Lab freezers are essential equipment for cold storage in scientific research and clinical settings. They are designed to store biological samples, vaccines, reagents, and other temperature-sensitive materials at precise temperatures, ensuring their integrity and usability over time. Unlike household freezers, lab freezers are built to meet the specific requirements of laboratories, offering advanced features and more reliable performance. Understanding the different types of lab freezers, their applications, and the features that matter most is crucial for selecting the right equipment for your needs. In this article, we provide an overview about the different types of freezers and how to choose the right one for your lab.

Types of Lab Freezers

There are several types of lab freezers, each designed for specific temperature storage requirements and sample volumes. The most common types include general-purpose freezers, ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, general purpose freezers, and low temperature freezers. They are available in various sizes and formats as well, including chest style, upright, and compact sizes for use on benchtops and under counters.

General Purpose Freezers

General-purpose lab freezers operate at standard freezing temperatures, typically between -10°C and -25°C. These freezers are suitable for storing a variety of materials such as enzymes, vaccines, and culture media. They are commonly found in research labs, clinical labs, and pharmaceutical facilities. While they are similar to household freezers in terms of temperature range, general-purpose lab freezers offer more consistent temperature control, better insulation, and alarm systems to alert users to temperature fluctuations.

Low Temperature Freezers

Low temperature freezers are designed for more critical applications, such as storing plasma, blood, or sensitive biological materials. For example, plasma freezers maintain a consistent temperature of -30°C, which is ideal for the storage of blood plasma used in transfusions. Low temperature freezers may also be used to store biological specimens like plants, insects and animal tissues. They may also be referred to as biomedical freezers, medical freezers or general-purpose freezers. 

Ultra Low Temperature Freezers

Ultra-low temperature freezers, or ULT freezers, are designed to store materials at temperatures ranging from -40°C to -86°C. These freezers are extremely important in research settings where sensitive biological samples such as DNA, RNA, and proteins need long-term storage. They are also used in biobanking, where large collections of biological specimens are maintained for future research or medical use. The extreme temperatures of ULT freezers help preserve sample integrity by minimizing enzymatic activity and microbial growth. 

ULT freezers have become extremely popular since the start of the global COVID pandemic. They offer an extremely low temperature storage solution for reagents, research samples and vaccines used and developed in response to the emerging COVID crisis. Ultra-low temperature freezers continue to be in high demand, as new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge, and pharmaceutical companies continue to develop effective vaccines in response.

Chest Freezers

Chest freezers offer some advantages over upright freezers. One of the key benefits is their temperature stability. Because cold air is denser and tends to settle at the bottom. Additionally, chest freezers typically have a larger storage capacity per square foot, allowing for the storage of bulkier items and maximizing available space. 

Upright Freezers

An upright laboratory freezer offers several advantages, particularly in terms of accessibility, organization, and space efficiency. With a vertical design, they allow for easier access to stored materials without the need to dig through layers of samples, as is often required with chest freezers. Adjustable shelves and compartments provide better organization, enabling users to categorize and retrieve samples quickly, reducing the time the door remains open and minimizing temperature fluctuations. Upright freezers also take up less floor space, making them ideal for laboratories with limited room while still offering significant storage capacity.

Benchtop & Undercounter

Benchtop and undercounter lab freezers offer compact, efficient cold storage solutions for laboratories with limited space while maintaining precise temperature control for sensitive samples. Their smaller footprint allows them to be conveniently placed on countertops or beneath lab benches, maximizing workspace efficiency without sacrificing storage capabilities. These small freezers provide quick and easy access to frequently used materials, making them ideal for high-traffic environments where rapid retrieval is necessary.

How to Choose the Right Lab Freezer

Selecting the right freezer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of materials being stored, the required temperature range, and the specific needs of the lab. One of the most critical considerations is temperature stability. Lab freezers must maintain consistent temperatures to ensure the viability of stored materials. Fluctuations in temperature can compromise the integrity of biological samples or reagents, leading to unreliable results or significant financial loss. Advanced models, including ARCTIKO lab freezers, come equipped with precision temperature control systems and alarms to notify users of deviations from set parameters.

Temperature Range

Choosing the right temperature range for a laboratory freezer depends on the specific materials being stored and their stability requirements. Different scientific and medical applications require varying levels of cold storage to preserve sample integrity. Standard laboratory freezers typically operate around -20°C, which is suitable for short-term storage of biological samples, reagents, and certain pharmaceuticals. These freezers are commonly used in research labs, hospitals, and clinical settings where moderate freezing conditions are adequate.

For more sensitive materials such as enzymes, vaccines, and longer-term storage of biological specimens, a freezer capable of reaching -40°C to -50°C may be necessary. These temperatures help prevent degradation while maintaining sample viability for extended periods.

Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, which operate between -80°C and -86°C, are essential for storing highly sensitive materials such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and cell cultures. These freezers are widely used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and biobanking, where maintaining molecular stability is critical.

