Laboratory Equipment: 40+ Tools, Categories & Practical Examples

Laboratory equipment refers to the tools and instruments commonly used in scientific experiments, research, and analysis. These items help scientists measure, heat, mix, observe, and handle substances safely and accurately in a laboratory environment.

Names of Lab Equipment

Laboratory Glass Equipment

Beaker
Erlenmeyer flask
Test tube
Graduated cylinder
Watch glass
Petri dish
Evaporating dish
Retort
24-well plate

Heating and Flame Equipment

Bunsen burner
Alcohol burner
Hot plate
Wire gauze
Crucible
Gas bottle

Measuring and Transferring Equipment

Thermometer
Balance scale
Stopwatch
Timing device
Pipette / Pipet
Micropipet
Dropper
Syringe
Metric ruler
Meter stick

Holding, Supporting, and Handling Equipment

Ring stand
Utility clamp
Iron ring
Test tube rack
Test tube holder
Tongs
Forceps
Pipestem triangle

Grinding, Cleaning, and Miscellaneous Tools

Mortar
Pestle
Spatula
Scoopula
Wire brush
File
Cork
Cover
Wash bottle
Magnet
Pulley
Funnel
Microscope
Magnifier
Safety goggles

Examples of Lab Equipment

The scientist used a mortar and pestle to grind solid crystals into a fine powder.
The solution was heated gently in an evaporating dish to remove excess solvent.
A Petri dish is a shallow container which biologists use to grow and study cells.
An electronic timing device was used to record the reaction time accurately.
The sample was placed on a watch glass for close observation.
The reaction time was measured using a stopwatch.
A green residue formed at the bottom of the test tube.
The DNA was collected with a pipet and then washed with ethanol.
A powerful microscope is required to observe microorganisms.
A wire brush was used to clean the metal surface before heating.
The flask was sealed with a cork to prevent contamination.
Tongs were used to safely handle the hot crucible.
A magnifier helps examine small details during preliminary observation.
The Bunsen burner was invented by German chemist Robert Bunsen.
Always wear safety goggles when handling chemicals.
The liquid was transferred precisely using a syringe.
Place filter paper in the funnel before pouring the mixture.
The solution was mixed gently in a beaker.
The compressed gas bottle supplies fuel for laboratory burners.
The alcohol burner provided a steady flame for heating.
A sensitive thermometer was used to monitor temperature changes.
The container was supported by wire gauze during heating.
A dropper was used to add the reagent drop by drop.
A graduated cylinder is used to measure liquid volume accurately.
A laboratory spatula was used to transfer powdered chemicals.
The test tube rack keeps the tubes upright and organized.
A utility clamp secured the flask to the ring stand.
The sample was heated inside a crucible at high temperature.

Last Updated on February 2, 2026

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Nhat Nhat

English Teacher | IELTS Instructor | English Learning Content Creator at ESLTeacher.org

Nhat Nhat is an English teacher and IELTS instructor specializing in grammar, academic writing, and English learning resources. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE), an IELTS 8.0 certificate, and TESOL / TEFL teaching certifications. With over 9 years of teaching experience, he creates practical lessons and educational content to help learners improve their English skills and exam performance.