Refrigerators & Freezers

Freezers

<h2>What Are Laboratory Freezers?</h2>
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Laboratory freezers are engineered cold-storage instruments that hold samples at defined subzero temperatures with the precision, uniformity, and reliability that biological and pharmaceutical research requires. Standard laboratory freezers (-10 to -25 degrees C) serve DNA, RNA, PCR enzymes, primary and secondary antibodies, and chemical reagents that are stable at -20 degrees C for weeks to months. Low-temperature models (-30 to -40 degrees C) provide better stability for lipid-containing formulations, some viral stocks, and antibody conjugates that degrade at -20 degrees C over extended storage. Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers (-40 to -86 degrees C) use a two-stage cascade compressor refrigeration system: a high-stage HFC compressor cooling to -45 to -50 degrees C, then a low-stage hydrocarbon or HFC compressor achieving -80 to -86 degrees C. ULT freezers are the standard for cell line banking, primary cell storage, tissue biorepositories, long-term RNA archiving, and samples with irreplaceable value. Select laboratory freezer temperature based on the minimum storage stability requirement of the most labile material in the freezer, not the most stable.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Laboratory freezers: Ultra-low temperature (-86&deg;C) freezers, -40&deg;C medical freezers, and stackable models designed for long-term storage of biological samples, reagents, and research materials.</li>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/temperature-control-equipment/refrigerators-and-freezers/freezers/freezer-accessories">Freezer accessories</a>: Storage boxes, stainless steel storage drawers, CO2 backup systems, and other components that improve sample organization and freezer reliability.</li>
<li>Cold-chain transport solutions: Vacuum-insulated shipping cubes designed to help maintain low temperatures during sample transportation.</li>
<li>Freeze-drying equipment: Pharmaceutical freeze dryers and vacuum gauges for monitoring primary drying in lyophilization workflows.</li>
<li>Sample preservation solutions: Equipment and accessories that support secure storage, transport, and processing of temperature-sensitive laboratory materials.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to Choose a Laboratory Freezer</h2>
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Setpoint temperature
-20 degrees C is appropriate for routine nucleic acid stocks (DNA, plasmid), PCR master mixes, enzymes with glycerol storage buffer, antibodies in glycerol, and chemical reagents stable at -20 degrees C. -40 degrees C extends stability for antibody-drug conjugates, lipid nanoparticles, and some viral vectors. -80 degrees C is required for cell lines (viable storage for 5+ years), primary patient-derived cells, long-term RNA banking (RIN preservation for more than 12 months), viral stocks requiring consistent infectivity, and compounds that crystallize or degrade at -20 degrees C.
Upright vs. chest format
Upright freezers access contents through a front door with shelves and are standard in most labs due to their small footprint and easy sample access. They experience larger temperature fluctuations when the door is opened (cold air spills out from the front). Chest freezers open from the top, retaining cold air better during access and providing more stable temperatures for the contents, making them preferred for seldom-accessed long-term storage and large sample collections. PHCbi and Thermo Fisher chest ULT models store 576-672 standard 2-inch boxes in large-capacity configurations.
Cascade refrigeration system
ULT freezers use a cascade two-stage compressor refrigeration system to reach -80 degrees C. The high-stage compressor uses HFC refrigerant (R-404A or R-290/R-170 mix) to precool the evaporator to -45 to -50 degrees C; the low-stage compressor then uses a secondary refrigerant (often R-508B or hydrocarbon blend) to extract heat from the cabinet against the precooled evaporator, reaching -80 to -86 degrees C. Two-compressor cascade systems are more reliable than single-compressor designs at these temperatures; a high-stage compressor failure raises cabinet temperature slowly while the low stage continues operating, providing a warning before critical sample temperature is reached.
Insulation quality
Cabinet insulation thickness determines the rate at which the internal temperature rises during a power failure or door-open event. Standard ULT freezers use polyurethane foam insulation (20-25 cm thick walls). Premium ULT models add vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) to the door and selected walls, reducing energy consumption and slowing temperature rise during power loss. In the event of compressor failure, a typical -80 degrees C ULT cabinet temperature rises approximately 1 degree C per minute with the door closed and no backup system.
Backup systems
For high-value sample collections, ULT freezers can be paired with CO2 or liquid nitrogen (LN2) backup injection systems that activate when cabinet temperature exceeds a preset high-alarm threshold, injecting cryogen to maintain temperature for several hours while compressor issues are addressed. External monitoring and cloud-based alert systems using NIST-traceable probes with 24/7 SMS and email alarm notification are standard best practices for freezers containing irreplaceable biological material.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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ULT freezer capacity is specified in cubic feet or liters (internal volume) and in terms of the number of standard 2-inch (5 cm) sample storage boxes the unit can hold in standard racks; a large-capacity upright ULT holds 576-672 standard 2-inch boxes at -86 degrees C. Energy consumption of a -86 degrees C ULT freezer is typically 10-20 kWh per day; new models with hydrocarbon refrigerants and variable-speed compressors use 6-10 kWh per day at -80 degrees C setpoint. Temperature recovery after a 30-second door open event takes 3-10 minutes for research-grade ULT units, compared to 30+ minutes for consumer chest freezers. All new ULT freezer models from major manufacturers use HFC or hydrocarbon refrigerants with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0), replacing CFC and HCFC refrigerants phased out under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.&nbsp;
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To discuss product availability or get selection guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">contact the MBP team</a>.

