Collection: Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers

Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers for Sale

Buy new, refurbished, and used ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers from mLab Supply for universities, pharmaceutical companies, biorepositories, and research laboratories. We source -80°C-class ULT freezers from leading manufacturers including Thermo Scientific, Eppendorf, Panasonic PHCbi, and Stirling Ultracold. Listings represent models available to source through our supplier and secondary-market network. Configuration, condition, and availability vary by unit — submit a quote request and our team will confirm current options, pricing, and lead time. Net 30 terms available for qualified institutions.

<h2>How to Choose an Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer</h2>
<p>Selecting the right ULT freezer requires matching the unit to your workflow, facility, and budget. Key considerations include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Target storage temperature:</strong> Most ULT freezers are rated to -80°C or -86°C. Confirm the setpoint range meets your application requirements.</li>
<li><strong>Capacity:</strong> Upright units typically range from approximately 300 L to over 900 L. Chest configurations offer alternative footprints for some workflows.</li>
<li><strong>Upright footprint and clearance:</strong> Confirm door swing, top clearance for lid access, and aisle width before delivery.</li>
<li><strong>Door and opening frequency:</strong> High-access workflows benefit from inner door configurations that limit temperature excursions during sample retrieval.</li>
<li><strong>Temperature recovery:</strong> Evaluate how quickly the unit returns to setpoint after door opening, particularly for high-frequency access environments.</li>
<li><strong>Energy consumption:</strong> Newer variable-speed and hydrocarbon-refrigerant models offer meaningful reductions in operating cost compared to older cascade compressor designs.</li>
<li><strong>Compressor technology:</strong> Cascade refrigeration systems are standard. Confirm single vs. dual compressor configuration for redundancy requirements.</li>
<li><strong>Alarm systems:</strong> Confirm high/low temperature alarms, door-ajar alerts, and power-failure notification. Evaluate compatibility with facility monitoring infrastructure.</li>
<li><strong>Independent monitoring:</strong> Many regulated and GMP-adjacent environments require independent temperature monitoring beyond the onboard display.</li>
<li><strong>Interior racks and shelving:</strong> Rack and shelf configurations vary by model and unit history. Confirm included accessories before purchase.</li>
<li><strong>Electrical requirements:</strong> ULT freezers typically require dedicated 20A or 30A circuits. Confirm voltage, amperage, and plug configuration for your facility.</li>
<li><strong>Facility HVAC and heat load:</strong> ULT freezers generate significant heat. Confirm room ventilation and HVAC capacity before installation, particularly in enclosed equipment rooms.</li>
<li><strong>Intended workflow:</strong> Biobanking, cell line storage, enzyme preservation, and vaccine cold chain each have distinct access frequency and documentation requirements.</li>
</ul>

<h2>ULT Freezer Types and Technologies</h2>

<h3>Conventional Compressor ULT Freezers</h3>
<p>The most widely deployed ULT freezer design uses a cascade refrigeration system with two compressor stages — a high-temperature stage and a low-temperature stage — to reach -80°C or below. These units are well understood, broadly supported by service networks, and available in a wide range of capacities. Older cascade designs typically consume more energy than current-generation models.</p>

<h3>Variable-Speed and Energy-Efficient ULT Freezers</h3>
<p>Newer ULT freezer platforms incorporate variable-speed compressors and hydrocarbon refrigerants to reduce energy consumption while maintaining stable setpoint temperatures. These designs can offer meaningful reductions in operating cost and heat output compared to fixed-speed cascade systems. Thermo Scientific TSX Universal Series and Eppendorf CryoCube models represent this category.</p>

<h3>Stirling Engine ULT Freezers</h3>
<p>Stirling engine-based ULT freezers use a linear free-piston Stirling engine rather than a conventional vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. This design eliminates compressor oil, uses helium as the working gas, and can offer long service intervals and reduced maintenance requirements. Stirling Ultracold SU780XLE is a representative model in this category. Buyers should confirm service availability and facility compatibility before purchase.</p>

