There are several kinds of instruments used in common in all kinds of lab. Whether your laboratory research comprises working with proteins, cell culture, air, water, soil, or blood, key lab equipment will support various testing needs. Among the many items that would be considered general lab equipment are pipettes, scales, centrifuges, Bunsen burners, freezers, hot plates, incubators, coolers, stirrers, water baths, and fume hoods.