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Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 CO₂ Incubator
For many research laboratories, reliability matters just as much as having the newest equipment. The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 CO₂ Incubator has earned a reputation as one of Thermo Scientific's most dependable incubation platforms, providing precise environmental control, advanced contamination protection, and consistent long-term performance for a wide variety of cell culture applications. Its combination of high-temperature sterilization, continuous HEPA filtration, infrared CO₂ sensing, and direct heat technology continues to make it a popular choice for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, and academic laboratories around the world.
With a 165-liter (5.8 cu. ft.) chamber, the Steri-Cycle i160 provides ample capacity for routine and high-value cell culture while maintaining excellent temperature stability, humidity control, and rapid recovery following routine door openings. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 from American Instrument Exchange allows laboratories to obtain proven incubation technology at a substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
Key Features
165 L (5.8 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Electropolished stainless steel interior
Temperature range from ambient +3°C to 55°C
CO₂ control range from 1% to 20%
Infrared CO₂ sensor
Direct heat chamber technology
Continuous HEPA filtration
ISO Class 5 chamber air quality
Steri-Cycle 180°C automated sterilization cycle
Covered heated humidity reservoir
Relative humidity greater than 95%
Digital touchscreen controller
Adjustable stainless steel shelving
Heated inner glass door
Reversible exterior door
Stackable design
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Reliable Everyday Cell Culture
The Steri-Cycle i160 was designed for laboratories that require dependable environmental control without unnecessary complexity. Its 165-liter chamber provides sufficient capacity for a broad range of cell culture workflows while maintaining a footprint suitable for most research laboratories.
Whether supporting academic research, pharmaceutical development, quality control laboratories, or biotechnology startups, the i160 delivers the stable temperature, CO₂ concentration, and humidity required for healthy mammalian cell cultures. The direct heat design promotes excellent temperature uniformity throughout the chamber while minimizing recovery times after routine access.
Many laboratories continue operating Steri-Cycle incubators successfully for years because of their durable construction, straightforward operation, and dependable environmental performance.
Many laboratories pair the Steri-Cycle i160 with biosafety cabinets for aseptic sample preparation, laboratory centrifuges for harvesting cultured cells, laboratory refrigerators for media and reagent storage, and ultra-low freezers for long-term preservation of valuable biological samples.
Common Applications
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer research
Tissue engineering
Regenerative medicine
Pharmaceutical development
Vaccine research
Hybridoma production
Monoclonal antibody development
Clinical research
Academic research
Quality control laboratories
General life science research
Its dependable environmental stability makes it suitable for both routine cell culture and sensitive long-term incubation studies.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Steri-Cycle i160 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, university research facilities, hospital laboratories, contract research organizations, government laboratories, and teaching institutions. Its balance of chamber capacity, contamination protection, and proven reliability makes it an excellent choice for laboratories seeking a premium CO₂ incubator while managing equipment budgets responsibly.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
Maintaining stable environmental conditions is essential for protecting sensitive cell cultures and ensuring experimental reproducibility. The Steri-Cycle i160 uses direct heat technology to maintain uniform chamber temperatures while minimizing temperature gradients that can develop within larger incubation chambers.
The incubator operates across a temperature range of ambient +3°C to 55°C, allowing it to support routine mammalian cell culture at 37°C as well as specialized applications requiring elevated incubation temperatures. Multiple internal temperature sensors continuously monitor chamber conditions and automatically adjust heating output to maintain stable environmental conditions.
CO₂ concentration is controlled using an infrared sensor operating across a range of 1% to 20% CO₂. Unlike thermal conductivity sensors, infrared technology is not affected by the high humidity maintained inside the chamber, providing accurate gas regulation that helps maintain stable culture media pH throughout long incubation periods.
Following routine door openings, the incubator rapidly restores temperature and CO₂ concentrations, helping reduce stress placed on sensitive cultures and improving consistency between experimental runs.
Contamination Control
Protecting valuable cultures from contamination is one of the Steri-Cycle i160's greatest strengths. Rather than relying on a single contamination-control method, the incubator incorporates several complementary technologies that work together to maintain a clean incubation environment.
Continuous HEPA filtration removes airborne particulates from the chamber atmosphere, allowing the incubator to maintain ISO Class 5 air quality during normal operation. By continuously filtering chamber air, the system reduces the likelihood of airborne contaminants settling onto culture vessels.
Humidity is maintained by a covered heated water reservoir that minimizes exposure during routine operation while providing the high relative humidity necessary to reduce evaporation of cell culture media.
When complete chamber decontamination is required, the Steri-Cycle automated sterilization program heats the chamber to 180°C, eliminating microorganisms throughout the chamber without chemical fumigation. Because the sterilization cycle can be completed without extensive chamber disassembly, laboratories can perform routine preventive maintenance with minimal interruption to research workflows.
The chamber's smooth electropolished stainless steel interior further simplifies routine cleaning while providing excellent corrosion resistance for years of continuous laboratory use.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 is designed to support a wide variety of routine and specialized cell culture workflows. Its 165-liter (5.8 cu. ft.) chamber provides ample space for T-flasks, cell culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, suspension cultures, organoid cultures, and tissue engineering applications while maintaining excellent environmental uniformity throughout the chamber.
