Laboratory equipment

Laboratory equipment: how to buy an instrument with calibration

Updated 20 October 2026

Start with what your lab actually does

Lab equipment is chosen for a method, not “just to have it”. A school lab can manage with a simple microscope or pH meter. A food lab needs accurate balances and a drying oven. A clinical lab needs a centrifuge and an autoclave with proven parameters. Your field also decides which documents you will need to keep.

Describe what you need in a request and lab-instrument sellers will suggest options themselves. On BlaBlaPrice you don't have to hunt for suppliers on websites and ask each one for a quotation.

What to put in your request

• type of instrument — microscope, centrifuge, analytical balance, autoclave, pH meter;
• specifications — range, accuracy, capacity, speed; for a balance, say 220 g with 0.1 mg readability;
• model — if you have already chosen one, for example Ohaus Pioneer;
• field of use — clinical, food, chemical, school or research lab;
• condition — new or used, year of manufacture;
• calibration — whether you need a calibration certificate;
• quantity of units;
• delivery city and budget.

Example: “I need 2 analytical balances for a food lab, up to 220 g, 0.1 mg readability, preferably Ohaus Pioneer or similar. New, with initial calibration. Delivery to Johannesburg, budget up to R 24,000.”

Calibration and documents

For measuring instruments, calibration often matters more than the brand. If the results go into test reports or audits, the instrument must be calibrated and come with a certificate. Ask whether calibration is included in the price, who does it and how long the certificate is valid. For used equipment, calibration often has to be redone.

Ask for the manual, the user guide and a list of what is in the box. Some sellers offer only the basic unit, and stands, attachments or objectives have to be bought separately.

New or used

A used microscope or centrifuge can be a good choice for teaching, but for analytical work the condition of the optics, motor and electronics matters. Ask for photos, a video of it running and its age. A new instrument comes with a warranty and service, which counts for complex equipment.

How to compare replies

Sellers reply in the chat with the model, price, what is included, timing and delivery. BlaBlaPrice compares the offers and shows the best one for you first, with seller reviews alongside. Sellers can see where they stand among the others and may improve their terms, for example by adding calibration.

Compare the same accuracy class and the same set of accessories, or the “cheaper” one will turn out to be a different instrument. A common mistake is buying by name without checking the accuracy you need and whether consumables and service are easy to get.

For related needs, see medical equipment or industrial equipment.