-86°C ultra-low temperature freezers

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

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

-86°C ultra-low temperature chest freezers from Fryka and Elcold provide proven ULT storage performance in a space-saving chest design. This construction offers the inherent advantage of reduced temperature fluctuations when the lid is opened. The range spans from 90 to 300 litres, with capacities accommodating 34 to 216 cryoboxes in 2-inch format.

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

-86°C ultra-low temperature chest freezers: Design, technology and range

Compared to -86°C ultra-low temperature upright freezers, chest models offer a physical advantage when opened: cold air is denser than warm air and largely remains inside the unit when the lid is lifted, whereas an upright freezer allows the cold air to escape downwards. This results in a smaller temperature rise during access, which is relevant for applications requiring frequent sample retrieval or minimal temperature fluctuations.

Overview of available models

The Fryka TT 85-90 (90 l) holds up to 72 cryoboxes in 2-inch format with a consumption of 4.45 kWh/24h and is also available with an integrated data logger featuring a colour touchscreen. The Elcold LAB series offers three volume levels: LAB 8 (92 l, max. 34 boxes, 5.8 kWh), LAB 11 (130 l, max. 84 boxes, 5.8 kWh) and LAB 31 (300 l, max. 216 boxes, 8.5 kWh) — all designed for operation at -85°C.

When a chest freezer is preferable to an upright model

Chest freezers are particularly suitable for central sample storage with large inventories and infrequent access, for applications with strict requirements for temperature stability, and for installations where ceiling height is limited. For frequent individual removals and quick access to specific positions, the -86°C ultra-low temperature upright freezer remains more practical. For seamless documentation, a WLAN data logger with alarm forwarding is recommended, or the selection of a model with an integrated logger.

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

Answers to the most common questions regarding model selection, energy consumption, data loggers and the comparison between chest and upright freezers can be found here.

Which manufacturers and models are available?

The range includes the Fryka TT 85-90 (90 l, max. 72 cryoboxes 2-inch, 4.45 kWh/24h) — also available with an integrated data logger — as well as the Elcold LAB series in three sizes: LAB 8 (92 l, 34 boxes), LAB 11 (130 l, 84 boxes) and LAB 31 (300 l, 216 boxes). All models are designed for operating temperatures down to -85°C.

What is the power consumption of an -86°C ultra-low temperature chest freezer?

Depending on the model, consumption ranges between 4.45 kWh/24h (Fryka TT 85-90, 90 l) and 8.5 kWh/24h (Elcold LAB 31, 300 l). Due to their compact design and effective insulation, chest freezers are often more energy-efficient than upright freezers of comparable size.

Are -86°C ultra-low temperature chest freezers available with a data logger?

Yes. The Fryka TT 85-90//logg is available with an integrated data logger featuring a colour touchscreen and temperature history display. Alternatively, external WLAN data loggers with alarm forwarding via email or SMS can be retrofitted.

When is an -86°C chest freezer a better choice than an upright freezer?

Chest freezers are particularly suitable for central sample storage with infrequent access, for applications with strict requirements for temperature stability, and where room height is limited. For frequent individual removals with quick access to specific positions, an upright freezer is more practical.

Can -86°C chest freezers be qualified in GMP environments?

Yes. The basis for qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) is the manufacturer documentation provided. For seamless temperature logging, a data logger — either integrated or external — is required.