Buying Guide: Laboratory Incubators
Match the incubator to your application
CO2 incubators support mammalian and primary cell culture, hybridoma and antibody production, stem cell workflows, tissue engineering, and 3D culture. General-purpose and microbiological incubation can require different temperature and atmosphere controls. Confirm the requirements of your protocol and the capabilities of the specific instrument.
What to confirm before purchasing
- Temperature range and performance: match your operating setpoint and required uniformity to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Atmosphere controls: confirm CO2 sensing and control; if your protocol requires controlled oxygen, verify that the exact configuration supports it.
- Capacity and shelving: check usable chamber dimensions, shelf spacing, and capacity against your flasks, plates, and daily workflow.
- Contamination control: review the available decontamination cycle, filtration, cleaning instructions, and compatible materials for the model.
- Installation: confirm electrical requirements, gas supply, space, clearances, and any monitoring or alarm connections.
Brands we source
Thermo Fisher (Heracell, Forma) | Eppendorf (Galaxy) | Panasonic / PHC (MCO series) | Binder | Sheldon Manufacturing
Condition and documentation
Options may include new, refurbished/pre-owned, and surplus/as-is instruments. Confirm the inspection and service scope, temperature verification, sensor calibration, cleaning or decontamination records, and included accessories for the specific unit.
Related cold storage equipment
Explore Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers and Lab Freezers -20C for storage requirements associated with your workflow. Select storage conditions according to the requirements of the material being stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CO2 incubator or a general-purpose incubator?
Use the temperature and atmosphere requirements of your protocol to choose. Confirm whether CO2, oxygen control, humidity management, or other features are required; these capabilities vary by model.
What should I include in a quote request?
Include the application, operating temperature, atmosphere requirements, capacity, flask or plate format, preferred model, delivery location, and required documentation.
Are shelves, sensors, and accessories included?
Confirm the quoted configuration and included shelves, sensors, regulators, monitoring connections, and accessories. Availability and included components vary by instrument.
How do I confirm condition and lead time?
Request a Quote for the specific model or your requirements. Confirm condition, service records, current availability, price, and lead time before ordering.