How To Use Beakers

A beaker is a cylindrical container used to store, mix and heat liquids in laboratories. Most are made of glass, but other non-corrosive materials, such as metal and heat-resistant plastic, are also used. Beakers usually have a flat bottoms and a lip around the top. They range in size from one millimeter to multi-liter. Bunsen burners, heat plates, stirrers, safety tongs, safety goggles, gloves and lab coats are tools commonly used when working with beakers.

Step 1

Pour liquid into the beaker; pour slowly to avoid splashing the liquid. Use the measuring lines on the beaker to approximate the volume of liquid in the beaker.

Step 2

Stir the liquid inside the beaker with a spoon or stirrer.

Step 3

Center the beaker on a burner or over an open flame to heat the liquid, if necessary; don't fill the beaker more that 1/3 when heating and always use safety tongs when handling a hot beaker.

Step 4

Pour liquid out of the beaker by using the spout in the lip around the top of the beaker.