Eppendorf Freezers - A Guide for Buyers
Eppendorf offers a number of ranges of ULT freezers combining ergonomic features, energy efficiency, performance and quality. This help pages aims to list the key features of each Eppendorf ULT freezer in the range, and also describe the key considerations to think about when choosing a suitable option for your lab.
- Why Choose an Eppendorf ULT Freezer? -
- Upright or chest freezer? -
- Efficiency and sustainability considerations - wall types, cooling liquids, cooling type (air or water)-
- Are back up systems required? -
- What racking/storage options are available? -
- What sort of maintenance is required? -
Why choose an Eppendorf freezer?
In the years since acquiring New Brunswick, Eppendorf have merged their product portfolios to offer an extensive range of ULT freezers. This now consists of four product lines - Cryocube, Innova, Premium and HEF. Below are just some of the features of an Eppendorf, including their ergonomic design, high energy efficiency, sustainability and the wealth of compatible sample storage options.
Eppendorf's ULT freezers follow the Physiocare concept which ensures a comprehensive approach for the user in their lab working environment. Starting with the instrument itself being designed with optimum ergonimics in mind, fitting into a comfortable work space, and supporting an optimal workflow within the lab. Their freezers are designed to be easy and ergonomic to use whilst contributing to a comfortable work space and aiding an ease of workflow.
Features include:
- Easy to clean
- Eye height controller
- Eye height vent port
- Easy to use door handle
Eppendorf freezers feature high-efficiency insulation thereby reducing loss of temperature and therefore power consumption. There are a number of wall types* employed across the range, suiting any budget and efficiency requirements. A number of other factors influence energy consumption including type of cooling liquid used, efficiency of compressors and seals and gaskets. Not only is being highly efficient better for the enviroment in terms of energy usage, but compared with some brands of ULT freezers, certain Eppendorf models can carry a significant cost benefit due to lower power consumption rate.
*Carry on reading for more information
Eppendorf have adopted a number of practises to enhance the sustainability of their products and the supply chain, this includes:
- Use of 'Green' cooling liquids (i.e R290/R170) in some models such as FC660h. These have a low global warming potential and is supported by EU regulation (EU_517/2014)
- Green insulation foam production - if units are well insulated, they will use less power and be more sustainable
- Packaging is 100% recyclable
- ENERGYSTAR partner
- Eppendorf ULT freezers are built to last- long life span
- Water cooling options available - make the most of the heat extraction in your building
Eppendorf offer a broad range of racks and associated boxes to organise your inventory, designed to optimise your storage space and organisation. This offers the ultimate ease of work flow. Sample management systems are also available to keep your inventory in order.
You can read more on the different options available for each freezer here.
Upright or chest model?
The main choice you are probably making when selecting a ULT freezer is it's configuration - chest or upright. There is no 'better' option and the most appropriate choice really depends on your lab and how you work.
The most common type found in labs is the classic upright freezer, it has a small footprint to volume ratio, and due to its tall, open configuration, this makes it easy to locate your samples, which is especially important if you are regularly accessing the freezer. Standing at the freezer with the door open for long periods of time whilst searching for your sample will compromise the temperature within. Due to their smaller footprint, upright freezers are also easier to transport into the lab.
But if you have the floor space, chest freezers have a number of benefits over uprights. Since they have insulated walls all the way round, owing to opening from the top, they hold the cold in more efficiently – they have less energy consumption for a given volume. The gaskets of any low temperature freezer will allow a small amount of cold air to leave and because of the design, this is reduced in a chest freezer. When opening uprights, cold air can literally ‘fall out’ of the front of the freezer, whereas this is more minimal in chest freezers. Chest freezers are often seen as a good choice for long term storage of samples where space allows because of their lower energy usage per volume.
Chest Models Available
Upright Models Available
Wall Type
Eppendorf have developed a number of different insulated wall types offering a choice so you will be sure to find a suitable option to meet your capacity, efficiency and price requirements.
Type A
This is the traditional wall type. It is 130mm thick and is composed of polyurethane foam insulation. Found in models:
Type B
The wall thickness has been slimmed down from 130mm to 80mm with the addition of ultra-compact vacuum insulation panels - that makes models with these wall types ideal for labs short on space. Found in models:
Type C
The combination of polyurethane foam and vacuum paneling result on improvement in energy efficiency in these models. Found in models:
Air-cooled or water cooled?
Traditionally, ULT freezers are air cooled; they use the air in the room they are positioned to draw out heat. Some Eppendorf models have the option of using water-cooling for their freezers. This can provide a number of benefits, including reduction of heat pollution in the lab, and the ability to use the heated water in other heat-demanding systems in the building, reducing your energy usage. This is just one way that investing in a new ULT can provide financial benefits.
Water cooling models:
Back up Systems
Whilst Eppendorf ULT freezers can maintain temperatures of -50C or colder for 8 -10 hours during a power failure, a backup system can provide that extra piece of mind for maintaining your sample integrity. They are available as either liquid CO2 or LN2, these battery powered systems can maintain freezer temperatures at between -50 and -70C and as low as -85C respectively. These systems can be provided as factory fitted options or can be retrofitted on site so you can change your mind after purchase.
Recommended Freezer Maintenance
Like all pieces of lab equipment, a degree of maintenance and care is needed to keep your ULT freezer working at its best. This includes:
- Clearing door gasket and seals from frost/ice build up
- Yearly defrost
- Minimal opening times to prevent entry of humidity
You can read our full guide to looking after your freezer here.
Document Download
Freezer Brochure
Check out the entire Eppendorf ULT freezer range here.
Storage & Racking Options
Browse the various racking and storage organisation options available.
Freezer Maintenance
Poster with the basic maintenance required. Print out or save for later.
Request information from a technical specialist
Camlab have a number of trained technical specialists on hand to help with any enquiry you may have. You can request more information or a call back using the button below. Please try and provide as much information as possible.
The information provided is intended as a guide, please check exact product manuals and contact us if you are unsure on anything.
