In shared research labs, running tubes, microplates, and bottles through a single centrifuge without swapping rotors between protocols demands a level of flexibility that most benchtop instruments do not offer. Eppendorf now addresses that with the Centrifuge 5811 R, a refrigerated centrifuge that succeeds the Centrifuge 5810 R with R290 propane cooling, a 15-rotor portfolio, and a 3 L capacity.
Shared-Access Labs Require A Refrigerated Centrifuge That Handles Multiple Vessel Types
The Centrifuge 5811 R targets shared-access laboratories where one instrument must run tubes, microplates, and bottles across back-to-back protocols from different users. A single-application centrifuge cannot accommodate that range; cell pelleting, microplate assays, and large-bottle preparations each demand different rotor configurations, and swapping between them mid-schedule interrupts throughput. Many biologically sensitive samples also require cooling sustained throughout the spin itself, not just at startup, which adds temperature management to the configuration challenge.
"The refrigerated Centrifuge 5811 R is a benchtop system for labs where a single centrifuge needs to support many workflows in parallel," remarks Dr. Tim Schommartz, Global Marketing Manager of Eppendorf Group. "Tubes in the morning, plates in the afternoon, bottles for the next experiment – the Centrifuge 5811 R brings this capacity together in one reliable instrument."
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R290 Propane Cooling and its Role in Lab Sustainability
The Centrifuge 5811 R runs on R290 propane, a natural refrigerant with a global warming potential of 0.02 (IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, 100-year horizon) and an ozone depletion potential of 0. R290 sits well below the thresholds that EU Regulation 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases mandates on phased reduction of high-GWP synthetic refrigerants across European markets. The instrument also incorporates ECO shut-off, energy-efficient FastTemp, and an aerodynamic bucket design to cut power draw during routine operation.
Eppendorf uses recyclable aluminum for the rotor components, and the instrument ships in multiple bundle configurations to match different laboratory scales and rotor requirements.
What Applications Does The Centrifuge 5811 R Support?
The Centrifuge 5811 R supports diverse, back-to-back workflows in shared-access laboratories, seamlessly handling applications including:
- Cell and Microorganism Harvesting (bacteria, yeast, algae, and mammalian cells)
- Nucleic Acid and Protein Purification
- Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) Isolation: When isolating by density gradient centrifugation, precise braking ramp control preserves the density interface.
| Max Speed | 20,913 × g / 14,000 rpm |
| Max Capacity | 3 L (4 × 750 mL, 28 × 50 mL, 56 × 15 mL) |
| Temperature Range | -9 °C to +40 °C |
| Refrigerant | R290 propane (GWP 0.02 per IPCC AR6, ODP 0) |
| User Programs | 35 |
| Rotor Portfolio | 15 rotors, broad adapter selection |
| 5810 R Rotor Compatibility | 16 of 17 existing rotors |
| Noise Level | <56 dB(A) with Rotor S-4-104 |
A Versatile, Eco-Conscious Centrifuge for Shared Labs
The Centrifuge 5811 R gives shared-access laboratories a single refrigerated benchtop instrument capable of running tubes, microplates, and bottles across parallel protocols, without the rotor compromises that have historically made that combination difficult. Its adoption of R290 propane refrigerant, with a GWP of 0.02, positions it directly in line with the F-gas reduction requirements taking hold across European markets, making the upgrade decision relevant beyond performance alone.
This article is based on a press release issued by Eppendorf and was produced under Separation Science's Editorial Guidelines.
