Beaker costs vary by material, size, and precision. This guide outlines typical price ranges and the main cost drivers for common laboratory glassware.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Beaker 50 mL | $0.50 | $2.00 | $5.00 | Basic borosilicate glass |
| Glass Beaker 100 mL | $0.80 | $2.50 | $6.00 | Standard lab supply |
| Glass Beaker 250 mL | $1.50 | $4.00 | $10.00 | Common size for reactions |
| Glass Beaker 1000 mL | $4.00 | $12.00 | $25.00 | Larger volumes, basic quality |
| Beaker with Tapered Lip | $0.60 | $2.80 | $7.00 | Pouring ease |
| Specialty Beaker (PTFE lid, graduations) | $8.00 | $20.00 | $60.00 | Enhanced features |
Overview Of Costs
Beaker pricing in the United States typically ranges from a few tenths of a dollar for the smallest standard glass beakers to several tens of dollars for larger or specialty units. For budgeting, expect a basic 100 mL beaker to cost around 2 dollars on average, while a 1000 mL beaker commonly lands near 12 dollars. Assumptions: region, supplier, and quantity impact pricing.
Cost Breakdown
Table shows material, labor, and miscellaneous costs for typical single-item purchases. The table includes per-unit and total considerations for a standard beaker set in a small lab order.
| Column | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.50–$25 | Base glass to specialty coatings |
| Labor | $0.00–$2 | Minimal handling for bulk |
| Equipment | $0.00–$3 | Optional racks, grips |
| Permits | $0 | Usually none for standard beakers |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0–$5 | Local delivery or disposal fees |
| Warranty | $0–$4 | Basic manufacturing warranty |
| Taxes | Varies | State and local rates apply |
What Drives Price
Material quality and size are primary drivers for beaker pricing. Borosilicate glass tends to cost more than soda-lime glass, and larger volumes push prices higher. Features such as accurate graduations, lip designs, or protective coatings also raise costs. Quantity discounts commonly improve effective per-unit pricing.
Ways To Save
Budget-conscious buyers can optimize by buying standard sizes in bulk. Compare simple, ungraduated beakers first, then add features if needed. Consider generic brands from reputable suppliers and watch for mixed-cart discounts or bundled lab sets.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to shipping, taxes, and supplier competition. Urban areas typically show higher list prices but more frequent promotions, while rural markets may have fewer sources and higher delivery fees.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor impact is usually minimal for single-item beaker purchases. If outfitting a full bench, include time for unboxing, cleaning, and labeling, which can add 1–2 hours per dozen units when done by staff.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can appear in delivery and disposal or in need of compatible accessories. Some suppliers charge for expedited shipping, special packaging, or returns processing. Always verify whether graduations are metric or imperial and if there is any minimum order impact.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common purchases. Assumptions: single-item orders, standard shipping, borosilicate glass.
Basic: Beaker 100 mL, ungraduated, standard glass. Labor 0.5 hours at 15 per hour. Total: 2.00 + 0.75 + delivery 3.00 = 5.75. Per unit: 2.00
Mid-Range: Beaker 250 mL with graduations, borosilicate, basic rack. Labor 0.75 hours at 18 per hour. Total: 4.00 + 13.50 + 4.50 = 22.00. Per unit: 4.00
Premium: Beaker 1000 mL with tight tolerances, PTFE lid, reinforced lip. Labor 1.0 hour at 25 per hour. Total: 12.00 + 25.00 + 7.50 + 5.00 = 49.50. Per unit: 12.00
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.