Used -86°C ultra-low temperature freezers

-86°C Ultra-low temperature freezers Used -86°C ultra-low temperature freezers

-86°C Ultra-low temperature freezers
Ultra-low temperature chest freezers -86°C to -150°C

Used -86°C ultra-low temperature freezers from manufacturers such as Liebherr, PHCBI and Haier offer the same storage performance as new units — at significantly reduced acquisition costs. Axon Labortechnik supplies verified used equipment from well-known brands, predominantly from 2020 onwards, with full device history and data on power consumption and capacity.

-86°C Ultra-low temperature freezers / Used -86°C ultra-low temperature freezers

Used ULT Freezers: When is it worth buying?

A used -86°C ultra-low temperature freezer is the right choice when budget or delivery time are factors and a unit from an established manufacturer with a traceable operational history is available. Devices from Liebherr, PHCBI (formerly Panasonic/Sanyo), Haier or Thermo Fisher are robustly constructed and achieve operating lives of 10 to 15 years — a unit with few operating years therefore still has significant residual value and a long remaining service life.

What to look for when buying

Decisive factors are the year of manufacture, compressor type (single or dual cooling system), energy consumption (kWh/day at -75°C) and proof of the last achieved minimum temperature. Units with a dual cooling system offer increased sample safety through two independent cooling circuits. The power consumption of older single-compressor units can be significantly higher than that of modern energy-saving models — a factor that influences total operating costs under continuous load. Axon provides the measured power consumption and the achievable minimum temperature for every used unit.

Used equipment in a GMP environment

Used ULT freezers can also be used in GMP-regulated laboratory environments, provided that re-qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) is carried out. The units are supplied with complete manufacturer documentation, which forms the basis for re-qualification. For seamless temperature monitoring, we recommend supplementing with a WLAN data logger with alarm forwarding.

Frequently asked questions about used -86°C ultra-low temperature freezers

Answers to the most important questions when buying a used ULT freezer — from quality testing to use in a GMP environment.

What should I look for when buying a used ULT freezer?

Decisive factors are the year of manufacture, manufacturer, compressor type (single or dual cooling system), proven power consumption (kWh/day at -75°C) and the last achieved minimum temperature. Units should be supplied with a complete device history and manufacturer documentation — both are the basis for possible re-qualification. Axon provides the measured power consumption and the achievable minimum temperature for every used unit.

What is the typical service life of a -86°C ultra-low temperature freezer?

Units from established manufacturers such as Liebherr, PHCBI, Haier or Thermo Fisher achieve operating lives of 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance. A unit manufactured between 2020 and 2023 therefore still has a significant remaining service life and represents a sensible economic alternative to a new unit.

Can a used unit be used in a GMP-regulated environment?

Yes, provided that re-qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) is carried out. A prerequisite is the availability of complete manufacturer documentation, which Axon supplies with every used unit. For seamless temperature monitoring, an external WLAN data logger with alarm forwarding is recommended.

Is the power consumption of used units higher than that of new units?

This depends on the model and year of manufacture. Older single-compressor units without frequency-controlled compressors typically consume more than modern energy-saving models. Newer used units (from approx. 2020) with inverter-controlled compressors can be energetically comparable to current new units. Axon provides the measured consumption of every used unit.

Which manufacturers are particularly recommended for used ULT freezers?

Liebherr, PHCBI (formerly Panasonic/Sanyo), Haier and Thermo Fisher are considered particularly durable and have good spare parts and service infrastructure. PHCBI units, as the direct successors to the Sanyo line, are particularly well-known for robust compressor technology and long operating life.