10 Best Magnetic Stir Plates (November 2026)

Buying the wrong type of stir plate wastes bench time fast. A plate with no heater cannot warm a buffer, a hot plate with a knob that only sets heater power cannot hold a liquid at a target temperature, and a unit rated for 1000 ml will let the stir bar decouple the first time you load a 2 L flask. The Best Magnetic Stir Plates depend on three things: whether you need heat, how much liquid you stir, and how precisely you need to control temperature and speed.

The short answer: the LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer suits mixed lab work that needs 300°C of plate heat and a full accessory kit, the INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer suits anyone who only needs strong, unheated mixing up to 3000 ml, and the LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer suits labs that want programmable, repeatable runs with a temperature probe. The rest of the list covers cheaper heated plates, compact unheated mixers and low-temperature digital units.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer, a 300°C aluminum plate with 100-2000 RPM speed control, a support stand and a stir bar recycler.
• Best for unheated mixing: INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer, a 316 stainless steel top plate with stepless speed up to 3000 rpm.
• Best for programmable runs: LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer, which stores 6 programs and ships with a PT1000 temperature sensor.
• Best for low-temperature digital control: VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer, a 250W stainless steel plate with a digital temperature display and 4 stir bars.

Best Magnetic Stir Plate Comparison (November 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Max plate temp	Max speed	Capacity
1	LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer	General heated lab work	300°C	2000 RPM	2 L
2	INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer	Large unheated batches	No heating	3000 rpm	3000 ml
3	LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer	Programmable heated runs	300℃	1600 RPM	5 L
4	Slendor 1000ml Hot Plate Stirrer	Compact heated mixing	520°F	2000 RPM	1000 ml
5	ANZESER 180W Hot Plate Stirrer	Basic heated stirring	520℉	2000 rpm	1000 mL
6	LACHOI 5L Ceramic-Plate Stirrer	Tight temperature accuracy	300°C	1600 RPM	5 L
7	ANZESER 3000RPM Stir Plate	Yeast starters	No heating	3000 rpm	3000 mL
8	WEST TUNE 3000rpm Mini Stirrer	Portable low-voltage mixing	No heating	3000 RPM	3000 mL
9	VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer	Gentle digital heating	100℃	2000 RPM	1000 ml
10	NORJIN 85-2 2600 RPM Hot Plate Stirrer	Precise low-heat stirring	100°C	2600 rpm	1000 ml

1. LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer: Best Analog 300°C Hot Plate Stirrer for All-Round Lab Work

• Max plate temperature: 300°C (572°F)
• Speed range: 100-2000 RPM
• Capacity: 2 L
• Controls: Independent analog knobs for speed and temperature
• Included: PTFE-coated stir bars, bar recycler, support stand

Pros:

• The aluminum plate reaches 300°C, which covers most solvent heating and dissolution work.
• Separate knobs for speed and temperature make adjustments quick and intuitive.
• A box of PTFE-coated stir bars and a recycler are included, so replacements and retrieval are covered.
• A stand holds a pH meter or thermometer, and an independent circuit adds over-temperature protection.

Cons:

• The 300°C figure is the plate maximum, not the temperature of the solution.
• Analog knobs have no numeric readout, so repeatability depends on marking your settings.
• It needs flat-bottomed glassware for reliable magnetic coupling, and dry heating shortens its life.

Best for: A teaching lab or small research bench that needs one dependable plate for heating and mixing up to about 2 L.

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The LHS-2 earns the top spot because it is the most complete kit for the broadest range of jobs. It pairs the highest heating ceiling in the list (300°C, shared only by the two LACHOI units) with the 2000 RPM speed range that the Slendor and ANZESER hot plates offer, then adds a stir bar recycler that none of them include. For a lab that loses bars regularly, that small accessory matters more than it sounds.

The trade-off is control style. The LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer gives you a digital display, a timer and stored programs, while the LHS-2 relies on two analog knobs. If you run the same protocol daily and need a log of settings, the LACHOI is the better fit. If you mostly make quick adjustments by eye, the knobs are faster.

It is also the wrong choice if you only mix cold liquids in large volumes. The INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer handles 3000 ml without a heater to maintain, and its top speed is 3000 rpm against the LHS-2's 2000 RPM.

2. INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer: Best 316 Stainless Unheated Stir Plate for Large Batches

• Heating: None
• Speed range: Stepless, up to 3000 rpm
• Capacity: 3000 ml
• Top plate: 316 stainless steel
• Dimensions: 7.09 x 5.12 x 1.77 inches

Pros:

• The 316 stainless steel top plate resists corrosion and wipes clean after spills.
• Stepless speed control goes up to 3000 rpm, enough to form a vortex in a large flask.
• A 3000 ml capacity suits home brew yeast starters and big buffer batches.
• The 7.09 x 5.12 x 1.77 inch body is slim enough to store in a drawer or carry between benches.