Electrical requirements

Performance

Compressor

Chamber

Shelf

Door

Working environment

Ai DeepFreeze -40°C Upright Freezers

Ai DeepFreeze -40°C Upright Medical Freezer

D-16-35 by Across International (Ai) is the Ai DeepFreeze -40 °C upright medical freezer line, available from 16 to 35 Cu Ft. Features 304 stainless steel interior, R507 refrigerant, 72-hour controller battery backup, USB data export, and a full alarm suite. Suitable for biological samples, reagents, vaccines, and pharmaceutical storage.

Manufacture

Ai DeepFreeze 27 Cu Ft -40°C Upright Medical Freezer 110V

Ai DeepFreeze 35 Cu Ft -40°C Upright Freezer 110V

Ai DeepFreeze 16 Cu Ft -40°C Upright Freezer 110V

Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers

Ai -86°C ultra-low upright freezer series

Ai RapidChill -86°C Stackable Ultra low Freezer

G4h–G34h by Ai (Across International) is the RapidChill series of -86°C stackable ULT upright freezers, available in capacities from ~4 to 34 cubic feet. Designed for fast pull-down and ultra-low power consumption, the series is UL 61010-1 and CSA C22.2 certified, features 48-hour battery backup for alarms, RS-485/USB connectivity with 15-year data logging, and a four-layer silicone door gasket with lockable exterior. Multiple models available; contact MBP for size and voltage options.

