BINDER KB 53 Cooling Incubator – Used and Refurbished
The BINDER KB 53 Cooling Incubator is a compact, programmable refrigerated laboratory incubator designed for microbiological research, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing, temperature cycling, and other applications requiring precise temperature control above and below ambient conditions. Featuring a 53-liter (1.87 cu. ft.) chamber, compressor-based refrigeration, APT.line preheating chamber technology, and a temperature range of -10°C to +100°C, the BINDER KB 53 provides reliable environmental control for demanding laboratory applications.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the BINDER KB 53 offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new refrigerated incubator. Its compact footprint, programmable temperature profiles, stainless steel interior, and independent temperature safety system make it particularly attractive for biotechnology laboratories, environmental testing facilities, academic research institutions, and industrial quality-control departments.
This particular incubator, AIE product code 3104B INC, is identified as BINDER model KB053UL-120V, manufacturer catalog number 9020-0302, configured for 120V operation.
Key Features
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53-liter (1.87 cu. ft.) refrigerated incubation chamber
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Temperature range from -10°C to +100°C
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Temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.2°C at 37°C
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Temperature fluctuation of approximately ±0.1°C at 37°C
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Compressor-based refrigeration for below-ambient incubation
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BINDER APT.line preheating chamber technology
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Programmable temperature profiles and timed operating sequences
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Adjustable fan speed for controlled chamber air circulation
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Digital temperature monitoring and control
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Inner observation door constructed from tempered safety glass
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Stainless steel interior with removable shelving
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Independent Class 3.1 temperature safety device
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Audible and visual temperature alarms
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Ethernet interface for compatible monitoring systems
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Manufacturer-standard configuration of two shelves, with up to four positions
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Stackable design with appropriate accessories
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Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
BINDER KB 53 Overview
The BINDER KB 53 is part of the manufacturer's KB series of refrigerated incubators, developed to provide accurate and reproducible temperature conditions for microbiological and laboratory research applications.
Unlike conventional laboratory incubators that operate only above ambient temperature, the KB 53 incorporates an integrated compressor refrigeration system. This allows the chamber to maintain temperatures as low as -10°C while also supporting elevated-temperature incubation up to +100°C.
The combination of heating and refrigeration makes the KB 53 suitable for a wide variety of laboratory procedures, including microbiological incubation, refrigerated sample conditioning, BOD testing, and programmed temperature cycling.
Its 53-liter interior provides sufficient space for small- and medium-scale experiments while occupying considerably less laboratory floor space than larger refrigerated incubators.
The KB 53 incorporates BINDER's APT.line preheating chamber technology, which promotes consistent temperature distribution by conditioning circulating air before it enters the sample compartment.
An adjustable circulation fan helps maintain uniform chamber temperatures and allows operators to select airflow settings appropriate for their applications.
The programmable controller supports timed temperature sequences, allowing laboratories to automate experiments that require multiple incubation temperatures.
The stainless steel interior and tempered glass observation door provide a durable, easily maintained environment for routine laboratory use.
Common Applications
The BINDER KB 53 is suitable for microbiological incubation, environmental testing, biochemical oxygen demand analysis, biotechnology research, and industrial quality-control procedures.
Microbiology laboratories can use the incubator to cultivate selected bacterial and fungal cultures at precisely controlled temperatures.
Environmental laboratories may use the KB 53 for BOD testing, water-quality analysis, and other procedures requiring incubation near or below ambient laboratory temperature.
Biotechnology researchers can use the chamber for temperature-dependent experiments, reagent conditioning, and controlled incubation of non-CO₂-dependent biological materials.
Industrial laboratories may use the KB 53 for product conditioning, accelerated aging studies, material testing, and evaluations involving alternating temperature conditions.
Academic research institutions can benefit from the incubator's programmable temperature profiles when conducting experiments involving microbial growth, biological activity, or temperature-dependent chemical processes.
The KB 53 complements other laboratory equipment used in these workflows, including laboratory centrifuges, laboratory refrigerators, and laboratory freezers.
Laboratories requiring additional temperature-controlled equipment can explore American Instrument Exchange's selection of used and refurbished laboratory incubators.
Sample Types & Laboratory Applications
The BINDER KB 53 accommodates a broad range of laboratory samples requiring controlled temperatures.
Typical applications include:
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Bacterial and fungal cultures
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Water and wastewater BOD samples
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Environmental microbiology samples
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Biotechnology research materials
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Temperature-sensitive reagents
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Seed germination studies
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Biological sample conditioning
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Industrial quality-control samples
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Temperature-cycling experiments
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Research materials requiring refrigerated incubation
The chamber accommodates conventional laboratory flasks, culture vessels, sample containers, and other materials compatible with the selected operating temperature.
The manufacturer-standard two-shelf configuration provides flexible sample positioning, with a maximum of four shelf positions available.
Actual usable capacity depends on the installed shelves, sample dimensions, and required airflow clearance.
For temperature-sensitive procedures, samples should be arranged to avoid blocking circulation pathways and to allow conditioned air to move freely throughout the chamber.