Cons:

• There is no heater, so any warming needs a separate hot plate or water bath.
• It is not specified as suitable for high viscosity mixtures, so thick fluids may decouple the bar.
• The 1-year warranty is shorter than the lifetime coverage on the ANZESER 3000RPM Stir Plate.

Best for: A brewer or lab technician who stirs 1 to 3 L of thin liquid at room temperature and wants a corrosion-resistant top.

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The INTLLAB stands out for its materials. Most unheated plates in this list use a coated or frosted top, while this one uses 316 stainless steel, the grade chosen for resistance to chlorides and many reagents. That makes it the more sensible choice than the WEST TUNE 3000rpm Mini Stirrer when the plate will see regular spills.

Its speed and capacity match the ANZESER and WEST TUNE unheated models on paper, so the decision comes down to build and support. The INTLLAB offers a 1-year warranty and a heavier metal top, which is why it ranks above those two.

Skip it if your work requires heat. The LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer adds a 300°C plate and a stand for one unit, at the cost of a lower 2000 RPM ceiling and a 2 L capacity.

3. LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer: Best Programmable 5L Hot Plate Stirrer with PT1000 Probe

• Max plate temperature: 300℃ on a 5.9 x 5.9 inch plate
• Speed range: 100-1600 RPM
• Capacity: 5 L for low viscosity liquids and solid-liquid mixtures
• Timer: 1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes
• Weight: 5.6 pounds

Pros:

• Six storable programs hold custom speed, time and temperature for repeat protocols.
• A PT1000 external sensor lets the plate regulate to the liquid rather than just the surface.
• Forward and reverse rotation from a brushless motor helps even out temperature in the vessel.
• The 5.9 inch plate accommodates larger beakers than the 5 x 5 inch Slendor.

Cons:

• Parameters cannot be changed while the unit is running, which slows mid-run adjustments.
• Top speed is 1600 RPM, below the 2000 RPM of the LABHOUSE and Slendor plates.
• It is restricted to low viscosity liquids and solid-liquid mixtures, despite the 5 L rating.

Best for: A university teaching lab or QC bench that repeats the same heating and stirring routine and wants it stored on the device.

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This is the most control-oriented unit in the list. The LCD shows speed, time and temperature together, and the 6-program memory removes the need to re-enter parameters for daily tasks such as dissolving a solid or warming an emulsion. Compared with the analog LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer, it trades a little top speed for far better repeatability.

The probe is the key differentiator. Where the ANZESER 180W Hot Plate Stirrer warns that its heat knob sets power only and cannot hold a liquid temperature, the PT1000 sensor here closes the loop on the liquid itself.

It is overkill for simple mixing, and the 1600 RPM ceiling will limit very vigorous stirring. If you want the same platform with a ceramic-coated plate and published accuracy figures, the LACHOI 5L Ceramic-Plate Stirrer is the closer sibling.

4. Slendor 1000ml Hot Plate Stirrer: Best Compact 5 x 5 Inch Hot Plate Stirrer for Small Beakers

• Max temperature: 520°F
• Speed range: 100-2000 RPM
• Capacity: 1000 ml
• Plate size: 5 x 5 inches
• Included: Teflon-coated stir bar, support stand with adjustable thermometer holder

Pros:

• Heating and stirring run at the same time on a plate that reaches 520°F.
• The 100-2000 RPM range matches far larger hot plates in this list.
• The support stand has an adjustable thermometer holder for monitoring the liquid.
• The compact 5 x 5 inch plate is a good fit for 250 to 1000 ml beakers.

Cons:

• The speed knob sits at the bottom of the unit, which is awkward to reach during a run.
• The 1000 ml capacity is well below the 2 L of the LABHOUSE and the 5 L of the LACHOI units.
• It has no digital readout, so temperature must be checked with a separate thermometer.

Best for: A student or small workshop that needs basic heated stirring for beakers up to 1000 ml.

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The Slendor is a straightforward heated plate that covers the essentials: a Teflon-coated bar, a stand and a 520°F ceiling. Against the ANZESER 180W Hot Plate Stirrer, which has the same 520°F and 100-2000 RPM figures, the Slendor adds a thermometer holder on the stand and states a 5 x 5 inch plate.

Choose a different model if you need a higher heat ceiling or larger vessels. The LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer reaches 300°C and adds a bar recycler, and the LACHOI 5L models handle much bigger volumes.

