Glass Beakers for Laboratory Use

Borosilicate glass (Boro 3.3) has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, so it handles rapid temperature changes without cracking. It resists acids, bases, and most organic solvents, making it the standard material for any glass beaker used in heating, chemical work, or long-term laboratory use.

The 250 ml and 500 ml low form beakers suit most school chemistry practicals. Use smaller sizes (25 ml to 100 ml) for micro-scale work, and larger sizes (1000 ml to 5000 ml) for bulk solution preparation or industrial use.

Low form (Griffin) beakers have a wider base and are the standard choice for general mixing and heating. Tall form (Berzelius) beakers are narrower and better suited to sedimentation studies and titration setups where a longer liquid column is needed.

Branded low form beakers carry consistent volume markings and tighter tolerances for classroom demonstrations. Non-branded Boro 3.3 beakers offer the same borosilicate glass quality at a lower price, ideal for equipping large class sets on a budget.

Mixing, heating, holding and transferring liquids. A beaker is the general purpose vessel on the bench rather than a measuring instrument. The graduations are approximate, so anything needing real accuracy goes in a measuring cylinder or a volumetric flask.

Glass beakers have graduation marks that give approximate volume readings, not precise measurements. For accurate volumetric work, use a graduated cylinder, volumetric flask, or pipette. A beaker's graduations are useful for quick estimates and for tracking rough volumes during mixing and heating steps.

Yes, provided the beaker is made from borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass handles direct flame from a Bunsen burner and heating on a hot plate without cracking. Do not apply direct heat to soda-lime glass or plastic beakers, as they can crack from thermal shock or release harmful fumes.

Beakers have straight sides and a wide opening, making them ideal for mixing, heating, and pouring. Flasks have narrower necks and a wider base, which reduce evaporation and make them better for volumetric work, distillation, and long-term storage. For general bench work, a beaker is more versatile; for precision volume work, a volumetric flask is the right tool.

Rinse the beaker with water immediately after use to prevent reagents from drying on the glass. Wash with a mild laboratory detergent and a soft bottle brush, then rinse thoroughly with distilled water. For stubborn residues, soak in a lab-grade cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the glass and damage graduation marks.