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

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

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

Ultra-low temperature chest freezers with temperature ranges from -86°C to -150°C ensure the long-term storage of biological samples with particularly high temperature stability. Because cold air remains inside the unit when the lid is opened, temperature fluctuations are lower than in upright freezers. The range includes -86°C chest freezers from Fryka and Elcold (90 to 300 litres) as well as -150°C cryo-freezers from Axofreeze and Innova (118 to 258 litres).

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

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

Ultra-low temperature chest freezers -86°C to -150°C: Technology and application

Ultra-low temperature chest freezers operate using the same cascade principle as -86°C upright freezers but offer a design-related advantage: when the chest is opened, cold air sinks and largely remains inside the interior. This results in lower temperature fluctuations, which reduces the thermal stress on stored samples. This makes chest freezers particularly suitable for storing large sample collections that are accessed infrequently.

-86°C ultra-low temperature chest freezers

-86°C chest freezers cover the standard ULT range and are suitable for storing DNA, RNA, proteins, cell lines, microorganisms, and enzyme preparations. The range includes the Fryka TT 85-90 (90 l, max. 72 cryoboxes 2, 4.45 kWh/24h) and Elcold LAB models from 92 to 300 litres (max. 216 cryoboxes, 5.8 to 8.5 kWh/24h). Several models are available with an integrated data logger.

-150°C ultra-low temperature chest freezers: Cryopreservation without liquid nitrogen

Below -130°C, water transitions into a glass-like state — all chemical and biological processes come to a complete standstill. This state of maximum long-term stability is achieved with -150°C cryo-freezers without the logistical effort and safety requirements of liquid nitrogen. The range includes the Axofreeze MF-150H239 (239 l, 150 boxes, 15,000 samples), Innova MF-150H258P (258 l, 165 boxes, 16,500 samples), and MF-150H118P (118 l, 48 boxes, 4,800 samples). Typical applications include the cryopreservation of stem cells, cell lines for CAR-T therapies, and long-term biobanking.

Temperature monitoring and documentation

For GMP-compliant operation, we recommend supplementing the units with external or integrated data loggers with alarm forwarding. Axon supplies suitable WLAN data loggers and alarm forwarding systems for ULT devices.

Frequently asked questions about ultra-low temperature chest freezers

We have compiled the most important questions regarding the selection, technology, and use of ultra-low temperature chest freezers here — from choosing between a chest and an upright freezer to the differences between -86°C and -150°C cryo-storage.

What is the difference between an ultra-low temperature chest freezer and an upright freezer?

In a chest freezer, cold air remains inside when the lid is opened because cold air is heavier than warm air. In an upright freezer, cold air flows out when the door is opened. Consequently, chest freezers offer lower temperature fluctuations during access, whereas upright freezers allow for faster access to individual positions.

For which samples are -86°C ultra-low temperature chest freezers used?

-86°C ultra-low temperature chest freezers are suitable for the long-term storage of DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, cell lines, microorganisms, and tissue samples. From -70°C, biological processes largely come to a halt, enabling stable storage over months and years.

When is a -150°C cryo-freezer necessary compared to a -86°C chest freezer?

Below -130°C, water transitions into a glass-like state — all enzymatic and chemical processes come to a complete standstill. For particularly sensitive materials such as stem cells, iPSC lines, or cells for cell therapy programmes, as well as for long-term storage over decades, -150°C is the more suitable choice.

Can ultra-low temperature chest freezers be used in GMP-regulated environments?

Yes. For GMP-compliant operation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) based on manufacturer documentation is required. Seamless temperature monitoring is carried out via integrated or external data loggers with alarm forwarding via WLAN, email, or SMS.

How many samples fit into an ultra-low temperature chest freezer?

Capacity depends on the volume and box size. Available models hold between 34 cryoboxes (Elcold LAB 8, 92 l) and 216 cryoboxes (Elcold LAB 31, 300 l) in the 2-inch format at -86°C, or 48 to 165 boxes for the -150°C models.