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Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 CO₂ Incubator
Maintaining healthy cell cultures requires more than precise temperature and carbon dioxide control. Airborne contaminants, microbial growth, and routine laboratory handling can all compromise valuable research if the incubation environment is not carefully protected. The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 CO₂ Incubator was engineered to address these challenges by combining accurate environmental control with continuous HEPA air filtration and an automated high-temperature sterilization cycle. With a 6.5 cubic foot (184-liter) chamber, the Steri-Cycle 370 provides an excellent balance of incubation capacity, contamination protection, and ease of operation for modern cell culture laboratories.
Unlike conventional CO₂ incubators that rely primarily on routine manual cleaning, the Steri-Cycle 370 continuously filters chamber air to maintain ISO Class 5 (Class 100) air quality while offering an on-demand 140°C sterilization cycle that sanitizes the chamber interior between research projects. Combined with precise microprocessor controls, stable direct-heat technology, and a polished stainless steel interior, these features have made the Steri-Cycle 370 a trusted platform for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, and academic laboratories worldwide. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a proven contamination-control incubator at substantial savings compared with purchasing a new system.
Key Features
Approximately 6.5 cu. ft. (184 L) chamber capacity
Direct-heat, air-jacketed incubation system
Thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensor
CO₂ range from 0% to 20%
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 50°C
Continuous HEPA filtration maintaining ISO Class 5 chamber air quality
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 was developed for laboratories that require dependable environmental control while minimizing contamination risks during routine cell culture. Its direct-heat air-jacketed design provides excellent temperature uniformity and rapid recovery following door openings, while the integrated HEPA filtration system continuously cleans chamber air to reduce airborne particulate contamination.
Unlike incubators that depend solely on periodic decontamination, the Steri-Cycle 370 continuously circulates chamber air through a HEPA filter, filtering the entire chamber volume approximately once every minute. Following routine access, the filtration system rapidly restores ISO Class 5 clean-air conditions, helping protect valuable cultures throughout daily laboratory operation.
The chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, Petri dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, roller bottles, and other commonly used culture vessels. Multiple adjustable shelf positions allow researchers to configure the interior for changing experimental needs while maximizing usable incubation space.
Common Applications
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer biology
Tissue engineering
Hybridoma production
Virology research
Protein expression
Monoclonal antibody development
Pharmaceutical research
Biotechnology research
Clinical laboratory research
Academic life science research
Long-term maintenance of valuable cell lines
Its combination of stable environmental control and continuous contamination protection makes it particularly well suited for laboratories where maintaining clean culture conditions is essential.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 is well suited for university research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospital research centers, clinical laboratories, and contract research organizations performing routine mammalian cell culture.
Its 6.5 cubic foot chamber offers sufficient capacity for multiple users while maintaining a relatively compact footprint. The incubator is equally appropriate as a primary tissue culture incubator for smaller laboratories or as a dedicated incubator for specialized cell lines requiring enhanced contamination control.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
The Steri-Cycle 370 utilizes Thermo Forma's direct-heat, air-jacketed design to provide fast temperature recovery and excellent chamber uniformity. High-performance heating elements surrounding the incubation chamber work with advanced insulation to maintain temperatures from 5°C above ambient to 50°C, while the microprocessor controller continuously regulates chamber conditions in 0.1°C increments.
A thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor regulates chamber atmosphere from 0% to 20% CO₂, supporting stable pH conditions for bicarbonate-buffered culture media. The heated inner glass door minimizes condensation and allows cultures to be inspected before opening the outer door, helping preserve stable incubation conditions throughout routine laboratory operation.
Advanced Contamination Control
The defining characteristic of the Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 is its comprehensive approach to contamination prevention. During normal operation, the integrated HEPA filtration system continuously removes airborne particulates from recirculated chamber air, restoring ISO Class 5 (Class 100) air quality within minutes after the door is closed. This continuous filtration helps reduce contamination risk without interrupting normal incubation.
When periodic chamber sterilization is required, the incubator's automated 140°C high-temperature sterilization cycle sanitizes interior surfaces without requiring extensive manual disassembly. Lasting approximately 14 hours, the cycle simplifies routine maintenance while helping eliminate microorganisms that can compromise valuable cell cultures. Combined with the polished stainless steel chamber and removable interior components, these features make the Steri-Cycle 370 a dependable solution for laboratories where contamination control is a daily priority.
