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Binder KB115 Refrigerated Incubator
The Binder KB115 Refrigerated Incubator is a programmable temperature-controlled chamber designed for microbiology, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, sample conditioning, stability studies, and other laboratory applications requiring precise temperatures both below and above ambient. With a 115 L (4.1 cu. ft.) chamber, compressor refrigeration, forced-air circulation, programmable temperature control, and an operating range extending from sub-ambient conditions up to 100°C, the KB115 provides considerably greater temperature flexibility than a conventional general-purpose incubator.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the Binder KB115 is particularly well suited for laboratories that need one chamber to support refrigerated incubation, conventional microbiological temperatures, and elevated-temperature procedures. Its combination of precise temperature control, rapid recovery, programmable operation, and relatively compact footprint makes it a versatile platform for research and quality-control laboratories.
Key Features
115 L (4.1 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Broad sub-ambient to 100°C temperature capability
Compressor-based refrigeration
Forced-air circulation
Binder APT.line preheating chamber technology
Microprocessor programmable temperature controller
Programmable temperature profiles and time functions
Adjustable fan speed
Inner tempered-glass door
Two stainless steel racks
Independent Class 3.1 over-temperature safety device
Visual and audible temperature alarms
Stackable design for efficient laboratory space utilization
Professionally inspected and temperature tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
Binder KB115 Refrigerated Incubator Overview
The Binder KB115 is designed to provide substantially greater temperature flexibility than a conventional warm-air laboratory incubator. Compressor refrigeration allows the chamber to operate below normal laboratory ambient conditions, while the heating system extends its usable range all the way to 100°C.
This broad operating envelope allows one chamber to support applications that might otherwise require several pieces of temperature-controlled equipment. Researchers can perform refrigerated incubation, maintain conventional microbiological temperatures such as 20°C, 30°C, or 37°C, and conduct higher-temperature conditioning or testing procedures using the same platform.
The KB115 provides approximately 115 L (4.1 cu. ft.) of chamber capacity. This offers useful working space for routine sample loads while keeping the overall cabinet relatively compact. The unit is also designed to be stackable, making it attractive for laboratories that need multiple controlled-temperature chambers but have limited floor or bench space.
A separate inner glass door allows researchers to inspect samples without immediately exposing the entire chamber to room air. Two stainless steel racks are standard, and additional shelving can be installed when greater sample density is required.
Common Applications
The Binder KB115 is well suited for microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and quality control, environmental testing, food and beverage laboratories, academic research, sample conditioning, stability studies, and other applications requiring precise controlled temperatures.
Its refrigerated capability makes the KB115 particularly useful for microbiological work requiring temperatures near or below room conditions. The same chamber can also support bacterial culture at conventional incubation temperatures and higher-temperature studies when required.
Programmable operation further expands its usefulness for applications in which temperature needs to change over time. Rather than manually adjusting the setpoint throughout a procedure, researchers can establish temperature segments or timed operating conditions appropriate for the experiment.
The Binder KB115 is particularly useful for samples and protocols requiring precise temperature control across a wider range than a conventional incubator can provide.
Common Samples & Applications
Bacterial and microbiological cultures
Pharmaceutical research samples
Biotechnology samples
Environmental samples
Food and beverage testing samples
Quality-control specimens
Stability-study samples
Temperature-conditioned materials
Typical Laboratory Vessels
Petri and culture dishes
Test tubes and tube racks
Culture bottles
Erlenmeyer flasks
Sample vials
Media bottles
Sample containers
Trays and other vessels compatible with the chamber
The 4.1 cu. ft. chamber provides a useful balance between capacity and footprint. Adjustable stainless steel racks allow the interior to be configured around different vessel heights and sample loads, while forced-air circulation helps distribute conditioned air throughout the chamber.
Because the KB115 does not provide controlled CO₂ or active humidity regulation, it should not be considered a substitute for a dedicated CO₂ incubator or humidity chamber. Its strength is precise, programmable temperature control across an unusually broad operating range.
Temperature Control & Environmental Stability
Temperature performance is one of the principal strengths of the Binder KB115. The chamber combines compressor refrigeration, electronically controlled heating, forced-air circulation, and Binder's APT.line preheating chamber technology to provide reproducible temperature conditions across both heating and cooling applications.
Rather than concentrating heating elements directly inside the working chamber, the APT.line system conditions circulating air around the chamber before it reaches the samples. This approach helps promote even temperature distribution throughout the usable interior and supports rapid recovery following disturbances such as door openings.
At a typical 37°C setpoint, published KB115 specifications indicate temperature variation of approximately ±0.2°C and temperature fluctuation of approximately ±0.1°C under specified test conditions. Recovery following a 30-second door opening at 37°C can be approximately two minutes, helping the chamber return quickly to established conditions during routine laboratory use.
The adjustable fan speed provides additional flexibility. Researchers can balance circulation and temperature distribution against the airflow requirements of particular samples or experimental procedures.
Programmable temperature control is another important advantage over a basic laboratory incubator. The controller can support timed temperature segments, ramps, and real-time operating schedules, allowing the KB115 to automatically execute procedures that require changing environmental conditions.
An independent Class 3.1 temperature safety device provides additional sample protection. If chamber temperature exceeds the established safety limit, the system provides visual and audible warning independent of normal temperature regulation.
This combination of refrigerated operation, forced-air circulation, precise electronic control, programmable temperature profiles, and independent safety protection makes the Binder KB115 particularly useful for laboratories whose work extends beyond simple constant-temperature incubation.
