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Purchasing Guide

Lab Manager Magazine's Independent Guide to Purchasing a Lab Freezer

Use this guide to learn about the four main types of Lab Freezers, then visit LabWrench.com to check out the latest models from all the manufacturers and find out which best suits your needs.

by John Buie
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Purchasing the right Laboratory Freezer is often considered a simple and straightforward decision. However, when the longevity of your samples and expensive materials depends on the right kind of freezer, it is worth a closer look. Use this guide to learn about the four main types of Lab Freezers, then visit LabWrench.com to check out the latest models from all the manufacturers to find out which best suits your needs.

General Purpose Lab Freezers

General Purpose Lab Freezers (-20° to -30°C) are available in two different models; either an upright model similar to what you have in your kitchen, or an under-counter model that fits directly into your lab cabinetry. They come with a pre-set temperature point of either -20°, -25°, or -30°C, but have a range of 10 to -15 degrees that you can adjust at any time.

Upright General Purpose Lab Freezers are ideal for storing larger amounts of materials that are accessed on a more regular basis in the temperature range of -20° to -30°C. The multiple shelving options and rack configurations also make it very easy to properly organize your freezer space.

Under-Counter General Purpose Lab Freezers are ideal for storing smaller amounts of materials that are handy to have right at your workspace but require constant freezing in the -20° to -30°C temperature range.

Low Temperature Lab Freezers

Low Temperature Lab Freezers (-30° to -45°C) are available in two different models, either an upright model, similar to what you have in your kitchen, or a chest model, similar to what you might have in your basement. They come with a pre-set temperature point of either -30° or -45°C, but will have a range of 10 to -15 degrees that you can adjust at any time.

Low Temperature Upright Lab Freezers are ideal for storing larger amounts of materials that are accessed on a more regular basis in the low temperature range of -30° to -45°C. The multiple shelving options and rack configurations make it very easy to properly organize your freezer space.

Low Temperature Chest Lab Freezers are ideal for longer term storage of materials at a low temperature range of -30° to -45° C. The chest model also enables you to store larger containers that may not fit in an upright model.

Ultra-low Temperature Freezers

Ultra-low Temperature Freezers(-45° to -86°C) are available in two different models, either an upright model which has a door that swings open either left to right, or right to left, or a chest model which has a lid that opens up.

Upright Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers are ideal for storing larger amounts of materials that are accessed on a more regular basis in the ultra-low temperature range of -45° to -86°C. The multiple shelving options and rack configurations make it very easy to properly organize your freezer space. One disadvantage to upright models is that when opened, the cold, heavier air tends to escape the unit more easily than in a chest model, resulting in a more dramatic temperature deviation. This is why you should look for models with inner compartmental doors that help to prevent cold air loss. The advantage of uprights is that samples are more conveniently accessed.

Chest Ultra-low Temperature Freezers are ideal for longer term storage of materials at an ultra-low temperature range of -45° to -86°C. An advantage is that the cold air tends to settle in the chest, rather than dissipating into the ambient environment. The disadvantage is that your samples are not as conveniently accessed.

Flammable Material Lab Freezers

Flammable Material Lab Freezers are designed to protect lab workers, the environment and stored materials that are flammable or volatile. Considerable advanced engineering goes into their design, including hermetically sealed compressors and CFC-free and spark-proof materials.