Cold Storage Coolers & Chillers

<h2 data-section-id="16gwf6l" data-start="0" data-end="46">What Are Cold Storage Coolers and Chillers?</h2>
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Laboratory cold storage coolers and chillers are bench-top temperature-control systems designed to keep temperature-sensitive reagents, enzymes, antibodies, cells, and biological samples cold during active laboratory work. They maintain low temperatures&mdash;typically around 0 &deg;C or below freezing&mdash;without requiring ice, electricity (in passive systems), or immediate access to a freezer. These systems are widely used in molecular biology, PCR setup, nucleic acid extraction, enzyme handling, and cell-based assays where maintaining cold-chain conditions during pipetting and multi-step workflows is essential.
Gel-based benchtop coolers are the most common type. They are pre-frozen at approximately &ndash;20 &deg;C and use phase-change materials to maintain samples near 0 &deg;C for several hours, typically up to four hours depending on ambient conditions. This provides a clean, stable, and consistent cooling environment without melting ice or water contamination.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find: </h2>
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Benchtop tube coolers for PCR reagents and enzymes
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Cryo tube chillers for 0.2 mL to 2.0 mL tubes
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Insulated transport coolers for sample movement
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Gel-filled cooling blocks for stable temperature control
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Mini coolers for short-term cold storage (2&ndash;8&deg;C range)
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Freezer-compatible chillers for sub-zero handling
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Rack-style coolers for organized tube placement
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Portable cold boxes for field and clinical use
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<h2 data-section-id="1ff2itk" data-start="1171" data-end="1221">How to Choose Cold Storage Coolers and Chillers</h2>
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Tube Format Compatibility
Coolers and chillers are designed around specific laboratory tube formats. Common configurations include holders for 0.2 mL PCR tubes and strips, 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 15 mL conical tubes, and 50 mL conical tubes. Some dual-sided designs combine multiple formats in a single unit, allowing simultaneous use for PCR plates on one side and microtubes on the other, improving workflow efficiency and reducing bench clutter.
Temperature Hold and Duration
Passive gel-based coolers maintain approximately 0 &deg;C for several hours after being pre-chilled at &ndash;20 &deg;C. Their performance depends on ambient temperature, workload, and sample frequency. Metal cooling blocks pre-chilled at &ndash;80 &deg;C can achieve lower temperatures temporarily but warm more quickly. For workflows requiring long-duration or continuously controlled cooling, electrically powered thermoelectric chillers provide stable setpoints over extended periods.
Ice-Free vs Ice-Based Systems
Gel-based coolers eliminate the need for ice entirely, reducing condensation, contamination risk, and constant ice replenishment during experiments. Traditional ice buckets remain a low-cost option but require continuous maintenance and can introduce water exposure risks. Ice-free systems are preferred in workflows where moisture control and consistent temperature stability are critical.
Single-Sided vs Dual-Sided Designs
Single-sided coolers are suitable for workflows using one tube format consistently. Dual-sided coolers accommodate multiple formats&mdash;such as PCR plates and microtubes&mdash;within a single unit, making them more versatile for complex molecular biology workflows. Selection depends on workspace constraints and experimental diversity.
Dry Ice Compatibility
Some insulated cold storage systems are designed for use with dry ice, maintaining extremely low temperatures around &ndash;78 &deg;C. These are used for short-term cryogenic handling, transport, or dispensing workflows where ultra-low temperature maintenance is required without active refrigeration.
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<h2 data-section-id="1jl751w" data-start="3892" data-end="3917">Specifications Context</h2>
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Modern gel-based benchtop coolers are engineered using phase-change materials that stabilize near 0 &deg;C for several hours after being pre-conditioned at &ndash;20 &deg;C. Dual-format systems have become increasingly common in molecular biology laboratories because they reduce the number of separate cooling devices required on the bench. As of 2026, these ice-free systems are widely adopted in PCR and nucleic acid workflows due to their consistency, cleanliness, and ease of use compared to traditional ice-based cooling methods.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Connect with the MBP team</a> today to discuss your specific temperature-hold requirements and find the ideal chiller configuration for your laboratory&rsquo;s daily demands.

Flyer

CryoCool Mini Cooler, Quick Freeze, 12-Place (3x4) for 1.5mL Tubes, White

Globe Scientific 454030 — 12-place (3×4) polycarbonate CryoCool Mini Cooler for 1.5 mL and 0.5 mL tubes. Pre-freeze at −20°C for 24 hours; maintains samples cold or frozen for up to 45 minutes on the benchtop. Keyed lid, printed grid, non-skid feet. 151×108×125 mm. White.

