A laboratory tripod is a three-legged platform used to support flasks and beakers. Tripods are usually made of stainless steel or aluminium and made light-weight for efficient portability within the lab. Often a wire gauze is placed on top of the tripod to provide a flat base for glassware. Tripods are generally tall enough for a bunsen burner to be placed underneath.[1]
There are several different designs. The top is commonly triangular or circular, and sometimes the three legs can be removed and adjusted depending on the preferences of the user.
A laboratory tripod is most commonly used in middle and high schools for basic heating experiments.[2] However, tripods and bunsen burners have been made obsolete by hot plates, which are considered to be safer since there is no direct contact with the flame.[3]