Incubator Accessories

What Are Lab Incubator Accessories?

Laboratory incubator accessories are replacement components, add-on attachments, and optional modules that extend the function of a CO2 incubator, microbiological incubator, shaking incubator, or refrigerated incubator beyond its out-of-the-box configuration. They fall into three broad groups: (1) interior organization (shelving, racks, rotisseries, and slides that configure usable chamber space for specific vessel types); (2) maintenance and calibration (CO2 sensor modules, humidity trays, HEPA filter assemblies, door gaskets, and temperature probes that keep the incubator in specification over time); and (3) contamination control (UV light replacement bulbs, anti-corrosion coating kits, and decontamination accessories that reduce microbial contamination risk in multi-user incubators). Using genuine replacement parts is important for CO2 sensors and HEPA filters in particular, as third-party substitutes may not meet the accuracy or fit specifications required for regulated laboratory workflows. Incubator accessories fall into three categories: organization (shelves, racks), maintenance (sensors, filters, gaskets), and contamination control (UV lamps, decontamination kits); buy the first two on a scheduled basis and the third on an as-needed basis.

What You Will Find:

• Extra plastic shelving provides a 10.5 x 8" surface area, perfect for adding a tier of storage for non-autoclavable tasks.

• Precision-fit design ensures the shelf slides perfectly into your H2200 series units for immediate use without any complicated setup.

How to Choose Incubator Accessories

Shelving and interior organization

Stainless steel shelves are the most common incubator accessory, adding usable positions without a new unit. Wire-grid shelves allow better air circulation than solid shelves in forced-air incubators, which is important for temperature uniformity when the incubator is fully loaded. Confirm the shelf load rating in kg before stacking heavy culture bottles on a single shelf. Tube racks, slide holders, rotisseries, and microplate stacking frames are available for specific vessel formats.

CO2 sensor modules

CO2 incubators use either thermal conductivity (TC) or infrared (IR) sensors to measure CO2 concentration. TC sensors are less expensive but drift over time and require recalibration after each door opening. IR sensors are more stable, respond faster, and are preferred for high-frequency-access incubators. Replacement CO2 sensor modules are model-specific; always reference the exact incubator model number when ordering.

HEPA filters and air handling

Incubators with forced HEPA-filtered air circulation require periodic filter replacement (typically every 6 to 12 months under continuous use) to maintain the contamination barrier. A clogged HEPA filter reduces airflow, compromises temperature uniformity, and eventually trips an alarm. Replace on the manufacturer's recommended schedule, not on a reactive basis.

Door gaskets and seals

Door gaskets maintain the CO2 and humidity environment inside the chamber. Worn or cracked gaskets allow CO2 leakage, requiring the incubator to run the CO2 supply continuously and potentially causing pH drift in cultures. Inspect door seals quarterly and replace annually or at the first sign of deformation. Gaskets are model-specific; order using the exact incubator model number.

Humidity trays and water pans

CO2 incubators rely on an open water pan to maintain 90% to 95% relative humidity. Clean and refill the humidity tray weekly with sterile deionized water to prevent fungal and bacterial contamination of the water reservoir. Copper water pans (available for some models) reduce microbial growth in the tray compared to stainless steel.

Specifications Context

When sourcing replacement parts, always use the incubator manufacturer's part number, not just a generic description. Extra shelves, CO2 sensors, HEPA filters, and door gaskets from third-party suppliers may not meet the dimensional or performance tolerances of the original equipment. For incubators operating under GLP, GMP, or ISO 17025 frameworks, use only manufacturer-qualified replacement parts and document each replacement in the equipment logbook. Temperature probes used for incubator calibration verification should be traceable to NIST or equivalent national standards. 

Need a bit more room for your research? Check out our shelf options and reach out to the MBP team for a friendly quote today.