Thermo MaxQ6000 Incubator Shaker

Thermo Scientific MaxQ 6000 Stackable Incubated Orbital Shaker

The Thermo Scientific MaxQ 6000 Stackable Incubated Orbital Shaker is a high-capacity temperature-controlled shaker designed for bacterial culture, yeast culture, recombinant protein expression, plasmid production, microbial fermentation, hybridization, solubility studies, staining and destaining, extraction procedures, and other laboratory applications requiring simultaneous incubation and orbital agitation.

Combining a 15–500 rpm shaking range with a 19 mm orbit and temperature control from ambient +10°C to 80°C, the MaxQ 6000 provides laboratories with a versatile platform for both routine microbiology and demanding biotechnology research. Its 18 × 18-inch shaking platform supports flasks, bottles, tubes, microplates, and other vessels when configured with the appropriate platform, clamps, racks, or accessories.

The chamber can also accommodate a dual-tier shaking platform configuration, allowing laboratories to increase vessel capacity within the same footprint. For facilities requiring still greater throughput, the MaxQ 6000 was designed as a stackable incubated shaker, making it possible to expand shaking capacity vertically rather than consuming additional laboratory floor space.

A brushless DC motor, corrosion-resistant stainless steel chamber, digital microprocessor controls, programmable timer, internal accessory outlet, and two adjustable stainless steel shelves make the MaxQ 6000 a flexible choice for microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, and industrial laboratories.

This Thermo Scientific MaxQ 6000 is available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange. The unit is inspected, cleaned, and performance tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from AIE.

Key Features

• Thermo Scientific MaxQ 6000 incubated orbital shaker

• 15–500 rpm shaking range

• 19 mm orbital motion

• Temperature range from ambient +10°C to 80°C

• 18 × 18-inch shaking platform

• Maximum platform load of 35 lb / 15.9 kg

• Brushless DC drive motor

• Digital microprocessor control

• 0.1 minute to 999 hour timer or continuous operation

• Dual-tier shaking capability with appropriate platform hardware

• Stackable cabinet design

• Stainless steel chamber

• Two adjustable perforated stainless steel shelves

• Internal electrical outlet for compatible accessories

• Compatible with universal and dedicated platforms

• 120V, 60 Hz configuration

• Used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day AIE warranty

Overview

The Thermo MaxQ 6000 combines two essential laboratory functions in one instrument: controlled incubation and orbital shaking.

Many microbial and molecular biology procedures require cultures or reagents to remain at a tightly controlled temperature while being continuously agitated. Orbital motion improves mixing, keeps cells or particles suspended, and can increase oxygen transfer into culture media.

Rather than placing a standalone shaker inside a separate incubator, the MaxQ 6000 integrates both functions into a purpose-built cabinet. Temperature, shaking speed, and run time can be controlled from the front panel while cultures remain enclosed in a stable incubation environment.

The MaxQ 6000 is particularly attractive for laboratories running multiple microbial cultures, protein-expression experiments, plasmid preparations, or other temperature-controlled shaking procedures throughout the day.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific
Model	MaxQ 6000
Equipment Type	Stackable Incubated Orbital Shaker
Refrigerated	No
Speed Range	15–500 rpm
Orbit	19 mm
Temperature Range	Ambient +10°C to 80°C
Temperature Resolution	0.1°C
Platform Size	18 × 18 in. / 45.7 × 45.7 cm
Maximum Platform Load	35 lb. / 15.9 kg
Drive Motor	Brushless DC
Controller	Digital microprocessor
Timer	0.1 min to 999 hr or continuous
Chamber Material	Stainless steel
Included Shelves	Two adjustable perforated stainless steel shelves
Internal Electrical Outlet	Yes
Overall Dimensions	Approx. 33"L × 27"W × 40.5"H
Shipping Weight	Approx. 330 lb. / 150 kg
Electrical	120V, 60 Hz
Certifications	UL, cUL, CE
Condition	Used / Refurbished
AIE Warranty	90 Days

Common Applications

The MaxQ 6000 is well suited for bacterial and yeast culture, recombinant protein expression, plasmid preparation, fermentation research, hybridization, diagnostic-test preparation, extraction procedures, solubility studies, staining and destaining, washing procedures, and general temperature-controlled mixing.

Its combination of broad speed control and elevated-temperature capability allows a single instrument to support many laboratory workflows rather than being limited to one narrow application.

Ideal Laboratory Types

This incubated shaker is a strong fit for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research laboratories, microbiology facilities, molecular biology laboratories, fermentation and process-development groups, academic research laboratories, food and environmental testing facilities, industrial biotechnology operations, and other laboratories that routinely culture microorganisms or incubate samples under agitation.

