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Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i Copper-Lined Incubator

Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i Copper-Lined Incubator

Fully Tested & Warrantied*
Brand : Thermo Scientific
Product Code : SKU 3180WW INC
Price Match Policy

Shipping

All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse

Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i Copper-Lined Incubator

The Thermo VIOS 250i Copper-Lined Incubator is specifically designed to deliver the performance reliability, ease of operation, and value required to support a range of culturing needs from basic research to the demanding, leading-edge applications, so you're ready for whatever comes next.

Thermo Heracell VIOS 250i Copper-Lined CO2 Incubator Features

  • 9.0 cubic foot capacity per chamber (255L)
  • TC CO2 sensor
  • iCAN touchscreen control
  • 90-day warranty

Better solutions for optimal cell growth. Thermo VIOS 250i CO2 incubators with pure copper interior chambers provide the ideal in-vitro environment. They feature THRIVE Active Airflow, where an in-chamber fan distributes clean, humidified air throughout the chamber ensuring homogeneous conditions; fast recovery of all parameters in ten minutes or less for stable culturing conditions; and an auto-stop function that disables fan operation during door openings to minimize air exchange.

The VIOS CO2 incubators also have a protected humidity reservoir where directly heated water provides stable high relative humidity levels, preventing culture desiccation; a condensation-free inner chamber that prevents a breeding ground for contaminant; and 5X faster humidity recovery than traditional water pan designs.

The direct heat chamber has adjustable, perforated shelving, and a reversible exterior door for added flexibility. The in-chamber HEPA continuously filters the entire chamber air volume every 60 seconds, and ISO 5 clean room air quality is achieved in the culture chamber within five minutes.

The iCAN touchscreen control is a bright, door-mounted display for easy accessibility and viewing. You can select between operation in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Mandarin.

Thermo Heracell VIOS 160i Copper-Lined CO2 Incubator – specifications

Capacity (English) 9.0 cu. ft.
Data Outputs USB, 4-20 mA
Description Single 255 L incubator including IR sensor, 4-20 mA data output, and factory compliance acceptance Pk.
Capacity (Metric) 255 L
Chamber Material Electropolished Stainless Steel
CO2 Concentration Range 1 to 20%
CO2 Sensor Technology IR Sensor
Lighting LED
Material Stainless Steel
Relative Humidity >93% at 37°C
Temperature Range (Metric) Ambient +3° to 55°C
Type CO2 Incubator
Humidity Source Covered integrated water reservoir
Dimensions (D x W x H) Interior 24.8 x 23.9 x 26.4 in. (62.9 x 60.7 x 67 cm)
Dimensions (L x W x H) 36.8 x 30.5 x 38.1 in. (93,4 x 77.4 x 96.8 cm)
Weight (English) 215 lb.
Electrical Requirements 120 V, 50/60 Hz

Testing

Our technicians test CO2 incubators using a calibrated digital chart recorder to verify the accuracy of temperature controls and readouts, as well as using a Fyrite indicator to measure CO2 levels in the chamber. We replace any hardware or parts as is necessary and clean all incubators thoroughly prior to shipment.

Pictures 

The photos above are representative. Please bear in mind that the equipment shown is currently in storage in our warehouse and that in addition to testing each machine we will clean all the equipment thoroughly prior to shipment.

We often have multiple units of each model in stock and sometimes we're unable to feature photos of every single unit. At your request, we can provide photos of the equipment in your order after it has been tested and cleaned.

Thermo HeraCell VIOS 250i CO2 incubator frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between copper-lining and stainless steel lining in the Thermo VIOS incubators?

Copper-lining offers an antimicrobial, self-disinfecting surface to reduce reliance on chemical disinfectants and are easy to maintain, ensuring a sterile environment. It can kill bacteria, fungi, and mold on surfaces to prevent contamination in cell cultures. Copper does tend to stain, but the patina and tarnish actually enhance the effectiveness of self-disinfecting.

Stainless steel units tend to be less expensive to purchase new. Stainless steel also requires regular cleaning and disinfection to prevent contamination. It is very durable though, and can withstand harsh cleaners. As the name implies it also resists staining and stays shiny and new looking for an extended period of time.

And what's the difference between the VIOS160i and 250i units? 

Chamber size and footprint. The Thermo VIOS 160i chambers each have 5.8 cubic feet capacity whereas the VIO205i incubators have 9 cubic feet. The 250i also has larger exterior dimensions at 34.6”W x 25.1”D x 35.4”H. 

I need multiple Thermo VIOS incubators for my lab. Are you able to supply several matching chambers or stacks?

Yes, we frequently outfit new labs with multiple pieces of equipment. We encourage you to check out some of the lab equipment start up packages from American Instrument Exchange. These include not only incubators but also biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, microscopes, and more. We offer easy customization to match your specific budget, brand preferences, and research requirements.

Do you offer repair services for the malfunctioning VIOS 250i incubators?

