SHEL LAB 1927 Large-Capacity Reach-In CO₂ Incubator

Brand : Shel Lab

Product Code : SKU 3189E INC

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SHEL LAB 1927 Large-Capacity Reach-In CO₂ Incubator

The SHEL LAB 1927 Reach-In CO₂ Incubator is a large-capacity floor-standing incubator designed for high-volume tissue culture, roller bottle applications, cell harvesting, biotechnology research, and other laboratory procedures requiring substantially more chamber space than a conventional benchtop CO₂ incubator. With an approximately 40 cu. ft. chamber, infrared CO₂ control, forced-air circulation, stainless steel interior, reinforced chamber floor, removable shelving, and five internal electrical outlets, the Model 1927 provides a versatile controlled environment for large culture workloads and compatible powered equipment.

Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the SHEL LAB 1927 is particularly well suited for laboratories that need substantial CO₂ incubation capacity without dividing their workload among numerous smaller chambers. Its tall reach-in design can accommodate conventional culture vessels as well as roller bottle apparatus and other larger cell culture equipment, making this older-generation incubator a practical option for research and production-oriented laboratories.

Key Features

Large 40 cu. ft. reach-in CO₂ incubation chamber
Designed for high-volume tissue culture and cell harvesting
Suitable for compatible roller bottle apparatus
Reinforced chamber floor
0–20% CO₂ control range
Automatic infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor
Fast CO₂ recovery following door openings
Temperature range from approximately ambient +8°C to 60°C
Approximately ±0.5°C temperature uniformity at 37°C
Microprocessor temperature controller
Digital temperature and CO₂ setpoint/display
Forced-air circulation for chamber uniformity
Six adjustable/removable shelves
Five internal electrical outlets
Stainless steel chamber interior
Large glass viewing window
Adjustable door latch for a secure chamber seal
120V configuration
Professionally inspected and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

SHEL LAB 1927 Overview

The SHEL LAB 1927 was designed around one principal advantage: large-scale CO₂ incubation within a single controlled chamber.

With approximately 40 cu. ft. of interior capacity, the 1927 is dramatically larger than a typical 5- to 7-cu.-ft. benchtop CO₂ incubator. This allows laboratories to consolidate large culture workloads into a single chamber and provides enough interior space for equipment and vessels that simply cannot fit inside conventional incubators.

The chamber measures approximately 35"W × 26"D × 76.5"H, providing a tall, open workspace that can be configured around different applications.

Six shelves are supplied with the standard platform and can be repositioned to accommodate different vessel heights. More importantly, the shelving can be removed entirely when the chamber is being used with compatible roller bottle equipment or other large apparatus.

The reinforced chamber floor was specifically designed with roller bottle applications in mind. Period manufacturer literature notes that the chamber was constructed to accommodate major manufacturers' roller apparatus, making the 1927 particularly attractive for laboratories performing high-volume adherent cell culture.

Five electrical outlets inside the chamber provide power for compatible equipment without requiring multiple cords to interfere with the door seal.

This combination of large chamber capacity, flexible shelving, internal electrical power, and a reinforced floor gives the 1927 capabilities that extend well beyond those of a conventional CO₂ incubator.

Common Applications

The SHEL LAB 1927 is particularly well suited for high-volume tissue culture, roller bottle culture, cell harvesting, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, vaccine research, antibody production, large-scale mammalian cell culture, and other applications requiring substantial CO₂ incubation capacity.

Roller bottle culture is one of the most important applications for this model. Roller apparatus slowly rotate cylindrical culture vessels, continually exposing adherent cells to both the growth surface and culture medium. The technique has historically been used when researchers need substantially greater culture surface area than can be obtained from conventional stationary flasks.

The Model 1927's tall interior, removable shelving, reinforced floor, and internal electrical outlets allow compatible roller bottle apparatus to operate inside the controlled CO₂ environment.

When roller apparatus is not required, the chamber can be configured with shelving for large quantities of conventional culture vessels. This makes the 1927 useful for laboratories that need to incubate many flasks, plates, dishes, or bottles simultaneously.