5. ANZESER 180W Hot Plate Stirrer: Best 180W Dual-Knob Hot Plate Stirrer for Entry-Level Heating

• Max temperature: 520℉
• Heating power: Up to 180W
• Speed range: 100-2000 rpm
• Capacity: Up to 1000 mL
• Included: Stir bar, power cord, fuse, support stand

Pros:

• The aluminum plate conducts heat quickly and evenly.
• A high-temperature-resistant magnet keeps stirring power stable when the plate is hot.
• The package covers the essentials: unit, cord, stir bar, fuse and stand.
• Dual controls separate stirring and heating, which keeps operation simple.

Cons:

• The heat knob sets power only and cannot hold the liquid at a constant temperature.
• It has no digital display or probe, so temperature monitoring is entirely manual.
• The 1000 mL capacity limits it to small and medium vessels.

Best for: A hobbyist or school lab that needs warm-and-stir capability and will monitor temperature with a separate thermometer.

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The ANZESER hot plate is a no-frills option. Its 180W heater and 520℉ ceiling put it in the same class as the Slendor 1000ml Hot Plate Stirrer, and the practical difference is the high-temperature-resistant magnet and the included spare fuse.

It is the wrong choice for any process that needs a stable liquid temperature. The NORJIN 85-2 2600 RPM Hot Plate Stirrer and VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer both show temperature digitally and raise an alarm above the setpoint, though at a much lower 100°C ceiling.

6. LACHOI 5L Ceramic-Plate Stirrer: Best Ceramic-Coated 550W Hot Plate Stirrer for Accurate Temperature

• Max plate temperature: 300°C with 550W heating power
• Speed range: 100-1600 RPM (±10 RPM accuracy)
• Capacity: Up to 5 L
• Plate: 5.9 x 5.9 inch die-cast aluminum with ceramic coating
• Weight: 6 pounds

Pros:

• Published temperature accuracy is within ±3°C for the plate and ±0.5°C for the solution.
• The ceramic-coated die-cast aluminum plate resists corrosion, scratches and high-temperature wear.
• Six programs, forward and reverse rotation with a pause, and a slow-start function suit multi-step procedures.
• The unit remembers its last-used parameters outside program mode.

Cons:

• The 1600 RPM ceiling is lower than the 2000 RPM of several cheaper plates.
• At 6 pounds and 7.1 x 10.6 x 3.3 inches, it takes more bench space than compact units.
• It is aimed at low viscosity samples and solid-liquid mixtures.

Best for: A QC or sample-preparation lab that needs documented temperature accuracy and a corrosion-resistant plate.

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This model shares its footprint, 300°C limit and 5 L rating with the LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer, so the choice between them comes down to the plate and the control claims. This one adds a ceramic coating, 550W of power and specific accuracy figures, while the other emphasizes its PT1000 probe and large display.

It ranks lower because the extra detail does not change the core limits: the same 1600 RPM top speed and the same 5L low-viscosity restriction. If your work does not need 300°C, the VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer is a much simpler digital option.

7. ANZESER 3000RPM Stir Plate: Best Single-Knob Round Stir Plate for Home Brew Yeast Starters

• Heating: None
• Speed range: Stepless, up to 3000 rpm
• Capacity: 3000 mL
• Controls: One knob, off at the left end
• Dimensions: 7.16 x 5.19 x 1.37 inches

Pros:

• A single stepless knob handles both power and speed, so there is almost nothing to learn.
• The 3000 mL capacity matches the INTLLAB and WEST TUNE models.
• The slim 1.37 inch height is the lowest in the list.
• A lifetime warranty is offered, longer than the INTLLAB's 1 year.

Cons:

• It is explicitly unsuitable for high viscosity liquids such as epoxy resin.
• There is no heater, display or timer.
• The black corrosion-resistant top is not specified as stainless steel like the INTLLAB's.

Best for: A home brewer who wants a simple, low-profile plate for yeast starters and thin liquids.

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The ANZESER plate is for people who want the minimum: one knob, one stir bar, one job. It matches the INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer on speed and capacity, and it is thinner, but it lacks the stainless steel top.

If you want a plate that runs from a low-voltage supply, the WEST TUNE 3000rpm Mini Stirrer is the better choice. For anything that needs warming, move up to the Slendor 1000ml Hot Plate Stirrer.

8. WEST TUNE 3000rpm Mini Stirrer: Best 12V Brushless Mini Stirrer for Portable Mixing

• Heating: None
• Speed range: Stepless, 350-3000 RPM
• Capacity: 3000 mL
• Power: 12V with a dedicated plug
• Dimensions: 6.14 x 5.75 x 1.77 inches

Pros:

• A maintenance-free brushless DC motor gives stable, steady rotation.
• The 12V design suits mobile use.
• The frosted top is wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
• The compact 6.14 x 5.75 inch footprint is the smallest in the list.

