Ultrasonic cleaner that's effective and reliable?
October 9, 2020 7:04 PM Subscribe
Can anyone recommend an ultrasonic cleaner (eyeglasses, jewelry, dental appliances, etc.) that will work for a decently long time and be effective at cleaning?
After seeing a bunch of reviews that led me to believe that most inexpensive/consumer grade ultrasonic cleaners won't last very long, I went ahead and bought one almost at random. It didn't just stop working, though. On the 8th-10th use, I heard some weird noises from its location, and my partner went over and found flames or sparks coming out of the casing. It was also really warm on the bottom / back and smelled like burning plastic.
We're returning it, but now that I've seen what it can do, I want one more than ever.
Does anyone have experience with one that's reliable and durable? Willing to spend a bit more if it's actually good quality.
I'm also totally willing to look at science/engineering supply type vendors if that's the best way to go.
I saw this line that come in 1.3L - 30L sizes and have drains built into them -- any idea if they're any good?
After seeing a bunch of reviews that led me to believe that most inexpensive/consumer grade ultrasonic cleaners won't last very long, I went ahead and bought one almost at random. It didn't just stop working, though. On the 8th-10th use, I heard some weird noises from its location, and my partner went over and found flames or sparks coming out of the casing. It was also really warm on the bottom / back and smelled like burning plastic.
We're returning it, but now that I've seen what it can do, I want one more than ever.
Does anyone have experience with one that's reliable and durable? Willing to spend a bit more if it's actually good quality.
I'm also totally willing to look at science/engineering supply type vendors if that's the best way to go.
I saw this line that come in 1.3L - 30L sizes and have drains built into them -- any idea if they're any good?
I'm afraid I don't know about that model or brand.
Another option to consider is getting a used professional lab model on Ebay. It looks like you can find many for under $150 including shipping. I've used a dozen quite old and abused Branson baths and have never heard of a broken one. (Fischer brand, which is probably a re-branding of an existing line sold under another name if you want to dig a bit, also seem to be pretty robust and widely used.) It may be overkill for occasional household use, but it'll work.
posted by eotvos at 10:07 PM on October 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Another option to consider is getting a used professional lab model on Ebay. It looks like you can find many for under $150 including shipping. I've used a dozen quite old and abused Branson baths and have never heard of a broken one. (Fischer brand, which is probably a re-branding of an existing line sold under another name if you want to dig a bit, also seem to be pretty robust and widely used.) It may be overkill for occasional household use, but it'll work.
posted by eotvos at 10:07 PM on October 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Sorry - I misspelled the last suggestion in the above comment. I mean "Fisher." Also called Fisher Scientific or Fisherbrand. (It looks like there actually is a Fischer company that makes medical ultrasound hardware, which is unlikely to be helpful.)
posted by eotvos at 10:22 PM on October 9, 2020
posted by eotvos at 10:22 PM on October 9, 2020
It may be worth looking at Rio Grande Jewelry Supply.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:43 AM on October 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:43 AM on October 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
They don't appear to sell the specific one I have any more, but I have a LifeBasis ultrasonic cleaner that I got from Amazon in 2017 that is still working well.
posted by sm1tten at 9:18 AM on October 10, 2020
posted by sm1tten at 9:18 AM on October 10, 2020
Response by poster: Relevant details:
--> This is the model I tried
--> I used it for about 10 cycles in 2 days; I'm wondering if I needed to let it rest or cool down or something? Or if I really want something more heavy duty?
Thanks for the responses so far.
posted by amtho at 9:38 AM on October 10, 2020
--> This is the model I tried
--> I used it for about 10 cycles in 2 days; I'm wondering if I needed to let it rest or cool down or something? Or if I really want something more heavy duty?
Thanks for the responses so far.
posted by amtho at 9:38 AM on October 10, 2020
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posted by bluloo at 8:37 PM on October 9, 2020