The stackable design is especially useful for facilities where shaker capacity is increasing but floor space is limited.

15–500 rpm Speed Range

The MaxQ 6000 provides orbital shaking from 15 to 500 rpm.

This wide operating range allows researchers to select relatively gentle agitation for mixing-sensitive procedures or significantly faster orbital motion for microbial cultures and applications where increased mixing or aeration is required.

Shaking speed should always be selected according to vessel size, fill volume, organism, medium, and experimental objective. A large flask filled close to capacity does not behave the same way as a smaller flask containing a relatively low liquid volume, even when both are operated at the same rpm.

The ability to adjust speed over a broad range gives the MaxQ 6000 flexibility across many different vessel types and protocols.

19 mm Orbital Motion

The shaker uses a 19 mm orbit.

Orbit diameter affects how liquid moves inside a flask or vessel and therefore influences mixing, gas transfer, shear, and overall culture behavior.

The 19 mm orbit is well suited to many common laboratory shaking applications and provides a useful balance between mixing performance and compatibility with a broad range of flask sizes.

When transferring an established protocol from another shaker, laboratories should compare both rpm and orbit diameter. Matching only the speed setting may not reproduce identical culture conditions if the original instrument uses a substantially different orbit.

Temperature Range to 80°C

The incubated MaxQ 6000 operates from approximately ambient +10°C to 80°C.

This range covers typical microbial culture temperatures such as 25°C, 30°C, and 37°C while also providing substantially higher temperatures for procedures such as hybridization, solubility studies, washing, staining, or other controlled-temperature laboratory protocols.

Because this version is incubated rather than refrigerated, it cannot actively cool samples below its minimum temperature relative to ambient laboratory conditions.

Laboratories requiring shaking below ambient temperature should use a refrigerated MaxQ configuration or another refrigerated incubator shaker.

Digital Microprocessor Control

The MaxQ 6000 uses digital microprocessor-based controls to set and monitor speed, temperature, and time.

Digital controls make it easier to reproduce established protocols between experiments compared with analog shaker controls.

A laboratory performing routine protein-expression cultures, for example, can return to the same temperature and rpm settings each time rather than estimating dial positions.

This repeatability is particularly useful in shared laboratories where several researchers may use the same shaker for different experiments.

Timer & Continuous Operation

The MaxQ 6000 supports both timed and continuous shaking.

The timer can be programmed from approximately 0.1 minute to 999 hours, allowing the instrument to accommodate procedures ranging from short mixing or incubation steps to multi-day culture experiments.

For cultures or processes that need to continue until manually stopped, continuous operation can be selected.

This makes the shaker useful for both scheduled laboratory protocols and extended unattended incubation where appropriate monitoring procedures are in place.

18 × 18-Inch Shaking Platform

The MaxQ 6000 uses an 18 × 18-inch platform that can be configured with universal or dedicated vessel attachments.

Thermo offered platforms and accessories for Erlenmeyer flasks, Fernbach flasks, test tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, microplates, deep-well plates, and other laboratory vessels.

The actual capacity depends on the platform and clamps installed.

For example, Thermo's universal-platform capacity guide includes configurations accommodating approximately nine 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks, six 2 L flasks, four 4 L flasks, two 6 L flasks, or ten microplate/deep-well plate holders. Dedicated platforms may provide different capacities depending on vessel size.

Customers should confirm which platform and clamps are included with the specific refurbished unit before purchase.

Flask Capacity & Culture Scale

The MaxQ 6000 can support cultures ranging from small screening flasks to multi-liter shake-flask workflows.

Smaller vessels can be used when many parallel cultures are required, while larger 1 L, 2 L, 4 L, 6 L, or Fernbach flasks can support scale-up and microbial biomass production.

This flexibility makes the MaxQ 6000 useful during multiple stages of an experimental workflow.

A laboratory might initially screen several strains or clones using small flasks, then move selected cultures into larger vessels for protein expression, plasmid preparation, fermentation development, or downstream analysis.

Dual-Tier Shaking Capability

The MaxQ 6000 chamber can be configured with a dual-tier shaking platform using the appropriate Thermo hardware.

Adding a second shaking level can substantially increase the number of smaller vessels that can be incubated simultaneously.

This can be valuable for laboratories running large numbers of bacterial or yeast cultures where vessel height permits a two-tier arrangement.

The exact vessel capacity and allowable operating conditions depend on the platform, clamps, vessel geometry, load distribution, and manufacturer accessory configuration.

Stackable Design

The MaxQ 6000 was designed to help laboratories increase shaking throughput without consuming additional floor space.

