Six Important Considerations for Choosing the Right Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers
In the fast-paced laboratory environment, refrigerators and freezers are critical yet often overlooked pieces of equipment. These unassuming appliances work tirelessly behind the scenes to safeguard essential samples and preserve experiment integrity. Although they often go unnoticed, they’re fundamental to maintaining reliable scientific progress.
When these essential pieces of equipment don’t function as they should, the consequences can be serious. Samples can be lost, experiments disrupted, and research data compromised, setting back projects and taking a financial toll. Given these potential risks, selecting the right refrigerators and freezers is vital. But with so many different factors to consider, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right equipment?
To help you make an informed purchase decision, we’ve identified six important considerations for purchasing laboratory refrigerators and freezers and given our top tips for what to look for before buying.
1. Temperature Recovery Performance
Laboratory cold-chain units hold precious, temperature-sensitive materials that must be kept in consistent conditions. Temperature fluctuations can jeopardize their quality and integrity which, over time, can lead to unreliable results and financial losses if materials need to be replaced.
Our top tips before purchasing:
1. Evaluate temperature recovery times
- Familiarize yourself with standard recovery times to set evaluation benchmarks
- Compare recovery times across different temperature ranges
2. Look at the details of performance testing
- Compare temperature probe placement between manufacturers
- Check door-opening test protocols, especially for ULT freezers
- Examine how units perform with different load volumes
2. Temperature Uniformity
Another temperature factor to consider is uniformity. Inadequate temperature uniformity means there can be spots within the unit that are warmer or cooler compared to the set point, putting temperature sensitive samples at risk. Samples may become compromised by temperature variations which could ultimately impact experimental outcomes, cause project delays and financial losses.
Our top tips before purchasing:
1. Compare performance metrics
- Understand the difference peak variance (the maximum temperature deviation) and uniformity
- Review temperature mapping across different shelf locations
- Look for documented recovery patterns after door openings
2. Request detailed data
- Request detailed temperature distribution maps
- Review frequency of temperature monitoring
- Check if the unit offers continuous temperature logging
3. Check in-house testing conditions
- Ask about temperature sampling strategy (E.g., how many probes were used and where were they placed)
- Evaluate if the testing conditions reflect your real-world usage
3. Reliability
Breakdowns caused by unreliable equipment can lead to serious disruption to lab operations, compromised samples, halted workflows and unexpected early equipment replacements. This can create a costly domino effect of wasted resources and reduced productivity.
Our top tips before purchasing:
1. Get reliability insights from multiple sources
- Connect with colleagues about their first-hand experience of using the equipment
- Talk to repair technicians and facilities personnel
- Check forums (public and professional) and social media
2. Evaluate the manufacturer
- Look at how long the equipment provider has been in the industry
- Ask for customer references and testimonials, but keep in mind they may not provide a full picture
4. Total Cost of Ownership ("TCO")
When purchasing laboratory refrigerators and freezers it is important to look beyond the initial price tag. Additional significant costs such as maintenance, energy usage and repairs all contribute to TCO. Equipment that may seem cheap upfront can become a financial burden in the long run if TCO is not considered.
Our top tips before purchasing:
1. Consider energy efficiency
- Opt for energy efficient models to reduce operational costs
- Look for third-party metrics such as the ENERGY STAR certification
- Evaluate if any additional features (such as anti-condensation) are energy efficient
2. Prioritize durable, quality equipment
- Choose reputable manufacturers
- Check long-term performance
- Verify durability features (such as build materials)
3. Look for extended warranties and service plans
- Ask about service plans which include regular, preventative maintenance
- Review the support offered by the manufacturer and assess the reliability of their repair services (e.g., how quickly are repairs typically completed)
5. Energy consumption
Energy consumption impacts operational costs, environmental footprint, and the lab's ability to maintain a stable environment. High energy use can increase utility bills, strain budgets, and generate excess heat that disrupts temperature-sensitive work. It also contributes to a larger carbon footprint, which may conflict with a lab's sustainability goals.
Our top tips before purchasing:
1. Choose certified models
- Look for the official ENERGY STAR logo
2. Be aware of variations in testing conditions
- Request in-house testing information (such as accessory usage and ambient temperature)
- Check that the testing conditions have real world relevance to your usage needs.
6. Sustainability
Sustainability is a factor which has become increasingly relevant when selecting laboratory equipment. Selecting equipment without known sustainability metrics in mind can lead to a higher carbon footprint and disrupt your green initiative goals.
Our top tips before purchasing:
1. Select energy-efficient equipment
- Choose models with energy-saving features
- Look for ENERGY STAR certifications
2. Opt for durable equipment with a long lifespan
- Invest in high-quality units that require less frequent replacement
3. Choose eco-conscious manufacturers
- Partner with suppliers that offer recycling programs for old equipment to minimize waste
- Look for companies that use eco-friendly materials and non-toxic refrigerants in their products
Choosing the right laboratory refrigerator or freezer for your lab
In the high-stakes environment of laboratory research, selecting the right cold storage equipment isn't just about maintaining samples at a steady temperature; it's about protecting potentially irreplaceable specimens and months or years of research investment. Careful evaluation of the six considerations we’ve covered here can help safeguard your samples and protect your experiment integrity. By choosing the right laboratory refrigerators, freezers and ULTs, you’re investing in both the maintained success of your research and the continuous productivity of your lab over the long term.