What is the main difference between a shaking incubator and a standard incubator?

The primary distinction between a shaking incubator and a standard incubator lies in the ability of the shaking incubator to control the rotational speed of its shaking mechanism. This feature allows for the gentle mixing of cultures or solutions, which is particularly advantageous for biological applications where aeration and consistency in mixing are crucial. The shaking motion promotes better gas exchange and nutrient distribution within the samples.

In contrast, a standard incubator typically maintains a controlled temperature environment but does not provide any shaking or mixing capabilities, which may limit its use in certain microbiological or cell culture applications where agitation is necessary. By integrating both temperature control and the ability to mix, a shaking incubator extends the versatility and efficacy of experimental setups in bioscience research.