Spirit Lamps and Alcohol Burners: Simple and Reliable Heat Sources for the Laboratory

Compact and portable heating for classrooms and fieldwork
Available in stainless steel, aluminium, and glass designs
Consistent flame for sterilisation and small-scale experiments
Safer alternative to open flames with controlled wick adjustment
Durable construction for repeated laboratory use
Supplied by LabChoice Australia – Reliable and high quality

Introduction: The Role of Spirit Lamps in Laboratories

Spirit lamps, also known as alcohol burners, are simple yet effective heat sources widely used in laboratories, classrooms, and field experiments. Unlike Bunsen burners, they do not require a gas supply, making them portable and easy to use in diverse settings.

LabChoice spirit lamps are designed for safe, consistent performance. They use ethanol or methanol as fuel, producing a clean-burning flame suitable for sterilisation, gentle heating, and basic laboratory demonstrations.

Advantages of Spirit Lamps over Other Heating Methods

• Portability: Can be used in classrooms, temporary setups, or outdoor field studies.
• Safety: No pressurised gas connection required, reducing risks.
• Versatility: Available in glass, stainless steel, and aluminium bodies to suit different environments.
• Controlled Flame: Adjustable wick design ensures consistent flame size and temperature.

This makes spirit lamps an excellent choice for schools and smaller labs where space, cost, or safety concerns make gas burners less practical.

Applications of Spirit Lamps in Science and Education

• Sterilisation: Flame-sterilising inoculation loops in microbiology.
• Heating Solutions: Gentle heating of small volumes in beakers or test tubes.
• Teaching Demonstrations: Showing principles of combustion, flame tests, or evaporation in classrooms.
• Field Research: Portable heating in outdoor or makeshift lab environments.

Their simplicity, affordability, and reliability have kept spirit lamps relevant in both traditional and modern laboratories.

LabChoice Spirit Lamps: Designed for Safety and Durability

LabChoice Australia offers spirit lamps in a variety of materials:

• Glass Lamps: Economical and transparent for monitoring fuel levels.
• Stainless Steel Lamps: Highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for long-term use.
• Aluminium Lamps: Lightweight and robust, combining portability with durability.

Every LabChoice lamp includes a secure cap to prevent evaporation and ensure safe extinguishing. Built to withstand repeated use, they are trusted by schools, research facilities, and industrial training labs across Australia.

Alt Text Suggestions:

• “LabChoice spirit lamp alcohol burner with stainless steel body”
• “Glass spirit lamp for laboratory sterilisation – LabChoice Australia”
• “Compact alcohol burner with adjustable wick for science labs”

References:

• ASTM E220 – Standard Guide for Laboratory Flame Sterilisation Practices. ASTM International.
• ISO 13485 – Safety Standards for Laboratory Flame Devices. International Organization for Standardization.
• University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences. Sterilisation Techniques Using Spirit Lamps.
• NSW Department of Education. Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines for Open Flame Equipment.