Best Ultrasonic Cleaners in the UK in 2022 Compared & Buyer’s Guide
What is the best ultrasonic cleaner? There are two types of these devices: an industrial machine and a portable ultrasonic cleaner. Industrial-grade units are very effective, heavy-duty, and equipped with a high-wattage generator. As a reference, the generator is an essential part of an ultrasonic cleaner because it provides power to the machine. They also feature robust tanks made from welded stainless steel. Portable ultrasonic cleaners are smaller in size, compact, and easily transportable. However, they come with less powerful generators and are used to clean only small items like toys, jewelry, and food.
| 1. Industrial Commercial Ultrasound Cleaning Machine | |
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| 2. Branson Model B200 Ultrasonic Cleaner | |
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It is important that the device is large enough to hold the item you want to clean. Basically, the frequency of about 45 kHz is enough. However, some items may require as much as 130 kHz.
The development of ultrasonic machines and cleaning dates back 70 years, when a laboratory at the Radio Corporation of America discovered the cleaning action of ultrasonic energy. The technicians used freon to cool radio components when they observed a wave action around a crystal operating at 300 kHz. The concept was not actively applied as a cleaning mechanism until the 1950s when ultrasonic cleaning machines were developed. The pioneers began by designing machines with a frequency of 18-40 kHz, and later in the 1980s, commercial systems were invented that operated at 25-40 kHz. Modern technologies have spawned the invention of systems with higher frequencies (up to 45 kHz) that are portable and designed for both domestic and industrial use. Here, you’ll find five different models of the best ultrasonic cleaners, from £17 to £130.
Table of Content
Ultrasonic cleaners use a process known as cavitation to clean items. This process occurs when ultrasonic energy leads to cavitation bubbles' rapid formation and collapse. The transducer converts electrical energy to ultrasonic energy, creating high-frequency sound waves. The bubbles induced by high-frequency sound waves stir through a liquid, causing dirt, oil, rust, pigments, dust, and other contaminants to adhere to items made of glass, ceramics, rubber, metals, and plastics. The idea is to alleviate all the traces of contamination embedded in the jewelry or other items. Regular cleaning solutions like dishwasher soap can be added to the ultra-sonic cleaner, but some users prefer adding ammonia or a degreaser. The efficiency of the transducer determines the amount of time spent cleaning the items and how fast the surface gets clean. Poor quality transducers increase the cleaning cycle and the power consumed.
- The Size
Check the capacity of the tank; it should match your cleaning needs. Ultrasonic cleaners with tanks that have a capacity of 600-750 ml are ideal for basic cleaning purposes. Industrial cleaning may require larger tanks.
- The Frequency
Ultrasonic cleaners are designed with the right frequency and power for various operations. When buying the device, consult a qualified ultrasonic dealer to help you choose the suitable machine for your application. Most cleaning applications require a frequency of 40-45 kHz, but special cleaning requirements like delicate jewelry items need a higher frequency (68-130 kHz).
- Cleaning Solutions
Most ultrasonic applications are water-based, but users can add solvents or cleaning agents for a faster cleaning process. Ask the manufacturer about the best cleaning solution to use in the machine to avoid destroying the inner wall.
- The Cleaning Process
The ultrasonic cleaning machine has a set dwell time and the temperature usually indicated in the manufacturer's manual. Be sure to follow this guide. Also, look at the cycle time; if you can turn on the heater during the cleaning process, look for a machine that has low cycle times. However, if you are looking for a machine requiring minimal supervision, choose the one with longer cycle times (15-30 minutes).
Top 5 Best Ultrasonic Cleaners Compared
1. VEVOR 10L Professional Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Cleaner with Heater
This industrial-grade ultrasonic cleaner is excellent for cleaning large and small items. It is fitted with two powerful transducers of 60 W each.
The VEVOR 10L professional cleaner features the latest technology in ultrasonic cleaning that increases its versatility; you can use it for cleaning, cavitation, oxidation, and maintenance, among other uses.
Moreover, its 10L stainless steel chamber is thick and sturdy, so your items are safe during cleaning. For optimal cleaning performance, users can set a cleaning temperature range of 68-140 degrees Fahrenheit and select cleaning time options of 1-30 minutes. It has a dual fuse system that protects it from burn-outs caused by frequent turning on and off.
Industrial-grade stainless steel ultrasonic cleaners can have as much as 22L capacity with an extra-long cleaning basket (47 cm x 27 cm). It also features a heating function (80 degrees Celsius) that can soften and dissolve oil and wax stains. The machine is suitable for dental clinics, hardware stores, scientific laboratories, jewelers, hospitals, clinics, factories, etc.
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VEVOR 10L: Check the current price
2. VLOXO Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner, Dual-Wave Heavy Duty Cleaning
This spacious ultrasonic cleaner is ideal for heavy-duty cleaning and can be used for commercial jewelry cleaning. It uses dual-wave frequency technology that generates quiet and stable circuitry, creating millions of microscopic bubbles for thoroughly cleaning hard-to-reach areas. With the VLOXO ultrasonic cleaner, you never need to add harsh detergent or scrub off the dirt during cleaning; add tap water, and you are good to go. With up to five pre-set cleaning cycles, you can choose a suitable frequency based on the material you want to clean. The digital display allows you to count down the length of time it will take to clean the watch, necklace, tools, instruments, combs, and utensils, among other objects.
