In this case study, you will learn about how MetaBev use the OHAUS Guardian 7000 hotplate stirrer to help craft the perfect drink.

MetaBev is a beverage development company with over 20 years of experience. They have been in the business of helping their clients craft the perfect beverage from start to finish. MetaBev works from the beginning with clients, formulating new beverages, sourcing, and selling raw materials. From the development labs, all the way to helping chose the right bottling and packaging facilities. With only a dozen employees, efficiency is key in MetaBev’s busy laboratory. A typical day for the scientists at MetaBev:

• Meet with clients about their ideas
• Walk clients through the development and creation processes
• Receiving flavours for customers
• Ensure they meet organoleptic standards
• Re-ship to manufacturers

In MetaBev’s laboratory, the right equipment is crucial to the development, taste, and consistency of the finished product. Their experts agree the hotplate stirrers are an essential piece of equipment. The Ohaus Guardian 7000 Hotplate Stirrer has helped MetaBev streamline many of its processes. Including the everyday stirring and mixing of liquids. As well as complex beverage creation and regulation of more viscous samples such as juice concentrates, or purees. The Guardian 7000 has highly adjustable settings to achieve a uniform mix for every unique beverage they create. It also has precise temperature control to ensure the juice concentrates do not overheat or lose their flavour integrity.

The Ohaus Guardian 7000 has several sophisticated features that the scientists at MetaBev depend on. Especially the SmartRate™ feature which allows the user to set a slow, gradual stirring ramp acceleration.

"When something is put together and there are lots of solids on the bottom, other stir plates will lose their pull on the magnetic stir bar trying to get up to speed, but the OHAUS Guardian 7000 unit will gradually rise in speed and mix more thoroughly. Plus, as a result of mixing more thoroughly, we experience much less splashing and spillage as the unit gets up to speed." MetaBev scientist Michael Capace

Total control over temperature and viscosity is essential to MetaBev because it is a development lab. "Other stir plates do not seem to have the same precise adjustments as the OHAUS Guardian 7000. The ability to set a speed and then execute it is great, as opposed to a more analog knob," MetaBev scientist Michael Capace. He refers to the Guardian 7000’s digital adjustments that allow the user to set their desired temperature and speed. By simply turning the dial and then inputting those settings using the knob.

The Ohaus Guardian 7000 hotplate stirrers provide precise and customisable control. MetaBev also relies on other features especially the built-in timer, audible alarms, and external thermostat and probe. "These features enable us to work independently of the unit, rather than having to constantly be checking it." Said Capace.

MetaBev have used a lot of hotplate stirrers in the past, however, the Guardian 7000 stands out as the best. This is thanks to its ease-of-use and precision and advanced safety features. The Guardian 7000 has been designed with SmartPresence™ technology. This uses an infrared proximity sensor to recognise when a user is nearby and shuts off the unit if no one is detected. Another feature is the SmartLink™, designed to turn the heating function off if the Bluetooth link is broken. As Capace says, "The safety features are great, especially if you have newer employees," Referring to the hotplate stirrers tested before which had magnets failing quickly and speeds were difficult to control. All problems that were not a factor with the Ohaus Guardian 7000.

Here at Gem Scientific, we offer an extensive range of Ohaus equipment including the Guardian 7000. There are three Guardian 7000 options available which are a 15-litre Aluminium plate, 18-litre and a 20-litre ceramic plate.

To discuss the Guardian 7000 further, contact our team at hello@gemscientific.co.uk, 01924 444577 or on LiveChat on our website during business hours

This blog was originally posted on Ohaus’ website and is reproduced with permission.