Three perforated stainless steel shelves are supplied as standard and can be repositioned to accommodate culture vessels of varying heights. Additional shelving may be installed to increase storage capacity while maintaining adequate airflow around samples.
For optimal performance, culture vessels should be evenly distributed throughout the chamber rather than concentrated on a single shelf. Proper spacing allows conditioned air to circulate freely, improving temperature and CO₂ uniformity while reducing recovery times after the door is opened.
Laboratories maintaining multiple projects often dedicate individual shelves to separate cell lines or investigators, helping organize workflows while minimizing unnecessary handling. Grouping cultures by experiment also reduces the frequency and duration of door openings, contributing to a more stable incubation environment over extended studies.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Steri-Cycle i160 is engineered for continuous operation while minimizing energy consumption and routine maintenance requirements. Its direct heat chamber design efficiently transfers heat to the incubation chamber without requiring complex air jacket systems, reducing warm-up times and improving overall energy efficiency.
The infrared CO₂ sensor provides accurate gas regulation that helps minimize unnecessary CO₂ consumption, while the covered humidity reservoir reduces water evaporation and lowers routine maintenance compared with open-pan humidity systems.
For many laboratories, the Steri-Cycle i160 strikes an excellent balance between operating cost and performance. Its proven reliability, straightforward maintenance requirements, and durable construction have made it a long-term workhorse in research laboratories worldwide, often remaining in service for many years with proper maintenance.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Scientific
Model
Forma Steri-Cycle i160
American Instrument Exchange SKU
3176H INC
Incubator Type
Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
165 L (5.8 cu. ft.)
Chamber Material
Electropolished Stainless Steel
Temperature Range
Ambient +3°C to 55°C
Recommended Ambient Operating Temperature
18°C to 32°C
Temperature Stability
±0.1°C
Temperature Uniformity
±0.3°C at 37°C
CO₂ Control Range
1% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor
Infrared (IR)
CO₂ Control Accuracy
±0.1%
Relative Humidity
>95% RH at 37°C
Humidity System
Covered Heated Water Reservoir
Air Filtration
Continuous HEPA Filtration
Chamber Air Quality
ISO Class 5
Sterilization Cycle
Automated 180°C Steri-Cycle
Interior Dimensions
Approximately 21.7" W × 20.8" D × 27.2" H
Exterior Dimensions
Approximately 28.3" W × 31.8" D × 38.4" H
Interior Door
Heated Glass
Exterior Door
Reversible
Standard Shelves
3
Maximum Shelves
Up to 10
Shelf Material
Perforated Stainless Steel
Shelf Dimensions
Approximately 20.6" W × 18.9" D
Maximum Shelf Load
30 lb (13.6 kg)
Maximum Chamber Load
90 lb (41 kg)
Access Port
1.7 in. (42 mm)
Controller
Digital Touchscreen
Data Logging
USB
Alarm System
Audible and Visual High/Low Alarms
Electrical Requirements
120 V, 50/60 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption
Approximately 700 W
Net Weight
Approximately 180 lb (82 kg)
Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 a popular laboratory incubator?
The Steri-Cycle i160 combines dependable temperature control, infrared CO₂ sensing, continuous HEPA filtration, and automated 180°C sterilization in a proven platform that has been trusted by research laboratories for many years. Its reliability and ease of operation continue to make it a strong choice for both routine and advanced cell culture applications.
What types of cell culture work is the Steri-Cycle i160 designed for?
The incubator is suitable for mammalian cell culture, primary cells, stem cells, hybridoma production, tissue engineering, cancer research, regenerative medicine, vaccine development, pharmaceutical research, and many other life science applications requiring stable environmental control.
Why is an infrared CO₂ sensor beneficial?
Infrared sensors provide highly accurate CO₂ measurements while remaining unaffected by the high humidity inside the incubation chamber. This improves long-term stability and helps maintain consistent media pH throughout extended incubation periods.
How does the Steri-Cycle sterilization cycle work?
The automated Steri-Cycle program heats the chamber to 180°C, eliminating bacteria, fungi, molds, and many other contaminants without requiring chemical disinfectants. This simplifies routine preventive maintenance and helps laboratories maintain a clean incubation environment.
How does HEPA filtration improve cell culture protection?
Continuous HEPA filtration removes airborne particles from the chamber atmosphere, allowing the incubator to maintain ISO Class 5 air quality during normal operation. This helps reduce the risk of contamination reaching open culture vessels during incubation.
Can the Steri-Cycle i160 support multiple research projects simultaneously?
Yes. The adjustable shelving and spacious 165-liter chamber allow laboratories to organize cultures by investigator, project, or experiment while maintaining consistent environmental conditions throughout the chamber.
Is the Steri-Cycle i160 a good choice for expanding laboratories?
Absolutely. The Steri-Cycle i160 offers enough capacity for growing research programs while maintaining a manageable laboratory footprint. It is an excellent solution for laboratories that need premium incubation performance without moving to a larger high-capacity incubator.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 from American Instrument Exchange?
A refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle i160 provides laboratories with a proven, high-performance CO₂ incubator at a significant cost savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Every incubator is inspected and tested by American Instrument Exchange prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, helping laboratories invest confidently in dependable cell culture equipment.
CLICK HEREto see the Thermo Forma i160 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.
