We compared four models of large refrigerated incubators available from major laboratory instruments suppliers. We were interested in understanding the differences between the standard models and the models that are in the middle price range for these instruments.
| VWR symphony Low-Temperature / BOD Incubators (VWR) | Precision model 30MR refrigerated incubator (Fisher) | Refrigerated incubators with forced convection KB 720 Binder (VWR) | Incubator Stability Chambers Thermo model 3920 (Fisher) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.2°C at 37°C | ±0.2°C | ±0.1°C at 5°C; ±0.2°C at 40°C | ±0.1ºC @ 25ºC to 37ºC |
| Heat-up time | 35 min. to 37°C | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Recovery time | 12 min. to 37°C; 15 min at 50C | Unknown | 2 min. at 37°C; 12 min at 4°C | Unknown |
| Temperature range | 0 to 60°C | 5 to 70°C | –5°C to 100°C | 0°C TO 60°C |
| Disinfection | Not possible | Not possible | Disinfection at 100 °C | Not possible |
| Temperature setting accuracy | ±0.1°C | Unknown | ±0.2°C at 5°C; ±0.2°C at 25°C; ±0.2°C at 37°C; | ±0.1°C increments |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.5°C at 37°C; 1.4°C at 50°C | ±0.4°C at 5°C; ±0.5°C at 25°C; ±0.5°C at 37°C | ±0.1°C | ±0.3°C @ 25°C to 37°C |
| Capacity | 700 l (24.7 cu ft) | 849 l (30 cu ft) | 698 l (24.7 cu ft) | 849 l (29 cu ft) |
| Temperature control mode | Advanced Adaptive Microprocessor Control with Jog-Shuttle Knob (Turn and Push) | Hydrolic temperature control thermostat | microprocessor controller; RS 422 interface for communication software APT-COM™ DataControlSystem | Microprocessor PID |
| Temperature sensor | Equipped with RS-232C Interface for Monitoring and Controlling with PC; Sensor PT100 ±0.1°C and Storage Function (Temperature and Time) | Analog temperature control | Programmable controller with intelligent temperature control and weekly program timer | RTD sensor |
| Shelves | Comes with 3 stainless steel and up to 40 shelves can be installed in total | Maximum of shelves is 6 (can not install any additionnal ones) | Comes with 2 stainless steel racks and accommodate up to 15 racks | Comes with 6 adjustable heavy-duty solid stainless steel shelves. Accommodate up to 19 shelves in total |
| Compressor | Unknown | Standard compressor with standards fluids | Unknown compressor | Standard compressor with standards fluids |
| Refrigeration | CFC-Free (134A) Refrigeration System. Intelligent Control of Refrigerator | Unknown | Adjustable ramp function via program editor. Patented DCT™ refrigeration system assuring temperature accuracy and reproducible results in both heating and cooling situations. | Non-CFC R134A refrigerant |
| Warranty | Two-Year Parts and Labor Warranty | Unknown | Unknown | One Year Parts and Labor Warranty |
| Air circulation | “Forced air mechanical convection - horizontal air flow; a 3.3 cm (1.3”“) stainless steel ventilation cap” | Mechanical convection technique; top mount fan with diffuser panel for gentle circulation of air inside chamber | Adjustable fan speed ; No condensation will appear in the inner chamber during cooling | “Directed airflow system; forced air from right to left (more efficiently maintains a uniform temperature as opposed from top to bottom)” |
| Doors | Two doors (outer one solid; the inner one tempered glass door) | One door solid or glass | “Two doors (Inner glass door)” | One glass |
| Over-temperature protection | Over-temperature and over-current protection by sensor error detection | Built-in high temperature safety | “Independent adjustable temperature safety device class 3.1 providing full protection against chamber over-temperature with visual and audible temperature alarm” | Temperature safety: Sensor & Controller by Thermostat with audible/visual alarm |
| Exterion construction | Powder-coated steel exterior | Powder-coated steel exterior | Unknown | 18 gauge cold-rolled steel powder coated |
| Interior material | Stainless Steel (#304) | Aluminum interior | Stainless steel | Type 304 2B finish stainless steel |
| Insulation | Glass wool insulation | Glass wool insulation (2 inches) | 60 mm insulation; glass wool and insulation foam | “2.0”“ (5.1cm) thick non-CFC foamed-in-place polyurethane cabinet insulation” |
| Outer door gasket | High temperature grade foamed silicone rubber door gaskets | Unknown | Very tight door closure with 2-point door latch | Four-sided vinyl compression |
| Drain | no | no | yes | 3⁄8“” FPT & 3⁄8“” O.D. P-trap right rear |
| Internal outlet | Internal 110V outlet for auxillary equipment require installation by an electrician | Internal duplex eletrical outlet require installation by an electrician | Possible | Possible |
| Access ports | No (but one can modify the instrument) | Optional | Access port with silicone plug Ø 30 mm left side | present |
| Load per rack | Unknown | Unknown | 45 kg | 22.7 kg |
| Electrical requirement | 120V 60Hz | 120V 60 Hz 17.9 Amps | 115V 50/60Hz | 120V 60 Hz 16.0 Amps 3 Wire (including ground) |
| Energy consumption at 37°C | 2400 W | 2150 W (but 700 W to maintain 25°C) | 510 W at 37°C to 1350 W | 1600 W |
| BTU output | Unknown | 7338 BTU / hour | Unknown | 5500 BTU / H |
| Dimension exterior | 93.5 cm W x 102.6 cm D x 199.9 cm H | 80 cm L x 91.4 cm W x 237.5 cm H | 123.4 cm W x 86.7 cm D x 181.6 cm H | 96.5 cm W x 81.3 cm D x 224.8 cm H |
| Dimension interior | 80 cm W x 70.1 cm D x 125 cm H | 61.6 cm L x 76.2 cm W x 182.9 cm H | 125 cm W X 89 cm D X 192.5 cm H | 78.7 cm W x 68.6 cm D x 152.4 cm H |
| Shipping weight | 313 kg | 344.7 kg | 262 kg | 385.6 kg |
| Clearance rear | 20 cm | 76 cm | 100 cm | 76 cm |
| Clearance side | 100 cm | 76 cm | 100 cm | 3 cm |
| Noise level | unknown | < 65 dB | 53 dB(A) | < 65 dB |
| Legs or castors | Unknown | no castors | 4 castors (2 with brakes) | Swivel locking casters |
