If you're starting or scaling a lab in San Francisco, you already know it’s one of the most competitive, innovative life science hubs in the world—and also one of the most expensive. From bench space in SoMa to fully built-out labs in South San Francisco, outfitting your facility with the right lab equipment can make or break your team’s productivity and budget.
Whether you’re equipping a new lab from scratch or upgrading a few key systems, buying high-quality lab equipment in the Bay Area takes more than just browsing catalogs. You’ll need to weigh performance, pricing, availability, and space constraints—while navigating vendors, warranties, delivery timelines, and local support.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to buy new lab equipment in San Francisco, explore the pros and cons of purchasing vs. leasing, and help you build a smarter procurement plan that fits your scientific goals and budget. From centrifuges and freezers to incubators, analyzers, and beyond—we’ll show you how to outfit your lab without overspending. We’ll also cover leasing and other flexible options that can help your team get equipped without overspending.
What to Know Before You Start Buying
Before diving into product specs or vendor quotes, take a step back. San Francisco’s biotech ecosystem offers plenty of options—but also some unique challenges. Starting with a clear plan can help you avoid costly missteps and make smarter decisions from day one.
Define your lab’s needs based on workflow
Your equipment list should reflect your actual research needs—not just a generic checklist. Are you doing cell culture, molecular biology, chromatography, or clinical assays? Each workflow requires different tools, from basic pipettes and glassware to more specialized analyzers, PCR systems, or sterilizers.
Create a categorized list that includes:
- Core equipment: centrifuges, freezers, incubators, microscopes, shakers
- Consumables & lab supplies: pipette tips, reagents, solvents, buffers
- Specialty systems: spectrophotometers, microplate readers, vortex mixers
- Shared-use considerations: fume hoods, autoclaves, calibration stations
Consider your lab space and infrastructure
The real estate you’re working with—whether it’s in a shared incubator or your own leased facility—will influence what you can install. San Francisco labs often face size constraints, so check power requirements, HVAC, bench depth, and whether you’ll need benchtop models versus full-sized units.
Keep in mind:
- Some equipment (like chromatography systems or fume hoods) may need special hookups or ventilation
- High-throughput machines might not be practical in smaller lab footprints
- Infrastructure upgrades can delay installation—plan early
Balance must-haves with nice-to-haves
Budgets are rarely unlimited. Focus first on critical equipment for your immediate experiments, and leave room to grow. While it’s tempting to fully stock your lab upfront, many successful teams build incrementally—especially when working in shared spaces or flexible lease environments.
Knowing what you absolutely need today versus what can wait until your next funding round will help guide your purchasing (or leasing) decisions.
Where to Buy New Lab Equipment in San Francisco
San Francisco’s life science ecosystem offers a diverse selection of new lab equipment sources—from hands-on local distributors to national catalogs and digital marketplaces. Here’s how they break down:
Local distributors & suppliers
These Bay Area suppliers specialize in life science equipment and consumables, offering fast delivery, technical support, and on-site demos—ideal if you need to see equipment before committing.
- Biotech Equipment Sales: Provides lab equipment, glassware, and consumables to biotech, pharma, and academic labs. They offer fast local delivery and nationwide shipping. With a wide selection of new and refurbished systems, they help labs stay equipped and on budget (South San Francisco).
- Lab Pro Inc.: Distributes lab supplies, chemicals, PPE, and cleanroom products to research, biotech, and industrial labs. Offers calibration, Vendor-Managed Inventory, and fast delivery from its Sunnyvale showroom (Sunnyvale, CA).
- diaago: Supplies lab equipment, glassware, chemicals, and consumables to life sciences and industrial labs. Offers fast local delivery in the Bay Area and ships nationwide. Known for its reliable inventory and support for growing biotech companies (Sunnyvale, CA).
- American Laboratory Supply Co.: Specializes in lab glassware, supplies, and custom glassblowing for scientific and industrial use. Offers single units and bulk orders, including hard-to-find and specialty items. An authorized distributor of top labware brands, serving the Bay Area since 1994 (Richmond, CA).
- Excedr: Provides lab equipment through long-term leasing tailored to life science and biotech companies. This form of equipment financing helps startups and growing labs access the instruments they need—whether new or refurbished—without large upfront capital expenditure. Based in San Francisco and serving clients nationwide (San Francisco, CA).
Why choose them? They're local—offering fast service, personalized support, and in-person access when you need it.
National distributors and manufacturers
Major distributors and manufacturers can supply virtually any instrument or consumable you need—ideal for bulk orders or sourcing specific-name brands.
