Surge Scientific · Model TC0401006 · Mini Dry Bath — Flip-Top Heated Lid
Mini Dry Bath Incubator
Flip Top · Heated Lid
100°C Max · Heated Lid · Anti-Condensation · ±0.5°C Control · 5 Programs · 99h Timer
The top of a tube always runs cooler than the bottom. On a standard dry bath, that temperature gradient drives evaporation from the liquid and condensation on the tube wall — which is exactly what you don't want in a hybridization, an enzyme digest, or anything running longer than 30 minutes. The TC0401006's heated lid holds the top of the tube at the same temperature as the bottom, eliminating the thermal gradient that corrupts long-duration mini dry bath work.
Why the Heated Lid Changes What a Mini Dry Bath Can Do
Here's what happens during a 90-minute incubation in a standard mini dry bath: the block heats the bottom of the tube to 65°C. The top of the tube, exposed to room-temperature air, sits closer to 30°C. Liquid at the bottom evaporates, travels up the tube, hits the cold wall, and condenses. By hour one, you have less volume in the reaction mix than you started with — and the volume that's left has shifted concentration. Your enzyme digest is no longer the concentration your protocol says it is.
The TC0401006's heated lid holds the top of the tube at (or near) the block temperature, which eliminates the thermal gradient, stops evaporation, and keeps reaction volume constant across a 99-hour run if you need it. The transparent cover still lets you observe the run without opening it. For molecular workflows that sit at one temperature for more than 20 minutes, a heated lid isn't a nice-to-have — it's what separates a mini dry bath from a sample bias generator.
Heated Lid
Actively heats the top of the tube to match block temperature — eliminates the thermal gradient that causes evaporation and condensation in long incubations.
Transparent Flip-Top
Clear cover lets you observe the run without opening the lid and dropping the sample temperature. Flip-top hinge — quick access when you do need to open it.
Higher Heating Efficiency
Heated enclosure means less energy lost to ambient air — faster ramp, tighter temperature control, and more uniform sample temperature during long runs.
5 Programmable Setpoints
Store and recall five temperature + time protocols (P1–P5). One-tap recall for your 37°C / 42°C / 65°C / 95°C standards — no menu diving.
"The top of the tube matters as much as the bottom." — The TC0401006's heated lid is what keeps a 90-minute, 120-minute, or overnight incubation running at the actual temperature on the dial — not 65°C at the bottom and 32°C at the top.
Key Features
- Heated lid — eliminates thermal gradient
- Flip-top cover design
- Transparent window — observe without opening
- Anti-condensation / anti-evaporation
- Higher heating efficiency vs non-heated
- Max temperature 100°C
- Temperature control accuracy ±0.5°C
- Display accuracy ±0.1°C
- Heating time ≤15 min (RT to 100°C)
- LED digital display
- Simultaneous set/actual time + temp
- 3D digital wheel adjustment
- 5 programmable setpoints (P1–P5)
- Timer range 0–99h 59min
- Continuous or timed operation
- Low 12V operation voltage
- Car-charger compatible
- Dual voltage: 100–240V, 50/60 Hz
- Compatible with interchangeable blocks
- Includes 15 × 1.5 mL heating block
- Hole size Φ10.8 × 37 mm (standard block)
- Error code reminder
- Overheat protection
- Compact, portable footprint
Ideal Applications
Long Incubations
Enzyme digests (30 min–2 h), DNA amplification prep, overnight ligations, and hybridizations where evaporation and condensation would shift reaction concentration.
Temperature-Critical Work
Serum coagulation, enzyme preservation, electrophoresis gel work where the entire sample column needs to see the setpoint — not just the liquid at the block interface.
Portable Precision
Field and mobile applications that need precision across long runs — 12V operation plus heated lid keeps samples stable during transport and extended unattended incubations.
What's in the Box
The TC0401006 ships with a standard 15 × 1.5 mL heating block. Note: because the lid closes over the sample, this unit is sized for microtubes and short tubes — for 15 mL or 50 mL conicals, use the removable-top TC0401005 variant.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | TC0401006 |
| Lid Style | Flip-top — heated, transparent window |
| Tube Compatibility | Microtubes, PCR tubes, short tubes (not 15 mL / 50 mL) |
| Temperature Range | RT +5°C to 100°C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.5°C |
| Display Accuracy | ±0.1°C |
| Heating Time (RT to 100°C) | ≤ 15 min |
| Display | LED — set/actual time + temperature |
| Control | 3D digital wheel |
| Program Memory | 5 setpoints (P1–P5) |
| Timer Range | 0–99h 59min |
| Operation Modes | Continuous or timed |
| Standard Block Included | 15 × 1.5 mL (Φ10.8 × 37 mm) |
| Interchangeable Blocks | Yes — microtubes, PCR tubes, vials |
| Operation Voltage | 12V DC · 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Car Charger Compatible | Yes |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 6.45 × 4.56 × 3.85 in |
| Net Weight | ~1.98 lb |
| Safety Features | Error code reminder · Overheat protection |
Surge Scientific Warranty & Support
This instrument is sold through Surge Scientific, your trusted laboratory equipment partner. Our product specialists are available Monday–Friday for assistance. The TC0401006 is backed by a 2-year all-inclusive manufacturer's warranty. Contact us at info@surgescientific.com or reach out directly to our support team at 855.943.3344 for pre-sales questions, heating block selection, and technical assistance.