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Effective work in a chemical, biological or physical laboratory is impossible without appropriate equipment. Laboratory utensils made of glass play a key role in conducting research and experiments. In this article, we will introduce the basic types of laboratory glassware, their names and applications, which will make it easier to choose the right tools for the job.
Types of laboratory glassware and their characteristics
Laboratory glass is a wide range of products that differ in shape, size and purpose. The choice of laboratory glass should depend on the specifics of the tests performed and the chemicals used. It is important that these vessels are characterized by high resistance to temperature changes and the effects of aggressive reagents.
High-quality laboratory glass is resistant to sudden changes in temperature and the effects of chemicals. This ensures safety and precision when conducting experiments. Measuring glass, such as measuring cylinders or measuring flasks, allows for precise measurement of liquid volume, which is crucial in many laboratory processes.
Test Tubes – Basic Laboratory Vessels
Test tubes are some of the most recognizable pieces of equipment in every laboratory. They are slender, cylindrical vessels made of glass, usually with a rounded bottom. Glass test tubes are used to store small amounts of substances, conduct chemical reactions and biological analyses.
In a chemical laboratory, test tubes are essential for carrying out small-scale reactions. In biology, they are used for culturing microorganisms or isolating DNA. Glass laboratory vessels of this type are resistant to high temperatures, which allows them to be sterilized and their contents heated.
Beakers – Universal tools in the laboratory
Beakers are another basic laboratory glassware that is used in many fields of science. They have a cylindrical shape, a flat bottom, and a wide opening, which makes it easy to mix substances. They often have a spout that allows for precise pouring of liquids.
In laboratories, beakers are used for mixing, heating and storing chemicals. Their versatility makes them an essential part of any laboratory equipment. They are available in various capacities – from a few dozen milliliters to several liters – which allows them to be adapted to specific needs.
Measuring Cylinders – Accuracy in Measuring Liquids
Measuring cylinders, also known as measuring cups, are tall, cylindrical vessels equipped with a scale. They are used to precisely measure the volume of liquids with an accuracy of up to 0,1 ml. Made of chemical-resistant glass, they are essential in laboratories where high measurement accuracy is required.
Thanks to their narrow shape and clear graduation, measuring cylinders allow for precise reading of the volume of liquid. They are irreplaceable in preparing solutions of a specific concentration and in chemical and biological analyses, where precision is key.
Flasks – A Variety of Shapes and Applications
Kolby are laboratory vessels of various shapes and applications. We distinguish several basic types of flasks:
- Conical flask (Erlenmeyer) – has a wide base and narrow neck, which allows for easy mixing of substances without the risk of splashing.
- Spherical flask – is characterized by a spherical shape and is mainly used in distillation and heating processes.
- Measuring flask – narrow and tall, with precise graduation, used to precisely measure the volume of liquid.
Erlenmeyer flasks are often used in titrations and in reactions requiring intensive mixing. Spherical flasks They are used in distillation, where their shape favors even heating. Volumetric flasks are irreplaceable wherever it is necessary to prepare solutions with a precisely defined concentration.
Pipettes – Precise transfer of small volumes
Pipettes are tools used to accurately measure and transfer small amounts of liquid. Depending on the needs, different types of pipettes are used in the laboratory:
- Single-volume pipettes – are used to transport one specific volume.
- Graduated pipettes – they have a graduation, which allows you to measure different volumes.
- Automatic pipettes – advanced tools enabling precise and repeatable liquid dosing.
In research requiring high precision, such as DNA analysis or pharmaceutical research, automatic pipettes are irreplaceable. They allow for minimizing errors and increasing the repeatability of results.
Crystallizers – Crystallization and evaporation processes

Crystallizers are flat, low vessels with a large diameter, made of thick glass resistant to high temperatures. They are used to evaporate liquids and crystallize substances from solutions. Their shape provides a large evaporation surface, which speeds up the evaporation process.
In chemistry, crystallizers are used to isolate pure substances in the form of crystals. This process is crucial in the purification of chemical compounds and in the study of the crystal structure of substances.
Glass Funnels – Pouring and Filtering Liquids
Glass funnels are simple tools that facilitate the pouring of liquids between vessels and their filtering. In chemical laboratories, they are often used together with filter papers to separate solids from liquids.
There are different types of funnels available:
- Regular funnels – for pouring liquids.
- Buchner funnels – used in vacuum filtration.
- Separating funnels (separators) – enable the separation of two immiscible liquids, e.g. water and oil.
Separating funnels They are particularly useful in extraction, where it is important to separate substances dissolved in different solvents.
Glass bottles – Storage and transportation of substances
Glass bottles are essential for storing and transporting chemical reagents, solutions or biological samples. Made of chemical-resistant glass, they ensure safe storage of substances.
