The Best Microplate Washers/Dispensers of 2026

Laboratory professionals rely on high-performance microplate washers/dispensers to ensure assay reproducibility, minimize residual volumes, and streamline high-throughput screening workflows. As 2026 approaches, the market demands equipment that integrates seamless automation with gentle cell handling capabilities. Modern systems now move beyond simple aspiration, offering advanced features like centrifugal evacuation, RFID reagent tracking, and ultrasonic self-cleaning to reduce maintenance downtime. This guide evaluates five leading models, including recent market entrants, to help facility managers and researchers select the ideal instrumentation for their specific application needs.

Quick Summary: Top Picks

• Best Overall: Agilent BioTek 406 FX: A 2023-released powerhouse combining full plate washing and multi-reagent dispensing in a single compact footprint.

• Best High-End Innovation: BlueCatBio BlueWasherX: Part of the new BlueCatX platform, using centrifugal force for non-contact washing of sensitive cellular assays.

• Best For Throughput & Automation: Thermo Scientific Multidrop Combi SMART+: Features advanced RFID cassette tracking and rapid dispensing for high-volume labs.

• Best For Cell & Bead Assays: Tecan HydroSpeed: Specialized magnet designs and anti-clogging features ensure high recovery rates.

• Best User-Friendly Option: Molecular Devices AquaMax 4000: A self-contained, reliable system requiring no external pumps or complex setup.

Agilent BioTek 406 FX – Agilent Technologies

Typical Price Range: $35,000 – $50,000

Best For: Lab professionals needing a versatile, all-in-one workstation.

Category: Most Versatile

Key Specs

• Plate Formats: 96-, 384-, and 1536-well plates.

• Dispensing: Up to 6 reagents (4 syringe, 2 peristaltic pumps).

• Cleaning: Built-in Ultrasonic Advantage™ manifold maintenance.

• Release Date: Released 2023.

Performance & Applications The Agilent BioTek 406 FX, released in 2023, represents the gold standard for versatility, effectively replacing multiple instruments by integrating washing and dispensing into one unit. Its primary strength lies in its dual-action manifold and ability to handle complex liquid handling protocols, such as magnetic bead separation and vacuum filtration, without requiring manual intervention. The inclusion of the Ultrasonic Advantage™ system solves the common issue of manifold clogging, significantly reducing downtime in busy laboratories. This model is particularly relevant for ELISAs, cell-based assays, and high-content screening workflows where bench space is at a premium and protocol flexibility is paramount.

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BlueWasherX – BlueCatBio

Typical Price Range: $50,000 – $70,000

Best For: Laboratories performing sensitive cellular assays or high-density plate washing.

Category: Best High-End Option

Key Specs

• Technology: Non-contact centrifugal liquid evacuation.

• Residual Volume: < 0.1 µL per well.

• Release Date: Platform iteration released ~2024.

• Plate Compatibility: 96-, 384-, and 1536-well formats.

Performance & Applications As a recent evolution in the BlueCatBio lineup (part of the BlueCatX platform), the BlueWasherX utilizes proprietary centrifugal technology to remove liquids without needles ever touching the well bottom. This non-contact approach eliminates the risk of cross-contamination and background noise often caused by residual wash buffer. It is exceptionally suited for loosely adherent cells and magnetic bead assays, as the controllable centrifugal force gently evacuates liquid while retaining the sample with near-zero residual volume. For labs prioritizing data quality in high-density formats (1536-well), the BlueWasherX offers a technological advantage over traditional aspiration-based washers.

Multidrop Combi SMART+ – Thermo Fisher Scientific

Typical Price Range: $15,000 – $22,000

Best For: High-throughput screening and genomic workflows.

Category: Best For Speed / Throughput

Key Specs

• Volume Range: 0.5 to 2500 µL.

• Tracking: SMART+ RFID technology for cassette lifetime monitoring.

• Speed: Dispenses to a 384-well plate in seconds.

• Connectivity: Integrated with modern LIMS and automation platforms.

Performance & Applications The Thermo Scientific Multidrop Combi SMART+ focuses on reliability and speed for bulk reagent dispensing. The integration of SMART+ technology allows the instrument to automatically track the usage of dispensing cassettes via RFID, preventing data loss caused by worn-out consumables. This model excels in genomic and pharmaceutical applications where speed and precision are critical, such as PCR setup or compound storage plate preparation. Its ability to dispense over a massive volume range makes it a workhorse for laboratories that require rapid, repetitive dispensing across various plate formats without complex programming.

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HydroSpeed – Tecan

Typical Price Range: $18,000 – $28,000

Best For: Magnetic bead assays and adherent cell washing.

Category: Best For Specialized Assays

Key Specs

• Magnets: Dual-magnet design for optimized bead settling.

• Anti-Clogging: Active rinsing prevents needle blockages.

• Control: Cell Protection™ extra gentle drop-wise dispensing.

• Formats: 96- and 384-well plates.

Performance & Applications The Tecan HydroSpeed is engineered specifically to address the challenges of washing cells and magnetic beads. Its specialized design features two magnets per well, which pulls beads to the side during aspiration to maximize recovery rates, a critical factor for expensive Luminex® assays. The system’s Cell Protection™ settings allow for tunable dispense speeds and positions, minimizing turbulence that could dislodge adherent cells. This model is the preferred choice for immunology and molecular biology labs where assay integrity depends heavily on gentle handling and efficient bead retention.

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AquaMax 4000 – Molecular Devices

Typical Price Range: $12,000 – $18,000

Best For: General washing applications and budget-conscious labs.

Category: Best On A Budget

Key Specs

• Design: Fully self-contained (internal pumps).

• Heads: Interchangeable 96- and 384-well heads (no tools required).

• Inlets: 4 fluid inputs for multiple buffers.

• Maintenance: Automated shutdown and prime protocols.

Performance & Applications The Molecular Devices AquaMax 4000 remains a staple in many laboratories due to its rugged reliability and compact, all-in-one design. Unlike other systems that require bulky external vacuum pumps, the AquaMax 4000 integrates everything into a single chassis, saving valuable bench space. It is highly effective for standard biochemical assays and routine maintenance washing. The ability to swap heads in seconds without tools makes it ideal for multi-user core facilities where researchers frequently switch between plate densities. While less automated than the 406 FX, it offers exceptional value for labs focusing on standard ELISA and wash protocols.

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Comparison of Top Models

Conclusion: Selecting the Best Microplate Washer for 2026

Selecting the right equipment requires balancing throughput requirements with the specific sensitivities of biological samples. The best microplate washers/dispensers of 2026 offer distinct advantages, from the centrifugal precision of the BlueWasherX to the all-in-one efficiency of the Agilent BioTek 406 FX. For high-volume environments, the RFID-enabled Thermo Scientific Multidrop Combi SMART+ ensures consistent performance, while the Tecan HydroSpeed remains the specialist for magnetic bead applications. By aligning these features with laboratory workflows, professionals can secure instrumentation that enhances data integrity and operational longevity.

_{This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.}