Serenit Microbio Electric Beehive

Quick Answer: The Serenit Microbio electric burner, listed here as the Serenit Microbio Electric Beehive, is a mains-powered burner for microbiology practicals. The listing photo shows a spiral heating element on a dark base with a control knob and indicator lamps, surrounded by a broad pale plate with turned-up edges.

Microbio Model Versus the Standard Serenit

‘Beehive’ in the title is a mistranslation of the French word ‘bec’, meaning burner; the product is the microbiology version of the Serenit electric burner. Like the standard model it heats with an electric element instead of gas, but the photo shows a different top: a broad pale plate with raised sides surrounding the spiral element, where the standard Serenit electric burner is shown with an upright support rod instead.

The listing does not describe that surround in detail. What the photo makes clear is the working arrangement: the heat rises from the element in the middle, where loops and tube mouths are sterilised, and the plate keeps a margin between the hot zone and the bench so that notes, wipes and plastic items are not pushed right up against the element.

Microbiology is where a flameless heater pays off most. Benches are routinely wiped with ethanol or other flammable disinfectants, and an open gas flame next to a freshly swabbed surface is a well-known fire hazard. Removing the flame lowers that risk, although the glowing element can still ignite vapour, so bench wipes should dry before the burner is switched on.

Specifications

Applications

• Sterilising inoculating loops and needles during streak-plate and subculture practicals
• Heating the necks of broth tubes and media bottles during aseptic transfers
• Warming a small volume of liquid in a test tube held over the element
• Aseptic practice stations in biology rooms that have no gas outlets

Care & Handling

• Let alcohol-based bench disinfectant dry fully before switching the burner on.
• Keep the surround free of paper towels, labels and plastic Petri dish lids, which can scorch or melt near the element.
• Clean the plate and casing only when the burner is off, unplugged and cold.
• Store the unit flat and dry, with the cable loosely coiled rather than wound tightly around the base.

Why Choose LabEquip

Biology and microbiology teaching labs that want aseptic-technique practice without gas are the natural buyers of the Serenit Microbio burner. LabEquip lists it with other chemistry lab equipment; requests for several stations can be sent through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Serenit Microbio and the standard Serenit burner?

Both heat with an electric element instead of gas. In the listing photos, the Microbio version has a broad plate surrounding the element and is named for microbiology work, while the standard model is shown with an upright support rod for clamps.

Why does the product name say ‘Beehive’?

It is a translation error from French, in which ‘bec’ is the usual word for a laboratory burner. The item is an electric burner for microbiology and has no connection with bees.

Can it be used next to ethanol for disinfecting the bench?

With care. It has no open flame, but the hot element can ignite alcohol vapour. Wipe the bench, let it dry, keep the ethanol bottle capped and away from the burner, and never spray disinfectant near the element.

How do I sterilise a loop on the Serenit Microbio?

Hold the wire in the hottest zone directly above the element until it glows along its whole length, working from the shaft end towards the tip. Let it cool for a few seconds before picking up a colony.

Can Petri dishes be placed on the surround plate?

Glass dishes may tolerate warmth, but plastic Petri dishes soften at quite low temperatures and should be kept off any surface near the element. Keep plates on the bench beside the burner instead.

Is the Serenit Microbio suitable for students working alone?

It is suited to supervised practicals. Students should be shown that the element stays hot after the glow fades, told how to switch off, and reminded that the indicator lamp shows the unit is on even when nothing is visibly glowing.

Last Updated: September 2026