A Buyer's Guide for Analytical Laboratories

Quick Summary

Not sure which system fits your laboratory? Start here.

If your laboratory...

• Performs routine digestion of similar sample matrices, choose ETHOS.
• Processes mixed matrices with a simpler, flexible workflow, choose ultraWAVE 2 eco.
• Requires maximum productivity, automation, and flexibility, choose ultraWAVE 3.

Before You Compare Products…

Every laboratory has different analytical requirements. One of the most common questions laboratories ask is: "Which microwave digestion system is the best?"

The reality is that there isn't one system that is best for every laboratory and the better question is:

Which microwave digestion system best fits my laboratory's needs?

When comparing microwave digestion systems, consider four key questions:

• What types of samples do you digest?
• What is your laboratory throughput?
• What workflow do you want?
• Will your laboratory's needs change in the future?

Let's walk through each one.

1. What Types of Samples Do You Digest?

The type of samples you digest is often the most important factor when selecting a microwave digestion system.

If your laboratory routinely digests similar materials, ETHOS is an excellent choice. Its rotor-based design is optimized for samples with similar chemistry, allowing multiple vessels to be processed efficiently in the same run. 

Many laboratories also process a wide variety of sample types throughout the day. With traditional rotor systems, these samples often need to be separated into different digestion runs because each matrix behaves differently. 

UltraWAVE 2 eco and ultraWAVE 3 use Single Reaction Chamber (SRC) technology. Every sample experiences the same pressure and temperature, allowing different matrices to be digested together in a single run. 

This eliminates the need to separate different sample types into multiple batches, making mixed-matrix digestion simpler and more efficient. 

2. What Is Your Laboratory Throughput?

Different laboratories process very different numbers of samples each day.

If your laboratory processes large batches of similar samples, ETHOS offers high vessel capacity for efficient routine analysis.

If your workload varies daily, ultraWAVE 2 eco allows flexible batch sizes. Run only the samples you need while maintaining an efficient workflow. 

Laboratories processing many different sample types every day benefit from the larger capacity and automation of ultraWAVE 3. It can process extremely high throughput while maintaining the flexibility of Single Reaction Chamber technology.

3. What Workflow Do You Want?

Beyond digestion performance, the workflow of a microwave digestion system can have a major impact on productivity and cost. The best system depends on both your samples and your preferred workflow. 

Choose ETHOS for a Familiar, Routine Workflow

ETHOS is ideal for laboratories that routinely digest similar sample matrices and prefer a conventional rotor-based workflow. It offers direct operator control during depressurization, requires no external chiller, and remains capable of digesting even the toughest samples.

Highlights

• Routine workflow for similar sample matrices
• Digests the toughest samples
• Direct operator-controlled depressurization
• No external chiller required

Choose ultraWAVE 2 eco for a Simpler, Flexible Workflow

ultraWAVE 2 eco simplifies mixed-matrix digestion by reducing cleaning, acid consumption, and manual handling. Automatic depressurization, flexible batch sizes, and lower operating costs make it an efficient and sustainable choice. 

Highlights

• Mixed matrices in one run
• Lower acid consumption and disposable glass vials
• Automatic depressurization
• Flexible throughput
• Lower labour and running costs

Choose ultraWAVE 3 for Maximum Automation

ultraWAVE 3 is built for laboratories that require maximum productivity. It combines high-pressure digestion with advanced automation to minimize operator involvement while handling mixed and challenging sample matrices. 

Highlights

• Highest level of automation
• Digests mixed matrices and the toughest samples
• Extremely high sample throughput 
• Higher cooling efficiency with an external chiller
• Lower labour and running costs

4. Will Your Laboratory's Needs Change in the Future?

Choosing a microwave digestion system isn't only about today's applications. It's also about where your laboratory is heading.

We recommended ETHOS because your workflow is stable, your sample matrices remain consistent, and routine digestion is your primary requirement.

If your laboratory expects greater sample diversity while reducing acid consumption, cleaning, and operating costs. Your best choice will be ultraWAVE 2 eco.

Choose ultraWAVE 3 if your laboratory is expanding into more challenging sample types while increasing productivity and automation. 

Every Milestone Microwave Digestion System Delivers Reliable Results

Regardless of which system you choose, every Milestone microwave digestion system provides:

• Reliable microwave-assisted acid digestion
• Accurate and reproducible sample preparation
• Precise temperature-controlled digestion
• Intuitive software with programmable methods
• Built-in safety features
• Support for elemental analysis workflows, including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and AAS
• Comprehensive application and technical support

Which Microwave Digestion System Is Right for You?

There is no universal "best" microwave digestion system. Only the system that best matches your laboratory's requirements.

Whether your laboratory needs the proven reliability of ETHOS, the flexible and sustainable workflow of ultraWAVE 2 eco, or the maximum automation and productivity of ultraWAVE 3, choosing the right system starts with understanding how your laboratory works.