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Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 CO₂ Incubator
Maintaining a clean, stable incubation environment is essential for successful mammalian cell culture. Even small fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or CO₂ concentration can affect cell viability, while contamination can disrupt weeks of research. The Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 CO₂ Incubator was designed to minimize these risks by combining precise environmental control with a built-in sterilization cycle and controlled humidity system. With an 11.4 cubic foot (323-liter) chamber, the Steri-Cult 3310 provides ample capacity for busy research laboratories while maintaining the environmental consistency required for sensitive cell culture applications.
The Steri-Cult series became widely used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, and academic laboratories because of its dependable performance, straightforward operation, and focus on contamination prevention. Featuring microprocessor-controlled temperature regulation, accurate CO₂ control, active humidity management, and an automated high-temperature sterilization cycle, the 3310 supports everything from routine tissue culture to long-term stem cell and primary cell research. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a proven CO₂ incubation platform at significant savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
Key Features
Approximately 11.4 cu. ft. (323 L) chamber capacity
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 50°C
Digital microprocessor temperature controller
Thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor
CO₂ control from 0% to 20%
Controlled relative humidity system
Automatic high-temperature sterilization cycle
Stainless steel chamber interior
Heated inner glass door
Digital LED display
Up to 22 adjustable shelf positions
Audible and visual alarms
Remote alarm contacts
Interior accessory outlet
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Reliable Cell Culture
The Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 was engineered for laboratories performing routine cell culture where environmental consistency and contamination control are equally important. Rather than focusing solely on chamber capacity, the incubator integrates temperature regulation, humidity management, and sterilization features into a single platform that supports dependable day-to-day operation.
Its spacious interior accommodates tissue culture flasks, multiwell plates, culture dishes, spinner flasks, and other laboratory vessels used in mammalian cell culture. With up to 22 shelf positions, users can configure the chamber to maximize usable incubation space while adapting to changing laboratory workflows. The chamber's controlled humidity system helps reduce media evaporation during long incubation periods, while the automated sterilization cycle simplifies routine decontamination between projects.
The Steri-Cult 3310 is commonly found in university research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical development facilities, hospital research centers, and clinical laboratories where reliable environmental control is essential for maintaining healthy cell cultures.
Common Applications
The Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Hybridoma culture
Tissue engineering
Cancer research
Virology
Protein expression
Monoclonal antibody development
Pharmaceutical research
Biotechnology research
Academic life science research
Clinical laboratory research
Long-term cell maintenance
The combination of accurate environmental control and integrated sterilization makes the incubator particularly well suited for laboratories maintaining valuable cell lines over extended incubation periods.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, university core facilities, hospital research laboratories, government research organizations, and contract research organizations performing routine mammalian cell culture.
Its balance of chamber capacity, contamination control, and environmental stability makes it an excellent choice for laboratories supporting multiple investigators or maintaining diverse collections of cell lines without requiring the footprint of a large reach-in incubator.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
Successful cell culture depends on maintaining a stable incubation environment despite routine door openings and changing laboratory workloads. The Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 utilizes microprocessor-controlled temperature regulation to maintain temperatures from 5°C above ambient to 50°C, with excellent stability and uniformity throughout the chamber. The controlled humidity system further reduces media evaporation while supporting consistent cell growth during long-term incubation.
The incubator regulates CO₂ concentrations from 0% to 20% using a thermal conductivity sensor, providing dependable atmospheric control for routine tissue culture applications. Combined with the insulated cabinet and heated inner glass door, the chamber rapidly recovers after door openings while helping maintain stable conditions across every shelf position.
Contamination Control
One of the defining features of the Steri-Cult 3310 is its emphasis on contamination prevention. The incubator incorporates an automated high-temperature sterilization cycle that allows users to periodically decontaminate the chamber interior without extensive manual disassembly. This process helps reduce microbial contamination between experiments while simplifying routine laboratory maintenance.
The polished stainless steel chamber, removable interior components, controlled humidity system, and heated glass door all contribute to a clean, stable incubation environment that supports reproducible cell culture over extended periods. Together, these features make the Steri-Cult 3310 a dependable platform for laboratories where protecting valuable cell lines is a daily priority.