Multiple appropriately configured units can be installed vertically using the manufacturer's approved stacking arrangement.

This can be particularly attractive to biotechnology and microbiology laboratories where the number of cultures grows faster than the available laboratory footprint.

Instead of purchasing several conventional floor shakers and arranging them side by side, a stackable architecture can concentrate multiple independently controlled incubation environments within a smaller floor area.

Bacterial Culture

Bacterial culture is one of the strongest applications for the MaxQ 6000.

Organisms such as E. coli are commonly grown in shake flasks for molecular biology, cloning, recombinant protein expression, plasmid preparation, and general microbiology research.

Orbital agitation helps keep cultures mixed while increasing gas exchange between the liquid surface and the flask headspace.

The MaxQ 6000 allows researchers to control both incubation temperature and shaking speed according to the requirements of the bacterial strain and experimental protocol.

Recombinant Protein Expression

Recombinant protein production frequently begins with bacterial or yeast cultures grown in shaking flasks.

After transformation and clone selection, cultures may be expanded and induced to express a target protein.

The MaxQ 6000 provides a controlled environment for these stages, allowing researchers to maintain consistent temperature and orbital agitation over an extended expression period.

The broad vessel compatibility also makes it possible to move from smaller screening cultures to larger shake-flask volumes as expression conditions are optimized.

Plasmid Production

Plasmid preparation often requires bacterial cultures to grow overnight before DNA extraction.

The MaxQ 6000 can support both small-scale and larger-volume plasmid cultures.

For laboratories processing many clones, multiple small or medium flasks can be run simultaneously. For larger plasmid preparations, the same shaker can accommodate appropriately configured larger vessels.

Consistent shaking and temperature help researchers reproduce bacterial growth conditions from batch to batch.

Yeast Culture

Yeast cultures also benefit from temperature-controlled orbital shaking.

Applications may include recombinant protein production, strain development, molecular biology, fermentation studies, metabolic research, and general microbiology.

Because yeast workflows may use different temperatures and agitation rates from bacterial culture, the MaxQ 6000's wide speed and temperature ranges give laboratories flexibility to support multiple organism types on the same instrument.

Fermentation & Process Development

Shake flasks are frequently used during early fermentation and process-development work.

Before transferring a process into a bench-scale or production bioreactor, researchers can use shaker cultures to evaluate strains, media compositions, feeding strategies, temperatures, and other process variables.

The MaxQ 6000 can support these preliminary studies while accommodating multiple flask sizes and culture volumes.

It can also serve as part of an inoculum-development workflow before transfer into larger fermentation equipment.

Protein Expression Screening

When laboratories compare multiple expression clones, induction conditions, media formulations, or temperatures, large numbers of shake flasks may need to be incubated in parallel.

The MaxQ 6000's platform capacity and stackable design can help increase the number of experiments performed simultaneously.

Running parallel cultures under the same controlled environment can also simplify comparison between experimental conditions.

Hybridization Applications

Thermo identifies hybridization among the recommended applications for the MaxQ 6000.

Hybridization procedures often require sustained temperature control and gentle or moderate agitation to keep reagents evenly distributed across membranes or samples.

The MaxQ 6000's programmable temperature, orbital motion, and timer allow it to support appropriate hybridization workflows when compatible vessels and accessories are used.

Solubility, Extraction & Washing Procedures

Not every application for an incubated shaker involves cell culture.

Controlled shaking at elevated temperatures can also support solubility testing, extraction procedures, diagnostic-test preparation, washing protocols, staining and destaining, and general mixing.

The ability to run at temperatures as high as 80°C broadens the usefulness of the MaxQ 6000 beyond microbial incubation alone.

This versatility can be valuable for multi-purpose research laboratories that want one temperature-controlled shaker to support several departments or protocols.

Brushless DC Motor

The MaxQ 6000 uses a brushless DC motor.

Brushless motors eliminate the carbon brushes found in traditional brushed motors, reducing one common wear component and supporting reliable long-duration operation.

This is particularly useful for incubated shakers because many experiments involve continuous agitation for hours or days rather than short intermittent runs.

A robust drive system is therefore important both for culture consistency and equipment longevity.

Stainless Steel Chamber

The chamber is constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

Stainless interior surfaces are well suited to laboratory environments because they are durable and relatively easy to clean.

Spills from culture media, buffers, or other laboratory solutions should still be cleaned promptly according to appropriate laboratory procedures.

Routine chamber cleaning is particularly important when the shaker is used for biological cultures where spilled media can support unwanted microbial growth.

Internal Electrical Outlet

The MaxQ 6000 includes an electrical outlet inside the chamber.

