OK, what do you guys think is better? Do you think it would be better to have just one big hotplate/stirrer, or a whole bunch of heating mantles to go along with each size RB flask that you use and a really big 9x9 or 12x12 magnetic stirrer? How i've seen it is that heating mantles are easier to control than an oil bath, aren't as messy, and don't require as much attention. but then even str*** book TSII says you should have a hotplate/stirrer. share your thoughts, as i'm about to start buying mantles (500mL, 1 L, and 2 L, the fabric ones). also, how about those 22 L stirmantles, pretty nice, huh? not that i have the money to get one, but if you didn't have one, how would you stir? the only 22 L mantles are aluminum. won't that interfere with the magnetic field?