VWR 5000 Standard Orbital Shaker

Brand : VWR

Product Code : SKU 4847TT SHAKER

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VWR 5000 Standard Orbital Shaker

The VWR 5000 Standard Orbital Shaker is a heavy-duty tabletop shaker designed for bacterial culture, staining and destaining, cell culture procedures, extraction, solubility studies, general mixing, and other laboratory applications requiring consistent orbital agitation. With a 25–500 rpm speed range, 1-inch orbital motion, and a large 24 × 18-inch platform, the Model 5000 provides substantial shaking capacity in a durable open-air configuration.

Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this VWR 5000 Standard Orbital Shaker is inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. The unit includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Key Features

Heavy-duty tabletop orbital shaker
25–500 rpm speed range
1-inch / 25.4 mm orbital motion
Large 24 × 18-inch platform
Variable-speed microprocessor control
Analog speed and timer controls
Continuous or timed operation
Triple-eccentric drive system
Brushless motor for continuous-duty operation
Gradual speed ramping helps minimize splashing
Spill-resistant design helps protect internal components
Suitable for operation from 0°C to 40°C
120 V electrical configuration
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Overview

The VWR Model 5000 Standard is designed for laboratories requiring more capacity than a compact benchtop orbital shaker can provide. Its large platform, 1-inch orbit, and broad speed range make it suitable for culture vessels as well as trays, bottles, containers, and other laboratory samples requiring continuous controlled agitation.

The Standard version combines microprocessor-regulated shaking with straightforward analog controls. Separate dials allow users to adjust speed and operating time without the more extensive programming features found on the related VWR Model 5000 Advanced shaker.

A heavy-duty triple-eccentric drive provides orbital movement across the platform, while the brushless motor is designed for continuous-duty operation. The shaker gradually ramps toward the selected operating speed to reduce abrupt sample movement and help minimize splashing during startup.

The open-air configuration also allows the Model 5000 to be used in compatible cold rooms, incubators, and other controlled environments when operating conditions remain within the manufacturer's specified limits.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	VWR
Model	5000 Standard
AIE-Listed Catalog Number	40100F
Equipment Type	Standard tabletop orbital shaker
Speed Range	25–500 rpm
Speed Accuracy	±1 rpm above 100 rpm
Orbit	1 in. / 25.4 mm
Platform Dimensions	24"W × 18"D
Published Load Capacity	Approx. 50 lb at 125 rpm; load capability decreases at higher speeds
Published Load at 500 rpm	Approx. 10 lb
Timer	1–120 minutes
Operation	Timed or continuous
Controls	Analog speed and timer controls with microprocessor speed regulation
Motor	Brushless
Drive	Triple-eccentric
Operating Environment	0°C to 40°C
Exterior Dimensions	Approx. 26.5"W × 23.5"D × 6.2"H
Electrical	120 V
Condition	Used / Refurbished
Warranty	90 days from American Instrument Exchange

The shaker's published load rating varies with operating speed and should not be interpreted as a 50 lb capacity under all conditions. Practical vessel capacity also depends on the installed platform, clamps, racks, vessel dimensions, working volumes, load distribution, and other accessories.

Common Applications

The VWR 5000 Standard can be used for bacterial and yeast culture, cell culture procedures, microbial suspensions, staining and destaining, extraction procedures, solubility studies, media preparation, sample washing, general laboratory mixing, and other workflows requiring controlled orbital agitation.

Its combination of a large platform and 1-inch orbit makes it particularly useful when laboratories need to agitate multiple vessels simultaneously or accommodate larger samples than can be handled by a compact shaker.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The VWR Model 5000 is well suited for biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories, microbiology facilities, molecular biology groups, academic research laboratories, university core facilities, food and beverage laboratories, environmental testing facilities, and industrial research or quality-control laboratories.

The relatively low-profile tabletop design can also be useful for laboratories that need substantial shaking capacity while retaining flexibility in where the shaker is installed.

Shaking Performance & Orbital Motion

The VWR 5000 Standard operates from 25 to 500 rpm with a 1-inch / 25.4 mm orbit. This combination supports applications ranging from moderate sample agitation to vigorous mixing and microbial shake-flask culture.

An important consideration is the relationship between operating speed and permissible load. Manufacturer documentation rates the Model 5000 for approximately 50 lb at 125 rpm, while the published allowable load decreases to approximately 10 lb at 500 rpm. Laboratories should therefore consider both total platform weight and intended operating speed when configuring the shaker.

The triple-eccentric drive distributes orbital motion across the platform, while microprocessor speed regulation helps maintain the selected operating speed. Gradual acceleration toward the setpoint helps minimize sudden vessel movement and splashing.

Actual mixing performance depends on speed, orbit diameter, vessel geometry, baffling, liquid volume, sample properties, platform configuration, and load distribution. Protocols transferred from another shaker should therefore account for both rpm and orbit rather than relying on speed alone.

Platform, Flask & Vessel Compatibility

The VWR 5000 Standard uses a large 24 × 18-inch platform and can accommodate a variety of clamps, racks, trays, and other sample-holding accessories.

