Funnel, Plain 60 Degrees (Clear Glass)

Quick Answer: A plain 60 degree glass funnel is a clear glass cone with a smooth inner wall and a stem, whose 60 degree angle matches a circle of filter paper folded into quarters. It is used for gravity filtration and for pouring liquids into narrow-necked vessels.

Why 60 Degrees Suits Filter Paper

When a circle of filter paper is folded in half and then in half again, and opened out with three layers on one side and one on the other, it forms a cone with a 60 degree angle. The funnel shares exactly that angle, so the paper cone lies against the glass all the way round. That close fit lets the wetted paper seal against the wall, so liquid passes through the paper rather than around it.

Plain means the inner wall is smooth, not ribbed or fluted. Ribbed funnels leave air channels that speed filtration; a plain one gives a snug seal with a folded paper cone and is the standard pattern for school filtration, such as separating sand from salt solution or collecting a precipitate. The title does not state stem length or top diameter; the same cone is also listed as a long stem funnel for faster filtration of cool liquids, and as a short stem version for hot solutions.

The clear glass named in the title lets students see the level in the cone and any solid creeping over the paper. Its composition is not stated, so avoid pouring boiling liquids through it until the glass type has been confirmed.

Specifications

Applications

• Separating sand from salt solution in the classic separation of mixtures practical
• Collecting precipitates such as calcium carbonate or copper(II) hydroxide for observation
• Filling burettes, reagent bottles and narrow-necked flasks without spills
• Holding a paper cone to filter a soil suspension in environmental science lessons

Care & Handling

• Support the funnel in a filter stand or ring rather than wedging it in a flask neck, which traps air and slows filtration.
• Take the funnel out of a burette after filling, so drops from the stem do not change the reading.
• Pour down a glass rod held against the paper, keeping the liquid below the paper’s rim.
• Wash with warm detergent and a soft brush, and never scrape the cone with metal spatulas.

Why Choose LabEquip

Every school chemistry room uses plain funnels for filtration practicals, and teachers usually order them together with filter paper and stands. The funnel is catalogued under LabEquip’s chemistry lab equipment; tell us the sizes and numbers for your class sets via the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fold filter paper to fit a 60 degree funnel?

Fold the circle in half, then in half again to make a quarter, and open one pocket so there are three layers on one side and one on the other. Tearing a small corner off the outer fold of the three-layer side helps the paper seal against the glass.

Why does my filtration run so slowly?

Common causes are a paper cone that does not seal, so air enters the stem, a fine precipitate clogging the pores, or a funnel pushed tightly into the flask neck. Wet the paper to seal it, let solids settle and decant the clear liquid first, and leave an air gap at the neck.

What does plain mean for a funnel?

It means the inner surface of the cone is smooth. Ribbed or fluted funnels have raised lines that hold the paper away from the glass in places to speed filtration; plain funnels give a close seal with a folded paper cone.

Can I use this funnel for hot solutions?

Warm solutions are usually fine, but clear glass of unstated type may crack if boiling liquid meets a cold funnel. Preheat the funnel with hot solvent, or use a short-stemmed funnel of heat-resistant glass for hot filtration.

What size of filter paper should I use?

Choose a paper whose folded cone sits about one centimetre below the rim of the funnel, so liquid poured in cannot overflow the paper and bypass it. Paper standing above the rim wicks liquid over the edge.

Is a glass funnel better than a plastic one?

Glass resists organic solvents and hot liquids that can soften some plastics, is easy to clean and does not hold stains. Plastic funnels are lighter and unbreakable, which some primary and lower secondary classes prefer.

Last Updated: September 2026