Heated dry bath with lid HB120-S

Quick Answer: The Heated dry bath with lid HB120-S is a benchtop dry block heater, model HB120-S, pictured with a grey housing, red LED displays, a control knob and a clear cover over the block, used to hold tubes at a set temperature.

The Role of the Lid

An open dry block loses heat from its top face and from the exposed parts of the tubes, so the liquid near the cap runs cooler than the liquid in the well. The clear lid over this dry bath traps a layer of warm air above the block, which narrows that difference, steadies the block against draughts and lets the operator check the tubes without lifting the cover.

The lid shown is a transparent cover rather than a heated lid of the sort fitted to thermal cyclers. It reduces heat loss, but vapour can still condense on the cooler tube caps during long, hot incubations, so a brief spin in a microcentrifuge before opening tubes brings the condensate back into the sample.

HB120-S is the model code in the title. The photo shows a single block with an array of wells; the block format, the temperature range and whether blocks can be exchanged are details to confirm for the unit supplied. The open Digital dry bath for microtubes is a compact alternative in this range.

Specifications

Applications

• Long incubations such as overnight digests, where the lid limits heat loss
• Heating protein samples in loading buffer before SDS-PAGE
• Enzyme activity practicals in which tubes are held at one temperature
• Keeping reagents warm through an assay run

Care & Handling

• Close the lid during incubations and open it only briefly to load or remove tubes.
• Verify the block temperature periodically with a thermometer in a water-filled tube.
• Clean the clear lid with mild detergent and a soft cloth; solvents can cloud plastic.
• Let the block cool before wiping it and keep liquids away from the vents.

Why Choose LabEquip

Research and teaching labs choose a lidded dry bath for longer incubations and draughty rooms, where an open block drifts. The HB120-S sits with other dry baths and blocks in General Lab Products; block options can be discussed through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the lid a heated lid like on a PCR machine?

The lid shown is a clear cover, not a heated lid. It traps warm air and cuts heat loss, but condensation can still form on tube caps, so spin tubes briefly before opening them after long hot incubations.

Why use a lid on a dry bath?

It keeps the air above the block warm, so tube contents stay closer to the block temperature, and it shields the block from draughts that cause temperature drift.

What does HB120-S refer to?

It is the model code given in the product title. Quote it when ordering replacement blocks or accessories, so they are matched to this unit.

Can the block be changed for other tube sizes?

Many dry baths accept interchangeable blocks, but the title does not say whether this one does. Check the block format of the supplied unit and ask about alternatives if you need them.

How do I check the displayed temperature is accurate?

Put a calibrated thermometer or probe in a water-filled tube in one of the wells, close the lid and let it settle, then compare the reading with the display.

How should the lid be cleaned?

Wipe it with warm water and a mild detergent using a soft cloth, then dry it. Avoid acetone and other strong solvents, which can cloud or crack clear plastics.

Last Updated: September 2026