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Graduated cylinders are deceptively simple: a tall tube with markings, but they are the backbone of reliable liquid measurement in teaching labs, indie research setups, and industrial testing benches. Whether you’re measuring a few fluid ounces for a titration or larger volumes for sample prep, the humble cylinder gives you the accuracy you need without fuss. Think of them as the rulers of liquids — precise, portable, and indispensable.
This guide is for lab managers, science teachers, students, hobby chemists, and procurement officers in the UK who want clear, practical advice on where to buy graduated cylinders, how to choose the right type, and which suppliers deliver the best mix of price, quality, and service. If you’ve ever squinted at a meniscus and wondered whether you could do better, you’re in the right place.
Choosing a material for your graduated cylinder is the first important decision. The three main categories you’ll encounter are glass, plastic, and specialty-coated cylinders. Each has strengths and trade-offs in terms of chemical resistance, durability, accuracy, and price.
Borosilicate glass cylinders are the go-to for many labs because they resist thermal shock and most chemicals, and they hold calibration well. They often come with etched or printed graduations and can tolerate heating up to reasonable lab temperatures. Expect heights around 6–12 inches for small cylinders and up to 14–16 inches for larger ones, depending on capacity, and capacities commonly range from about 1 fl oz to 34 fl oz.
Plastic graduated cylinders are lightweight and shatterproof, which makes them ideal for classroom environments and fieldwork. Polypropylene resists many acids and bases, though it may swell with some solvents. Plastic cylinders usually weigh less and cost less, but they can scratch and their graduations may fade over time. Typical plastic models come in the same size range as glass but feel noticeably lighter in the hand.
For demanding work you’ll find cylinders with protective plastic coatings on glass to contain shards if broken, and high-precision “class A” cylinders calibrated to stricter tolerances. These premium options are essential when reproducibility and traceability matter, for example in regulatory testing or certified calibrations.
The UK market has a healthy selection of lab suppliers that sell graduated cylinders, from global distributors to specialist local retailers. Below are several trusted names to start your search, each with a different sweet spot depending on your priorities: price, selection, speed, or technical support.
Fisher Scientific is a familiar name to many labs. They stock a broad range of graduated cylinders in both glass and plastic, including class A and B options, racks, and accessories. If you need traceable calibration certificates or bulk purchasing options, Fisher is a sensible place to start in the UK.
VWR (now part of Avantor) supplies lab glassware, plasticware, and consumables across the UK. Their catalogue often includes specialist sizes and brand-name cylinders for labs that require specific tolerances. VWR's logistics are built for business customers, so they’re a good pick if you manage multiple sites or need scheduled deliveries.
Cole-Parmer focuses on fluid handling and measurement equipment. They provide precision graduated cylinders alongside dispensers, pipettes, and other volumetric tools. If your work sits at the intersection of measurement and handling — think sample prep or small-batch mixing — Cole-Parmer can add value with complementary tools.
SLS caters to education and research with a solid range of budget-friendly and mid-tier graduated cylinders. They often offer packs for classrooms and small labs, which makes bulk buying straightforward. SLS is worth checking when cost and ease of ordering are important.
RS Components sells labware alongside industrial supplies and can be a quick option for commonly used sizes. For faster consumer-level purchasing, Amazon UK and specialist marketplaces also list a wide selection of cylinders — useful for last-minute buys or obscure sizes. Just be mindful of seller reputation and product specifications when buying from marketplaces.
Capacity and scale resolution determine how useful a cylinder will be for your tasks. A general rule: choose a cylinder where the volume you need is between one-quarter and three-quarters of the cylinder’s full capacity. That gives you the most accurate readings without crowding the scale or reading tiny graduations that are hard to interpret.
Graduated cylinders in labs commonly come in capacities like 1 fl oz, 3.4 fl oz, 8.5 fl oz, 16.9 fl oz, and 33.8 fl oz. Smaller volumes require more fine-grained markings, while larger cylinders tend to use coarser scales but hold more sample. Match the capacity to your routine measurements for the best balance of convenience and accuracy.
Look at the smallest graduation (division) on the cylinder: that tells you your finest readable increment. For example, a 3.4 fl oz cylinder might have 0.01 fl oz divisions for precise work, while a 33.8 fl oz cylinder might use 0.1 fl oz or larger. Smaller division values mean you can read smaller changes in volume, but they demand steadier hands and better eyesight.
Graduated cylinders are often classified by accuracy: Class A cylinders meet tighter tolerances and are more costly, while Class B cylinders have looser tolerances and are more budget-friendly. If you need traceable results — for quality control or regulated testing — opt for Class A and request calibration certificates where available.
Before you buy, think about the chemicals you’ll measure. Hydrochloric acid, organic solvents, and strong bases can attack certain plastics or leach impurities. Glass works well with many reagents, but it can break. Coated glass combines chemical resistance with a safety layer. Always consult chemical compatibility charts and choose a cylinder that won’t degrade in your workflow.
Buying the cylinder is only part of the story. Accessories like cylinder racks, spouts, rubber stoppers, and cleaning brushes improve safety and efficiency. Racks keep cylinders upright and organized; spouts and funnels help pour without spilling; and dedicated brushes help you clean accurately without scratching the surface.
Racks come in sizes to match cylinder diameters and are often stackable. They’re essential when you’re using multiple cylinders at once or storing wet glassware. Look for chemical-resistant plastics and designs that make drying and handling simple.
If accuracy matters, purchase calibration services or keep a set of reference weights and volumetric standards. Some suppliers offer on-site calibration or return-for-calibration services in the UK, and it’s worth budgeting for periodic checks if your work demands consistent precision.
Value doesn’t always mean lowest price. Consider total cost of ownership: how long will the cylinder last, will calibration be needed, and what about shipping if you’re ordering in bulk? For classrooms, a robust plastic set may deliver the best value. For regulated labs, paying a premium for Class A glass with certificates is the smarter long-term investment.
Proper care extends the life and preserves accuracy. Rinse immediately after use, avoid harsh scrubbing on printed graduations (use a soft brush instead), and store upright in racks away from heat sources. If a cylinder becomes scratched or cloudy, consider replacing it; visible damage can affect volume readings and safety.
Use this checklist to speed up decisions: confirm capacity in fluid ounces, check material and chemical compatibility, note the class (A or B), verify graduation spacing, ask about calibration certificates if needed, and look for protective coatings or racks. Finally, compare suppliers on price, delivery speed, and return terms to get the best overall deal in the UK market.
If you run a small lab or teach classes, standardize on a limited set of cylinder sizes to simplify inventory and training. Consider buying spare cylinders and racks to avoid workflow interruptions. Also, educate students on meniscus reading and handling — a little training goes a long way toward accurate and safe measurements.
Graduated cylinders are simple tools with nuanced choices. UK suppliers like Fisher Scientific, VWR/Avantor, Cole-Parmer, SLS, and RS Components cover different needs from high-precision lab work to rugged classroom use. Match the cylinder material and class to your chemicals, choose capacities that fit your routine measurements (using fluid ounces), invest in basic accessories, and plan for calibration if precision counts. With the right choices, you’ll measure liquids confidently and consistently.
Conclusion: Selecting the right graduated cylinder is about balancing accuracy, durability, and cost. Armed with the knowledge of materials, suppliers, accessories, and maintenance tips in this guide, you can make informed choices for any UK lab environment — from the classroom to the certified testing bench.
