Bench top instruments refer to relatively small and portable machines that can be placed on the lab workbench. The common bench-top instruments include centrifuges, pH meters, balances, water baths, incubators, shakers, and spectrophotometers. They help in activities such as measurement, mixing, analysis, and control of temperature in the laboratory. Clinical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and environment testing laboratories use these instruments in their daily work. They are best suited for routine laboratory activities due to their portability and efficiency.