Ai RapidChill 4 CF -86°C Stackable Ultra low Freezer UL 110V

Ai RapidChill 12 CF -86°C Ultra Low Freezer Upright UL 120V

Ai RapidChill 26 CF -86°C Ultra-Low Temp Upright Freezer UL 110V

Ai RapidChill 34 Cu Ft CF -86°C Ultra-Low Temp Upright Freezer UL 220V

Ai RapidChill 20 CF -86°C Ultra-Low Upright ULT Freezer UL 110V

Freezers.Accessories

<h2>What Are Laboratory Freezer Accessories?</h2>
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Laboratory freezer accessories fall into four functional groups: organizational hardware that maximizes storage density and sample accessibility; temperature monitoring and alarming systems that protect sample integrity and support compliance; backup protection systems that guard against temperature excursions during power failures; and containment and labeling consumables that prevent sample misidentification and physical damage. Effective freezer accessory selection increases the number of samples stored per unit volume, reduces the time the freezer door is held open during access (directly protecting sample stability), and provides the electronic audit trail required by regulatory frameworks, including CAP, CLIA, GxP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Match accessories to the freezer temperature, sample tube format, and regulatory compliance framework applicable to your laboratory.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What You Will Find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Storage Boxes &amp; SST Drawers: High-quality stainless steel drawer sets and storage boxes specifically designed to maximize space and organization within upright and stackable ULT freezers.
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
CO2 Backup Systems: Critical emergency backup solutions for ultra-low freezers that safeguard your inventory against sample loss during power outages or mechanical failures.
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Insulated Shipping Cubes: Advanced VIP insulated containers engineered for the secure and temperature-stable transport of high-value biological materials.
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Specialized Inventory Tools: Custom-fit shelving and racking solutions that ensure unrestricted airflow and easy access to your most important specimens.
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<h2>How to Choose Freezer Accessories</h2>
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Freezer racks and storage boxes
Standardized upright freezer racks hold stacked sample storage boxes in fixed positions within the cabinet, enabling systematic sample organization and reducing search time during access. Standard 2-inch (5 cm) sample boxes are the most common format and fit racks in most upright and chest ULT freezers; 3-inch (7.5 cm) boxes store fewer boxes per rack but hold more tubes per box. Rack configurations include fixed upright racks (anchored to cabinet floor or wire shelf), side-access sliding drawer racks (pulled out horizontally for access without removing the whole rack), and adjustable racks for non-standard box sizes. Confirm rack dimensions against the freezer cabinet's internal width, depth, and shelf spacing before ordering.
Sample storage boxes and dividers
Cryogenic sample storage boxes (cryoboxes) are fabricated from cardboard (economy, single-use), high-density polyethylene (HDPE, reusable), polypropylene (PP, autoclavable), or stainless steel (autoclavable, chemically resistant) and hold 9x9 (81 positions), 10x10 (100 positions), or 8x8 (64 positions) tubes per box. Insert dividers (indexed alphanumerically) to create individual tube compartments to prevent tube movement, mixing, and label abrasion during access. For 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 81-position 9x9 dividers in a 2-inch box are standard; for 15 mL conical tubes, dedicated large-tube racks are required.
Temperature monitoring and data logging
Continuous temperature monitoring systems for ULT freezers include: standalone digital thermometers with external min/max recording probes inserted through door gasket access ports; USB data loggers that record temperature at programmable intervals (1-60 minutes) with NIST-traceable calibration certificates; Wi-Fi-connected wireless sensors with 24/7 real-time cloud monitoring, configurable high/low alarm thresholds, and email/SMS notification (rated to -100 degrees C for ULT applications); and integrated freezer-connected monitoring systems that read data directly from factory-installed cabinet sensors via a dedicated data port. Annual calibration of monitoring probes against NIST-traceable standards is required for CAP, CLIA, and GxP compliance.
Backup protection systems
CO2 backup injection systems activate when cabinet temperature rises above a preset high-alarm threshold (typically 10 degrees C above the normal setpoint), injecting CO2 from an external cylinder through a solenoid-controlled valve into the freezer cabinet, maintaining temperature for 4-12 hours. LN2 (liquid nitrogen) backup injection systems provide similar protection at deeper temperatures and with longer holdover time, but require access to an LN2 supply. Both systems require connection to an external gas supply, installation of solenoid valves, and periodic cylinder replacement or LN2 refill scheduling.
Cryo labels and identification
Cryogenic-rated labels are required for sample tubes stored in ULT and cryogenic conditions; standard adhesive labels lose adhesion at -80 degrees C and fall off during access in cold rooms, causing catastrophic sample misidentification. Cryogenic labels are printed on polyester or polypropylene film with acrylic or cryogenic-grade adhesive rated to -196 degrees C (liquid nitrogen temperatures). Laser-printable cryolabels, wrap-around tube labels, and flag labels are available for 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL tubes. Barcode-compatible cryolabels enable integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Standard 2-inch (5.4 cm) sample boxes fit universal rack systems across most major ULT freezer brands (Thermo Fisher TSX, PHCbi MDF-DU, Esco Lexicon); 3-inch (7.6 cm) boxes require racks specifically designed for that format. Wi-Fi temperature monitoring sensors for ULT applications should be rated for a measurement range of at least -100 degrees C to 0 degrees C; sensors not rated for ULT temperatures lose calibration accuracy below -60 degrees C. NIST-traceable temperature calibration for monitoring probes is required at least annually under CAP and CLIA accreditation, using traceable reference standards with uncertainty documentation. Cloud-based temperature monitoring systems with 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails and automated compliance reporting have become standard in GxP-regulated laboratory environments, replacing manual temperature logbooks and standalone chart recorders.&nbsp;
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Enhance your laboratory storage setup today&mdash;explore our freezer accessories and <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">reach out to the MBP team</a> for a quote.

