The 6 Best Vacuum Desiccators

Updated October 17, 2019 by Will Rhoda

This wiki has been updated 18 times since it was first published in July of 2019. While traditional desiccators rely strictly on desiccant agents to maintain a dry atmosphere inside an isolated chamber, modern offerings are fitted with air valves and can be connected to vacuum pumps to optimize dryness within the unit. Our rankings for this category cover a selection of items to meet a variety of needs – from budget-friendly basics to pricier, lab-appropriate choices. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to Ezvid Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.

1. Cleatech 1300-2-A-G
EBAY
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2. Bel-Art F42400-4001
EBAY
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3. SP Scienceware 42029
EBAY
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4. Kartell DYNCR 243065
EBAY
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5. Bel-Art F42010
EBAY
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6. CB 1354150
EBAY
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Editor's Notes

October 10, 2019:

The easiest way to understand a vacuum desiccator is to consider it a sort of hybrid between a standard desiccating chamber and a vacuum chamber. Desiccant chambers employ a desiccating agent (quite often silica) to absorb any moisture floating through the air, and typically reduce the relative humidity within the chamber to around 25%. Vacuum chambers employ vacuum pumps to suck moisture out of them and create a pressurized atmosphere for an extended period. Vacuum desiccators do both.

A few things to look for while you’re shopping this category:

Volume: With tiny options ranging from the six-inch-diameter CB 1354150, to the 65-liter SP Scienceware 42029 – which can house samples as tall and as wide as 18 inches – the utility offered by these devices will vary considerably. Possible shelving configurations is another consideration that comes into play when considering a given unit’s total capacity. Your needs in terms of capacity will, of course, depend completely on your intended uses for the machine, but it rarely hurts to err on the side of bigger.

Airtightness: While any of the products in this category should, by design, be able to maintain vacuum conditions, for how long is a different question. 24 hours seems to be the accepted benchmark for excellence in this respect, but some offerings can go longer, including the Bel-Art F42400-4001, which can maintain a vacuum for over 72 hours.

Gauges: Though these come standard on vacuum chambers, as well as vacuum ovens, they’re much less common in this category. I must admit, especially when considering the threat to safety that’s posited by the possibility of implosion, that this seems like a careless oversight. Though admittedly more expensive, options like the Cleatech 1300-2-A-G, that include an integral pressure gauge, will give you the peace of mind and confidence that comes with knowing you’re maintaining ideal vacuum conditions within your desiccator.

Last updated on October 17, 2019 by Will Rhoda

After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.

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