Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Manufacturers: A Guide for Lab Professionals

Are you searching for an ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer for your lab? Choosing the right equipment is crucial, whether you decide to purchase, rent, or lease. With growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, selecting the ideal cold storage solutions is essential for both operational success and environmental responsibility.

This guide reviews leading ULT freezer manufacturers and provides insights into their equipment specifications and features. With a focus on functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, this article will help you make informed decisions for your lab’s needs. Additionally, leasing an ULT freezer offers financial flexibility, allowing your lab to access cutting-edge equipment while managing costs. Let's explore.

What Are Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers?

Ultra-low temperature freezers are specialized laboratory freezers capable of maintaining temperatures as low as -86°C. These freezers are essential for biomedical engineering, healthcare, and life sciences labs to store sensitive biological samples such as blood, semen, bacteria, tissues, and viruses.

They come in various configurations, including upright freezers, chest freezers, benchtop, and undercounter models. Selecting the right ULT freezer depends on your lab’s specific storage needs, available space, and environmental considerations.

Key Considerations for Choosing an Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

1. Space and Orientation

Before selecting a freezer, evaluate your lab’s space constraints. If your lab is compact, consider benchtop or undercounter freezers. Larger facilities may accommodate upright or chest freezers. The orientation of the freezer should allow for easy access and ensure that workflow is not disrupted.

2. Storage Capacity

Choose a freezer with sufficient storage capacity to meet both current and future needs. Having too much space can reduce energy efficiency, while not enough space may lead to cramped storage. Conduct an inventory of your biological samples and plan for potential growth in sample storage.

3. Reliability and Warranty

Look for a freezer with a strong track record of reliability. Check manufacturer warranties and seek reviews from other labs to ensure you are investing in durable, long-lasting equipment. Reliable equipment minimizes the risk of sample loss due to mechanical failure.

4. Temperature Range and Uniformity

Consistent temperature control is critical for ensuring the integrity of stored samples. Look for freezers with temperature logging and alarms for sudden fluctuations. Automatic defrosting systems can help maintain consistent temperatures while keeping the freezer operational over time.

5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Energy efficiency should be a top consideration when selecting a freezer, given the energy demands of ULT freezers. Look for models that use natural refrigerants and ENERGY STAR-certified equipment to minimize both costs and environmental impact.

Leading Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Manufacturers

Here are some top ULT freezer manufacturers that consistently provide high-quality, reliable, and energy-efficient cold storage solutions for laboratories.

Nuaire

Nuaire offers a wide range of ULT freezers known for their energy-efficient performance and sustainable designs. Their Blizzard™ line includes options for both upright and chest freezers. Nuaire emphasizes eco-friendly refrigerants that minimize environmental impact while maintaining reliable cold storage.

Blizzard™ HC VIP NU-99338J:

• Orientation: Upright
• Storage Capacity: 96 (2-inch boxes)
• Temperature Range: 10-32°C
• Volume: 11.9 cubic ft.
• Energy Efficiency: Uses hydrocarbon refrigerants to lower emissions

Blizzard™ HC VIP NU-99420J:

• Orientation: Chest Freezer
• Storage Capacity: 27 (2-inch boxes)
• Temperature Range: -86°C
• Volume: 14.8 cubic ft.

Eppendorf

Eppendorf is a global leader in scientific instruments, known for its high-performance ULT freezers. Their CryoCube® series offers ergonomic designs, enhanced energy efficiency, and reliable temperature control.

CryoCube® F740:

• Orientation: Upright
• Temperature Range: -50°C to -86°C
• Volume: 740 L (26.1 cubic ft.)
• Energy Features: Touchscreen control and optimized workflow

CryoCube® FC660:

• Orientation: Chest Freezer
• Temperature Range: -50°C to -86°C
• Volume: 660 L (23.3 cubic ft.)
• Certifications: ENERGY STAR certified, ideal for long-term sample storage

Continental Scientific

Continental Scientific offers rigorously tested laboratory freezers, ensuring they meet high standards for reliability and long-term storage. Their freezers come with digital temperature monitoring and automatic defrost systems, making them ideal for hospitals, pharmacies, and life sciences labs.

Low Temperature Solid Door Freezers:

• Orientation: Upright
• Volume: 65-187 cubic ft. (depending on the model)
• Temperature Range: -30°C to -18°C
• Defrost: Automatic

PHC Corporation (formerly Panasonic Healthcare)

PHC Corporation is renowned for its energy-efficient and technologically advanced ULT freezers. Their VIP ECO series features dual cooling systems, ensuring the highest level of protection for sensitive samples.

VIP ECO Large Volume Freezer, MDF-DU901VHA-PA:

• Orientation: Upright
• Volume: 29.8 cubic ft.
• Temperature Range: -50ºC to -86ºC
• Energy Efficiency: VIP Plus insulation for superior energy efficiency

VIP ECO Natural Refrigerant -86°C Freezer, MDF-DU702VHA-PA:

• Orientation: Upright
• Volume: 25.7 cubic ft.
• Key Features: LCD touchscreen with temperature logging and analytics

Fisher Scientific/Thermo Fisher Scientific

Fisher Scientific, a trusted name in the scientific community, offers a range of ULT freezers suited for long-term storage of biological samples. Their Isotemp™ series is built for sustainability and operational efficiency.

Isotemp™ -86°C Ultra-Low Temperature Chest Freezers:

• Orientation: Chest Freezer
• Volume: 3 cubic ft.
• Temperature Range: -58°F to -122.8°F
• Defrost: Manual

Isotemp™ Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers:

• Orientation: Upright
• Volume: 14.9 cubic ft.
• Energy Efficiency: Hydrocarbon technology that reduces energy consumption by 25%

Why Leasing Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Is the Smarter Choice

Leasing an ULT freezer offers numerous benefits, including financial flexibility, maintenance coverage, and access to the latest technology. Purchasing outright can be a significant expense, but leasing allows labs to spread costs over time and avoid large upfront investments.

Through Excedr, you can lease high-quality, energy-efficient ULT freezers while staying within your lab’s budget. With fixed monthly payments, included maintenance, and the option to upgrade as technology advances, leasing is the practical solution for both startups and established labs.

Get in touch with us to learn more about our leasing program and the benefits of leasing lab equipment.