppendorf 5810R Specifications

Specifications compiled from Eppendorf manufacturer literature, technical references, and American Instrument Exchange product information.

Power Requirements and Shipping Considerations

Although the Eppendorf 5810R is a benchtop centrifuge, it is a substantial refrigerated instrument weighing approximately 218 pounds. It should be installed on a strong, level laboratory bench or centrifuge stand with sufficient clearance for ventilation and opening the lid.

This American Instrument Exchange unit is configured for 120V, 50–60 Hz electrical service, making it suitable for installation in many U.S. laboratories without the specialized electrical requirements associated with larger floor-model centrifuges.

Because of its size, weight, refrigeration system, and rotor assembly, American Instrument Exchange securely prepares the 5810R for shipment to help protect the instrument and included components during transit.

Refurbished Eppendorf Centrifuges from American Instrument Exchange

The Eppendorf 5810R has earned a long-standing reputation as a versatile laboratory workhorse. When purchasing a pre-owned example, however, condition and proper testing matter just as much as the specifications on the data sheet.

American Instrument Exchange technicians inspect and test refurbished centrifuges for drive performance, bearings, controls, braking, lid operation, safety systems, and overall mechanical condition. Refrigerated systems are additionally tested to verify proper cooling and temperature control.

When a centrifuge is purchased with a rotor—as with this 5810R and S-4-104 combination—we test the centrifuge and rotor together prior to shipment.

Laboratories expanding additional areas of their facility can also source professionally refurbished laboratory incubators, laboratory freezers and ultra-low freezers, and biosafety cabinets from American Instrument Exchange.

Eppendorf 5810R Service and Support

American Instrument Exchange and AIE Laboratory Services provide diagnostics, preventative maintenance, and repair support for centrifuges and a wide range of general laboratory equipment.

For refrigerated centrifuges, troubleshooting may involve more than the drive system alone. Refrigeration components, temperature sensors, lid mechanisms, rotor recognition, bearings, and electronic controls can all affect equipment performance. Our technicians can help laboratories evaluate an existing centrifuge and determine whether repair, refurbishment, or replacement makes the most sense.

Eppendorf 5810R with S-4-104 Rotor Frequently Asked Questions

How does the S-4-104 compare with the A-4-62 rotor?

The biggest difference is capacity. The S-4-104 accommodates up to 4 × 750 mL, providing 3 liters of total capacity, while the A-4-62 is a 4 × 250 mL rotor. Laboratories processing larger batches or higher numbers of tubes will generally benefit from the additional capacity of the S-4-104.

Is the S-4-104 a good rotor for 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes?

Yes. With the appropriate adapters, the S-4-104 is particularly well suited for high-throughput processing of common conical tube sizes. This makes it a strong configuration for cell culture, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical laboratories where multiple racks of tubes may need to be centrifuged every day.

Can I centrifuge 750 mL bottles in this rotor?

Yes. The S-4-104 has a maximum capacity of four 750 mL vessels, although the appropriate buckets, adapters, and compatible bottles must be used. Customers should confirm their intended labware configuration with American Instrument Exchange before purchase.

Why does the S-4-104 only run at 3,900 RPM when the 5810R can reach 14,000 RPM?

The centrifuge's maximum speed depends on the rotor installed. The 14,000 RPM specification applies to the 5810R platform with compatible high-speed fixed-angle rotors. The larger S-4-104 swing-bucket rotor is rated for 3,900 RPM and 3,214 × g because it is engineered for higher capacity rather than maximum speed.

Could the S-4-104 reduce the number of runs my lab performs each day?

Potentially, yes. That is one of the strongest reasons to select this configuration. Its 3-liter maximum capacity lets laboratories consolidate larger sample batches into fewer centrifuge cycles compared with smaller swing-bucket rotors, assuming the required sample adapters are available.

Can the S-4-104 be configured for plates as well as tubes and bottles?

Yes. Eppendorf offers S-4-104 configurations and accessories for plate processing, including microplates and other plate formats. The exact buckets and accessories required differ from the standard bottle/tube configuration, so laboratories should verify their intended setup before ordering.

Do older Eppendorf 5810R centrifuges work with the S-4-104 rotor?

Compatibility should be verified on older 5810R instruments. Eppendorf notes that some older centrifuges may require a software update to operate with the S-4-104. If you are buying a complete 5810R/S-4-104 system from American Instrument Exchange, we test the supplied rotor with the centrifuge as a matched combination before shipment.

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