Freezer Accessories

Cold Storage Units

Ai VIP Insulated Shipping Cube

B25-20L by Ai is a −25°C VIP (Vacuum Insulated Panel) insulated shipping cube with a 20 L internal volume and six rechargeable PCM cold pads, maintaining −25°C to −15°C for up to 72 hours. Reusable alternative to dry ice for frozen biological sample and reagent shipment. External dimensions: 16×13.5×14 in; weight: 25 lbs.

Ai -25°C VIP Insulated 20L Shipping Cube with Rechargeable PCM

Ai 2-8°C VIP Insulated 20L Shipping Cube with Rechargeable PCM

Ai Reusable -70C VIP Insulated 20L Ultra-Cold Shipping Cube

CO2 Backup System for Ai -86C ULT Ultra-Low Freezers

G-CO2 by Across International (Ai) is a CO2 backup system for Ai Glacier and RapidChill -86 °C ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers. In the event of compressor failure or power loss, it automatically delivers CO2 into the cabinet to maintain sub-zero temperatures and protect irreplaceable biological samples including cell lines, serum banks, and clinical specimens. An essential safeguard for institutional biostorage facilities and high-value sample collections. Contact MBP for full technical datasheet.

Cooling

Cooling type

Refrigerant

Injection cycle during operation

Thermostat

Cryo valve

Backup battery

Safety

Compatible models

Connection to freezer

Maintenance

SST Storage Drawers for Ai  RapidChill -86°C Stackable Ultra low Freezer

The DrawerSet-G04h by Across International (Ai) is a stainless-steel storage drawer set rated for -86°C continuous operation, designed for the Ai RapidChill G04h ULT freezer. The set includes 4 drawer units (20 total drawers) with capacity for 60 × 2-inch vial boxes or 6,000 × 1.5 mL cryogenic vials. Vials, vial boxes, and the G04h freezer are sold separately.

SST Storage Drawers for Ai G04h -86C Freezers 6,000 Vials Max.

SST Storage Drawers for Ai G26h -86C Freezers 50,000 Vials Max.

SST Storage Drawers for Ai G12h -86C Freezers 21,600 Vials Max.

SST Storage Drawers for Ai G20h -86C Freezers 40,000 Vials Max.

Storage Boxes for Ai Glacier -86°C Ultra-Low Upright Freezer

DrawerSet by Across International is a stainless steel drawer and cardboard storage box system for the Ai Glacier G18 −86°C ultra-low upright freezer. The full package includes 16 drawer frame sets, 80 individual drawers, and 400 cardboard boxes (5 × 5 × 2 inches each) to organize cryovials, microtubes, and biological specimens at −86°C. Stainless steel construction withstands continuous ultra-low temperature exposure; the cryogenic-grade cardboard boxes support systematic sample cataloguing and retrieval within the G18 freezer cabinet.

SST Storage Drawers with 2" Boxes for Ai G18 -86C Freezers

SST Storage Drawers with 2" Boxes for Ai G35 -86C Freezers

SST Storage Blocks with 2" Boxes for Ai G04 -86C Freezers

Across International Medical Grade Ultra-low Freezers, UL/CSA Certified

Low-Volume Freezers

Compressor and Cooling

Environmental and Safety

Physical Dimensions

Warranty and Compliance

Ai EasyChill -25°C to -30°C Freezers series

E-3-29 by Ai (Across International) is the EasyChill series of -25°C to -30°C upright freezers in multiple sizes, with the 29 cubic foot model providing 818 liters across 5 adjustable shelves at 37 dBA. High-efficiency inverter compressor with R290 refrigerant, auto-detecting 115V–230V input, six alarm types including door open and high ambient temperature, 48-hour battery backup, and UL 61010-1 / CSA C22.2 certification. Multiple capacity models available.