<h2>Popular ULT Freezer Manufacturers and Models</h2>
<div class="mlab-collection-model-grid">
<h3>Thermo Scientific</h3>
<ul>
<li>Thermo Scientific TSX Series Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific TSX60086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific TSX40086FA ULT Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific TSX50086FA ULT Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific TSX60086FA ULT Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific TSX70086FA ULT Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific TSX Universal Series ULT Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific TDE Series ULT Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific Forma 88000 Series ULT Freezer</li>
<li>Thermo Scientific Revco RLE Series ULT Freezer</li>
</ul>
<h3>Eppendorf</h3>
<ul>
<li>Eppendorf CryoCube F740hi Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer</li>
<li>Eppendorf CryoCube F570n Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer</li>
</ul>
<h3>Panasonic PHCbi</h3>
<ul>
<li>Panasonic PHCbi VIP ECO MDF-DU703VH Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer</li>
</ul>
<h3>Stirling Ultracold</h3>
<ul>
<li>Stirling Ultracold SU780XLE Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p>mLab Supply sources ULT freezers from leading manufacturers including Thermo Scientific (TSX, TDE, Forma, and Revco series), Eppendorf (CryoCube), Panasonic PHCbi (VIP ECO MDF series), and Stirling Ultracold. Listings represent models available to source through our supplier and secondary-market network. Availability varies — <a href="/pages/request-a-quote">request a quote</a> for current options.</p>

<h2>ULT Freezers vs. -20°C Laboratory Freezers</h2>
<p>ULT freezers and standard laboratory freezers serve distinct storage requirements and should not be substituted for one another without careful evaluation.</p>
<p><strong>Ultra-low temperature freezers</strong> typically operate at -80°C or below. They are designed for long-term preservation of temperature-sensitive biological materials including cell lines, primary cells, plasma, serum, enzymes, antibodies, and nucleic acids. ULT freezers require dedicated electrical circuits, generate significant heat load, and have higher acquisition and operating costs than standard laboratory freezers.</p>
<p><strong>Standard laboratory freezers</strong> typically operate at approximately -20°C and are suited for routine frozen reagent storage, media, and short-term sample holding. They have lower electrical and infrastructure requirements and are not appropriate for applications requiring -80°C-class storage.</p>
<p>If your application requires -20°C storage, see our <a href="/collections/lab-freezers-20c">Lab Freezers -20°C</a> collection. For 2–8°C refrigerated storage, see <a href="/collections/lab-refrigerators">Lab Refrigerators</a>.</p>

<h2>Buying Used and Refurbished ULT Freezers</h2>
<p>Used and refurbished ULT freezers can represent significant cost savings compared to new units. When evaluating a used ULT freezer, consider the following:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Compressor condition:</strong> Confirm the compressor stages are functional and the unit achieves its rated setpoint.</li>
<li><strong>Pull-down and recovery performance:</strong> Evaluate how quickly the unit reaches setpoint from ambient and recovers after door opening.</li>
<li><strong>Door seals and gaskets:</strong> Inspect for wear, cracking, or compression set that could compromise temperature stability.</li>
<li><strong>Insulation integrity:</strong> Confirm no visible damage to cabinet insulation or inner door panels.</li>
<li><strong>Inner doors:</strong> Confirm inner door panels are present and functional where applicable.</li>
<li><strong>Alarms and controller:</strong> Verify the onboard display, temperature controller, and alarm outputs are functional.</li>
<li><strong>Racks and shelving:</strong> Rack and shelf configurations vary by unit. Confirm included accessories — racks, shelves, and monitoring devices are not guaranteed to be included unless specified.</li>
<li><strong>Service history:</strong> Where available, service records and PM documentation support confidence in unit condition.</li>
<li><strong>Power requirements:</strong> Confirm voltage, amperage, and plug configuration match your facility before purchase.</li>
<li><strong>Facility heat load:</strong> Confirm your room HVAC can accommodate the heat output of the unit.</li>
<li><strong>Included accessories:</strong> Confirm what is included with each unit. Accessories vary and are not standardized across listings.</li>
</ul>
<p>mLab Supply sources used and refurbished ULT freezers through our supplier and secondary-market network. Condition, included accessories, and service history vary by unit. Submit a <a href="/pages/request-a-quote">quote request</a> for current availability and unit-specific details.</p>