Mini Coolers, -20°C Specifications

Globe Scientific's -20°C Mini Coolers

454025 by Globe Scientific is a -20°C mini cooler — 20-place (4×5) for 1.5 mL tubes, yellow polycarbonate shell with non-toxic gel fill, non-skid feet, keyed lid. Maintains -20°C on the bench for up to one hour — dry, melt-water-free alternative to ice buckets for cryo-sensitive reagents.

Manufacture

CryoCool Mini Cooler, -20°C, 12-Place (3x4) for 1.5mL Tubes, Yellow

CryoCool Mini Cooler, -20°C, 32-Place (4x8) for 1.5mL Tubes, Yellow

CryoCool Mini Cooler, -20°C, 32-Place (4x8) for 1.5mL Tubes, Yellow, with Gel Filled Cover

CryoCool Mini Cooler, -20°C, 20-Place (4x5) for 1.5mL Tubes, Yellow

CryoCool Mini Cooler, -20°C, 96-Place (8x12) for 0.2mL PCR Tubes, Yellow

Mini Coolers, 0°C Specifications

Globe Scientific's 0°C Mini Coolers

454001 by Globe Scientific is a 12-place (3×4) 0°C mini cooler for 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes. The non-toxic gel-filled polycarbonate unit maintains bench-top 0°C temperature for up to one hour after a 24-hour pre-freeze at −5°C to −10°C. Keyed lid with printed grid; non-skid feet; 151×108×125 mm.

CryoCool Mini Cooler, 0°C, 12-Place (3x4) for 1.5mL Tubes, Red

CryoCool Mini Cooler, 0°C, 32-Place (4x8) for 1.5mL Tubes, Red

CryoCool Mini Cooler, 0°C, 32-Place (4x8) for 1.5mL Tubes, Red, with Gel Filled Cover

CryoCool Mini Cooler, 0°C, 12-Place (3x4) for 15mL Tubes, Red

CryoCool Mini Cooler, 0°C, 12-Place (3x4) for Blood Collection Tubes, Red

Globe Scientific's Ice Trays

Globe Scientific 455020B — 1-liter polyurethane foam ice tray with lid and molded handles, Blue. Superior insulation for wet ice, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen bench work. Also available in Black (K), Red (R), and Green (G) for color-coded lab organization.

Ice Tray, 1 Liter, Blue

Ice Tray, 1 Liter, Green

Ice Tray, 1 Liter, Black

Ice Tray, 1 Liter, Red

Ice Tray with Lid, 1 Liter, Blue

Ice Tray with Lid, 1 Liter, Green

Ice Tray with Lid, 1 Liter, Black

Ice Tray with Lid, 1 Liter, Red

Ice Tray, 4 Liter, Blue

Ice Tray, 4 Liter, Green

Ice Tray, 4 Liter, Black

Ice Tray, 4 Liter, Red

Ice Tray with Lid, 4 Liter, Blue

Ice Tray with Lid, 4 Liter, Green

Ice Tray with Lid, 4 Liter, Black

Ice Tray with Lid, 4 Liter, Red

Ice Tray, 9 Liter, Blue

Ice Tray, 9 Liter, Green

Ice Tray, 9 Liter, Black

Ice Tray, 9 Liter, Red

Ice Tray with Lid, 9 Liter, Blue

Ice Tray with Lid, 9 Liter, Green

Ice Tray with Lid, 9 Liter, Black

Ice Tray with Lid, 9 Liter, Red

Ice Bucket, 4.5 Liters, 270mm x 200mm, Expanded PUR

601000 by Globe Scientific is a 4.5-liter red ice bucket manufactured from 15 mm expanded polyurethane (PUR) foam, measuring 200 mm × 270 mm. It includes a lid and integral handles, and is compatible with crushed ice, dry ice, salt-ice baths, and brief liquid nitrogen exposure. A practical choice for on-ice molecular biology, tissue culture, and sample processing workflows.

Rectangular Ice Buckets with Lid

455010B by Globe Scientific is a 2.5 L blue rectangular polyurethane foam ice bucket with lid (340 × 290 × 120 mm), compatible with wet ice, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen vapor phase. Molded handles; lid limits evaporation. Available in four colors for lab color coding. Order from MBP Inc.