When selecting a freezer for your lab, it is important to know what specific storage requirements you’ll need, such as the temperature range or space available.
6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Low-Temp Freezer
- How long does it take to get to -80°C after set-up / install (cool down time)?
- If there is a power failure, how long will it take to get to -60°C (holdover time)?
- How often do the compressors have to run (compressor run time)?
- What is the max and min temp variation from set-point across the chamber (temperature variation)?
- What is the capacity, how many racks and 2” / 3” boxes can it store (sample storage)?
- What are the optimal voltage/wiring conditions for running the ULT? If your building is older will low voltage or voltage fluctuations affect the performance of the freezer?
| Top ten features/factors our readers look for when buying an ultra-low freezer: | |
| Price | 99% |
| Sensitivity and accuracy of temperature controls | 99% |
| Warranties | 99% |
| Faster temperature recovery after door openings | 98% |
| Rapid access to samples | 98% |
| Service and support | 96% |
| Audible and visual Hi/Lo alarm for each controller | 94% |
| Reputation of vendor | 93% |
| High energy efficiency operations | 92% |
| Maximum storage capacity in small footprint | 92% |
| Types of ultra-low freezers respondents are currently using: | |
| Upright ultra-low temperature freezers | 78% |
| Chest ultra-low temperature freezers | 28% |
| Other | 1% |
| Temperature range of the ultra-low freezers currently in use by survey respondents: | |
| -45° to -85°C | 92% |
| Over -85°C | 17% |
| Other | 3% |
| Types of ultra-low freezers respondents are currently using: | |
| In the lab | 42% |
| In the hallway | 13% |
| In a separate room with other freezers | 37% |
| Other | 8% |
| Type(s) of service used by respondents for the repair/service of their ultra-low freezers: | |
| In-house service department | 38% |
| Third-party contract | 27% |
| Instrument manufacturer time/material | 21% |
| Third-party time/material | 19% |
| Instrument manufacturer service contract | 13% |
| Our department | 7% |
| Multi-vendor service provider | 7% |
| Don’t know | 5% |
| Other | 2% |
| The number of ultra-low freezers in respondents’ labs: | |
| 1 | 34% |
| 2-4 | 40% |
| 5-7 | 9% |
| 8-10 | 3% |
| 10 or more | 14% |
Completed Surveys: 241
For more information on ultra-low freezers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/ULTfreezers