Approximately -5°C to 100°C for earlier KB115 generation
Temperature Variation at 37°C
Approximately ±0.2°C
Temperature Fluctuation at 37°C
Approximately ±0.1°C
Recovery Time at 37°C
Approximately 2 minutes after 30-second door opening
Temperature Control
Microprocessor programmable
Refrigeration
Compressor
Air Circulation
Forced-air
Fan Speed
Adjustable
Heating Technology
APT.line preheating chamber
Inner Door
Tempered safety glass
Standard Shelves / Racks
2 stainless steel
Maximum Shelves / Racks
5
Safety System
Independent Class 3.1 temperature safety device
Interior Dimensions (W × D × H)
Approximately 23.6" × 15.8" × 18.9"
Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H)
Approximately 32.9" × 25.6" × 40.4"
Maximum Chamber Load
Approximately 110 lb.
Maximum Load Per Rack
Approximately 44 lb.
Approximate Weight
234 lb.
Electrical Requirements
120V, 60 Hz for KB115-UL configuration
Nominal Power
Approximately 0.7 kW
Binder has produced multiple generations of the KB115. Earlier published specifications list a temperature range of approximately -5°C to 100°C, while newer KB115 models are rated from -10°C to 100°C and incorporate updated controls and communications. Confirm the generation, temperature range, electrical requirements, controller, shelving, and installed options for the individual incubator before purchase.
What is the advantage of a refrigerated incubator such as the Binder KB115?
Refrigeration allows the KB115 to maintain temperatures below normal laboratory ambient conditions. This makes it substantially more versatile than a conventional non-refrigerated incubator and allows one chamber to support refrigerated, room-temperature, conventional incubation, and elevated-temperature procedures.
What is the temperature range of the Binder KB115?
Earlier-generation KB115 incubators are specified for operation from approximately -5°C to 100°C, while newer generations extend the lower limit to approximately -10°C. The exact operating range should be confirmed for the individual used unit.
What is Binder APT.line technology?
APT.line is Binder's preheating chamber technology designed to promote uniform temperature distribution throughout the working chamber. Conditioned circulating air helps maintain consistent temperatures around samples and supports rapid recovery after the incubator door is opened.
Can the Binder KB115 run programmed temperature cycles?
Yes. The KB115 incorporates a programmable temperature controller that can support timed temperature segments and changing setpoints. This makes it useful for procedures requiring more than a single constant incubation temperature.
Is the Binder KB115 suitable for microbiology?
Yes. Microbiology is one of the primary applications for the KB series. The combination of precise temperature control and refrigeration allows the KB115 to support microorganisms requiring conventional incubation temperatures as well as cultures that need cooler conditions.
Does the Binder KB115 control CO₂ or humidity?
No. The KB115 is primarily a temperature-controlled refrigerated incubator. It does not provide the regulated CO₂ atmosphere required for conventional mammalian cell culture or the active relative-humidity control found in dedicated environmental chambers.
Is this Binder KB115 refurbished?
Used Binder KB115 incubators offered by American Instrument Exchange are inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. Temperature-controlled equipment is evaluated using calibrated monitoring equipment to verify chamber performance and the accuracy of the controls and readouts. Refrigeration, heating, circulation, programming functions, alarms, and other installed systems are tested as applicable, with components replaced as necessary. Refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
Click Hereto see the Binder KB 115 refrigerated incubator on the American Instrument Exchange YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Incubators Ensure Quality and Stability Before Use
Used and refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance and temperature stability with laboratory safety standards. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection and functionality assessment to meet the needs of research, clinical, and industrial labs.
Why Testing Used Laboratory Incubators Is Essential
Before a laboratory incubator is reintroduced into any work environment, it must be tested for:
• Temperature uniformity and accuracy
• Airflow and humidity control (if applicable)
• Door seal integrity and insulation effectiveness
• Electrical and safety system compliance
Comprehensive testing reduces the risk of culture loss, contamination, and equipment failure—especially critical in applications involving cell culture, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, and diagnostics.
Our multi-point testing protocol for used and refurbished incubators ensures reliability, safety, and performance across all models and brands.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Check for cosmetic damage, corrosion, and wear to exterior surfaces, door hinges, and gasket seals
• Inspect power cord, wiring, and display panel for any defects or signs of tampering
• Confirm that shelves, chamber components, and internal fixtures are present and undamaged
2. Functional Testing
• Power on the incubator and verify all display indicators and alarms function correctly
• Test door latch and seal mechanisms for proper closure and insulation
• Run basic temperature cycles to ensure the unit maintains stability over time
3. Temperature Accuracy and Uniformity Tests
• Test internal sensors and controllers using temperature probes
• Measure temperature consistency at multiple chamber locations over several hours
• Confirm that programmable temperature settings respond accurately
4. Airflow and Humidity Control (if applicable)
• Test internal fan operation and airflow distribution
• For humidified incubators, inspect and test humidity reservoirs, sensors, and control systems
• Check for condensation buildup and confirm environmental stability
5. Electrical Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure all electrical components are properly grounded
• Perform insulation resistance and leakage current tests
• Verify compliance with current electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment
6. Final Quality Assurance Checklist
• Perform full cycle testing at various temperature setpoints
• Document performance benchmarks and results
All refurbished incubators from American Instrument Exchange are backed by our commitment to quality and precision. With our strict testing procedures, you can rely on your incubator to deliver dependable results from day one.
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.
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.
