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Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 CO₂ Incubator
Reliable environmental control is the foundation of successful cell culture. Whether maintaining established cell lines, culturing primary cells, or supporting long-term biological research, laboratories depend on incubators that provide stable temperature, controlled CO₂ levels, and high humidity day after day. The Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 CO₂ Incubator was designed to meet these demands with a rugged water-jacketed design that delivers exceptional thermal stability while helping protect valuable cultures from environmental fluctuations. With an 8.2 cubic foot (232-liter) chamber, the Steri-Cult 3307 offers generous capacity for research laboratories without requiring the floor space of a large reach-in incubator.
For years, the Steri-Cult series earned a reputation in academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical laboratories for dependable performance and straightforward operation. Its microprocessor-controlled environmental controls, stainless steel chamber, controlled humidity system, and integrated high-temperature sterilization cycle provide the consistent conditions required for routine mammalian cell culture. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 from American Instrument Exchange gives laboratories access to a proven incubation platform at substantial savings compared with purchasing a new CO₂ incubator.
Key Features
Approximately 8.2 cu. ft. (232 L) chamber capacity
Water-jacketed heating system for outstanding thermal stability
Thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor
CO₂ concentration range from 0% to 20%
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 50°C
Controlled humidity up to approximately 95% RH
Automatic 140°C in-place sterilization cycle
Stainless steel chamber interior
Heated inner glass door
Digital microprocessor controls
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 Dependable Cell Culture
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 was developed for laboratories that require consistent incubation conditions over extended periods of time. Its water-jacketed cabinet surrounds the chamber with a reservoir of heated water that acts as a thermal buffer, helping maintain stable temperatures during routine door openings or temporary power interruptions. This design has made water-jacketed incubators a popular choice for laboratories growing sensitive mammalian cell cultures where environmental consistency is critical.
The chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, Petri dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, and other commonly used laboratory vessels. With up to 22 adjustable shelf positions, researchers can configure the chamber to match changing experimental requirements while maximizing usable incubation space. The combination of stable temperature regulation, controlled humidity, and dependable CO₂ control creates an environment well suited for both routine cell culture and long-term biological research.
Because of its balance of capacity, reliability, and ease of operation, the Steri-Cult 3307 has been widely used in university laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical development facilities, hospital research centers, and government research institutions.
Common Applications
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer biology
Tissue engineering
Hybridoma development
Virology research
Protein expression
Monoclonal antibody research
Pharmaceutical development
Biotechnology research
Academic life science research
Clinical laboratory research
Long-term maintenance of established cell lines
Its stable environmental performance makes the incubator particularly valuable for laboratories conducting experiments that require consistent incubation conditions over days or weeks.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 is well suited for university research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, clinical research organizations, hospital laboratories, and government research facilities performing routine tissue culture.
Its moderate chamber capacity makes it an excellent choice for laboratories supporting multiple investigators while maintaining a manageable footprint. It is equally suitable as a primary incubator for smaller research groups or as a dedicated incubator for specific cell lines or ongoing projects.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
The defining feature of the Steri-Cult 3307 is its water-jacketed cabinet design, which surrounds the incubation chamber with heated water to create a highly stable thermal environment. Unlike air-jacketed systems that rely primarily on heated air, the water jacket stores a significant amount of thermal energy, helping maintain chamber temperature during routine door openings and reducing the impact of short-term fluctuations.
The incubator maintains temperatures from 5°C above ambient to 50°C, while the controlled humidity system helps minimize evaporation of cell culture media during extended incubation periods. A thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor continuously monitors chamber atmosphere, maintaining CO₂ concentrations from 0% to 20% for dependable pH regulation in bicarbonate-buffered culture media. Together, these systems create the stable environmental conditions required for reproducible mammalian cell culture.
Contamination Control
Maintaining a clean incubation environment is essential for protecting valuable cell cultures and reducing the risk of lost experiments. The Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 incorporates several features designed to simplify contamination control while supporting routine laboratory operation.
The polished stainless steel chamber resists corrosion and is easy to clean between research projects. Removable interior shelves and chamber components provide convenient access during routine maintenance, while the heated inner glass door helps reduce condensation that can contribute to microbial growth.
When more thorough decontamination is required, the integrated 140°C in-place sterilization cycle sanitizes the chamber interior without extensive manual disassembly. Combined with controlled humidity and stable environmental regulation, these features help create a dependable incubation environment suitable for long-term tissue culture and sensitive biological research.
