Hello Miguel,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

While selecting the fume-hoods pay attention to every details on the specifications and accessories rather than the price tag. I have a good experience earlier that one particular product was with the necessary filters but eventually was costing more. Other vendor only quoted the fume-hood without filter and since the price was lower then the one without a proper filter was ordered.

As far as specifications are considered, first check what BSL (1,2,3 or 4 level) your lab is. Then pay attention to the regulatory and conformity standard your particular equipment is designed and certified for.

Coming back to the two specific products you have stated,  - one is with simpler analog control(Labtech)  while the other (Biobase) comes with digital control and filter life-time alarm/warning. Eventually, the cost would be different and the later would be comparatively costlier than the first. Besides the cost difference, pay attention to the service support and original warranty that a manufacturer provides for the product. Also, the filters are consumables and sold separately, therefore pay attention to keep a few in stock with you. This would depend on how frequently you are using your fume-hood. If needed daily, the filter replacement life-time and the total cost would be factor to seriously think about.

It is my experience that we start with procuring many times sophisticated products just to show our lab(s) are modern and high-tech but later end up in abandoning these costlier investments simply because there was no maintenance or availability of spare parts and service support. Therefore we should be mindful or proper returns on our investments.

As far as the fume-hoods are considered, proper air suction and vents are more important rather than how you control the speed of the suction fan and durability and life-time of the filters. Keep close look at these primary factors and then decide what best suits your needs and more importantly your budget and available funding!

Best wishes!!!

Thank you for your advice! The price of both equipments offered by the suppliers is very close, so I will check carefully the specifications. Have a happy new year too!