Lab Petri Dishes

Petri dishes come in disposable polystyrene, reusable glass, and tissue-culture-treated plastic; choose based on application: disposable plastics for routine plating, glass for autoclaving and reuse, and treated dishes for cell culture that require improved cell attachment

Standard sizes are 35 mm, 60 mm, and 90–100 mm diameter; use 35 mm for small or individual assays, 60 mm for moderate culture work, and 90–100 mm for larger colonies or replicate plating where more surface area is needed

Polystyrene is common but incompatible with many organic solvents; borosilicate glass tolerates heat and most chemicals; check manufacturer specifications for solvent resistance and suitability for your reagents and incubation conditions

Store dishes sealed or in dust-free racks at room temperature away from direct sunlight; handle with sterile gloves, work in a laminar flow hood for aseptic transfers, and avoid high temperatures that can warp plastic dishes

Stackable designs save bench space and reduce exposure; vented or gridded lids can improve gas exchange for aerobic cultures or aid colony counting, so select features that match your incubation and handling procedures

Individual dishes and small sterile packs are available at low unit cost, while treated or autoclavable glass options are more expensive upfront; in many labs, disposable sterile plastics are economical for routine work, with average product prices in the mid-range reflecting treatment and material differences