- Agilent: Develops and manufactures analytical instruments, software, and consumables for life science, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. Products include HPLCs, mass spectrometers, and genomic analysis systems. Headquartered in Santa Clara with global reach and strong local presence in Bay Area labs.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Manufactures lab equipment, reagents, and analytical instruments used across biotech, pharma, and clinical labs. Offers local support and distribution through facilities and field teams throughout the Bay Area. Global company with multiple Bay Area locations, including a major site in South San Francisco.
- Danaher: Operates a portfolio of life science and diagnostics companies including Cytiva, Beckman Coulter, and Leica Microsystems. Supplies instruments, reagents, and lab automation tools used in biotech, pharma, and research labs. Multiple subsidiaries have a strong presence in the Bay Area.
- Copia Scientific: Specializes in certified pre-owned and new lab equipment, including liquid handlers, PCR systems, and microplate readers. Provides nationwide service, method support, and extended warranties for biotech and pharma labs.
- Avantor: Global manufacturer and distributor of laboratory supplies, equipment, and chemicals serving biotech, pharma, and academic labs. Offers fast delivery and local support across the Bay Area through its VWR distribution network (Multiple locations, Bay Area, CA).
- Bio‑Rad: Specializes in molecular biology and diagnostics instruments, including PCR systems, electrophoresis, and imaging tools. Headquartered in the Bay Area with global distribution and local support.
Why choose them? Wide selection, institutional pricing, bundled contracts, and global support networks.
Alternatives to Buying New Lab Equipment in SF
Not every lab is ready—or needs—to buy new equipment outright. Whether you're trying to reduce capital expenditures or simply need flexibility, these alternatives can help you access high-quality instruments without the full sticker price.
Used and refurbished equipment vendors
Buying pre-owned lab equipment can significantly reduce upfront costs while still delivering reliable performance—especially when sourced from reputable resellers. Some top options in the Bay Area include:
- Scientific Equipment Repair: Offers repair, maintenance, and calibration services for lab equipment, along with used and refurbished systems for sale. Serves biotech and research labs across Silicon Valley with quick response times and certified support (Mountain View, CA).
- American Laboratory Trading (ALT): Sells refurbished lab equipment including HPLCs, GCs, centrifuges, and mass specs. Also offers asset recovery, consignment, and lab liquidation services. Serves labs nationwide from facilities in Connecticut and Northern California (East Lyme, CT & Livermore, CA).
- American Instrument Exchange: Sells used and refurbished lab equipment—including biosafety cabinets, ultra-low freezers, centrifuges, and pumps—with depot repair and a standard 90‑day warranty. Serving Bay Area labs since 1969 (San Francisco, CA).
Why it works: Lower initial investment, pre-tested systems, often backed by warranty.
Things to watch out for: Varying warranty terms, potential compatibility or service limitations.
Interested in learning more? Check out our article on used lab equipment in the Bay Area.
Surplus auctions and liquidation sales
Surplus and liquidation channels offer opportunities to purchase high-end equipment from shutdowns or lab relocations. Some Bay Area options include:
- Silicon Valley Disposition (SVD): Runs online auctions for biotech, pharma, and lab equipment sourced from Bay Area startups and tech companies. Offers local pickup and nationwide shipping options (Menlo Park, CA).
- Equipment Dispositions (eDispositions): Specializes in monthly online auctions and consignment sales of surplus lab and analytical equipment. Serves biotech, pharma, and research labs across the Bay Area with local pickup options (San Jose, CA).
- Surplus Solutions: Sells pre-owned lab equipment through direct sales and online auctions, including HPLCs, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and more. Offers asset management and warehouse services with nationwide reach.
Why it works: Significant cost savings, access to premium equipment.
Things to watch out for: No guarantees on condition or installation; act fast—inventory moves quickly.
Interested in learning more? Check out our auctions article.
Online platforms and marketplaces
If you prefer a digital-first approach, these platforms simplify comparison shopping, quotes, and streamlined ordering.
- LabX: Online marketplace for new and used lab equipment, connecting buyers with local and national vendors. Features listings from trusted sellers across categories like analytical instruments, biotech tools, and general lab supplies.
- Labcompare: Provides product specifications, comparisons, and vendor links across a wide range of laboratory instruments and technologies. Helps researchers evaluate equipment and connect with suppliers nationwide.
Why choose them? Easy access to specs and pricing, multiple vendor options in one place, efficient comparison shopping.
Shared labs and incubators
If your lab is housed in a coworking facility or early-stage incubator, you may already have access to shared instruments.
Some Bay Area examples include:
- MBC BioLabs: Offers shared access to PCR systems, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and other essential lab equipment. Supports early-stage biotech startups with fully equipped lab space and operational services (San Francisco & San Carlos, CA).
