This article provides guidelines for selecting optimal calorimetric instrumentation for applications in biochemistry and biophysics. Applications include determining thermodynamics of interactions in non-covalently bonded structures, and determining function through measurements of enzyme kinetics and metabolic rates. Specific examples illustrating current capabilities and methods in biological calorimetry are provided. Commercially available calorimeters are categorized by application and by instrument characteristics (isothermal or temperature-scanning, reaction vessel volume, heat rate detection limit, fixed or removable reaction vessels, etc.). Advantages and limitations of commercially available calorimeters are listed for each application in biochemistry, biophysics, and physiology.