<h2>Temperature Monitoring and Alarm Systems</h2>
<p>Reliable temperature monitoring is critical for ULT freezer applications involving irreplaceable samples or regulated workflows. Consider the following when evaluating monitoring requirements:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Onboard displays:</strong> Most ULT freezers include a digital temperature display and setpoint controller. Confirm display functionality on used units.</li>
<li><strong>High/low temperature alarms:</strong> Confirm audible and visual alarm functionality. Evaluate alarm setpoint adjustability for your application.</li>
<li><strong>Remote alarm contacts:</strong> Many ULT freezers include dry contact outputs for integration with facility alarm systems or building management systems.</li>
<li><strong>Independent monitoring:</strong> Many laboratory and regulated environments require independent temperature monitoring devices separate from the freezer's onboard system. Independent monitoring hardware is not included with ULT freezer listings unless explicitly specified.</li>
<li><strong>Data logging:</strong> Continuous temperature data logging may be required for regulated or GMP-adjacent applications. Confirm logging capability and data export options for your workflow.</li>
<li><strong>Backup systems:</strong> Evaluate whether your facility requires CO2 or LN2 backup systems for critical sample storage. Backup system compatibility varies by model.</li>
<li><strong>Buyer qualification:</strong> Suitability of any monitoring configuration for regulated, clinical, or GMP applications depends on buyer qualification, validation, SOPs, and quality-system requirements.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Installation and Facility Considerations</h2>
<p>ULT freezers are large, heavy instruments that require advance planning for delivery and installation:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Electrical service:</strong> Most ULT freezers require a dedicated 20A or 30A circuit. Confirm voltage (115V or 208/230V), amperage, and plug type before delivery.</li>
<li><strong>Clearance:</strong> Allow adequate clearance on all sides and above the unit for ventilation and door operation. Manufacturer clearance specifications vary.</li>
<li><strong>Ventilation:</strong> ULT freezers generate significant heat. Confirm room ventilation and HVAC capacity can accommodate the unit's heat output, particularly in enclosed equipment rooms or cold rooms.</li>
<li><strong>Floor access:</strong> Confirm floor load capacity and surface condition for the unit's weight. ULT freezers can exceed 300 kg when loaded.</li>
<li><strong>Freight path:</strong> Confirm doorway widths, corridor clearances, elevator capacity, and loading dock access before scheduling delivery.</li>
<li><strong>Delivery planning:</strong> mLab Supply coordinates freight and delivery logistics for ULT freezers. Contact us to discuss delivery requirements for your facility.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Applications</h2>
<p>Ultra-low temperature freezers support a broad range of laboratory and institutional workflows:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Biorepository storage:</strong> Long-term archival of biological specimens, biobank samples, and tissue collections.</li>
<li><strong>Research sample preservation:</strong> Storage of cell lines, primary cells, frozen stocks, and experimental samples.</li>
<li><strong>Cell and tissue storage:</strong> Cryopreservation of mammalian cells, stem cells, and tissue samples.</li>
<li><strong>Molecular biology workflows:</strong> Storage of enzymes, nucleic acids, antibodies, and temperature-sensitive reagents.</li>
<li><strong>Biopharma R&amp;D:</strong> Drug candidate storage, biologics, and formulation research.</li>
<li><strong>Academic research:</strong> University and research institute sample archival and reagent storage.</li>
<li><strong>Clinical and research laboratory support:</strong> Plasma, serum, and specimen storage for clinical research applications. Suitability for regulated clinical use depends on buyer qualification, validation, SOPs, documentation, monitoring, and quality-system requirements.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Procurement and Logistics Support</h2>
<p>mLab Supply supports institutional and laboratory procurement for ULT freezers:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Formal quotations:</strong> We provide written quotations for institutional purchasing, budget approval, and vendor onboarding processes.</li>
<li><strong>Purchase orders:</strong> We accept purchase orders from qualified institutions. Net 30 terms available for approved accounts.</li>
<li><strong>Vendor onboarding:</strong> We support vendor registration and onboarding documentation for universities, hospitals, and research institutions.</li>
<li><strong>Sourcing specific models and configurations:</strong> If you are looking for a specific Thermo Scientific, Eppendorf, PHCbi, or Stirling model not currently listed, submit a quote request and we will search our supplier network.</li>
<li><strong>Freight coordination:</strong> We coordinate freight and delivery logistics for ULT freezers, including liftgate, inside delivery, and freight path planning.</li>
<li><strong>Deinstallation and logistics:</strong> For large floor-standing units, we can discuss deinstallation and removal logistics where applicable.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/pages/request-a-quote">Request a Quote</a> | <a href="/pages/sell-lab-equipment">Sell Lab Equipment</a></p>

