Comparison of Geno/Grinder 2000 and HT Homogenizer

These two grinder homogenizers are very effective at homogenizing a variety of samples in high throughput formats. Unlike other ball mills that move in a “figure 8” pattern, these units shake samples in a linear motion. This creates processing uniformity between samples. Both units are designed to hold standard plates, deep well plates, vial sets, and small racks with microfuge or other small tubes. The Geno/Grinder can further be adapted to hold 15 or 50 ml conical tubes (adaptor cost is approximately $1000). The following are images of each unit.


Troemner HT Homogenizer: The unit is smaller and lighter than the Geno/Grinder 2000. Capacity is one plate or vial set.		SPEX CertiPrep Geno/Grinder 2000: Plates are clamped two deep in the raised platform.

Both units function well and homogenize tissue with equal results. In functional tests, both units can effectively grind dry corn and soy to meal. Using small beads, microorganisms can be effectively cracked with both units. Both units also effectively homogenize animal tissue. With both units, sample size determines homogenization format. Leaf punches and tissue samples less than 50 mg can be processed in deep well plates while seeds and larger plant and animal samples require vial sets. Batch samples can be processed in 15 ml vial sets.

The essential differences between the units are with plate capacity, tube capabilities, latching method, timer and speed. The two plate capacity of the Geno/Grinder may be a plus for some laboratories, but most researchers will find that homogenization normally requires no more than 2 minutes while loading the plate may take an hour or longer. Consequently, the bottle neck for sample throughput is not the grinding, but rather loading the plate. The Geno/Grinder also has the option of fitting the unit with 15 or 50 ml tube adaptors. The value of this feature is questionable as the stroke of both units is optimized for the deep well plate and vial sets. The relatively long length of conical tubes (4.75 in.) means that the grinding ball is usually in limbo while with the shorter plates and vials the ball is going up just when the sample is coming down. This provides added force during the homogenization.

The method of securing plates and tubes in the units differs as summarized below.


The mechanism for securing plates into the HT Homogenizer employs an adjustable latch. This latch can be expanded as needed. Maximum height of samples is 2.75 inches.		The Geno/Grinder has a fixed latching system. For short plates and tubes, spacers must be fitted under the plates in order to securely fix the samples in place. Maximum height of samples is 2 inches.

The timer mechanism for the two grinders is also different. The Geno/Grinder has a digital timer that can run up to 99:59 minutes. Alternatively, the HT Homogenizer has digital circuitry controlled by a dial timer that runs up to 10 minutes. The timer difference is a matter of practicality and safety. Nearly all samples will be homogenized in less than 2 minutes. Batch samples, such as corn kernels in 15 ml vial sets, may require 5 minutes of homogenization. The Geno/Grinder uses a timer that is a component piece, i.e., off the shelf, thus it can be set for prolonged times. However, using it in this capacity is not necessarily a good idea. The HT Homogenizer has a timer which is designed to limit grinding runs to 10 minutes. The rationale for limiting the run length is based on the concept that plates and vials may not hold up for prolonged periods of bead beating.

The HT Homogenizer has a greater speed range that the Geno/Grinder 2000. With a lower setting of 50 rpm, the HT Homogenizer can be used for mixing and extraction as well as grinding at higher speeds. The upper range of the Geno/Grinder at 1500 rpm is sufficient for grinding the hardest of samples, such as dried seeds, however the added speed of the HT Homogenizer at 1600 rpm accomplishes this task in less time. For practical purposes, the HT Homogenizer can be run at 1250 rpm, a speed that will prolong the life of the unit.

TABLE: Features Comparison of the Geno/Grinder 2000 and HT Homogenizer

Feature	HT Homogenizer	Geno/Grinder 2000
List Price	$6460	$10450
Controls	Dials with digital circuitry	Digital timer and dial speed control
Speed	50-1600 rpm	600-1600 rpm
Timer	0-10 min.	0-99:59 min.
Capacity	One deep well plate Five stacked standard plates One rack with tubes (5 ml or microfuge tubes).	Two deep well plates Eight stacked standard plates Two racks with small tubes Adaptors are available for 15 ml and 50 ml tubes.
Weight	70 lbs.	105 lbs.
Dimensions	17 L x 15 W x 15 H	16 L x 20 W x 16 H
Motion	Linear/Horizontal	Linear/Vertical
Power Requirements	115 V (also available in 230 V)	115V (also available in 230 V)
Demonstration Unit	Free Shipping	Shipping Charge ($300-600)