Laboratory freezers: Which one is right for me?

It can be an overwhelming task buying a laboratory freezer. There is a wide range of brands out there, all with their own specific configurations and optional extras. This can make it quite a time-consuming and sometimes confusing task to choose a new laboratory freezer. Luckily, Henderson Biomedical can help. In this month’s blog, I’ll take a look at the main things you need to consider when buying a laboratory freezer.

What temperature are you looking to reach?

A basic question, but and important one: what is the lowest temperature you are going to need? This will depend on what you are storing in your laboratory freezer. Temperature range is important because there is a big difference in price depending on how low you want to go. For example, a standard -20°C freezer is a lot less expensive that a -86°C Ultra Low Temperature freezer.

Security features for your laboratory freezer

Are you happy for anyone to have access to the contents of your freezer? Depending on what you are storing, you may want to limit access to certain users. This means you might want to get a freezer with a lockable door. If you think the key can get stolen or lost, then you should opt for a freezer with a keypad lock.

You may also want to consider getting a freezer with an in-built high-low alarm in case a user leaves the door open or the equipment develops a temperature fault. Some models also alarm you if there is a mains failure, something that is useful if the power supply to the freezer is a bit patchy.

Alternatively, you may not need these alarms. Especially, if you are going to opt for a separate temperature monitoring system. There are many different types of temperature monitoring systems out there. The one Henderson Biomedical supply is from a Danish manufacturer called Eupry.

Size limitations

With many laboratories today being crammed with the latest technology, space can sometimes be at a premium. Ask yourself where the freezer will be sited and take accurate measurements to check it will fit into the space.

Furthermore, check how wide the door openings are. Will the unit fit through all the doors it passes through from the delivery drop off point to the to the point where the unit will be sited? Does the freezer need to go in a lift? If so, will it fit and will it be too heavy?

It’s always prudent to check not only the outer dimensions and weight of the unit itself, but also the dimensions and weight when it is packed. A pallet will add another 10-15cm to the height and this may mean it doesn’t fit through a standard door.  In addition to this, what are the internal dimensions? Will all the contents you are storing fit inside your new freezer? Have you taken into account any potential future storage needs?

Optional extras for your laboratory freezer

There are a wide range of optional extras for your laboratory freezer. You will need to decide what is really needed and what you can live without.

For example, do you need to regularly move the freezer? If so, you should get the unit equipped with castors. Are your storing volatile substances? Better invest in a spark-free laboratory freezer. Have an existing remote temperature monitoring system that the freezer needs to be compatible with? Best to get a unit with an in-built access port, so any probe can be mounted inside.

Check with the end users to see what features they really need before making a purchase.

How Henderson Biomedical can help

Henderson Biomedical is a UK supplier of laboratory freezers. We are based in London and can supply new and used laboratory freezers to anywhere in the UK. We are also able to offer ongoing maintenance and UKAS calibration of your laboratory freezer. For more information on how we can help you, please contact us on 020 8663 4610 or alternatively use our online form.