Which Vacuum Aspirator Is Right for You? Microlit KENO PRO or KENO MINI
- September 25, 2026
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In modern laboratories, liquid aspiration is a routine yet critical part of many workflows. From removing cell culture media and supernatants to handling laboratory waste and cleaning up spills, an efficient vacuum aspirator can make everyday laboratory operations faster, safer, and more convenient.
But with different laboratory environments comes different aspiration requirements. A high-throughput research laboratory may need larger collection capacity and intelligent monitoring, while a compact laboratory or mobile workflow may prioritise portability and minimal bench-space requirements.
This is where Microlit KENO PRO and KENO MINI come in. Both are designed to provide reliable liquid aspiration, but each is engineered around a different set of laboratory needs. So, which one is right for you? The answer depends less on which model is “better” and more on how, where, and how frequently you work.
Explore Microlit Vacuum Aspirators
Understanding Laboratory Vacuum Aspirators
A laboratory vacuum aspirator uses controlled suction to remove liquids from vessels, tubes, plates, flasks and other laboratory containers. It can be used for applications such as cell culture media removal, supernatant aspiration, liquid waste handling, sample preparation and routine laboratory clean-up. Microlit’s KENO range is designed to support applications across research, diagnostics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other laboratory environments.
Compared with manual liquid removal, an automated aspiration system can provide a more consistent workflow while reducing repetitive manual effort. Adjustable suction can also be useful when working with applications where controlled aspiration is important.
The KENO PRO and KENO MINI share several core characteristics, including brushless motor technology, compact construction, CE certification, IP41 protection and liquid aspiration capability. However, their configurations are designed for different laboratory priorities.
Microlit KENO PRO: Built for Demanding Laboratory Workflows
The Microlit KENO PRO is designed for laboratories that require a more comprehensive aspiration system for demanding and continuous workflows.
One of its key advantages is its adjustable vacuum range of 0 to -850 mbar, allowing users to adjust suction according to their application. It provides a maximum air flow rate of 15 L/min and a liquid flow rate of approximately 23–40 mL/sec. The system uses a brushless DC motor and operates at less than 65 dB at maximum vacuum at a distance of one metre.
Larger collection capacity
KENO PRO is available with 2 L and 4 L polypropylene collection bottles, making it particularly suitable for workflows where larger volumes of liquid waste are generated. The polypropylene construction provides a practical solution for routine laboratory liquid collection.
Intelligent liquid-level detection
One of the defining features of KENO PRO is its intelligent level sensor. The sensor helps detect when the collection bottle reaches its capacity, helping prevent overflow during operation. This can be particularly valuable in busy laboratory environments where aspiration may be performed frequently.
Self-closing quick coupling
KENO PRO also incorporates self-closing quick couplings, designed to help prevent droplets and aerosols from escaping and maintain a closed system during operation. This adds another layer of operational safety and contamination control.
Eco-Control
Another KENO PRO feature is Eco-Control, which optimises pump performance with the aim of reducing unnecessary energy consumption and creating a quieter working environment. (Microlit)
Who should consider KENO PRO?
KENO PRO can be particularly suited to:
- High-throughput laboratories
- Research laboratories with frequent aspiration requirements
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Applications involving larger liquid-waste volumes
- Workflows where liquid-level monitoring is valuable
- Laboratories seeking enhanced aspiration control and system features
In short, KENO PRO is designed around capacity, control, monitoring and demanding laboratory workflows.
Microlit KENO MINI: Compact, Portable and Convenient
Microlit KENO MINI
If your laboratory prioritises compactness and portability, KENO MINI offers a different approach to vacuum aspiration.
KENO MINI is designed for laboratories where bench space is limited or where the aspirator may need to be moved between workstations. Its compact design makes it suitable for applications where a smaller footprint is important.
Battery-powered operation
One of the biggest distinctions is its built-in rechargeable lithium battery. Unlike a conventional externally powered setup, KENO MINI can operate without being continuously connected to an external power source. This makes it convenient for mobile laboratory workflows and locations where flexibility is important.
Compact collection bottles
KENO MINI is compatible with 0.5 L and 1 L polypropylene collection bottles. These smaller capacities make sense for laboratories and applications where the volume of aspirated liquid is relatively limited and compact equipment is preferred.
Space-saving design
KENO MINI is particularly useful where bench real estate is at a premium. Its compact form factor allows it to fit comfortably into crowded laboratory workspaces and can be useful inside controlled laboratory environments where equipment footprint matters.
Simple and convenient operation
The system features a smart On/Off switch and a built-in connector arrangement designed to support convenient operation while helping maintain a closed aspiration pathway. It also uses a brushless DC motor and provides a liquid flow rate of approximately 23–40 mL/sec.
Who should consider KENO MINI?
KENO MINI can be particularly suited to:
- Small and medium-sized laboratories
- Laboratories with limited bench space
- Mobile laboratory workflows
- Routine liquid aspiration
- Cell culture applications
- Research and educational laboratories
- Users who value battery-powered operation
- Applications involving smaller waste volumes
In simple terms, KENO MINI is about mobility, convenience and compact performance.
KENO PRO vs KENO MINI: Which One Fits Your Laboratory?
Specifications based on Microlit’s current 2026 product information and catalogue.
So, Which Vacuum Aspirator Is Right for You?
There is no single answer because both KENO PRO and KENO MINI are good in their own way.
Choose KENO PRO if your priority is larger collection capacity, frequent aspiration, intelligent liquid-level detection, Eco-Control and additional system features for demanding laboratory workflows.
Choose KENO MINI if your priority is portability, compactness, battery-powered operation and convenient aspiration where space and mobility matter.
The right choice ultimately depends on your laboratory’s workflow, aspiration volume, available space, mobility requirements and preferred operating configuration.
Whether you need a more feature-rich solution for demanding laboratory operations or a compact aspirator that can move with your workflow, the KENO range gives laboratories two purpose-built options.
KENO PRO and KENO MINI don’t compete on being better or worse—they are designed to solve different laboratory needs.
And that is what makes choosing the right KENO vacuum aspirator easier: start with your workflow, and let your requirements guide your choice.
