Maintaining samples at an optimal storage temperature is vital for many labs and makes choosing the right freezer or refrigerator a crucial task. Users need to demand accuracy, consistency, capabilities & reliability.
5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Lab Refrigerator or Freezer
- How is the product manufactured? Ask about the quality of the materials used and the product life expectation based on manufacturing testing.
- What is the warranty? What does it include and for how long? Will anything void the warranty?
- How green is the product? Ask the company to provide details on energy efficiency and have them relate it to your return on investment (e.g. In 4 years will you save enough money in energy costs to pay for your freezer/fridge)?
- How much sample capacity are you getting for your space?
- What are the optimal voltage/ wiring conditions for running the fridge/freezer? If the building is older, will low voltage or voltage fluctuations affect the performance of the freezer/fridge?
| Top ten features/benefits our readers look for when purchasing refrigerators or freezers: | |
| Price | 100% |
| Reliability of product | 100% |
| Durability of product | 99% |
| Warranties | 97% |
| Energy efficiency | 96% |
| Quiet operation | 96% |
| Sensitivity and accuracy of temperature controls | 95% |
| Reputation of vendor | 94% |
| Service and support | 90% |
| Audible and visual Hi/Lo alarm for each controller | 86% |
| Types of refrigerators or freezers survey respondents are currently using: | |
| Upright general purpose lab freezers | 63% |
| Upright ultra-low temperature freezers | 36% |
| Low temperature upright lab freezers | 33% |
| Under-counter general purpose lab freezers | 25% |
| Low temperature chest lab freezers | 16% |
| Flammable materials storage | 15% |
| Blood bank and plasma | 14% |
| Chest ultra-low temperature freezers | 14% |
| Explosion-proof | 12% |
| Other | 10% |
| Type(s) of service used by respondents for repair/service of their refrigerators/freezers: | |
| In-house service department | 41% |
| Third-party time/material | 30% |
| Third-party contract | 21% |
| Instrument manufacturer time/material | 12% |
| Instrument manufacturer service contract | 12% |
| Multi-vendor service provider | 8% |
| Don’t know | 6% |
| Our department | 3% |
| Other | 2% |
| Temperature ranges required by respondents currently using or planning to purchase fridges or freezers: | |
| 0° to -20°C | 38% |
| -20° to -30°C | 17% |
| -30° to -45°C | 5% |
| -45° to -85°C | 27% |
| Other | 13% |
Completed Surveys: 221
For more information on fridges & freezers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, click here.
