Allegra Centrifuge Models Buying Guide: 6R vs X-12R vs 64R

Finding the Right Benchtop Centrifuge for Your Lab’s Workflow

In molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical development, and academic research, centrifuges are critical for separating, purifying, and concentrating biological samples. Choosing the right centrifuge which this buying guide can significantly improve your lab's productivity, accuracy, and safety.

Beckman Coulter’s Allegra benchtop centrifuge series includes some of the most trusted and versatile models used across laboratory environments. Among the standout options are the Allegra 6R, Allegra X-12R, and Allegra 64R. Though all three are refrigerated, high-performance centrifuges, they each serve distinct use cases and offer unique benefits.

This article provides a detailed comparison of these three models and outlines the key features, rotor options, and performance metrics that should guide your purchasing decision.

Why Beckman Coulter Allegra Centrifuges?

Beckman Coulter has long been a leader in the life sciences equipment space, with a strong reputation for durability, reliability, and rotor versatility. The Allegra series in particular is known for:

• High G-force performance
• Rotor adaptability
• Digital interface controls
• Temperature control down to -20°C
• Smart balance detection

With available models in both swinging-bucket and fixed-angle configurations, Allegra centrifuges meet the needs of clinical labs, genomics facilities, and pharmaceutical production floors.

Model Overview and Intended Applications

Model	Max Speed (RPM)	Max RCF (× g)	Temp Range (°C)	Capacity	Ideal Use Case
Allegra 6R	6,100 (FA) / 4,730 (SB)	5,710 (FA) / 4,560 (SB)	-5 to +25	4 × 750 mL	Clinical blood sample prep, general biology
Allegra X-12R	10,200 (FA) / 3,750 (SB)	11,400 (FA) / 3,270 (SB)	-10 to +40	4 × 750 mL	Mid-throughput genomics, plasma prep
Allegra 64R	30,000 (FA) / 10,000 (SB)	64,400 (FA) / 10,730 (SB)	-20 to +40	6 × 85 mL	High-speed pelleting, protein purification

Note: FA = Fixed-Angle Rotor, SB = Swinging-Bucket Rotor

Each of these centrifuges supports a range of rotor and bucket configurations, focusing on sample integrity and customizable runs.

Allegra 6R: Reliable and Spacious for Clinical Labs

The Allegra 6R is a refrigerated benchtop centrifuge designed for clinical diagnostics, general sample processing, and modest-throughput labs.

Top Features:

• Swinging-bucket rotor supports blood tubes, conical tubes, and plates
• Digital display and push-button programming
• Oversized capacity: 3 L total volume
• Quiet operation (<60 dB)
• Temperature range: -5°C to +25°C

Best For:

• Blood component separation
• Urine sample concentration
• Microbial pelleting
• Teaching and research labs with general separation needs

Compatible Rotors:

• GH-3.8: Swinging-bucket, up to 4 × 750 mL
• GA-6: Fixed-angle, 6 × 250 mL

✅ For general life sciences and clinical workflows, Allegra 6R offers simplicity and capacity at an accessible price.

 

Allegra X-12R: Mid-Speed Versatility and Power

The Allegra X-12R bridges the gap between clinical and research needs, offering higher RPM than the 6R and superior rotor compatibility.

Top Features:

• Swinging and fixed-angle rotor support
• Higher g-force allows for faster pelleting
• Up to 10,200 RPM and 11,400 × g (fixed-angle rotor)
• Compact footprint and refrigerated performance
• Temperature range: -10°C to +40°C

Best For:

• DNA/RNA extraction
• Bacterial pelleting
• Plasma and serum processing
• Medium-throughput sample workflows

Compatible Rotors:

• SX4750A: Swinging-bucket, 4 × 750 mL
• FA-45-6-30: Fixed-angle for 6 × 50 mL
• SX4400: Swinging-bucket, 4 × 400 mL

The X-12R is ideal for labs needing higher force separation for dense particles or medium-throughput molecular assays.

 

Allegra 64R: High-Speed Performance for Demanding Labs

The Allegra 64R is a top-tier benchtop centrifuge built for high-speed, high-force separations in advanced research and bioproduction environments.

