PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Product Overview & Core Mechanism
The Fristaden Lab Overhead Stirrer Series is a heavy-duty laboratory mixer engineered for processing larger batch volumes and higher viscosity liquids that cause traditional magnetic stir bars to decouple or stall. Built with a heavy-cast base plate, dual support rods, a universal adjustable drill chuck, and a high-torque motor, the series is available in both an intuitive 10L Analog model (OCS-10L) and an advanced 20L Digital model (OCS-20L). Delivering up to 2x the output power of standard entry-level lab mixers (60W output for Analog / 180W output for Digital), this line delivers continuous, reliable agitation across a wide 100–2000 RPM speed range.
Target Applications & Industry Use Cases
- Cosmetics, Cream & Lotion Formulators: Essential for emulsifying body butters, creams, lotions, and lip balms during the liquid phase before cooling, ensuring thorough blending without phase separation.
- Chemical Processing & Viscous Liquid Formulations: Capable of stirring solutions up to 10,000 mPa·s (Analog) and 50,000 mPa·s (Digital), ideal for polymer gels, syrups, heavy oils, and active reagent solutions.
- Craft Brewing, Fermentation & Beverage Labs: Perfect for mixing 10L to 20L batches of yeast starters, slurry preparations, liquid nutrient media, and beverage flavoring extracts.
- Paints, Coatings, Inks & Resins: Maintains uniform pigment suspension and resin dispersion across long duty cycles without magnetic decoupling or speed drift.
- Academic & Industrial R&D Testing: Features precise speed ramping and timed continuous operation for standardized batch chemistry experiments and quality control testing.
Product Line Comparison
Overhead Stirrers vs. Magnetic Stirrers: Magnetic hotplate stirrers rely on an internal rotating magnet to spin a small stir bar, which frequently slips or decouples in viscous liquids or volumes over 3–5 liters. Overhead stirrers connect a motor directly to a submerged stainless steel impeller shaft via a physical drill chuck, providing uncompromised drive force for high-viscosity media up to 20 liters.
OCS-10L (Analog) vs. OCS-20L (Digital): The OCS-10L Analog features a 60W output motor generating 40 N.cm max torque, ideal for straightforward manual mixing up to 10L (10,000 mPa·s) with turn-dial control. The OCS-20L Digital steps up to a 180W output motor with 90 N.cm torque for up to 20L (50,000 mPa·s), adding an LCD screen, 3 customizable memory modes for RPM/timer automation, and automatic overload protection.
Frequently Asked Questions & Operations
Can I use third-party stirring paddles or different shaft sizes?
Yes. The overhead stirrer features a heavy-duty adjustable drill chuck with a clamping range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm (1–8 mm recommended). While the unit includes a stainless steel three-blade shaft, you can easily attach aftermarket anchor impellers, pitch blades, or propeller shafts within that diameter range.
Are the included stirring paddles certified food safe?
The included three-blade stirring rod is made of high-grade laboratory stainless steel designed for chemical resistance and standard lab applications, but it is not officially certified food-grade.
How do I program custom speed and timer modes on the OCS-20L Digital model?
Press SET until "Mode" flashes on the display. Use the Up/Down arrows to select Mode 1, 2, or 3, then press SET. Adjust the target RPM speed using the arrows, press SET, and choose the runtime in minutes. Press SET once more to save the program, then press POWER to start or pause agitation.
Why did my digital overhead stirrer stop spinning unexpectedly?
This typically occurs for two reasons: First, a runtime countdown timer may have expired (to run continuously, adjust the timer to 000 or --:--). Second, if the fluid's viscosity exceeds the motor's 90 N.cm torque limit, the built-in automatic overload protection will halt the motor to prevent overheating and mainboard damage.
Can this stirrer handle thick body butter or cream formulation?
Yes, during the heated/melted liquid phase. As mixtures cool below 35°C–40°C and viscosity rapidly increases past 20,000 mPa·s, we recommend utilizing an anchor-style paddle attachment and monitoring torque, or pouring the product into containers while still fluid.
Specifications
| OVERHEAD STIRRER - ANALOG | OVERHEAD STIRRER - DIGITAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | OCS-10L | OCS-20L |
| Display | Analog | LCD |
| Capacity | 10 L | 20 L |
| Motor Input Power | 80 W | 200 W |
| Motor Output Power | 60 W | 180 W |
| Power | 110-240 V, 50/60 Hz USA Plug | 110-240 V, 50/60 Hz USA Plug |
| Speed | 100-2000 RPM | 100-2000 RPM |
| Speed Increment | 20 RPM | 20 RPM |
| Duty Cycle | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Maximum Torque | 40 N.cm | 90 N.cm |
| Max Viscosity | 10,000 mPa-s (50,000 cP) | 80,000 mPa-s (400,000 cP) |
| Drill Chuck Diameter | 8-10 mm | 5-10 mm |
| Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Package Dimensions | 18 in. x 14 in. x 7 in. | 18 in. x 14 in. x 7 in. |
| Weight | 20 lbs | 20 lbs |
Returns, Warranty and Shipping
↩️ Returns
Return any product for any reason within 30 days of purchase.
🛡️ Warranty
We will replace any faulty product or part for free within the first year of purchase. Simply contact us and we will ship you a new product or part immediately.
🚚 Shipping
All orders ship free in the continental United States with 3-5 day shipping.
Please contact us directly (or find us on eBay) for international shipping.
User Resources
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STRONG STIRRING POWER
The powerful American-brand Fristaden Lab Overhead Stirrer can mix liquids with a viscosity up to 10,000 cps (Honey= 10,000cps; Castrol Oil=1,000cps). Easily adjust the stirring speed (100-2000 RPM) and the intelligent mixer will adjust the torque to meet the sample’s viscosity.
One Year Warranty
Every American Fristaden Lab Overhead Stirrer is subjected to a rigorous quality control testing process, ensuring consistent torque, precise RPM accuracy, and motor longevity under various viscosities. Should any defect in materials or workmanship occur during the warranty period, we will promptly repair or replace your stirrer to ensure your workflow remains uninterrupted.
100-2000 RPM
PRECISION CONTROL
Easily adjust the stirring speed (100-2000 RPM) and the intelligent mixer will adjust the torque to meet the sample’s viscosity. The adjustable drill chuck is also compatible with most stirring blades, depending on your project’s needs.
POWERFUL MOTOR FOR LAB AND INDUSTRY
With 60W of output power and a torque of 40 N.cm, the lab mixer will stir volumes up to 10L. The powerful, yet quiet, motor can mix liquids with a viscosity up to 10,000 cps (Honey= 10,000cps; Castrol Oil=1,000cps).
