Diameter of Counting Cell: 110mm
Package: 1set/Box
Availability: In Stock
Colony Counter
Description
A colony counter, also known as a bacterial colony counter or CFU counter, is a microbiology instrument used to count colony-forming units (CFU) on agar plates after incubation.
Hawach semi-automatic digital colony counter features 5x/10x magnification, dark-field illumination, press-pen counting, and a 0-999 digital display. Available in standard AC (16281001) and rechargeable (16281002) models. Ideal for total plate count (TPC), aerobic plate count (APC), heterotrophic plate count (HPC), yeast & mold count, and microbial limit testing (MLT) in food, pharmaceutical, water, and clinical laboratories.
Which Colony Counter Do You Need? – Selection Guide
| Requirement | Recommended Model | Key Features |
| Standard laboratory counting (daily QC, 10-100 plates/day) | 16281001 (AC) | AC powered, 5/10x magnification, dark-field, 0-999 count |
| Portable / field use / flexible placement | 16281002 (Rechargeable) | Long standby, same optical performance, no constant power needed |
Not sure which model fits your laboratory? Email info@hawach.com with your sample type and expected daily plate count.
Hawach semi-automatic colony counter – ideal for CFU enumeration in food, pharma, and water testing labs.
Colony Counter vs Automatic Colony Counter – Which One Is Right for Your Lab?
| Feature | Semi-Automatic Colony Counter (Hawach) | Automatic Colony Counter |
| Counting method | Press pen (manual click) | Camera + software (automatic detection) |
| Throughput (plates/day) | 10-100 plates/day | 100+ plates/day |
| Image storage & documentation | No | Yes (saves images, audit trail) |
| Colony size / color analysis | No | Yes (size distribution, color differentiation) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (2-5x) |
| Best for | Routine QC, teaching, moderate throughput labs | High-throughput, research, GMP/GLP environments |
Conclusion: For routine microbiology QC laboratories processing fewer than 100 plates per day, a semi-automatic colony counter offers the best balance of cost, speed, and accuracy. Automatic colony counters are recommended for high-throughput labs requiring image documentation and advanced analysis.
Colony Counter Applications – Microbiology Key Terms
Hawach colony counters are used in the following standard microbiological tests:
- Total Plate Count (TPC)– Enumeration of total aerobic bacteria in food, water, and environmental samples.
- Aerobic Plate Count (APC)– Same as TPC, commonly used in dairy and meat industries.
- Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)– For drinking water and potable water testing.
- Yeast & Mold Count– Detection of fungal contamination in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- CFU Enumeration– General colony-forming unit counting for any incubation media.
- Microbial Limit Test (MLT)– USP <61> / <62> compliant enumeration for non-sterile pharmaceutical products.
The Hawach colony counter is compatible with ISO 4833, FDA BAM, USP <61>, and other standard plate count methods.
Key Features of Hawach Colony Counter
- Digital display (0-999): Three-digit display, alerts when count exceeds 300 (dilution recommended).
- Large counting area (110mm diameter): Accommodates standard 90mm Petri dishes with margin.
- 5x / 10x interchangeable magnification: Clear observation of small or densely packed colonies.
- Gridded counting disk: Helps track counted colonies and reduce errors.
- Press-pen counting system: Each press registers a colony; includes two pens with replaceable refills.
- Dark-field background + circular fluorescent side lighting: Enhances colony contrast, reduces eye strain.
- Leak-proof sealing ring: Protects internal components from spills.
- Rechargeable option (16281002): Long standby time for mobile or field use.
Applications of Colony Counter by Industry
| Industry | Typical Use | Why This Colony Counter |
| Food & Beverage | Total plate count for quality control | Fast, reproducible counting for aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mold; grid avoids double counting |
| Pharmaceutical | Microbial limit testing (USP <61>/<62>) | Compatible with USP methods; digital display records counts accurately |
| Water & Environmental | Heterotrophic plate count for drinking water | Dark-field illumination improves visibility of colonies on membrane filters |
| Clinical & Diagnostics | Urine culture, sputum culture enumeration | 5/10x magnification helps observe small colonies; rechargeable model for satellite labs |
| Research & Academia | Teaching microbiology, enumeration experiments | Simple operation, durable, ideal for student use |
Technical Specifications – Colony Counter
| Parameter | Value |
| Counting range | 0 – 999 |
| Counting cell diameter | 110 mm |
| Magnification | 5x / 10x (interchangeable) |
| Illumination | Circular fluorescent side lamp + dark-field background |
| Counting pen | 2 pens included (refillable, press-to-count) |
| Display | Digital (3-digit) |
| Power | 16281001: AC; 16281002: rechargeable (long standby) |
| Sealing | Leak-proof sealing ring |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Ordering Information – Colony Counter
| Catalog No. | Description | Power | Package |
| 16281001 | Colony counter, 5/10x magnification, 110mm counting cell, 0-999 range, includes 2 counting pens | AC | 1 set/box |
| 16281002 | Colony counter – rechargeable, same specifications, long standby time | Rechargeable battery | 1 set/box |
Accessories: Additional counting pens (refills) available on request.
Why Procurement Teams Choose Hawach Colony Counter
- Cost-effective semi-automatic solution– Affordable alternative to fully automatic counters while significantly reducing counting time compared to manual tally counters.
- Built for daily use– Leak-proof sealing, durable construction, and included spare counting pen ensure long service life.
- Clear colony visualization– Dark-field background + side fluorescent lighting reduces eye strain and improves counting accuracy.
- Rechargeable option– Allows placement anywhere without worrying about power outlets.
- Compatible with standard methods– Suitable for ISO 4833, FDA BAM, USP <61>/<62>, and other standard plate count methods.
- In-stock– Standard models ship within 3-5 business days.
- OEM & private label– Custom branding, packaging, and bulk supply for distributors.
- Evaluation samples available– For qualified laboratories and distributors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Colony Counter
What is the difference between a manual colony counter and an automatic colony counter?
anual colony counter (semi-automatic) uses a counting pen that registers each colony click, displaying the count digitally. An automatic colony counter uses a camera and software to automatically detect and count colonies, eliminating manual effort and providing additional data like colony size and color distribution. Automatic counters are more expensive and typically used in high-throughput labs.
What is the maximum count range of this colony counter?
The counting range is 0-999. If a plate contains more than 300 colonies, it is recommended to dilute the sample and re-test for accuracy, in accordance with standard microbiological methods (e.g., FDA BAM, ISO 4833).
Can I use this colony counter for different types of culture media?
Yes, the instrument works with standard 90 mm Petri dishes. The dark-field background and circular fluorescent side lighting provide clear contrast for most media types, including transparent (e.g., PCA) and opaque (e.g., blood agar, chocolate agar) media.
How do I know when to replace the counting pen?
The counting pen is durable but may eventually wear out. Each unit comes with 2 counting pens. If the pen stops registering clicks consistently, replace it with the spare or order replacements. The pen refill is also replaceable.
Is the rechargeable version recommended for mobile use?
Yes, the rechargeable model (16281002) is designed for field use or laboratories with limited power outlets. It has long standby time and can be used without being plugged in – ideal for mobile testing units, satellite labs, or locations with unstable power supply.
Does this colony counter comply with GMP/GLP requirements?
The digital display and manual counting method are suitable for non-regulated QC environments. For GMP/GLP compliance, we recommend using the instrument with a validated counting protocol and regular calibration. Automatic colony counters with audit trails and data export are better suited for fully regulated environments.
What is the warranty period?
Hawach colony counters come with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects. Extended warranty options are available upon request.
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