Mycology Agar Lab Equipment List (Essential Tools for Growing Mushrooms)

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Time to read 4 min

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Trippy Tek

At Trippy Tek, we’re passionate about making mycology accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We combine extensive research, community insights, and hands-on experience to offer proven techniques and tips for mushroom cultivation. 


Our mission is to celebrate the art of growing mushrooms while exploring their diverse benefits.

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If you’re serious about growing mushrooms, learning how to make agar is a must. Agar helps you check for contamination early and grow strong, healthy mycelium for your spawn. It’s a key skill for any mushroom grower who wants to succeed.

It’s usually recommended to master working with agar and creating successful spawn before diving into liquid culture

How to make agar for mushrooms
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At-Home Agar Laboratory Equipment List for mushroom cultivation

Now that you're ready to upgrade your home lab, here are your options.

Workspace Sterile Environment : Still Air Box or Laminar Flow Hood?

Where will you work? A Still Air Box or a Laminar Flow Hood


Check out our custom-designed Trippy Tek Still Air Box, created specifically for mushroom growers by fellow mushroom cultivators to prevent contamination as much as possible. It features an integrated induction sterilizer, LED lighting, and a wire rack for convenience. 


Alternatively, you can opt for a Laminar Flow Hood . Although more expensive, the results can be similar inside a Still Air Box by using good sterile techniques.

Sterilization Tool: Pressure Cooker

When venturing into agar work, a pressure cooker is essential. As you take this hobby seriously, this tool will become indispensable. The most popular and proven option is the Presto 23qt .


For a premium option, consider the All American Sterilizer  915, which doesn’t use gaskets for sealing and is specifically geared towards mushroom cultivation. However, it’s significantly more expensive.


A more budget-friendly alternative is the Mirro 22qt, similar in functionality to the Presto model. Regardless of the brand, ensure you learn how to use this equipment properly.

Pressure Cooker for mushroom cultivation at home
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Agar plates (also known petri dishes): Material Options

Here are the options for agar dishes:

  1. Glass Petri Dishes (recommended):

    • Reusable and can be sterilized in a pressure cooker.

    • Ideal for the "No-Pour Tek."

    • Environmentally friendly but more expensive initially.

  2. PP5 Plastic Petri Dishes :

    • Can be sterilized in a pressure cooker but not recommended for reuse.

    • Single-use and more affordable.

  3. PS Plastic Petri Dishes (Regular Plastic):

    • The cheapest option.

    • Single-use and cannot be sterilized in a pressure cooker (they will melt).

  4. PC Plastic Agar Dishes (Polycarbonate):

    • A newer option that can be sterilized in a pressure cooker.

    • Still under testing for durability and reusability.

If durability and reusability are priorities, glass dishes are ideal, although they require careful handling. 

For a balance of convenience and heat resistance, PP5 plastic dishes are often a practical choice.

Lab Equipment for Agar at home
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Borosilicate Media Bottle (Pouring Bottle)

These bottles, available in 500ml or 1L sizes, are essential for mixing your agar recipe. Ensure they have GL45 screw caps, making them safe to sterilize in a pressure cooker and ideal for performing the Pour Tek method.

Media Bottle for agar mushroom growing

Additional Tools and Supplies


  1. Funnel and Muffin Cup : Ensures clean operations during preparation.
  2. Gram Scale : Essential for accurately measuring agar and nutrients.
  3. Thermometer : An NSF-certified and calibrated infrared thermometer is recommended for pouring agar at the correct temperature.
  4. Parafilm or Saran Wrap (Cling Wrap):
    • Used to maintain sterility and allow gas exchange for your plates.
    • Parafilm is the most common choice but can be expensive; Saran Wrap is a more affordable alternative.

Parafilm M mushroom growing

         5. Tool Sterilization : If you're not using the Trippy Tek Still Air Box, you’ll need a separate induction sterilizer or a torch to sterilize tools like scalpels and inoculation loops.

         6. Agar Ingredients : For your specific recipe (learn more later)

         7. Other Essentials : Nitrile or latex gloves, tyvek sleeves, masks, micropore tape, and 70% isopropyl alcohol.


With theses equipments in hand, you're ready to choose your agar recipes and start working with agar like a pro!

Conclusion

Congrats! You are ready to successfully make your own agar plates instead of buying pre-poured ones online!


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