Cons:

• Only the dedicated power plug should be used, otherwise speed may be affected.
• No beaker is included, and a flat, thin-bottomed container is needed for good coupling.
• Its 350 RPM minimum is higher than the 100 RPM floor on the hot plates.

Best for: A user who needs a small, low-voltage mixer for wine making, juice mixing or light lab work.

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The WEST TUNE is the most portable stirrer here. Its brushless motor and 12V supply set it apart from the ANZESER 3000RPM Stir Plate, though the bundled power adapter must be used for proper speed.

The higher starting speed is the main limit. For slow, gentle stirring of delicate samples, a hot plate with a 100 RPM floor, such as the LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer, is the better fit.

9. VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer: Best 304 Stainless Digital Hot Plate Stirrer for Gentle Heating

• Max temperature: 212℉ / 100℃
• Heating power: 250W
• Speed range: Up to 2000 rpm
• Capacity: 1000 ml
• Included: 4 stir bars, support rod

Pros:

• The 304 stainless steel plate is durable and conducts heat well.
• A digital LED screen shows the temperature setting, and an alarm light signals when the set temperature is exceeded.
• Four stir bars cover the consumable side for a long time.
• Non-skid foot pads and a fuse add stability and electrical protection.

Cons:

• The 100℃ ceiling rules out high-temperature work.
• It is not suitable for high viscosity liquids.
• Capacity is limited to 1000 ml.

Best for: A cosmetics, education or agricultural lab that heats water-based solutions below boiling.

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The VOEDOR trades heat range for a digital readout and a sturdier plate. Its 250W heater is stronger than the NORJIN 85-2 2600 RPM Hot Plate Stirrer, which uses 200W, and it ships with four stir bars instead of one.

It is the wrong choice for solvent work above 100℃. The LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer is the option here when you need that headroom.

10. NORJIN 85-2 2600 RPM Hot Plate Stirrer: Best 200W Digital Hot Plate Stirrer for Precise Low-Heat Work

• Max temperature: 212°F / 100°C
• Heating power: 200W
• Speed range: Stepless, up to 2600 rpm
• Display: LED temperature readout, ±0.1°C accuracy
• Included: 1 stir bar, support rod

Pros:

• The 2600 rpm top speed is the highest among the heated plates in this list.
• The LED display shows real-time temperature with ±0.1°C stated accuracy.
• An alarm alerts you if the temperature exceeds the set value.
• Temperature and time can both be adjusted, and the cold-rolled shell is easy to clean.

Cons:

• The 100°C ceiling limits it to low-temperature heating.
• Only one stir bar is included, versus four with the VOEDOR.
• Capacity is not stated consistently, so confirm your vessel size before relying on the higher figure.

Best for: A lab that needs fast stirring with low-temperature heating and a digital temperature display.

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The NORJIN is the fastest heated plate in the list at 2600 rpm, ahead of the 2000 RPM ceiling on the VOEDOR, Slendor and LABHOUSE. It also claims the finest temperature display resolution here.

It ranks last because of the single stir bar and the capacity ambiguity. The VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer provides a stronger heater and more spares for a similar job.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Magnetic Stir Plate

The core trade-off is simplicity versus control. Unheated plates such as the INTLLAB and ANZESER 3000RPM are cheap to run and spin fast, while heated, programmable plates such as the LACHOI models add temperature management at the cost of bench space and complexity.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Heat requirement: Decide whether you need a heater at all, and if so, the temperature you must reach.
• Batch size: Match the plate's rated capacity to your largest vessel, not your typical one.
• Liquid viscosity: Thick fluids can decouple the stir bar from the magnet.
• Control precision: Choose digital displays and probes if you need repeatable results.
• Accessories: Check for included stir bars, stands and spare fuses.

Heated Versus Unheated Stir Plates

An unheated plate such as the INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer, ANZESER 3000RPM Stir Plate or WEST TUNE 3000rpm Mini Stirrer is the right answer for room-temperature mixing, yeast starters and beverage work. They are thinner, simpler and spin up to 3000 rpm.

Heated plates add a thermal element. The LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer and LACHOI units reach 300°C, while the VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer and NORJIN 85-2 2600 RPM Hot Plate Stirrer stop at 100°C. Keep glassware clean between runs, and if you also clean fittings or bars in bulk, an industrial ultrasonic cleaner pairs well with a heated bench.