Refrigerated Temperature Control & Uniformity
The BINDER KB 53 combines compressor-based refrigeration with electronically controlled heating to maintain temperatures from -10°C to +100°C.
This wide operating range allows laboratories to perform both refrigerated incubation and elevated-temperature procedures using a single instrument.
Manufacturer specifications indicate temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.2°C at 37°C and temperature fluctuation of approximately ±0.1°C at 37°C under defined operating conditions.
Temperature uniformity describes differences between locations within the chamber, while temperature fluctuation describes variations over time at a given measurement point.
These characteristics are important for microbiological research because changes in incubation temperature can affect microbial growth rates, metabolic activity, and experimental reproducibility.
The KB 53's compressor refrigeration system enables below-ambient operation even when surrounding laboratory temperatures are above the selected setpoint.
Its heating system allows the chamber to transition to elevated temperatures without requiring a separate incubator.
Actual temperature performance depends on ambient conditions, sample loading, fan settings, and the frequency of door openings.
APT.line Preheating Chamber Technology
One of the defining features of the BINDER KB 53 is its APT.line preheating chamber technology.
The system conditions circulating air before distributing it throughout the working chamber, promoting consistent temperatures across sample positions.
This design helps minimize localized temperature differences and supports reproducible incubation conditions.
The APT.line system is particularly useful when the chamber contains multiple sample containers or when experiments require closely controlled temperatures.
Combined with adjustable fan speed, the system provides flexibility for different laboratory applications.
The circulation fan distributes heated or cooled air throughout the chamber, reducing the temperature differences that can occur in equipment relying primarily on natural convection.
BINDER's published performance data indicate that the KB 53 can recover to 37°C in approximately two minutes following a 30-second door opening under specified test conditions.
Rapid recovery helps minimize disturbances during routine sample loading and inspection.
Programmable Temperature Profiles & Cycling
The BINDER KB 53 incorporates a programmable controller designed to support experiments requiring more than one temperature setpoint.
Operators can establish timed temperature sequences and automated transitions between different incubation conditions.
This capability is useful for research involving microbial growth under changing temperatures, environmental conditioning, and temperature-dependent material behavior.
For example, a laboratory may establish a sequence involving refrigerated incubation followed by a higher-temperature holding period.
The controller's time-segment programming allows the chamber to execute defined environmental sequences without requiring continuous manual adjustment.
Real-time programming provides additional scheduling flexibility for recurring laboratory procedures.
The KB 53's programmable operation makes it more versatile than a basic refrigerated incubator limited to maintaining a single fixed temperature.
The precise controller interface and available program functions should be confirmed for the installed unit and firmware generation.
BOD Testing & Environmental Microbiology
The BINDER KB 53 can be used for biochemical oxygen demand testing and other environmental microbiology procedures requiring stable incubation temperatures.
The conventional five-day BOD test involves maintaining prepared water or wastewater samples at 20°C in the dark for five days.
Because the KB 53 incorporates refrigeration, it can maintain 20°C even when the surrounding laboratory temperature exceeds the required incubation setpoint.
Its APT.line temperature-control system and forced-air circulation help provide consistent incubation conditions for environmental samples.
The compact chamber is particularly useful for laboratories processing smaller sample batches or requiring a dedicated incubator for specific environmental testing procedures.
Unlike larger BOD incubators designed to accommodate hundreds of bottles, the KB 53 prioritizes compact size, precise temperature control, and programmable operation.
Laboratories should confirm that the installed shelving accommodates their sample containers and verify temperature performance according to the applicable analytical method.
Temperature Safety & Sample Protection
The BINDER KB 53 incorporates an independent Class 3.1 temperature safety device conforming to DIN 12880.
This system provides protection against excessive chamber temperatures independently of normal temperature regulation.
Audible and visual alarms alert laboratory personnel when relevant temperature limits are exceeded.
These safeguards are particularly valuable during extended incubation experiments, when samples may remain inside the chamber for several days.
The inner tempered glass door allows operators to inspect samples while reducing the temperature disturbances associated with opening the main chamber.
The KB 53 also incorporates an Ethernet communication interface for compatible monitoring and data-collection systems.
For laboratories requiring documented temperature histories, external monitoring equipment can be used to establish independent records of chamber conditions.
The standard KB 53 does not provide independent CO₂ or relative-humidity control and should not be confused with a CO₂ cell culture incubator or a constant climate chamber.
Chamber Construction & Laboratory Installation
The BINDER KB 53 incorporates a stainless steel interior designed for durability and ease of cleaning.
The chamber provides approximately 53 liters of interior capacity, with dimensions of approximately 15.75 inches wide, 12.99 inches deep, and 15.75 inches high.
The manufacturer-standard configuration includes two stainless steel shelves, with a maximum of four shelf positions available.
The inner tempered glass observation door allows laboratory personnel to inspect samples without immediately exposing the chamber to surrounding room conditions.
The compact cabinet measures approximately 25 inches wide, 22.83 inches deep, and 32.87 inches high, excluding certain fittings and connections.
The KB 53 can be stacked with compatible equipment when the appropriate manufacturer-approved stacking hardware is used.