VWR also offered different stainless-steel platform arrangements for the Model 5000 family, including universal and tiered configurations. As a result, the physical platform dimensions alone do not establish how many flasks or other vessels a particular used shaker can accommodate.

Actual capacity depends on the platform installed on the individual unit, clamp or rack configuration, vessel diameter and height, working volume, operating speed, total weight, and load distribution. Custom or nonstandard platform arrangements can further change practical capacity.

American Instrument Exchange can confirm the platform and accessories included with the specific shaker. Customers planning to use particular Erlenmeyer flasks, bottles, trays, culture vessels, or other containers should verify compatibility before purchase.

Refurbishment & Testing

Used VWR 5000 Standard Orbital Shakers from American Instrument Exchange are inspected and tested prior to shipment. The shaking mechanism is operated for extended periods to verify continuous operation and proper response across applicable speed settings.

Testing includes evaluation of orbital movement, speed adjustment, timer operation, controls, motor performance, and other applicable mechanical and electrical components. The shaker is also cleaned and cosmetically prepared as appropriate before shipment.

Because load and operating speed are closely related on this model, customers planning unusually heavy or demanding applications are encouraged to discuss their intended operating conditions with American Instrument Exchange before shipment. AIE will work to simulate typical operating requirements when practical.

Shipping & Installation

The VWR Model 5000 measures approximately 26.5 inches wide by 23.5 inches deep by 6.2 inches high and uses a 24 × 18-inch platform.

Although relatively low in profile, this is a substantial laboratory shaker. The manufacturer lists a shipping weight of approximately 109 lb, so the shaker should be positioned on a sturdy, level laboratory bench or other support appropriate for the equipment and intended operating load.

Adequate clearance should be maintained around the moving platform, vessels, clamps, and other accessories. Loads should be centered and distributed as evenly as practical to minimize vibration and maintain smooth orbital operation.

The shaker can operate in appropriate cold rooms, incubators, and other controlled environments from 0°C to 40°C. Environmental conditions should remain within manufacturer specifications, and sufficient clearance and electrical access should be maintained.

This AIE unit is configured for 120 V electrical service.

Related Equipment

Laboratories using the VWR 5000 Standard Orbital Shaker may also require incubators, CO2 incubators, centrifuges, water baths, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, ultra-low freezers, and balances. American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished laboratory equipment for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical, and industrial research laboratories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shaker is the VWR Model 5000 Standard?

The VWR 5000 Standard is a large tabletop orbital shaker designed for culture, mixing, staining, extraction, washing, and other laboratory applications requiring continuous or timed orbital agitation.

What is the speed range?

The VWR 5000 Standard operates from 25 to 500 rpm.

What is the orbit diameter?

The Model 5000 uses a 1-inch / 25.4 mm orbital motion.

How large is the platform?

The platform measures approximately 24 inches wide by 18 inches deep.

Can the VWR 5000 handle a 50 lb load?

The manufacturer's load rating is speed dependent. Published specifications indicate approximately 50 lb of capacity at 125 rpm, but permissible load decreases as operating speed increases. At 500 rpm, the published load is approximately 10 lb.

How many flasks can the VWR 5000 hold?

There is no single flask count that applies to every Model 5000. Practical capacity depends on the installed platform, clamps or racks, vessel dimensions, working volume, operating speed, load distribution, and any custom accessories.

What is the difference between the VWR 5000 Standard and 5000 Advanced?

Both are large orbital shakers from the same Model 5000 family, but the Standard version uses simpler analog timer and speed controls. The Advanced version provides expanded electronic control and a substantially longer programmable timer range. Specifications such as the exact lower speed limit can also differ between versions.

Does the VWR 5000 have a timer?

Yes. The Standard Model 5000 provides timed operation from approximately 1 to 120 minutes as well as continuous operation.

Can the VWR 5000 operate inside an incubator or cold room?

Yes, provided environmental conditions remain within the manufacturer's specified operating range. The Model 5000 is rated for operation from approximately 0°C to 40°C and can be used in compatible cold rooms, incubators, and other controlled environments.

Why does maximum load decrease at higher speeds?

Higher orbital speeds generate greater dynamic forces on the platform, drive system, and samples. Reducing platform load at high speeds helps maintain stable operation and limits stress on the shaker mechanism.

Can the VWR 5000 be used for microbial culture?

Yes. Its 1-inch orbit, broad speed range, and large platform make it suitable for many bacterial, yeast, and other microbial shake-flask culture applications when appropriately configured.

Does American Instrument Exchange test the VWR 5000 before shipment?

Yes. AIE operates the shaking mechanism for extended periods and checks applicable speed settings, controls, timer operation, and other mechanical and electrical functions before shipment.

Does this VWR 5000 Standard include a warranty?