Speed Range and Stir Bar Coupling

Maximum speed matters less than the low end and the stability of coupling. Plates that start at 100 RPM, such as the Slendor and LABHOUSE, can stir gently, while the WEST TUNE starts at 350 RPM.

Stir bars wear and chip over time, so inspect them regularly. A magnifying glass with light makes it easier to spot coating damage on small PTFE bars, and the LABHOUSE's recycler helps retrieve them.

Vessel Capacity and Viscosity Limits

Capacity ratings assume thin liquids. The INTLLAB, ANZESER and WEST TUNE plates quote 3000 ml, the LACHOI units 5 L, and the Slendor, ANZESER hot plate, VOEDOR and NORJIN 1000 ml. Thick mixtures such as epoxy resins are outside the intended use for several of these.

If you are dissolving solids, break them down first. Preparing a powder with an electric herb grinder is a practical way to speed up dissolution for botanical or kitchen-lab samples before stirring.

Temperature Control and Plate Materials

Control quality varies. The ANZESER 180W Hot Plate Stirrer sets heater power only, whereas the LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer uses a PT1000 probe, and the LACHOI 5L Ceramic-Plate Stirrer quotes ±0.5°C solution accuracy.

Plate material affects durability. Stainless steel on the INTLLAB and VOEDOR resists corrosion, ceramic-coated aluminum on the LACHOI 5L Ceramic-Plate Stirrer resists scratches, and bare aluminum heats quickly but needs more careful cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Stir Plates

What is the best magnetic stir plate for a school or teaching lab?

The LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer is a strong fit because it combines a 300°C plate, 100-2000 RPM speed control and a support stand with over-temperature protection. Its analog knobs are easy to teach. For labs that want stored programs, the LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer is the step up.

Do I need a stir plate with heating?

Only if your process requires warming the liquid. For yeast starters and room-temperature mixing, the INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer or ANZESER 3000RPM Stir Plate is simpler. For anything that must be warmed, choose a hot plate such as the Slendor 1000ml Hot Plate Stirrer.

Why does my stir bar stop spinning or jump around?

This is usually decoupling, caused by too much speed, a thick liquid or a vessel with an uneven bottom. Start the knob low and increase slowly, as the WEST TUNE 3000rpm Mini Stirrer instructions recommend. Use flat-bottomed glassware, which the LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer also requires.

Can a hot plate stirrer hold an exact liquid temperature?

Only models with a temperature sensor can. The LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer includes a PT1000 probe, and the LACHOI 5L Ceramic-Plate Stirrer quotes ±0.5°C solution accuracy. The ANZESER 180W Hot Plate Stirrer explicitly cannot hold a constant liquid temperature.

How much liquid can a magnetic stir plate handle?

Ratings range from 1000 ml on the Slendor, VOEDOR and NORJIN to 3000 ml on the INTLLAB, ANZESER 3000RPM and WEST TUNE, and up to 5 L on the LACHOI hot plates. Treat the rating as a ceiling for thin liquids. Thick mixtures need a lower volume or a different mixer.

Are the included stir bars enough?

Stir bars are consumables, so spares help. The VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer ships with four, and the LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer includes a box plus a recycler. The NORJIN 85-2 2600 RPM Hot Plate Stirrer includes one, so plan to buy more.

Final Verdict: Which Magnetic Stir Plate Should You Buy?

Best Magnetic Stir Plates for most buyers start with LABHOUSE LHS-2 Hot Plate Stirrer: a 300°C aluminum plate, 100-2000 RPM speed range, 2 L capacity, a support stand and a bar recycler in one unit. Its main weakness is that the controls are analog, so there is no readout to log or repeat settings precisely.

For alternatives by use case, the LACHOI 5L LCD Hot Plate Stirrer is the pick for programmable, probe-controlled runs with up to 5 L of liquid, and the LACHOI 5L Ceramic-Plate Stirrer adds ceramic coating and published accuracy. For compact heated stirring on a tighter budget, the Slendor 1000ml Hot Plate Stirrer and ANZESER 180W Hot Plate Stirrer deliver 520°F and 2000 RPM, with the caveat that the ANZESER cannot hold a liquid temperature.

The specialist picks cover the remaining needs. The INTLLAB 3000ml Stirrer, ANZESER 3000RPM Stir Plate and WEST TUNE 3000rpm Mini Stirrer handle large unheated batches, while the VOEDOR 85-2 100℃ Hot Plate Stirrer and NORJIN 85-2 2600 RPM Hot Plate Stirrer suit gentle digital heating below 100°C. If you are still undecided, decide whether you need heat first, then buy the plate whose capacity comfortably exceeds your largest vessel.