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VLOXO: Check the current price
3. Branson Model B200 Ultrasonic Cleaner, 120V
The item is excellent for the microscopic cleaning of clock parts, metallic machine parts, and electric components, among other small items. The machine operates at 50-60 Hz and is fitted with a five-minute timer that allows a quick and efficient cleaning process. The package has a basket where you can place the items for a safer cleaning process.
This product may be a bit pricey, but it is worth the money. First of all, this is because Branson, which is headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, is a reliable and well-established brand. The company was founded in 1946 and since then has become a reputable manufacturer of ultrasonic, thermal, infrared joining, and welding equipment made of both plastic and metal. Branson has opened branches in Europe and Asia and now sells its products worldwide. Today, it is a subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co., a trusted American multinational corporation selling electronic equipment.
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Branson: Check the current price
4. Compact Smart Ultrasonic Cleaner
This ultrasonic cleaning machine is ideal for cleaning waterproof watches, dentures, jewelry, ancient coins, shaver heads, CDs, and DVDs. With a capacity of 600 ml and a vast chamber, you can clean a range of items. The basket protects your items from scratches, while the disc hoist ensures the discs remain in place during cleaning. The cleaner has five pre-set cleaning cycles (90,180, 300, 480, and 600) that allow the user to choose the appropriate setting based on the nature of the item. It comes with a watch holder accessory that will let you lay the piece at full length to expose all the hard-to-reach areas.
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Horseshoe: Check the current price
5. Ultrasonic Cleaner, Mini Cleaning Machine
The ultrasonic cleaning machine is an excellent option for those looking for a portable and affordable machine for cleaning fragile items like jewelry, eyeglasses, or sunglasses. It's pretty easy to operate; plug in the batteries and press the play button. It generating a powerful frequency of up to 48 kHz. Its design allows the cleaning solution to remove all the gunk, leaving your sunglasses, rings, or other items sparkling clean. And, if you don't want to lay the eyeglasses directly into the cleaning solution, the contact lens holder allows you to put the contact lens at full length, exposing all the parts for cleaning. The package comes with a two-head screwdriver for tightening the frame glass in case the screw gets loose after washing.
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Mini Cleaning Machine: Check the current price
Testing & Customers Reviews
We found reviews from real YouTube bloggers about the products in our article.
Scams Garage: "That's a great gift idea for the gearhead petrolhead Mustang fan and jewelry fan. They're pretty inexpensive. The reason we went with this model is cuz all the capacity and four different displays. This model also heats your fluid as well. So it's got 20 to 80 degrees capability. But you don't have to have a 10-liter version because it takes a long time to heat up. This is a great way to clean up parts in your shop and say you can use this stuff on small engines, carburetors, guns jewelry. The cool thing is you can throw things in, walk away and do something else. The coolest thing about this, though, is with using something like Simple Green, we don't subject ourselves and our hands to a corrosive chemical. We don't have this thing full of ten liters of stuff that is hazardous waste."
Products with 5-star rating
FAQs
How Can I Enhance the Cleaning Process?
It depends on the item you intend to clean and the ultrasonic cleaner you use. However, for optimal cleaning, set a suitable temperature and timing for the cleaning process. The size of the ultrasonic cleaning machine and the cleaning solution used also determines how well it cleans the item.
Which Jewelry should I not Clean Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Ultrasonic cleaning machines use sound waves to remove dirt accumulated on your jewelry's surface. As such, not all jewelry materials can be cleaned using this machine. For example, diamond jewelry loses clarity and develops internal damage when cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner.
How Long Should the Items Remain in the Cleaner?
It depends on factors such as the temperature, solution, the degree of cleanliness required, and the dirt present. For jewelry, experts recommend cleaning them for 5-10 minutes. You will see the dirt removal within a few minutes of use.
Which Cleaning Solutions Should I Not Add to the Water?
Solutions that have low flash points should not be added. The cavitation process works by releasing energy, which is converted to heat and then to kinetic energy. As a result, high-temperature gradients are generated in the solutions. Using flammables, bleach, acids, or other agents produces even higher temperature gradients, which can be extremely risky. Here is a list of effective cleaning solutions:
- Alkaline Solutions: With a pH of 10 or higher, they are great for cleaning stainless steel, metals, zinc, tin, copper, and cast iron. Alkaline solutions also work well when cleaning ceramics, glass, and plastic materials.
- Acidic solutions have a pH of 5 or lower and are more aggressive than alkaline solutions. As such, acidic solutions are used for cleaning specific materials, e.g., removing oxides from metals, as long as the solution contains inhibitors that protect the base material.
- De-ionized water: it is great for cleaning all kinds of material-metals, plastics, rubber, glass, and fabrics.
- High Caustic solutions: these are unique alkaline solutions used for removing waxes, heavy grease, and oils from steel, cast iron, and stainless steel.
How Does degassing Aid the Cavitation Process?
Degassing occurs when the gases in the solution are removed, creating a vacuum. Cavitation is only possible when the gases are removed to enable the formation of bubbles in the vacuum. The bubbles collapse once the sound waves hit them to release energy that enhances the breaking down of dirt particles from the item.
