Lab equipment is one of the most important and significant purchases a laboratory makes. The quality of one’s lab equipment can significantly impact a lab’s efficiency and accuracy. As such, it’s important to choose wisely. When it comes to whether new or used lab equipment is better for your lab, there isn’t one definitive answer. The decision will largely depend on your lab’s individual priorities and needs. To provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you, here are some of the key factors to consider when deciding whether new or used lab equipment is better for your lab.

Cost of equipment

Let’s start with the obvious—used lab equipment is often far less expensive than brand-new tools and appliances. If your laboratory is on a tight budget, opting for lower-priced used equipment may be an advantageous decision.

However, it is also important to consider that newer equipment may feature advanced that allow for more efficient processes that can save time, money, and resources. As such, you should not only consider the initial cost of the equipment itself; also consider the overall cost of ownership when purchasing equipment.

Longevity of equipment

When deciding between purchasing new and used lab equipment, the life expectancy of the equipment should be a key factor of consideration. For pieces of equipment that generally have extensive service lives, purchasing used equipment is a viable investment. In such cases, the equipment will likely last a considerable amount of time despite being used in the past. However, if a piece of equipment has a shorter lifespan, it may be best to purchase new equipment to ensure that it will last.

Equipment capabilities

New lab equipment will have the latest advancements which allow the user to enjoy the benefits of newer technology. Such advancements could serve to increase the efficiency of one’s processes and save money.

However, just because lab equipment is used, doesn’t always mean its features are outdated. In some cases, newer editions of lab equipment will only have minimal differences from older models. As such, it’s important to carefully consider the capabilities you require in a piece of lab equipment so that you can verify if the new or used equipment you’re looking at can better fulfill your lab’s needs. Don’t assume a newer piece of equipment offers substantially enhanced capabilities just because it is the most recent model.

Whether you’re stocking up on equipment for your brand-new lab or looking to upgrade your old devices, USA Lab Equipment can supply you with the high-quality supplies and machinery you need. We stock over 1,000 different types of new and used lab equipment items—from glassware to lab freezers for sale. For competitive prices, impeccable customer service, and unbeatable quality equipment, shop USA Lab Equipment today.