Cell culture laboratories may pair the SHEL LAB 1927 with biosafety cabinets for aseptic culture handling and laboratory centrifuges for cell harvesting and downstream processing. Laboratory refrigerators provide storage for media and reagents, while ultra-low temperature freezers support long-term preservation of cell banks and other biological materials.

Cell Types & Culture Applications

The SHEL LAB 1927 can support a wide range of conventional CO₂-dependent cell culture procedures, but its 40 cu. ft. chamber makes it particularly attractive for large-volume and high-throughput applications.

Common Cell Types & Applications

Mammalian cell lines
Adherent cell cultures
Primary cell cultures
Hybridoma cultures
Vaccine research cultures
Antibody-production workflows
Biotechnology research cell lines
Pharmaceutical development cultures
Large-scale tissue culture
Cell harvesting applications

Typical Culture Vessels & Equipment

Roller bottle apparatus
Roller bottles
T-flasks
Cell culture bottles
Multiwell plates
Culture dishes
Large culture vessels
Compatible powered cell culture equipment

The ability to remove the standard shelves is particularly useful when configuring the chamber around roller apparatus. Researchers using powered equipment inside the 1927 should verify dimensions, electrical requirements, heat output, airflow requirements, and operating clearances for the specific equipment being installed.

Temperature, CO₂ & Environmental Stability

The SHEL LAB 1927 uses microprocessor temperature control, forced-air circulation, and automatic infrared CO₂ sensing to maintain appropriate conditions throughout its unusually large chamber.

The published operating temperature range is approximately 8°C above ambient to 60°C, providing more than enough range for conventional mammalian cell culture at approximately 37°C.

Temperature uniformity is rated at approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C under specified conditions.

Maintaining uniformity is particularly challenging in a chamber this large. SHEL LAB addresses this by directing airflow across the individual shelf levels, helping distribute conditioned air throughout the reach-in interior rather than allowing significant temperature stratification between the upper and lower portions of the chamber.

The microprocessor temperature controller provides digital setpoint and temperature display with high-resolution adjustment.

CO₂ concentration can be controlled from 0% to 20%.

Importantly, the Model 1927 uses an automatic infrared CO₂ sensor. IR sensing measures CO₂ concentration without relying on changes in the thermal conductivity of the chamber atmosphere and is therefore less affected by variations in temperature and humidity than traditional thermal conductivity sensing.

Infrared sensing also supports rapid response following door openings, helping the incubator restore the selected CO₂ concentration after cultures are accessed.

The large outer door incorporates a viewing window that allows researchers to observe the chamber interior without immediately opening the incubator. An adjustable door latch helps maintain a tight chamber seal and limit infiltration of ambient laboratory air.

Together, the forced-air system, digital temperature control, IR CO₂ sensing, and secure reach-in chamber provide the environmental stability required for both conventional and large-scale cell culture.

Large-Scale & Roller Bottle Cell Culture

One of the strongest reasons to choose a refurbished SHEL LAB 1927 is its suitability for roller bottle cell culture and other large-scale workflows.

Period documentation for the Model 1927 specifically identifies roller apparatus as a design consideration. The reinforced chamber floor provides a stable surface for compatible equipment, while the removable shelving allows the tall interior to be opened up when large apparatus is installed.

The chamber's five internal electrical outlets further support these applications by providing power inside the controlled environment.

For laboratories using roller bottles, this arrangement can provide significantly greater culture surface area than conventional flasks while keeping the entire apparatus within a controlled temperature and CO₂ atmosphere.

The same chamber flexibility can be useful for other equipment-intensive workflows. Laboratories should account for the heat produced by powered equipment, however. Unlike newer specialized shaker-ready reach-in incubators with active refrigeration, the Model 1927 is fundamentally a heated dry CO₂ incubator. Equipment that generates substantial heat can therefore affect chamber temperature and should be evaluated before use.

This is an important distinction when comparing the vintage 1927 with newer reach-in CO₂ incubators designed specifically around high internal heat loads.