Storage Capacity

Another important feature is storage capacity. Laboratories must assess their current and future storage needs to choose a freezer with adequate capacity. Overcrowding a freezer can impede air circulation, resulting in uneven temperature distribution. On the other hand, investing in a freezer that is too large can lead to wasted energy and higher operational costs. Many manufacturers offer a range of sizes to accommodate various storage requirements, from compact benchtop models to large upright units.

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient lab freezers are designed to reduce power consumption while maintaining precise temperature control for sensitive samples. These freezers incorporate high-performance insulation, variable-speed compressors, and energy-efficient cooling systems to minimize energy use without compromising performance. Many models also feature digital temperature monitoring, LED lighting, and optimized airflow to enhance efficiency.

The benefits of energy-efficient lab freezers include lower operational costs, reduced environmental impact, and improved reliability. By consuming less electricity, these freezers help labs decrease their carbon footprint while maintaining compliance with sustainability initiatives. Reduced energy use also contributes to less heat output, which can lower HVAC demands.

Many energy-efficient lab freezers meet ENERGY STAR® certification requirements, which set strict standards for energy consumption and performance. ENERGY STAR-certified models undergo rigorous testing to ensure they use significantly less energy compared to conventional units. Compliance with ENERGY STAR not only helps labs save on energy costs but also ensures adherence to environmental regulations and green building certifications. As laboratories prioritize sustainability, ENERGY STAR-certified lab freezers have become a preferred choice for balancing efficiency and performance.

Eco-Friendly Freezers

The EPA SNAP program plays a key role in the development of eco-friendly lab freezer models. By regulating and approving low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, SNAP encourages manufacturers to design energy-efficient and environmentally responsible freezers. Many modern lab freezers now use SNAP-compliant refrigerants such as hydrocarbons (R-290, R-600a) and hydrofluoroolefins (R-1234yf, R-1234ze), which reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to older high-GWP refrigerants like R-134a and R-404A.

Eco-friendly EPA SNAP compliant lab freezers also often feature improved insulation, variable-speed compressors, and smart temperature controls to enhance energy efficiency. Laboratories looking to reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals increasingly opt for SNAP-compliant models, ensuring regulatory compliance while minimizing environmental impact.

Construction & Design

The design and construction of a lab freezer also play a vital role in its performance. High-quality insulation is essential for maintaining stable temperatures and minimizing heat exchange. The type of door—whether it’s solid or glass—can impact thermal efficiency. While solid doors offer better insulation, glass doors allow users to view contents without opening the freezer, reducing temperature fluctuations. Additionally, adjustable shelving and organizational systems can help maximize storage space and improve workflow efficiency.

Ease of use is another key factor for end-users. Features such as intuitive digital controls, easy-to-read displays, and remote monitoring capabilities make it simpler to operate and manage the freezer. Some advanced models even offer smartphone integration, allowing users to monitor temperature and receive alerts in real-time. This can be especially useful in facilities where 24/7 monitoring is required.

Reliability and durability are extremely important when it comes to lab freezers, as they store irreplaceable samples and valuable reagents. A reliable freezer minimizes the risk of equipment failure, which could result in the loss of critical materials. End-users should look for freezers with robust construction, high-quality compressors, and proven track records of performance.

Safety Features & Alarms

Safety features including secure door-locking mechanisms, key locks, overtemperature and undertemperature detection, and alarm systems add a layer of security necessary when working with sensitive materials. Furthermore, CE and UL certified freezers demonstrate electrical and mechanical safety, especially as it pertains to the potential of fires, which could cause catastrophic losses in research and clinical labs. When buying a lab freezer, review all of the safety features, and look for certifications like CE and UL. These certifications demonstrate the manufacturer's focus and compliance on safety.

Data Management & Connectivity

Temperature control of sensitive samples relies on various data management and collection methods to ensure proper control and compliance with regulations. Temperature loggers, including USB, wireless, and cloud-connected devices, continuously record data, allowing real-time monitoring and alerts for deviations. Temperature charts, whether manual, analog, or digital, provide visual records of fluctuations. Automated monitoring systems integrate sensors and software for remote access, notifications, and integration with lab management platforms.  Compliance tools help generate reports, ensure data security, and track calibration. Modern labs increasingly adopt automated and cloud-based solutions for accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory adherence.

Maintenance

Maintenance and serviceability should not be overlooked when choosing a lab freezer. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of the equipment. Freezers with accessible components and clear maintenance instructions make it easier for users to perform routine upkeep. Some models also come with self-diagnostic systems that alert users to potential issues before they become critical.

Conclusion

Lab freezers are indispensable equipment in scientific and medical fields, ensuring the safe storage of temperature-sensitive materials. By understanding the different types of lab freezers, their applications, and the features that matter most, laboratories can make informed decisions when selecting equipment. Choosing the right freezer can enhance efficiency, protect valuable materials, ensure safety and support critical research.