For proper operation, laboratories should provide adequate ventilation around the refrigeration system and maintain the manufacturer's recommended clearances.
The unit requires a suitable 120V electrical supply, with the exact electrical rating verified against the equipment nameplate.
BINDER KB 53 Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
BINDER |
| Model |
KB 53 |
| Manufacturer Configuration |
KB053UL-120V |
| Manufacturer Catalog Number |
9020-0302 |
| AIE Product Code |
3104B INC |
| Equipment Type |
Programmable Refrigerated / Cooling Incubator |
| Chamber Capacity |
53 L (1.87 cu. ft.) |
| Temperature Range |
-10°C to +100°C |
| Temperature Uniformity at 37°C |
±0.2°C |
| Temperature Fluctuation at 37°C |
±0.1°C |
| Temperature Recovery at 37°C |
Approximately 2 minutes following a 30-second door opening |
| Heating System |
Electrically controlled |
| Cooling System |
Compressor refrigeration |
| Air Circulation |
Forced air with adjustable fan speed |
| Temperature Technology |
APT.line preheating chamber |
| Controller |
Programmable digital controller |
| Programming |
Time-segment and real-time programming |
| Chamber Interior |
Stainless steel |
| Inner Door |
Tempered safety glass |
| Standard Shelves |
2 |
| Maximum Shelf Positions |
4 |
| Shelves Included with AIE Unit |
Verify |
| Maximum Chamber Load |
40 kg (88 lb.) |
| Maximum Load per Shelf |
15 kg (33 lb.) |
| Interior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
15.75" × 12.99" × 15.75" |
| Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
25.00" × 22.83" × 32.87" |
| Manufacturer Net Weight |
Approximately 159 lb. (72 kg) |
| AIE Listed Weight |
Approximately 172 lb. |
| Electrical Requirements |
120V, 60 Hz, single phase |
| Nominal Power |
0.6 kW |
| Unit Fuse Rating |
12.5 A |
| Published Energy Consumption at 37°C |
Approximately 70 Wh/h under specified conditions |
| Temperature Safety |
Independent Class 3.1 device |
| Temperature Alarms |
Audible and visual |
| Communication Interface |
Ethernet |
| Independent Humidity Control |
No |
| CO₂ Control |
No |
| Warranty |
90 days through American Instrument Exchange |
Specifications compiled from BINDER manufacturer documentation and American Instrument Exchange product information. The installed shelving, electrical nameplate, and optional accessories should be verified for the individual refurbished unit.
BINDER KB 53 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BINDER KB 53 used for?
The BINDER KB 53 is a programmable refrigerated incubator designed for microbiological research, BOD testing, environmental analysis, temperature cycling, and other applications requiring precise temperature control above and below ambient conditions.
What is the capacity of the BINDER KB 53?
The KB 53 provides 53 liters, or approximately 1.87 cu. ft., of interior capacity.
What is the temperature range of the BINDER KB 53?
The KB 53 operates from -10°C to +100°C, allowing it to support both refrigerated and elevated-temperature incubation procedures.
Does the BINDER KB 53 have refrigeration?
Yes. The incubator incorporates compressor-based refrigeration, enabling it to maintain temperatures below ambient laboratory conditions.
Can the BINDER KB 53 be used for BOD testing?
Yes. The KB 53 can maintain the 20°C temperature commonly required for five-day biochemical oxygen demand testing. Its compact chamber is particularly suitable for smaller sample batches.
Can the KB 53 run programmed temperature cycles?
Yes. The programmable controller supports time-segment and real-time programming, allowing laboratories to establish automated temperature sequences.
What is APT.line technology?
APT.line is BINDER's preheating chamber technology, designed to promote uniform temperature distribution throughout the incubation chamber.
How many shelves does the BINDER KB 53 accommodate?
The manufacturer-standard configuration includes two shelves, with up to four shelf positions available. The actual number of shelves included with this refurbished unit should be confirmed.
Does the BINDER KB 53 have a glass observation door?
Yes. The KB 53 incorporates an inner door constructed from tempered safety glass, allowing operators to inspect samples while minimizing temperature disturbances.
Does the KB 53 have an automatic disinfection program?
The KB 53 platform supports a 100°C disinfection routine. This is not equivalent to steam autoclave sterilization, and laboratories should follow the manufacturer's prescribed procedure.
Does the BINDER KB 53 control humidity or CO₂?
No. The KB 53 regulates temperature but does not provide independent humidity or CO₂ control.
What electrical supply does this KB 53 require?
The KB053UL-120V configuration identified in AIE's listing is designed for 120V, 60 Hz, single-phase operation. The electrical nameplate should be checked before installation.
Is this BINDER KB 53 refurbished?
The BINDER KB 53 offered by American Instrument Exchange is used and refurbished. AIE technicians inspect, clean, and test refrigerated incubators using calibrated temperature-recording equipment to verify temperature accuracy and stability. Heating, refrigeration, air circulation, alarms, and other installed functions are evaluated as applicable. Components are repaired or replaced as necessary, and refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