SHEL LAB 1927 Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Sheldon Manufacturing / SHEL LAB
Model	1927
Equipment Type	Large-Capacity Reach-In Dry CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity	40 cu. ft.
Temperature Range	Ambient +8°C to 60°C
Temperature Uniformity	Approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C
Temperature Controller	Microprocessor
Temperature Display	Digital
Air Circulation	Forced air
CO₂ Range	0–20%
CO₂ Sensor	Infrared (IR)
Interior Construction	Stainless steel
Standard Shelves	6
Shelving	Adjustable and removable
Chamber Floor	Reinforced for compatible roller apparatus
Internal Electrical Outlets	5
Viewing Window	Yes
Interior Dimensions (W × D × H)	Approximately 35" × 26" × 76.5"
Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H)	Approximately 41" × 34" × 87"
Floor Space	Approximately 9.7 sq. ft.
Shipping Weight	Approximately 850 lb.
Electrical Configuration	120V
Configuration	Floor-standing reach-in

Specifications are based on period documentation for the SHEL LAB/VWR Model 1927 platform. Because these are older incubators, electrical requirements, shelving, outlets, accessories, controls, and other details should be confirmed for the individual refurbished unit before purchase.

SHEL LAB 1927 Frequently Asked Questions

How large is the SHEL LAB 1927?

The Model 1927 provides approximately 40 cu. ft. of chamber capacity, with an interior measuring roughly 35"W × 26"D × 76.5"H. This makes it substantially larger than a conventional benchtop CO₂ incubator and well suited for high-volume culture applications.

Is the SHEL LAB 1927 suitable for roller bottle culture?

Yes. Roller bottle applications were specifically considered in the design of the Model 1927. Its reinforced chamber floor accommodates compatible roller apparatus, while the shelving can be removed to create the necessary interior space. Five internal electrical outlets provide power for compatible equipment.

What type of CO₂ sensor does the SHEL LAB 1927 use?

The Model 1927 uses an automatic infrared CO₂ sensor with a 0–20% CO₂ control range. IR sensing is less affected by changes in chamber temperature and humidity than thermal conductivity sensing and provides rapid response following door openings.

Does the SHEL LAB 1927 have refrigeration?

No. The standard Model 1927 is a dry heated CO₂ incubator, with an operating temperature range beginning approximately 8°C above ambient. It should not be confused with newer reach-in systems that incorporate refrigeration to compensate for large internal heat loads.

Does the Model 1927 have HEPA filtration?

Period documentation for the Model 1927 does not specify an in-chamber HEPA filtration system as a standard feature. HEPA systems found on other SHEL LAB or VWR CO₂ incubators should not automatically be attributed to the 1927.

Is the SHEL LAB 1927 suitable for high-volume cell culture?

Yes. The 40 cu. ft. chamber was specifically marketed for large-volume applications, tissue culture, cell harvesting, and roller bottle systems. Its removable shelving allows the chamber to be configured for either large quantities of conventional culture vessels or compatible larger equipment.

What is the advantage of five electrical outlets inside the incubator?

The internal outlets allow compatible roller apparatus and other powered equipment to operate inside the controlled CO₂ environment without routing multiple power cords through the door opening. Laboratories should verify the total electrical load and heat generated by installed equipment before operation.

Is a refurbished SHEL LAB 1927 still a practical choice?

For laboratories that need very large CO₂ incubation capacity or space for roller bottle apparatus, a properly functioning refurbished 1927 can still offer capabilities that would be expensive to duplicate with multiple smaller incubators. Its older control system is relatively straightforward, while IR CO₂ sensing, forced-air circulation, and a stainless steel chamber provide the core environmental control required for many established cell culture workflows.

Is this SHEL LAB 1927 refurbished?

SHEL LAB 1927 reach-in CO₂ incubators offered by American Instrument Exchange are inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. Temperature and CO₂ performance are evaluated to verify chamber conditions and control operation. The heating system, forced-air circulation, infrared CO₂ sensor, controls, alarms, door components, internal outlets, and other installed functions are tested as applicable, with components replaced as necessary. Refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.

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.