Sample Storage Recommendations
With approximately 8.2 cubic feet (232 liters) of usable chamber space, the Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 provides sufficient capacity for daily cell culture operations while maintaining a manageable footprint for research laboratories. The chamber is designed to accommodate T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, roller bottles, media containers, and other vessels commonly used for mammalian cell culture and biological research.
The adjustable shelving system allows users to configure the interior for a wide range of vessel sizes while promoting uniform airflow throughout the chamber. For optimal environmental stability, culture vessels should be spaced evenly and should not block air circulation. Proper organization helps maintain consistent temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels while reducing recovery time following routine door openings.
Many laboratories assign shelves to individual researchers, projects, or cell lines to improve organization and reduce unnecessary handling. Grouping cultures by harvest schedule can also minimize door openings and help preserve stable incubation conditions during long-term experiments.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 was designed for continuous laboratory operation with an emphasis on dependable performance rather than frequent maintenance or adjustment. Its water-jacketed construction stores thermal energy within the cabinet, reducing temperature fluctuations caused by routine door openings and helping maintain stable operating conditions throughout the workday.
Although water-jacketed incubators typically require more time to reach operating temperature than comparable air-jacketed models, they offer excellent thermal stability once equilibrium has been achieved. This stored thermal mass can also help protect valuable cultures during brief power interruptions by slowing temperature loss inside the chamber.
The heated inner glass door allows users to inspect cultures before opening the outer door, reducing unnecessary heat loss and helping preserve chamber stability. Combined with the automated 140°C sterilization cycle, these features contribute to efficient day-to-day laboratory operation while simplifying routine maintenance.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Forma
Model
Steri-Cult 3307
Incubator Type
Water-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 232 L (8.2 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +5°C to 50°C
CO₂ Range
0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor
Thermal Conductivity (TC)
Humidity Control
Up to Approximately 95% Relative Humidity
Sterilization
Automatic 140°C In-Place Sterilization Cycle
Chamber Material
Stainless Steel
Door Configuration
Heated Inner Glass Door with Insulated Outer Door
Controller
Digital Microprocessor
Display
LED Digital Display
Shelf Positions
Up to 22
Interior Dimensions
Approximately 20.8" W × 20.6" D × 32.8" H
Exterior Dimensions
Approximately 35.0" W × 27.0" D × 39.4" H
Alarm System
Audible, Visual, and Remote Alarm Contacts
Interior Accessory Outlet
Yes
Electrical Requirements
120 V
Approximate Weight
Approximately 375 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
Why choose a water-jacketed CO₂ incubator?
Water-jacketed incubators are known for their excellent thermal stability. The heated water surrounding the chamber acts as a thermal reservoir, helping maintain consistent temperatures during routine door openings and slowing temperature loss during short power interruptions. This makes them a popular choice for laboratories culturing sensitive mammalian cells.
What types of cell culture applications is the Steri-Cult 3307 designed for?
The Steri-Cult 3307 is commonly used for mammalian cell culture, primary cell research, stem cell studies, cancer biology, hybridoma development, tissue engineering, virology, protein expression, and other applications requiring a controlled CO₂ incubation environment.
How does the thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor work?
The thermal conductivity (TC) sensor measures changes in the thermal properties of the chamber atmosphere to regulate CO₂ concentration. TC sensors have been widely used in research laboratories for many years and provide dependable performance for routine cell culture applications.
What is the purpose of the 140°C sterilization cycle?
The integrated sterilization cycle heats the chamber to approximately 140°C, helping eliminate microbial contamination on interior surfaces between research projects. This simplifies routine decontamination while reducing the need for extensive manual cleaning.
How does controlled humidity benefit cell culture?
Maintaining high relative humidity helps reduce evaporation of culture media during extended incubation. This minimizes changes in media concentration and osmolarity, creating a more stable environment for healthy cell growth.
Is the Steri-Cult 3307 suitable for multi-user laboratories?
Yes. The 8.2 cubic foot chamber provides sufficient capacity for multiple investigators, while the adjustable shelving system allows cultures to be organized by project or researcher. This flexibility makes the incubator well suited for shared academic and biotechnology laboratories.
Can the chamber support long-term incubation studies?
Yes. The combination of water-jacketed temperature stability, controlled humidity, dependable CO₂ regulation, and automated sterilization makes the Steri-Cult 3307 an excellent choice for experiments requiring stable environmental conditions over extended periods.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cult 3307 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a proven water-jacketed CO₂ incubator 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 research and cell culture applications.
Click Hereto see the Thermo SteriCult 3307 incubator on the American Instrument Exchange 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.