Top Features:

• Up to 30,000 RPM and 64,400 × g (fixed-angle rotor)
• Advanced refrigeration to -20°C
• Auto-lock rotors and imbalance detection
• Large digital control panel with programmable memory
• Temperature range: -20°C to +40°C

Best For:

• Protein and nucleic acid purification
• Viral vector concentration
• Cell debris clearance in biotech pipelines
• Pelleting subcellular organelles

Compatible Rotors:

• F1202: Fixed-angle, 12 × 2.0 mL, 30,000 RPM, 64,400 × g
• F0630: Fixed-angle, 6 × 85 mL, 26,200 RPM, 59,860 × g
• F0650: Fixed-angle, 6 × 50 mL, 21,000 RPM, 41,400 × g

If your lab performs dense sample prep or handles viscous reagents, the 64R delivers both force and temperature control at top-tier levels.

Side-by-Side Specification Comparison

Feature	Allegra 6R	Allegra X-12R	Allegra 64R
Max RPM	6,100 (FA) / 4,730 (SB)	10,200 (FA) / 3,750 (SB)	30,000 (FA) / 10,000 (SB)
Max RCF (× g)	5,710 (FA) / 4,560 (SB)	11,400 (FA) / 3,270 (SB)	64,400 (FA) / 10,730 (SB)
Temp Range (°C)	-5 to +25	-10 to +40	-20 to +40
Capacity	4 × 750 mL	4 × 750 mL	6 × 85 mL
Display	Digital	Digital	Digital touch panel
Noise Level	<60 dB	<68 dB	<65 dB

 

Key Considerations Before You Choose

• Sample Volume and Format: Are you spinning large volumes (e.g., blood bags) or small tubes (e.g., Eppendorf)?
• Required Speed/G-Force: Will you pellet bacteria, nucleic acids, or organelles?
• Temperature Sensitivity: Is cooling needed to preserve sample integrity?
• Rotor Compatibility: Do you need fixed-angle, swinging-bucket, or specialty rotors?
• Lab Size and Throughput: Consider benchtop footprint and how often centrifugation occurs.

Maintenance and Longevity

Centrifuges are high-precision instruments that require regular maintenance to ensure safety and performance.

Best Practices:

• Balance tubes meticulously before every run
• Clean rotors with mild detergents and dry thoroughly
• Lubricate rotor threads monthly
• Inspect chamber for debris or wear

To learn more, see: How to Extend the Life of Your Lab Equipment: Maintenance Best Practices for Microplate Readers, Balances, and Centrifuges

Buy New or Pre-Owned?

All three Allegra models are available pre-owned from LEI Sales, fully tested and warrantied. Benefits include:

• Significant cost savings
• Warranty and support included
• Pre-installed rotors or rotor bundles

Before purchasing:

• Request rotor compatibility details
• Confirm speed/temp calibration documentation

LEI Sales offers refurbished Allegra 6R, X-12R, and 64R models—calibrated, cleaned, and tested by certified technicians.

 

Final Recommendations: Which Allegra Model is Right for You?

Need	Recommendation
General clinical and blood separation	Allegra 6R
Mid-throughput sample prep with faster spin	Allegra X-12R
High-speed R&D or bioproduction centrifugation	Allegra 64R

 

Explore Certified Centrifuges at LEI Sales

Whether you're scaling up a clinical operation or upgrading your R&D lab, LEI Sales offers reliable, warrantied Allegra centrifuge models tailored to your workflow. Contact our team to compare specs, confirm rotor configurations, and request a quote on pre-owned Beckman Coulter systems.

 

Further Reading:

• Choosing the Right Analytical Instrument for Your Lab: A Complete Comparison Guide
• Spectramax M2 vs. M2e vs. 384: In-Depth Technical and Performance Comparison
• Top Features to Consider in a Laboratory Balance: Mettler Toledo Models You Can Buy Today
• How to Extend the Life of Your Lab Equipment: Maintenance Best Practices for Microplate Readers, Balances, and Centrifuges