Vestfrost ULTF 40 mini ULT freezer review.

In this month’s blog we take a closer look at the new Vestfrost mini Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) freezer and what benefits it can bring to the user.

Who is Vestfrost?

Vestfrost is a Danish manufacturer of refrigerators and freezers, first founded in 1963. The company has a strong footing in the food and beverage market. However, in recent years the company has made waves in the medical sector too.

Vestfrost hold an array of quality certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. Their products are incredibly reliable, versatile and keenly priced.

Vestfrost ULTF 40 mini ULT freezer overview

It can sometimes be quite cumbersome for the user to have to keep getting up to retrieve a sample from the other side of the laboratory or at a centralised location. It is for this reason that Vestfrost have developed a ‘personal freezer’, the ULTF 40 mini ULT freezer, which is capable of reaching temperatures of -86°C.

The ULTF 40 is essentially a mini ULT freezer designed to sit on your bench without taking up too much space. Not only does the ULTF 40 avoid the user having to inconveniently break from their work, it also reduces the time that samples are exposed to room temperature.

Designed with frequent use in mind

One of the main problems with larger ULT freezers is the effect that temperature fluctuations will have on the samples. This is because every time a user opens the door, the temperature rises dramatically. Since it is a relatively large chamber, it can take several minutes to get back down to the target temperature. This problem is compounded when another member of staff comes along and opens the door again. Something that is all too common in busy laboratories.

The Vestfrost ULTF 40 is designed with frequent door openings in mind and the handle is ergonomically shaped for the user. Since the inner chamber is quite small (65 x 60 x 68cm), it doesn’t take long for the temperature to stabilise again. Therefore, this means your samples are not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations.

Furthermore, the Vestfrost ULTF 40 has intregrated hot wires in the panels which combat icing that inevitably forms as a result of the door being opened frequently throughout the day.

Environmentally friendly as standard

Like with all Vestfrost freezers, only natural refrigerant gas is used to cool the chamber.  In addition to this, the ULTF 40 has incredibly low power consumption, averaging around 4.9 kW per 24 hours. Furthermore, like many of Vesfrosts freezers, around 80% of the materials used in construction are sourced from recyclable alternatives.

Small in size, but with an impressive capacity

Although the Vestfrost ULTF 40 is small in size, the internal chamber is surprisingly roomy. It has a total capacity of 35L. This translates into 33 x 2 inch Cryoboxes or up to 3,300 x 2ml tubes. In addition to this, there is even space inside for an adjustable shelf meaning you can store samples on top of each other to maximise the space inside.

Vestfrost ULTF 40 conclusion

Pros

• Increased productivity. Store and retrieve the samples you work with daily, easily and quickly right at your desk/bench.
• Minimisation of temperature fluctuations thanks to small chamber.
• Impressive capacity for such a small footprint.
• Low running costs and low noise levels (<50dB).

Cons

• May not be a cost-effective option in busy labs with lots of users

Overall score: 8/10

How Henderson biomedical can help?

Henderson Biomedical is an official distributor of Vestfrost freezers. Please call our team on 020 8663 4610 for more information on Vestfrost products, or you can email us at sales@henderson-biomedical.co.uk. Alternatively, you can complete our online form and a member of the team will contact you.