Quality Used Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers

Types of Used ULT Freezers — Why Buy Used — What to Consider When Buying Used

Used Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers for Sale

Ultra-low temperature freezers contain cascading refrigeration systems. Cascading refrigeration differs from typical refrigeration systems in that it involves two compressors instead of just one. The first compressor serves to “prep” the second compressor by removing heat from it, which then allows the refrigerant running through the second compressor to liquefy and begin flowing through the lines to cool the chamber.

Since the debut of COVID-19 vaccines, ultra-low temperature, or ULT, storage has been an often-referenced subject. Ultra-low lab freezers remain critically important for laboratories and medical facilities, especially for pharmaceutical research and cell and gene therapies. The ultra-low temperature range is -45°C to -86°C. Pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, and many types of biological samples must be stored in this temperature range to remain viable. 

With the heavy demand for ULT freezers choking supply chains, opting for a used unit may be more practical and necessary than ever before. New Life Scientific offers a wide selection of used ultra-low temperature freezers for sale. We are committed to moving your science forward with reliable used lab equipment. Each of our products is tested and repaired by our in-house technicians and backed by a standard warranty, so you can operate with peace of mind while saving money.

Types of Used ULT Freezers and Applications

Just like consumer-level freezers, ULT freezers are classified by their orientation — upright or chest. They share some common features, including data logging software for monitoring, battery backups to maintain temperatures in case of a power outage and adjustable shelves for flexible organization.

Though the technical specifications between an upright freezer and a chest freezer may be the same, their form factors have a significant impact on their performance.

Chest ULT Freezers

Chest freezers are wide, short, and open from the top. When opened, they have excellent temperature retention, allowing for improved energy efficiency. Since cold air is heavier than warm air, it stays within the chamber while warm air floats up and away.

Chest freezers are basically one large open cavity and typically use hanging baskets, custom racks and boxes rather than internal doors or shelves. They are ideal for long-term, bulk storage of lab samples and are frequently used in biobanking, pharmaceuticals and research material storage.

Upright ULT Freezers

Upright freezers are tall and narrow. They typically have a single front door that opens to reveal a stack of smaller doors, which allows one to access the shelves individually. These adjustable, built-in shelves are designed to reduce air exchange when opening and facilitate better organization of samples.

Upright freezers are much more popular than chest units as they take up much less space, which is a precious resource in any lab. They are used in labs with limited floor space and are best for storing items that require less frequent retrieval. Some common applications include storing biological samples, reagents and pharmaceuticals in clinical settings like hospitals and research facilities.

What to Look for When Buying a Used ULT Freezer

Buying used or refurbished ULT freezers is a way to get critical lab equipment while saving time and money. At New Life Scientific, you can find used lab equipment that represents up to 95% in savings compared to new units. Our technical team doesn’t just plug in a freezer and let its temperature drop — they take care of all aspects of the unit’s refrigeration system, including cascading refrigeration systems.

Some key considerations to choose the right used ULT freezer for you include:

Determine the Best Type for Your Application

Chest ULT freezers and upright ULT freezers have different storage capacities, temperature stability and footprints. If you're looking for long-term, stable storage, a chest ULT freezer is the best option, while an upright ULT freezer will use less space in your lab.

Freezer Capacity

Quite obviously, it is important to ensure that a freezer’s capacity is sufficient for one’s volume of samples. Sizes can range from 85 liters (about 3 cu ft) to over 600 liters (21 cu ft).

Age of ULT Freezer

One should be heavily biased toward younger freezers. Freezers are more prone to failure by age than other types of lab equipment due to the nature of their components, so while a centrifuge may last thirty years without a hitch, it’s rare for a freezer to achieve that longevity.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid units more than 10 years old.

Electrical Demands

Many ULT freezers feature dual compressors that need 220V power connectors to operate. Choose a model that suits your facility's capabilities and ensure it has a dedicated outlet, as connecting additional equipment could easily trip a breaker.

Opening Frequency

Regardless of which model and type you purchase, the freezer will lose cold air each time you open the door. Select the freezer type and model that adapts to your accessibility needs while maintaining optimal temperatures. If your facility has high throughput and will need frequent access to samples, it's best to opt for a chest freezer. If your personnel won't need to use the freezer as much, an upright model is your best option.

Major Manufacturers of ULT Freezers

While there are numerous manufacturers of ULT freezers, two of the largest are Thermo Fisher Scientific and VWR. Every ULT system we’ve had through here at New Life Scientific has been a Thermo unit.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo acquired Kendro in 2005, thus acquiring the Revco lab freezer brand as well. Thermo now releases lab and medical freezers under the portmanteau Thermo Revco, as well as Thermo Forma and just Thermo.

VWR

VWR offers both upright and chest freezers, though, like Thermo, most of their ULTs are upright.

It should be noted that some of the freezers marketed as ultra-low by Thermo and VWR only reach -40°C, while others drop to -86°C. Buyers should make sure the ULTs they're eyeing are capable of reaching their required temperatures.

Stirling Ultracold

Stirling Ultracold, offers a unique suite of ultra-low temperature freezers. These ULT freezers leverage Stirling engine technology to attain lower temperatures while consuming less energy than traditional models. Known for their sustainability, superior reliability, and compact footprint, Stirling freezers help conserve lab space and meet the demands of scientific and medical research.

Shop ULT Freezers at New Life Scientific

Here at New Life Scientific, we’re regularly updating our listings to make available to any facility that needs one in a timely manner. Our in-house technicians perform thorough inspection, testing and, if warranted, service so that you receive the best lab equipment possible.

Additionally, all of our freezers are backed by our standard warranty. Contact us online or call us at (567)-292-2752 if you’d like to place an order or ask a question.

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