In laboratories, bottles are often used with:
- Glass stopper – ensures tight closure.
- With a dropper – enables precise dosing of liquids.
- Atomizer – for spraying liquids in the form of mist.
It is important that bottles are properly labeled to prevent mistakes and increase work safety in the laboratory.
Burettes – Precise dosing in titration
Burettes are long glass vessels equipped with a precise scale and a stopcock. They are used to precisely dose liquids in the titration process – one of the basic methods of quantitative analysis in chemistry.
Thanks to the burettes, it is possible to add a reagent to the analyzed sample in a controlled manner, which allows for the precise determination of the concentration of the substance in the solution. The precision of the burettes is crucial for the reliability of the analysis results.
See also our offer on laboratory plastics and laboratory centrifuges.
Microscope and watch glasses – Preparation of slides
Microscope slides are flat glass plates used to hold preparations for microscopic observation. Watch glasses are small, convex vessels resembling the face of a watch, used to evaporate small amounts of liquid or as a cover.
In biology and medicine, microscope slides are essential for the analysis of cells, tissues and microorganisms. Watch glasses They are used in analytical chemistry and in weighing small amounts of substances.
Desiccators – Dry storage
Desiccators are sealed vessels equipped with a desiccant, used to store substances in a dry environment. Made of thick glass, resistant to chemical and mechanical factors.
In laboratories, desiccators are used to dry and store samples that are hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air. Maintaining dry conditions is crucial to preserving the properties of these substances.
Crystallizers – Crystallization and evaporation processes
Crystallizers are flat, low vessels with a large diameter, made of thick glass resistant to high temperatures. They are used to evaporate liquids and crystallize substances from solutions. Their shape provides a large evaporation surface, which speeds up the evaporation process.
In chemistry, crystallizers are used to isolate pure substances in the form of crystals. This process is crucial in the purification of chemical compounds and in the study of the crystal structure of substances.
Evaporators – Evaporation of liquids
Steamers are wide-mouthed, flat-bottomed vessels used to evaporate liquids from solutions. Made of high-temperature-resistant glass, they are used in the processes of concentrating solutions and isolating solids.
Thanks to their large evaporation surface, evaporators accelerate the evaporation process. They are irreplaceable in chemical analysis and when preparing samples for further research.
Coolers – Condensation of vapors in distillation processes
Coolers are devices used to condense vapors in distillation processes. They consist of a glass tube surrounded by a water jacket through which cold water flows. As a result, the vapor passing through the tube condenses.
In chemical laboratories, condensers are essential in simple and fractional distillation processes, where the components of mixtures are separated based on their boiling points. Coolers ensure effective cooling and condensation of vapors, which allows them to be collected as a liquid.
Desiccators – Dry storage
Desiccators are sealed vessels equipped with a desiccant, used to store substances in a dry environment. Made of thick glass, resistant to chemical and mechanical factors.
In laboratories, desiccators are used to dry and store samples that are hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air. Maintaining dry conditions is crucial to preserving the properties of these substances.
Baguettes and Spatulas – Mixing and Transferring Substances
Glass rods are long, thin rods used to stir substances in laboratory vessels. Spatulas, on the other hand, are used to transfer small amounts of solids.
In a chemistry laboratory, rods are essential for dissolving and mixing reagents. Spatulas They enable precise dosing of powders or granulates, which is important for the accuracy of conducted experiments.
Pycnometers – Measuring the density of liquids
Pycnometers are special vessels used to accurately measure the density of liquids. Made of high-precision glass, they allow the volumetric mass of a substance to be determined with great accuracy.
Density measurement is important in many fields of science and industry, including quality control of chemical, pharmaceutical and food products. Pycnometers enable these measurements to be carried out accurately and repeatably.
Caps and Connectors - Connecting Laboratory Equipment
Glass caps and connectors are used to connect individual elements of laboratory equipment. Made with precision, they ensure tightness and safety of systems.
In processes such as distillation or extraction, it is necessary to combine flasks, condensers and other elements into one system. Cut is a special glass surface finish that enables a tight connection without the use of additional seals.
Summation
Choosing the right laboratory glassware is crucial for the safety and efficiency of work in the laboratory. High-quality laboratory glassware is resistant to chemicals, high temperatures and sudden changes in temperature. Knowing the names and applications of individual vessels allows for a better understanding of laboratory processes and their proper conduct.
Remember that laboratory equipment requires proper care and maintenance. Regularly checking the condition of the vessels and their proper cleaning prolongs their life and ensures safety during experiments. It is worth investing in high class laboratory glassware that will meet the expectations of even the most demanding users.
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