Pipette Filler: How to Use One (and Which to Buy)
Updated: Sep 29
A pipette filler draws liquid into a pipette and releases it safely, without mouth pipetting. The standard three-valve rubber bulb works in three moves: press A to empty the air, S to draw liquid up and E to release it. Use one with any glass or plastic pipette up to 100 ml, for titrations, standard solutions and teaching labs.
The short version
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Pipette filler types: how do they compare?
A three-valve rubber bulb suits most labs; a single-handed bulb frees one hand; a pipette pump gives fine control on small volumes; an electric controller is fastest for repeated transfers.
Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Three-valve rubber bulb | Cheap, no power, fine control of the meniscus. Fits pipettes up to 100 ml. | Slow for large batches. Rubber perishes over time. | Titration, teaching, general lab use |
Single-handed rubber bulb | Frees your other hand to hold the vessel. | Takes a little practice. | Bench work where you hold the flask |
Pipette pump (thumbwheel) | Very fine control. One-handed. | Each pump fits a limited pipette size. | Small volumes (up to 25 ml) |
Electric pipette controller | Fast, no hand strain, fits 0.1–100 ml pipettes. | Costs more. Needs charging. | Cell culture, repeated transfers |
What is a pipette filler used for?
A pipette filler is used to fill a pipette with liquid and release it in a controlled way, so you never pipette by mouth. Mouth pipetting is unsafe with any chemical or biological sample.
COMMON USES
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How to use a bulb pipette filler
To use a bulb pipette filler, press A and squeeze the bulb to empty it, press S to draw liquid above the mark, then press E to lower it to the mark and dispense. Each valve is a glass ball that opens when you squeeze it: A (air) at the top, S (suction) just below the bulb and E (empty) on the side arm.
1 | Fit the pipette Hold the pipette near the top and push it gently into the filler with a slight twist. Don't force it; glass can snap. |
2 | Empty the bulb Press valve A and squeeze the bulb flat, then let go of A. |
3 | Draw up the liquid Put the tip below the surface and press valve S. Fill to just above the mark. |
4 | Set the volume Hold the pipette upright with the mark at eye level. Press valve E gently until the bottom of the meniscus sits on the mark. |
5 | Dispense Touch the tip on the inside wall of your flask and press E to let the liquid run out. Remove the filler and rinse the pipette. |
The one thing to watch: the liquid level while you draw up.
⚠️ Keep liquid out of the bulb. It damages the valves and can carry over into the next sample. If it happens, stop, rinse the filler with water and let it dry fully before you use it again. |
How do you fill a pipette accurately?
To fill a pipette accurately, draw liquid just above the mark, wipe the tip, then let it down until the bottom of the meniscus sits on the mark at eye level. Most volume errors come from technique, not the pipette.
Avoid | Do this instead |
✗ Filling up to the mark | ✓ Fill just above the mark, then let it down to it |
✗ Reading the meniscus from above or below | ✓ Read the bottom of the meniscus at eye level |
Use a filler that seals on your pipette. A loose fit lets air in and the liquid drops.
Wipe the outside of the tip before you set the volume.
Don't blow out the last drop unless the pipette is marked for blow-out.
Which pipette filler should you buy?
Most labs should buy a standard three-valve rubber bulb. Choose a single-handed filler if you hold the flask while pipetting, and an electric controller if you fill pipettes all day.
01 Standard rubber bulb Best for most labs The standard rubber pipette filler fits glass and plastic pipettes up to 100 ml, with glass ball valves for air release, suction and delivery. |
02 Single-handed universal filler Hold the flask The universal rubber filler is designed for single-handed use, so your other hand stays free for the vessel. |
03 Long-neck filler Firmer grip The longer-neck filler has an extended insert nozzle for a firmer hold on the pipette. |
04 EASY 5 three-valve filler Classes and teaching The low-cost choice for classes, in standard and long versions, and in packs of 25. |
05 Electric pipette controller Fill pipettes all day The EASY 9 pipette controller takes 0.1–100 ml pipettes, has a filter and a 2-year warranty (it ships with an EU plug). We also stock the Bibbette macro pipette controller. |
Related guide: working below 1 ml? You need a micropipette. Read our guide to the types of micropipette.
Pipette filler FAQs
What is a pipette filler used for?
A pipette filler draws liquid up into a glass or plastic pipette and releases it in a controlled way, so you never pipette by mouth. It is used for measuring and transferring liquids in titrations, sample prep and teaching labs.
What should you use to fill a pipette?
Use a pipette filler: a three-valve rubber bulb, a pipette pump or an electric pipette controller. Never fill a pipette by mouth.
How do you use a bulb pipette filler?
Fit the filler on the pipette, press valve A and squeeze the bulb to empty it, press valve S to draw liquid above the mark, then press valve E to bring the meniscus down to the mark and to dispense.
How do you fill a pipette accurately?
Draw liquid just above the graduation mark, wipe the outside of the tip, then release liquid slowly until the bottom of the meniscus sits on the mark at eye level.
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