## Common ground
All options are spirit burners used in laboratories, designed to burn alcohol-based fuels safely and efficiently.
## Options at a glance
**3926.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from heat-resistant plastic; lightweight but limited in high-temperature use.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable lab burners, low-heat applications.
- **Best fit when:** Low-temperature experiments, temporary use, or cost-sensitive settings.
**6903 – Refractory ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from ceramic materials designed to withstand extreme heat and thermal shock.
- **Typical examples:** Heavy-duty lab burners for prolonged heating, high-temperature reactions.
- **Best fit when:** Sustained or intense heating, frequent use, or harsh lab conditions.
**6909.1X – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** General ceramic construction; may include non-refractory types, less heat-resistant than refractory ceramic.
- **Typical examples:** Basic burners for simple tasks, educational labs.
- **Best fit when:** Moderate heat needs, low-cost or educational use.
**7017 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Made of borosilicate glass; transparent, heat-resistant, but fragile.
- **Typical examples:** Visible flame control, lab demonstrations, precise heating.
- **Best fit when:** Need to observe flame or reaction, moderate heat, and careful handling is possible.
## Key differences
| Feature | Plastic | Refractory Ceramic | Ceramic | Glass |
|---------------------|---------------|--------------------|--------------|---------------|
| Heat resistance | Low | Very high | Medium | High (borosilicate) |
| Fragility | Low (but melts) | Low | Medium | High |
| Visibility | None | None | None | High |
| Typical use | Temporary | Heavy-duty | General | Demonstration |
## How to choose
- Is the burner for high or prolonged heat? → 6903
- Do you need to see the flame or reaction? → 7017
- Is cost or disposability important? → 3926.90
- Is it for general, moderate use in education? → 6909.1X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Refractory ceramic (6903) and general ceramic (6909.1X) may overlap; refractory is a subset of ceramic. Use 6903 only if extreme heat resistance is required.
- Glass (7017) is more fragile than other materials but allows visibility—this trade-off must be weighed.
- If the product’s main function is safety, durability, or visibility, prioritize that trait over material type. No option is inherently "better"—choose based on primary use