- Bonneville Labs: Offers shared access to core lab equipment including biosafety cabinets, incubators, and cold storage, along with private and shared lab space. Supports biotech startups with flexible memberships and operational services (Berkeley, South San Francisco & Hayward, CA).
- BADASS Labs: Operates as a nonprofit biotech incubator, providing shared lab and office space with 24/7 access to PCR systems, biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, cold storage, and more. Supports early-stage companies through flexible memberships, operational services, and a collaborative community (Alameda, CA)
- Bakar Bio Labs: Provides shared and private lab space with access to core equipment, including tissue culture hoods, centrifuges, incubators, and analytical instruments. Supports academic spinouts and early-stage biotech companies with infrastructure and startup services (Berkeley, CA).
- JLABS: Provides shared lab and office space with access to core equipment like biosafety cabinets, incubators, and centrifuges. Supports early-stage biotech and life science startups with affordable, flexible lab options (San Francisco, CA).
Why it works: Minimal upfront costs, built-in infrastructure, scalable access.
Things to watch out for: Limited availability, equipment sharing policies, potential scheduling bottlenecks.
Interested in learning more? Check out our incubators article.
Why More San Francisco Labs Are Choosing to Lease
Buying new lab equipment is common—but it’s not the only option. Leasing offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative, especially for startups and fast-growing teams across the Bay Area.
Instead of paying full price upfront, you make fixed monthly payments over a set term (typically 2–5 years). That can include servicing, calibration, and upgrade options—all without long-term ownership obligations.
Here’s why leasing is becoming the go-to strategy for SF labs:
- Helps preserve capital: Avoid large upfront purchases and redirect cash toward R&D, hiring, or scaling operations.
- Provides access to high-quality equipment faster: Get the systems you need now—like PCR machines, centrifuges, or freezers—without waiting for your next funding round.
- Allows labs to stay agile as they grow: Whether you're in an incubator or expanding into new space, leasing lets your equipment plan flex with your footprint.
- Reduces downtime and overhead: Service and maintenance are often included, helping you avoid unexpected repair costs and minimize instrument downtime.
- Simplifies financials: Predictable monthly payments make budgeting easier and eliminate depreciation headaches.
At Excedr, we lease lab equipment to biotech and life science companies across the Bay Area and beyond. From flexible terms and bundled support to end-of-term buyout options, we help teams get the tools they need—without the burden of ownership.
Curious if leasing makes sense for your lab? Let’s talk.
Side-by-side comparison: Lab Equipment Procurement Options
Not sure which route is right for your lab? Here’s how common procurement strategies stack up—so you can choose what fits your budget, goals, and growth stage:
- Buying new (local or national): Full ownership, latest models, and full warranties. Local distributors offer faster support and fulfillment, while national suppliers provide broader selection and bundled pricing. Best for well-funded teams with long-term needs and fixed space.
- Used/refurbished vendors: A budget-friendly way to acquire tested, warrantied equipment. Ideal when working with limited capital but still needing reliability. Always confirm service history, compatibility, and warranty terms.
- Surplus auctions & liquidations: Deep discounts on high-value systems from lab closures or downsizing. Great for experienced buyers who can evaluate equipment condition and act quickly. Warranties and service are usually not included.
- Shared labs & incubators: Affordable access to core lab equipment and infrastructure with minimal upfront cost. Best for early-stage teams. Limited availability and shared access may require scheduling tradeoffs.
- Online platforms & marketplaces: Efficient way to compare vendors, prices, and specs across new and used equipment. Best for teams comfortable managing procurement digitally and sourcing from multiple vendors.
- Leasing: Access premium equipment through predictable monthly payments, without the upfront cost of buying. Often includes maintenance, calibration, and flexible end-of-term options. Ideal for fast-growing labs or those conserving capital.
Final Thoughts: Equip Smarter, Grow Faster
Buying new lab equipment in San Francisco doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or financially draining. With the right sourcing strategy, you can outfit your lab efficiently, stay on budget, and scale as your research or operations grow.
Start by identifying your must-haves based on workflow, space, and team size. Then compare options across local distributors, national suppliers, and reputable used-equipment vendors. And if capital is tight or flexibility is key? Leasing offers a powerful way to get high-quality equipment without the high upfront costs.
Excedr works with startups, growing labs, and established life science teams across the Bay Area to lease critical lab equipment—everything from incubators and centrifuges to fume hoods, PCR systems, and more. With flexible lease terms, bundled service, and expert support, we help you build the lab you need—faster and more affordably.
Need help planning your next equipment purchase or lease? Talk to our team to explore the best options for your lab.