This provides power for compatible small laboratory accessories such as an additional shaker, stirrer, or rotator when a protocol requires a secondary device inside the controlled-temperature environment.

Any accessory placed inside the chamber should be appropriate for the operating temperature and environmental conditions and should not interfere with airflow, loading, or safe shaker operation.

Adjustable Stainless Steel Shelves

The system includes two adjustable perforated stainless steel shelves.

These shelves provide static incubation space for vessels or samples that require temperature control but not orbital agitation.

This gives the MaxQ 6000 additional utility as a general incubator when part of the chamber is not being used for shaking.

The perforated design allows heated air to circulate through the chamber.

MaxQ 6000 vs. a Benchtop Incubated Shaker

Smaller benchtop incubated shakers can be an excellent choice for low-throughput laboratories or experiments using modest numbers of small flasks.

The MaxQ 6000 offers substantially more internal capacity and greater flexibility for laboratories that regularly process larger numbers of cultures or larger vessels.

Its 18 × 18-inch platform, static shelving, dual-tier capability, and stackable cabinet design make it better suited to laboratories where shaker throughput is a recurring bottleneck.

MaxQ 6000 vs. a Refrigerated Incubator Shaker

This MaxQ 6000 configuration is an incubated shaker and does not contain active refrigeration.

Its minimum operating temperature is therefore dependent on ambient laboratory temperature.

For routine bacterial culture at 37°C, yeast culture around 30°C, protein-expression experiments, and many elevated-temperature procedures, refrigeration may not be necessary.

However, laboratories performing low-temperature induction, cold-adapted organism work, or procedures requiring temperatures near or below room temperature should consider a refrigerated incubator shaker instead.

MaxQ 6000 vs. a CO2 Incubator Shaker

The MaxQ 6000 is also different from a CO2 incubator shaker such as the Eppendorf New Brunswick S41i.

The MaxQ 6000 controls temperature and orbital motion but does not provide a controlled CO2 atmosphere.

It is therefore especially well suited to bacteria, yeast, microbial fermentation, protein-expression cultures, and other applications that do not require elevated CO2.

Mammalian cell culture using bicarbonate-buffered media typically requires a dedicated CO2 incubator shaker or another appropriate controlled-atmosphere system.

Space-Efficient Shaker Capacity

Laboratory floor space is often one of the limiting factors when biotechnology companies expand.

Large incubator shakers can consume significant floor area, particularly when several instruments are required.

The MaxQ 6000's stackable architecture allows laboratories to add independently controlled shaking capacity vertically.

For growing fermentation, microbiology, or protein-expression groups, this can provide an efficient way to increase throughput without reorganizing an entire laboratory.

Refurbishment & Testing by American Instrument Exchange

An incubated orbital shaker needs both its environmental and mechanical systems to perform correctly.

American Instrument Exchange evaluates used and refurbished shakers before shipment to confirm proper operation. Testing focuses on key functions such as shaker drive operation, speed control, temperature control, timer functions, controller response, chamber condition, and general electrical and mechanical performance.

The instrument is cleaned and prepared for laboratory use, and components can be repaired or replaced as necessary during the refurbishment process.

Customers with particular operating conditions or testing requirements can discuss those needs with American Instrument Exchange before shipment.

Refurbished Thermo MaxQ 6000 Shakers from American Instrument Exchange

Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Scientific MaxQ 6000 can provide laboratories with high-capacity temperature-controlled shaking at substantially lower acquisition cost than purchasing comparable new laboratory equipment.

For biotechnology startups, academic laboratories, growing protein-expression groups, and established microbiology facilities, refurbished equipment can make it possible to increase culture capacity while preserving capital for other instruments, personnel, reagents, and laboratory expansion.

American Instrument Exchange supplies refurbished incubated shakers along with centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, laboratory refrigerators, freezers, ultra-low freezers, cryogenic storage systems, and other equipment used throughout biotechnology and life science laboratories.

This MaxQ 6000 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping & Installation

The Thermo MaxQ 6000 measures approximately 33 inches long × 27 inches wide × 40.5 inches high and has a manufacturer-listed shipping weight of approximately 330 lb.

Because this is a substantial cabinet-style shaker, laboratories should plan delivery and final placement in advance.

Installation considerations include adequate floor space, electrical access, ventilation clearance, door and hallway dimensions, shaker loading access, and any future plans to stack additional units.

The AIE configuration operates on 120V, 60 Hz power.

Platforms, clamps, and vessel accessories should also be confirmed before shipment to ensure the unit arrives configured for the customer's intended application.