Sample Storage Recommendations
With approximately 11.4 cubic feet (323 liters) of usable chamber space, the Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 is designed to support a wide variety of mammalian cell culture applications while providing enough capacity for multi-user laboratories. The chamber accommodates T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, cell culture bags, and other vessels commonly used in research and biotechnology laboratories.
The adjustable shelving system allows users to organize cultures according to vessel height, project, or incubation schedule. For optimal environmental performance, culture vessels should be arranged to promote unrestricted airflow throughout the chamber and avoid overcrowding. Proper spacing helps maintain uniform temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentrations while minimizing recovery time following routine door openings.
Laboratories maintaining multiple cell lines often dedicate individual shelves to specific projects or investigators to simplify organization and reduce unnecessary handling. Limiting door openings and grouping samples by harvest schedule can further improve incubation consistency during long-term culture experiments.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 was engineered for dependable daily operation in laboratories where incubators remain in continuous use. Its insulated cabinet construction, electronic temperature controls, and efficient humidity management system help maintain stable environmental conditions while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
The heated inner glass door reduces condensation and allows researchers to inspect cultures without opening the primary chamber door, helping preserve temperature and CO₂ stability. The microprocessor-based controller continuously regulates chamber conditions while automatically responding to changes caused by routine laboratory activity.
The integrated sterilization cycle also contributes to efficient laboratory operation by simplifying routine decontamination. Rather than relying solely on manual cleaning procedures, laboratories can periodically perform automated chamber sterilization to reduce contamination risks while minimizing downtime between research projects.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo
Model
Steri-Cult 3310
Incubator Type
Water-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 323 L (11.4 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +5°C to 50°C
CO₂ Range
0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor
Thermal Conductivity (TC)
Humidity Control
Controlled Relative Humidity
Chamber Material
Stainless Steel
Sterilization
Automatic High-Temperature Sterilization Cycle
Door Configuration
Heated Inner Glass Door with Insulated Outer Door
Controller
Digital Microprocessor
Display
LED Digital Display
Shelf Positions
Up to 22
Alarm System
Audible, Visual, and Remote Alarm Contacts
Interior Accessory Outlet
Yes
Electrical Requirements
120 V
Approximate Weight
Approximately 450 lb
Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 suitable for routine mammalian cell culture?
Yes. The Steri-Cult 3310 was designed specifically for mammalian cell culture and provides the stable temperature, controlled humidity, and regulated CO₂ environment required for growing a wide variety of adherent and suspension cell lines.
What is the purpose of the built-in sterilization cycle?
The automatic high-temperature sterilization cycle helps decontaminate the chamber interior between research projects or after contamination events. Regular sterilization reduces microbial contamination and supports a cleaner incubation environment for valuable cell cultures.
Why does the incubator use a thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor?
A thermal conductivity (TC) sensor provides reliable CO₂ monitoring for routine cell culture applications. TC sensors are durable, straightforward to maintain, and well suited for laboratories operating under stable humidity and temperature conditions.
How does humidity affect cell culture?
Maintaining high relative humidity helps reduce evaporation of cell culture media during extended incubation periods. Reduced evaporation minimizes changes in media concentration and osmolarity, helping create a more consistent environment for healthy cell growth.
What types of laboratories commonly use the Steri-Cult 3310?
The incubator is widely used in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, universities, hospital research centers, government research facilities, and clinical laboratories performing routine tissue culture, stem cell research, cancer biology, and virology studies.
Can multiple researchers share the same incubator?
Yes. The 11.4 cubic foot chamber and adjustable shelving provide ample capacity for multi-user laboratories. Organizing cultures by shelf or project allows multiple investigators to share the incubator while maintaining efficient workflow and minimizing sample handling.
Why is a heated inner glass door beneficial?
The heated inner glass door allows users to visually inspect cultures before opening the chamber while helping reduce condensation. This design minimizes unnecessary door openings and helps preserve stable incubation conditions during routine observations.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Steri-Cult 3310 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a dependable water-jacketed CO₂ incubator featuring integrated sterilization at substantial savings compared with buying new equipment. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, providing confidence that it is ready to support demanding cell culture applications.
Click Here to see a video of the Thermo Forma 3310 SteriCult on our YouTube channel.
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.
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.
