Compact benchtop centrifuge for quick spins of microtubes and PCR strips
Eppendorf MiniSpin Centrifuge
Seller Refurbished · labrepairguy 100% · Free shipping
“Eppendorf MiniSpin in seller-refurbished condition with free shipping and a perfect seller rating offers a trusted, high-performance mini centrifuge at a below-range price.”
Eppendorf Minispin Plus Microcentrifuge Model 5453 Made In Germany
Used · amy_blackkittylover 100%
“Eppendorf MiniSpin Plus (Model 5453) is the premium variant with higher RPM capability and a perfect seller rating, offered well below the typical used price range.”
Eppendorf Mini Spin Centrifuge Plus
Used · peaktech_uk 100%
“Eppendorf MiniSpin Plus at the low end of the typical price range from a perfect-rated seller provides a reliable, well-regarded mini centrifuge with strong brand pedigree.”
Browse all listings
Not ready to buy yet?
Set a target price — we'll email when a match appears on eBay.
Before you buy — what to inspect
Buy with absolute confidence. These units routinely run 15-20 years. The brushless motor and simple mechanical design mean there's almost nothing to break. Used units from the 1990s still work perfectly. The Plus model adds variable speed which is nice but not essential for most uses. The F45-12-11 rotor (12-place, fixed angle) is standard and rotors are still manufactured and available for $120-180. Units from university labs often have light use; clinical labs have heavier use but still reliable.
Checklist: Spin with water-filled tubes to check for vibration. Press lid mechanism should click firmly and release easily. Listen for motor noise—should be nearly silent. Check rotor for cracks or corrosion. Verify power cord is intact. Units from 2005+ are essentially identical to current production models.
Excellent alternative to Eppendorf, especially the Pico 17 (6,000 RPM) and Pico 21 (13,000 RPM). Brushless motors, very durable construction. The Pico 21 matches Eppendorf's speed at lower used prices because they're less common. Thermo still supports these with replacement rotors. Clinical labs often surplus these in good condition when upgrading to newer models for compliance reasons, not performance.
Checklist: Test spin for vibration and noise. Check lid latch mechanism—plastic latches can crack with age. Verify rotor seats properly and spins smoothly. Look for corrosion in rotor well from spills. Pico 21 is significantly better value than Pico 17 if available at similar price.
Solid US-made units, very common in academic and clinical labs. The 6000 model spins faster (6,000 RPM) and has variable speed. Not as bombproof as Eppendorf but reliable for 5-10 years. Good availability of used units from hospital labs. Replacement parts still available from Labnet. The compact design makes them popular in crowded benches.
Checklist: Test motor for noise—brushed motors on older units may be worn. Check rotor for cracks. Verify speed control works across full range on variable-speed models. Examine housing for cracks from drops. These are lighter weight than Eppendorf so check rubber feet for wear that causes vibration.
Newer brand (established 2000s) but excellent build quality and US support. The MyFuge 12 is a 12-place model that competes directly with Eppendorf. Used units are less common because they're newer, but when available they're excellent value. Brushless motors, quiet operation, and good parts availability. The MyFuge Mini is the 6-place compact version, very portable.
Checklist: Straightforward to evaluate—spin test for noise and vibration. Check rotor condition. Verify power supply works (some models have external power bricks that can fail). Look for warranty information—Benchmark has good support even for used units if you can provide purchase proof from original buyer.
VWR-branded units (often manufactured by partners in China/Taiwan) are common in academic labs. Variable quality depending on manufacturing year. Post-2015 units are generally reliable with brushless motors. Pre-2010 units often have brushed motors that wear out. Good value if priced at $100-200. Parts availability can be limited for older models. The C1400 (higher RPM) is worth seeking out.
Checklist: Critical to verify motor type—brushless strongly preferred. Test at full speed for 30+ seconds to check for overheating or noise. Check that rotor is original VWR part, not third-party replacement. Verify lid mechanism works smoothly. Good budget option if motor runs quietly and unit is priced under $150.
Budget new alternatives
Academic labs with moderate throughput, PCR-focused workflows, labs prioritizing quiet operation
Field research, portable labs, low-throughput workflows prioritizing reliability over capacity
Clinical point-of-care, veterinary clinics, portable diagnostics, labs with extreme space constraints
A mini centrifuge performs quick, low-speed centrifugation to collect liquid samples, remove bubbles, or pellet small amounts of material at the bottom of microtubes. Unlike full-size centrifuges that require lid closure and run for minutes, mini centrifuges operate with a simple press-down lid and complete spins in seconds. They're workhorses in molecular biology labs for PCR preparation, quick RNA/DNA spins, cell culture sampling, and clinical sample processing. The compact footprint (typically 6-8 inches wide) means they sit directly on the bench near your work area. Most modern units can accommodate 0.2 mL PCR tubes, 0.5 mL tubes, 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes, and 2.0 mL tubes with interchangeable rotors. The key advantage is speed of workflow—you can spin samples in 5-10 seconds versus the 1-2 minutes required to load, close, program, and run a standard microcentrifuge. They're particularly valuable when running many PCR reactions, doing quick cell pelleting, or processing clinical specimens where you're constantly spinning tubes throughout the day. Power consumption is minimal (typically 20-50W), and they require no special installation. The main limitation is that they can't generate the high g-forces needed for protein precipitation or dense cell pellets—they're designed for convenience, not power.
The Eppendorf MiniSpin and MiniSpin Plus are the gold standard in mini centrifuges, found in virtually every molecular biology lab worldwide. The brushless motor lasts 15+ years of daily use, the metal rotor is indestructible, and the simple press-down lid mechanism is foolproof. It spins 12x 1.5/2.0mL tubes at 13,400 RPM (12,100 x g), handles PCR tubes with adapters, and operates at 45 dB (quieter than conversation). The Plus model adds speed control in 1,000 RPM increments, which is useful for gentler pelleting of fragile cells. Used units from 2010-2015 are plentiful and reliable because labs upgrade for aesthetics, not because they fail. Eppendorf still sells rotors and parts, making long-term support excellent.
What you lose: Going from a used Eppendorf ($300) to a budget new Chinese unit ($89) loses you: brushless motor longevity (15 years vs 2 years), higher max speed (13,400 RPM vs 6,000 RPM), metal rotor durability, quiet operation (45 dB vs 60+ dB), manufacturer support and replacement parts, and confidence that the unit won't fail during a time-sensitive experiment. The Eppendorf also has better imbalance tolerance and smoother acceleration/deceleration.
What you keep: Budget units still perform the core function—quick spins of microtubes to collect liquid at the bottom. They handle standard 1.5mL and 2.0mL tubes, complete spins in 10-15 seconds, and occupy minimal bench space. For PCR setup and basic quick spins in low-throughput labs, a $89-245 unit does the job adequately. You get 80% of the functionality at 10-30% of the price of new premium units.
Also search these sources
Related equipment