Related Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories using the Thermo MaxQ 6000 frequently require complementary equipment including centrifuges for culture harvesting, biosafety cabinets or clean benches for appropriate sample preparation, laboratory refrigerators for media and reagent storage, -20°C freezers, ultra-low temperature freezers, incubators, water baths, and other orbital shakers.

American Instrument Exchange supplies used, refurbished, and new laboratory equipment for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, microbiology, molecular biology, academic, industrial, and research laboratories.

Thermo Scientific MaxQ 6000 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thermo Scientific MaxQ 6000?

The MaxQ 6000 is a stackable incubated orbital shaker that combines temperature-controlled incubation with adjustable orbital agitation.

What is the shaking speed range?

The MaxQ 6000 operates from approximately 15 to 500 rpm.

What is the orbit diameter?

The shaker uses a 19 mm orbit.

What is the temperature range?

This incubated version operates from approximately ambient +10°C to 80°C.

Is the MaxQ 6000 refrigerated?

This particular MaxQ 6000 configuration is not refrigerated. Thermo also produced refrigerated versions of the MaxQ 6000 platform.

Can it operate below room temperature?

Not reliably. Because this unit does not have active refrigeration, its minimum operating temperature is dependent on ambient laboratory conditions.

What size is the shaking platform?

The MaxQ 6000 uses an 18 × 18-inch platform.

How much weight can the platform support?

Thermo specifies a maximum platform load of approximately 35 lb. / 15.9 kg.

What size flasks can the MaxQ 6000 hold?

With appropriate platforms and clamps, Thermo offered configurations for vessels ranging from small Erlenmeyer flasks to multi-liter flasks, including 1 L, 2 L, 4 L, and 6 L vessels.

How many 1 L flasks can it hold?

Thermo's universal-platform capacity guide lists up to approximately nine 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks with the appropriate clamps.

How many 2 L flasks can it hold?

The universal-platform guide lists up to approximately six 2 L Erlenmeyer flasks with appropriate clamps.

Can the MaxQ 6000 hold Fernbach flasks?

Yes. Thermo offered clamps and platform arrangements for 2.8 L Fernbach flasks.

Can it hold microplates?

Yes. With appropriate holders, the MaxQ 6000 can accommodate microplates and deep-well plates.

Can the platform be dual tiered?

Yes. Thermo offered hardware that allows an additional shaking platform to be installed above the primary platform, subject to vessel height and operating requirements.

Can MaxQ 6000 units be stacked?

Yes. The MaxQ 6000 was designed as a stackable incubated shaker. Appropriate manufacturer stacking hardware and installation procedures should be used.

Is the MaxQ 6000 suitable for bacterial culture?

Yes. Bacterial suspension culture is one of Thermo's recommended applications for the MaxQ 6000.

Can it be used for E. coli?

Yes. The instrument is well suited to appropriately contained E. coli shake-flask culture for cloning, recombinant protein expression, plasmid production, and related research.

Is it suitable for yeast culture?

Yes. Its temperature and shaking ranges make it useful for many yeast culture and fermentation workflows.

Can it be used for recombinant protein expression?

Yes. Thermo specifically identifies protein expression as a recommended MaxQ 6000 application.

Is it suitable for plasmid production?

Yes. Thermo lists plasmid purification among the recommended workflows, and the shaker can support the bacterial culture stages that precede plasmid extraction.

Can the MaxQ 6000 be used for fermentation research?

Yes. Shake-flask fermentation and process-development work are common applications for high-capacity incubated orbital shakers.

Does the MaxQ 6000 provide CO2 control?

No. It controls temperature and shaking but does not provide a regulated CO2 atmosphere.

Is it appropriate for mammalian cell culture?

Only for cell lines and media systems that do not require controlled CO2 and that are appropriate for orbital shaking. Typical bicarbonate-buffered mammalian cell culture generally requires a dedicated CO2 incubator shaker.

Does it have a timer?

Yes. The timer supports approximately 0.1 minute to 999 hours as well as continuous operation.

What type of motor does it use?

The MaxQ 6000 uses a brushless DC motor.

Does the chamber include shelves?

Yes. Thermo specifies two adjustable perforated stainless steel shelves.

Does it have an electrical outlet inside the chamber?

Yes. An internal outlet is provided for compatible laboratory accessories.

What are the overall dimensions?

Approximately 33"L × 27"W × 40.5"H.

What electrical power does this unit require?

The AIE unit is configured for 120V, 60 Hz operation.

Is this Thermo MaxQ 6000 available refurbished?

Yes. American Instrument Exchange offers this MaxQ 6000 used and refurbished.

What warranty is included?

The current American Instrument Exchange listing includes a 90-day warranty.

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