Absolutely. Our technicians can repair incubators and we offer both field service and depot repair services, depending on the nature of the problem and your location.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished CO₂ Laboratory Incubators
Ensure Atmosphere Control, Temperature Accuracy, and Regulatory Compliance

At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished CO₂ incubators undergo a multi-step testing and calibration process. These procedures are designed to ensure precise environmental control, microbial safety, and long-term reliability—critical for cell culture, IVF, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical R&D applications.

Why Testing Used CO₂ Incubators Is Essential

Before a CO₂ incubator is redeployed into a laboratory, it must be thoroughly tested for:
• CO₂ sensor accuracy and gas concentration control
• Temperature uniformity and stability
• Humidity system function
• HEPA filtration and contamination control
• Electrical and safety compliance

Proper testing ensures viable growth environments for sensitive cultures and prevents costly contamination or culture loss in high-stakes lab environments.

Our standardized refurbishment protocol ensures used CO₂ incubators deliver laboratory grade performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable new units.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used CO₂ Incubators

1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect the exterior for corrosion, dents, or door alignment issues
• Check door gasket integrity and hinge function
• Verify presence and condition of internal shelves, water pans, and humidity trays
• Examine power cords, gas connectors, and display interfaces for signs of wear

2. Functional Startup Test
• Power on the unit and check for successful system boot
• Verify touchscreen or keypad response, and test all user-programmable settings
• Check door alarms and temperature/CO₂ alerts

3. Temperature Control and Uniformity Testing
• Use temperature probes to verify internal temperature accuracy
• Monitor temperature uniformity across multiple chamber zones
• Ensure fast recovery times after door openings

4. CO₂ Sensor Testing and Gas Delivery System Test
• Test accuracy of infrared (IR) or thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensors using certified reference gas and probes/Fyrite analyzers
• Test inlet pressure regulators and gas flow control systems
• Confirm stable CO₂ levels at multiple setpoints (e.g., 5%, 10%)
• Check for proper mixing and diffusion throughout the chamber

5. Humidity and Contamination Control Testing
• Test humidity generation (via water pan or active system) and verify chamber RH levels
• Inspect HEPA filters (if equipped) and airflow systems for particulate control
• Sanitize interior and confirm antimicrobial coatings or copper components are intact

6. Electrical Safety and Compliance Check
• Ensure proper grounding and insulation of all electrical components
• Perform leak and continuity testing
• Verify the unit meets electrical safety standards for laboratory environments

7. Final Quality Assurance and Performance Validation
• Run a 24-hour performance cycle with monitored CO₂, temperature, and RH
• Document data and final readings
• Complete service report

All refurbished CO₂ incubators sold by American Instrument Exchange are tested to meet the performance demands of today's advanced laboratory workflows—ensuring safety, precision, and peace of mind with every unit.

Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Incubators
Performance and Quality from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory incubator we sell goes through a repair and refurbishment protocol. Whether it’s a standard, CO₂, or refrigerated incubator, our goal is to restore each unit to laboratory-level performance—ensuring temperature accuracy, environmental stability, and long-term reliability in your lab.

Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?

• Fully tested for performance and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through reuse and restoration
• Refurbished by expert technicians with decades of lab equipment experience

Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol

Every incubator at American Instrument Exchange follows this comprehensive, multi-stage process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection for cosmetic wear, corrosion, dents, or broken components
• Mechanical assessment of door hinges, gaskets, seals, and chamber components
• Document any missing parts or issues requiring repair or replacement

2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive solutions
• Decontamination/cleaning of surfaces to remove biological, chemical, or particulate residue
• Cleaning of removable parts (e.g., shelves, trays, etc.)

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn mechanical components such as door latches, fans, hinges, and seals
• Evaluation and repair of control panels, switches, thermostats, and displays
• Inspection and testing of wiring, fuses, relays, and power supplies

4. Environmental Control System Assessment
• For CO₂ incubators: CO₂ sensors, regulators, and gas delivery systems are tested
• For refrigerated incubators: compressors, condensers, and cooling systems are evaluated for performance and leaks
• Fan motors and airflow systems are tested to ensure uniform environmental conditions

5. Temperature and Sensor Testing
• All temperature sensors and controllers are tested using thermometers/probes
• Uniformity and accuracy tested at multiple chamber locations
• For humidified or CO₂ incubators, humidity and CO₂ stability are verified

6. Safety System Testing
• Test of over-temperature protection systems and alarms
• Evaluation of door sensors, safety interlocks, and power failure recovery

7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Full performance test run over 24 hours
• Validation of setpoints for temperature, CO₂ (if applicable), and humidity (if applicable)
• Final inspection and cleaning before packaging
• Complete service report

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for high-quality refurbished laboratory incubators. Our proven refurbishment protocol ensures every unit is reliable, accurate, and ready to meet the demands of your lab from day one.

Warranty Information

All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full.  American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,

Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”

Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.

Return & Cancellation Policy

American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted. 

Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.

Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.

Ongoing and Extended Support Options

American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.

For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.

For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

How do you test and recondition the equipment?

Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality.
We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.

How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?

We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.

Return and order cancellation policy

American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.

Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?

Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.

How does your price matching policy work?

We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.

Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?

Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.

1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.

Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?

Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.