<h2>Related Laboratory Equipment</h2>
<p>mLab Supply sources a broad range of cold storage and laboratory equipment. Related categories include <a href="/collections/lab-freezers-20c">Lab Freezers -20°C</a> for standard frozen reagent and sample storage, <a href="/collections/lab-refrigerators">Lab Refrigerators</a> for 2–8°C refrigerated storage, and <a href="/collections/centrifuges">Centrifuges</a> for sample preparation workflows. Browse our full <a href="/collections/labequipment">Lab Equipment</a> catalog or visit the <a href="/collections/thermo-scientific">Thermo Scientific Laboratory Equipment</a> hub for the complete Thermo Scientific portfolio. To sell surplus laboratory equipment, visit our <a href="/pages/sell-lab-equipment">Sell Lab Equipment</a> page.</p>

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<div class="mlab-collection-faq">
<details><summary>What temperature does a ULT freezer maintain?</summary><p>Ultra-low temperature freezers are typically rated to -80°C or -86°C. Some models support setpoints as low as -86°C. Confirm the rated setpoint range and actual pull-down performance for your application before purchase.</p></details>
<details><summary>What is the difference between a ULT freezer and a -20°C laboratory freezer?</summary><p>ULT freezers operate at -80°C or below and are designed for long-term preservation of temperature-sensitive biological materials. Standard laboratory freezers operate at approximately -20°C and are suited for routine reagent and sample storage. The two are not interchangeable. See our <a href="/collections/lab-freezers-20c">Lab Freezers -20°C</a> collection for standard laboratory freezer options.</p></details>
<details><summary>What capacity ULT freezer do I need?</summary><p>Capacity requirements depend on your sample volume, storage format (boxes, racks, cryovials, bags), and anticipated growth. Upright ULT freezers typically range from approximately 300 L to over 900 L. Contact us to discuss capacity options for your workflow.</p></details>
<details><summary>What should I inspect before buying a used ULT freezer?</summary><p>Key inspection points include compressor condition and pull-down performance, door seals and gaskets, inner door panels, onboard alarm and controller functionality, rack and shelf configuration, service history where available, and electrical requirements. mLab Supply can provide unit-specific details upon request.</p></details>
<details><summary>Are racks and shelves included with used ULT freezers?</summary><p>Rack and shelf configurations vary by unit. Racks, shelves, and monitoring devices are not guaranteed to be included unless explicitly specified in the listing or quotation. Confirm included accessories before purchase.</p></details>
<details><summary>What electrical requirements should I confirm before purchasing a ULT freezer?</summary><p>Most ULT freezers require a dedicated 20A or 30A circuit. Confirm voltage (115V or 208/230V), amperage, and plug configuration for your facility before purchase. Electrical requirements vary by model and manufacturer.</p></details>
<details><summary>How much heat does a ULT freezer add to a room?</summary><p>ULT freezers generate significant heat — typically 1,000–2,500 watts or more depending on model and ambient conditions. Confirm your room HVAC and ventilation capacity can accommodate the unit's heat output before installation, particularly in enclosed equipment rooms.</p></details>
<details><summary>Can mLab Supply source a specific Thermo Scientific, Eppendorf, PHCbi, or Stirling model?</summary><p>Yes. If you are looking for a specific model not currently listed, submit a <a href="/pages/request-a-quote">quote request</a> with your model, configuration, and application requirements and we will search our supplier and secondary-market network for current availability.</p></details>
<details><summary>Are refurbished ULT freezers suitable for regulated laboratories?</summary><p>Suitability of any used or refurbished ULT freezer for regulated, GMP, clinical, or quality-system applications depends on buyer qualification, validation, SOPs, documentation, monitoring, and quality-system requirements. mLab Supply does not make representations regarding regulatory suitability. Buyers are responsible for evaluating and qualifying equipment for their intended use.</p></details>
<details><summary>Does mLab Supply coordinate freight and delivery for ULT freezers?</summary><p>Yes. mLab Supply coordinates freight and delivery logistics for ULT freezers, including liftgate service, inside delivery, and freight path planning. Contact us when requesting a quote to discuss delivery requirements for your facility.</p></details>
<details><summary>Does mLab Supply purchase surplus ULT freezers?</summary><p>Yes. mLab Supply purchases surplus and used laboratory equipment including ULT freezers. Visit our <a href="/pages/sell-lab-equipment">Sell Lab Equipment</a> page to submit details about your equipment.</p></details>
</div>