GC Purchase - Help needed to decide

[JenI]

I am looking to replace my very old gc but I dont really know what to look for. It was equipped with a FID and ECD detector but I really only used the FID. I used the FID for anlaysis of beverage alcohols methanol, ethyl acetate and fusel oils. I still need to analyze for these basics and I was hoping to incorporate more esters and aldehydes. My questions:
1.manufacturer- varian, agilent, etc who is the best
2.if anyone is analyzing beverage alcohol, what is standard to analyze for? and what detectors other than FID are useful.

Thanks I know it is asking a lot. Jen

[chromatographer1]

If you are buying only 1 GC then getting a demo might not be feasible for most of the vendors in the US.

I would suggest you search the vendors (talk to a sales person, really!) for applications in which you are interested in performing.

Ask them to show you publications using their equipment doing the applications you would do.

Once you select a few chosen vendors from the many, then ask about service costs, cost of parts, and consumables.

I would never weigh the opinions I got from the Internet too highly, but would rather be shown the facts and make my decision from their witness alone.

You have to explain your choice to supervisory personnel anyway, right?
Do your homework. Most any of the major brands should work, but which is best for you?

Good luck.

[DR]

Buy Agilent.


(joke - you really do have to think about it.)

The only reason I'm adding to this thread is to say that I'd be surprised if any vendor refused you a demo.

[gcguy]

Faced with a choice of GCs I would say consider all the alternatives and then buy Agilent. We have had excellent service from them in the UK and for general analysis their kit is second to none. We have around 20 instruments on site including an MS. My group has five 6890s and three 5890s. The oldest 6890 is 10 years old and the oldest 5890 is 16 years old and both are still performing well. In terms of price they are competative with most other suppliers.

GCguy

PS. I don't get a kick back from Agilent for saying this.

[CE Instruments]

Do not ever buy Aigilent !
Someone needs to balance things up

Having sold GCs for Thermo I am like most, biased. If you buy from a major supplier you are unlikely to have problems however there is much more to buying a GC than the GC itself. A major issue in use is the software, if you already know a particular data system this is a good pointer, if not make sure you get one you find easy to use. Long term support for the hardware, software amd applications. How much does it cost ? Are they easy to contact, call back quick ? How close does your rep/service person live ? What do you get free ?

Evaluate at least three, use them all to get the best price for the one you most like.
Good luck

[DR]

If you're on a tight budget (or planning on running from the bed of a pick-up truck), there's always SRI.

[Rick]

Agilent is the best! and is a reference...look all instrument company who made instrument other than GC, for example, Gerstel...all of this use Agilent.
Easy to use, good support,fiability, good reproductibilty!

Agilent is the best!