Yes. This used and refurbished VWR 5000 Standard Orbital Shaker includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Equipment

Ensure Accuracy, Safety, and Dependable Performance Across Applications

At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished laboratory equipment undergoes a rigorous, multi-point testing protocol to ensure optimal performance, operational safety, and long-term reliability. Whether the equipment is destined for research, diagnostics, quality control, or production environments, our thorough inspection and testing process is designed to meet the highest standards of laboratory excellence.

Why Testing Used Lab Equipment Is Essential

Before any refurbished laboratory equipment is returned to service, it must be carefully tested to verify:

• Functional integrity and operational performance
• Setpoint accuracy and repeatability (where applicable)
• User interface responsiveness and control features

Proper testing reduces the risk of equipment failure, measurement inaccuracies, or user hazards—helping to ensure consistent results in clinical, academic, biotech, and industrial labs.

Our standardized lab equipment testing procedures are tailored to each equipment type, ensuring every unit meets manufacturer specifications and industry benchmarks.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Equipment

1. Initial Visual Inspection

• Examine equipment housing for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check ports, power cords, and exterior components for tampering or deterioration
• Verify that internal and external parts (racks, shelves, connectors, accessories) are present and undamaged

2. Functional Startup and Operational Testing

• Power on the equipment and verify startup diagnostics
• Confirm functionality of displays, buttons, switches, and control panels
• Run basic functions to confirm proper response and behavior under standard operating conditions

3. Testing and Performance Verification

• Test internal sensors or control systems using industry-standard tools
• Perform operational tests to validate accuracy and consistency
• Verify key performance specifications such as temperature control, timing, speed, or measurement outputs, depending on equipment type

4. Mechanical and Electrical System Testing

• Evaluate motors, pumps, fans, or other moving parts for smooth operation
• Inspect and test wiring, relays, fuses, and circuit boards for safety and reliability
• Test power delivery and grounding compliance

5. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Ensure equipment is grounded and insulated to meet laboratory safety standards
• Test alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, or safety shutdown systems if applicable

6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Perform extended runtime testing
• Document operational logs, testing results, and any repairs or adjustments made
• Complete a final inspection, thorough cleaning, and packaging for delivery

Trusted Quality from American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in laboratory equipment refurbishment, American Instrument Exchange is committed to delivering certified, lab-ready instruments backed by expert testing. Our testing protocols ensure that each piece of equipment—regardless of type—is safe, accurate, and dependable from day one.

Whether you're equipping a startup lab or expanding a high-throughput facility, you can count on our refurbished laboratory equipment to perform with precision and reliability.

Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Equipment from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every piece of used laboratory equipment we offer undergoes a multi-step refurbishment process. Whether it's an analytical balance, centrifuge, freezer, oven, or any other essential lab instrument, our goal is to restore each unit to peak performance—ensuring accuracy, safety, and long-term reliability in scientific, clinical, industrial, and academic environments.

Why Choose Refurbished Lab Equipment from American Instrument Exchange?

• Thoroughly tested for performance, precision, and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by expert technicians with decades of laboratory equipment experience

Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol

Every instrument and system refurbished at American Instrument Exchange follows a detailed, industry-aligned process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection

• Complete visual and structural inspection for cosmetic damage, wear, or corrosion
• Mechanical assessment of hinges, seals, fasteners, motors, and moving parts
• Missing components and damaged items are documented for repair or replacement

2. Cleaning and Decontamination

• Full internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive, lab-safe solutions
• Removal of biological, chemical, or particulate contamination
• Disassembly and cleaning of removable parts such as trays, shelves, and filters

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair

• Replacement or repair of worn or broken mechanical parts
• Evaluation and servicing of control panels, sensors, switches, and displays
• Testing and repair of electrical wiring, fuses, circuit boards, and power supplies

4. Functional System Testing

• Assessment of all major functions specific to the equipment type (e.g., speed, temperature, force, weight, timing)
• Operation of control interfaces, programming menus, and digital displays
• Verification of stabilization time, responsiveness, and user input reliability

5. Testing and Performance Verification

• Testing of internal sensors, controllers, and measurement systems using certified tools
• Multi-point testing to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and performance consistency
• Confirmation of user-defined setpoints, timing sequences, or programmable cycles

6. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Testing of safety interlocks, alarms, and over-limit protection systems (as applicable)
• Electrical safety inspections, including grounding and insulation verification

7. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Full operational testing under simulated lab conditions
• Completion of performance benchmarks, testing results, and repair logs
• Final cleaning and visual inspection

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in the laboratory equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted leader in high-quality refurbished lab instruments. Our refurbishment protocols ensure that every piece of equipment we sell is lab-ready—offering the precision, performance, and durability your team can count on.

Whether you’re outfitting a new lab or expanding an existing operation, choose American Instrument Exchange for tested, warrantied, and cost-effective laboratory equipment.

Warranty Information

All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,

Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”

Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.

Return & Cancellation Policy

American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.

Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.

Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.

Ongoing and Extended Support Options

American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.

For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.

For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

How do you test and recondition the equipment?

Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality.
We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.

How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?

We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.

Return and order cancellation policy

American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.

Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?

Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.

How does your price matching policy work?

We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.

Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?

Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.

1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.

Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?

Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.