Sample Storage Recommendations
With approximately 6.5 cubic feet (184 liters) of usable chamber space, the Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 provides ample capacity for routine cell culture while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for research laboratories of all sizes. The chamber accommodates T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, cell culture bags, and other vessels commonly used in mammalian cell culture and life science research.
The adjustable stainless steel shelving system allows researchers to configure the chamber for a variety of vessel heights and experimental workflows. To maintain optimal environmental performance, culture vessels should be evenly distributed throughout the chamber and should not obstruct airflow. Proper spacing promotes consistent temperature, humidity, and CO₂ distribution while allowing the incubator's continuous HEPA filtration system to circulate clean air efficiently throughout the chamber.
For laboratories supporting multiple investigators, organizing cultures by project, cell line, or harvest schedule can improve workflow while minimizing unnecessary door openings. Reducing chamber access helps preserve environmental stability and supports rapid recovery after samples are retrieved.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 was designed to provide dependable environmental control while operating continuously in demanding laboratory environments. Its direct-heat air-jacketed design offers rapid temperature recovery without the warm-up time associated with water-jacketed systems, making it well suited for laboratories where the incubator is accessed frequently throughout the day.
The heated inner glass door reduces heat loss and condensation while allowing researchers to inspect cultures before opening the primary chamber door. This minimizes disruption to chamber conditions and helps reduce the energy required to restore temperature and CO₂ levels following routine access.
Unlike incubators that rely solely on periodic decontamination, the Steri-Cycle 370 continuously filters chamber air through a HEPA filtration system while the integrated 140°C sterilization cycle simplifies routine chamber sanitation between research projects. Together, these features help reduce maintenance requirements while supporting reliable long-term operation in busy cell culture laboratories.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Forma
Model
Steri-Cycle 370
Incubator Type
Direct-Heat Air-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 184 L (6.5 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
Air Filtration
Continuous HEPA Filtration (ISO Class 5 Chamber Air Quality)
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 370 different from a conventional CO₂ incubator?
The Steri-Cycle 370 combines continuous HEPA air filtration with an automated 140°C sterilization cycle. Rather than relying only on routine cleaning, it continuously removes airborne particulates during operation while allowing the entire chamber to be sterilized between research projects, providing multiple layers of contamination protection.
Why does the Steri-Cycle 370 use a direct-heat air-jacketed design?
Direct-heat air-jacketed incubators warm the chamber quickly and recover rapidly after routine door openings. This design is well suited for laboratories that access the incubator frequently throughout the day while still maintaining excellent temperature uniformity.
What is the advantage of continuous HEPA filtration?
The HEPA filtration system continuously cleans recirculated chamber air, helping maintain ISO Class 5 (Class 100) air quality during normal operation. This reduces airborne particulate contamination and helps protect valuable cell cultures throughout extended incubation periods.
What does the 140°C sterilization cycle accomplish?
The automatic sterilization cycle heats the chamber to approximately 140°C, helping eliminate microorganisms from interior surfaces without requiring extensive manual disassembly. Routine sterilization helps simplify maintenance and supports a cleaner incubation environment.
What applications is the Steri-Cycle 370 best suited for?
The incubator is commonly used for mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, cancer biology, hybridoma development, virology, tissue engineering, protein expression, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and other applications requiring a stable, contamination-controlled incubation environment.
Is the Steri-Cycle 370 appropriate for shared laboratory use?
Yes. The 6.5 cubic foot chamber offers sufficient capacity for multiple researchers while the adjustable shelving system allows cultures to be organized by project or investigator. Continuous HEPA filtration and routine sterilization also make it well suited for laboratories supporting multiple users.
Why is the heated inner glass door beneficial?
The heated inner glass door allows researchers to inspect cultures before opening the main chamber door while reducing condensation on the glass. This helps minimize unnecessary temperature and CO₂ loss, supporting faster recovery and more stable incubation conditions.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 370 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium contamination-control CO₂ incubator featuring continuous HEPA filtration and automated high-temperature 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 Hereto see the Thermo Forma 370 Stericycle 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.
