Thermo Heratherm IGS400 General Protocol Microbiological Incubator

Brand : Thermo

Product Code : SKU 3142M INC

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Thermo Heratherm IGS400 General Protocol Microbiological Incubator

Not every laboratory requires a CO₂ incubator or a sophisticated environmental chamber. Many routine microbiology, pharmaceutical, clinical, food safety, and quality control applications simply demand accurate, uniform temperature control for dependable incubation of cultures, media, and samples. The Thermo Heratherm IGS400 General Protocol Microbiological Incubator was designed specifically for these everyday laboratory workflows, combining a spacious 405-liter (14.3 cubic foot) chamber with reliable gravity convection heating and intuitive digital controls for consistent performance. The IGS400 is part of Thermo Scientific's Heratherm General Protocol incubator series, developed to provide dependable incubation for routine laboratory applications.

Unlike CO₂ incubators designed for mammalian cell culture, the IGS400 is optimized for applications where stable temperature is the primary requirement. Its gravity convection system minimizes air movement within the chamber, making it well suited for microbiological cultures, media preparation, sample conditioning, and other protocols where gentle heating helps protect samples from excessive drying. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Heratherm IGS400 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a high-quality, large-capacity microbiological incubator while significantly reducing capital equipment costs.

Thermo Heratherm IGS400 General Protocol Microbiological Incubator Key Features

Approximately 405 L (14.3 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Gravity convection heating system
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 75°C
Microprocessor temperature controller
Large vacuum fluorescent display
Stainless steel chamber with rounded corners
Standard access port for independent probes
180° door opening for easy loading and cleaning
Lockable casters for mobility
Adjustable stainless steel shelving
Up to 39 shelf positions
Temperature uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C
Temperature stability of ±0.4°C at 37°C
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Routine Laboratory Incubation

The Heratherm IGS400 was developed for laboratories that require dependable temperature-controlled incubation without the complexity of gas regulation or humidity management. Its large chamber allows researchers to incubate substantial numbers of samples simultaneously while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity throughout the cabinet.

Gravity convection technology provides gentle circulation by allowing warm air to rise naturally through the chamber rather than using mechanical fans. This approach reduces air turbulence and helps minimize evaporation of open containers, culture media, agar plates, and other sensitive samples. For many microbiological procedures, gravity convection provides an ideal balance between temperature consistency and gentle sample handling.

The 405-liter chamber also makes the IGS400 an excellent solution for laboratories seeking to consolidate multiple smaller incubators into a single high-capacity unit. With up to 39 shelf positions, users can configure the chamber to accommodate a wide variety of sample sizes and laboratory workflows.

Common Applications

The Thermo Heratherm IGS400 is commonly used for:

Microbiological culture incubation
Bacterial culture growth
Fungal and yeast incubation
Food microbiology
Water quality testing
Pharmaceutical quality control
Sterility testing
Media preparation
Sample conditioning
Enzyme studies
Seed germination
Educational laboratory instruction
General research applications
Routine quality assurance testing

Its simple operation and dependable temperature performance make it an excellent incubator for laboratories performing routine incubation procedures every day.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Thermo Heratherm IGS400 is commonly found in hospital laboratories, pharmaceutical quality control departments, food and beverage testing facilities, biotechnology companies, environmental laboratories, academic research institutions, and industrial quality assurance laboratories.

Because it relies on gravity convection rather than forced-air circulation, it is particularly well suited for laboratories incubating agar plates, open culture vessels, microbiological media, and other samples where gentle air movement helps reduce evaporation while maintaining consistent incubation temperatures.

Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability

Consistent incubation depends on maintaining stable temperatures throughout the chamber regardless of sample placement. The Heratherm IGS400 utilizes a precision microprocessor controller together with a gravity convection heating system to provide excellent thermal uniformity while avoiding unnecessary air movement.

Operating from ambient +5°C to 75°C, the incubator offers temperature uniformity of ±0.5°C at 37°C and temperature stability of ±0.4°C, supporting highly reproducible incubation conditions for routine microbiology and general laboratory protocols. The large chamber, combined with carefully engineered airflow pathways, helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cabinet while recovering efficiently following routine door openings.

Gentle Gravity Convection Heating

Unlike mechanical convection incubators that continuously circulate air using internal fans, the Heratherm IGS400 uses gravity convection to distribute heat naturally throughout the chamber.

This gentle heating method reduces air turbulence and minimizes moisture loss from open containers and agar plates. Laboratories performing microbiological culture, sterility testing, or routine incubation frequently prefer gravity convection because it provides stable temperature control while helping preserve sample hydration during longer incubation periods.

The stainless steel chamber with rounded interior corners simplifies routine cleaning, while the large 180° door opening provides excellent access for loading samples, arranging shelves, and performing regular maintenance.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The Thermo Heratherm IGS400 provides approximately 405 liters (14.3 cubic feet) of usable chamber space, making it well suited for laboratories that routinely incubate large numbers of microbiological cultures, agar plates, sample containers, and laboratory media. With up to 39 adjustable shelf positions, users can configure the chamber to accommodate everything from Petri dishes and Erlenmeyer flasks to culture bottles, sample trays, and laboratory glassware. This flexibility allows the incubator to adapt to changing workflows without sacrificing usable capacity.

To promote consistent incubation conditions, samples should be arranged to allow natural airflow throughout the chamber. Avoid tightly packing shelves or blocking the interior air channels, as unrestricted convection helps maintain excellent temperature uniformity from top to bottom. Laboratories processing high sample volumes may also benefit from organizing shelves by project, incubation time, or testing protocol to simplify retrieval while minimizing unnecessary door openings.

The gravity convection design makes the IGS400 particularly suitable for open culture vessels, agar plates, microbiological media, and other samples where reducing evaporation is important during extended incubation periods.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The Heratherm IGS400 was engineered to provide dependable daily operation while minimizing energy consumption and routine maintenance. Its gravity convection heating system eliminates the need for internal circulation fans, reducing mechanical complexity and lowering the number of moving components that require service over the life of the incubator.

Because warm air circulates naturally, the chamber maintains stable temperatures with gentle heat distribution while using less mechanical energy than comparable forced-air designs. This simple operating principle also contributes to quieter operation, making the incubator well suited for shared laboratory environments.

The insulated cabinet construction, efficient electronic controls, and durable stainless steel interior further support long-term reliability. Laboratories that perform routine microbiological incubation every day can benefit from dependable performance, straightforward operation, and lower overall maintenance requirements compared with more complex incubation systems.

Thermo Heratherm IGS400 General Protocol Microbiological Incubator

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific
Model	Heratherm IGS400
Incubator Type	General Protocol Microbiological Incubator
Chamber Capacity	Approximately 405 L (14.3 cu. ft.)
Heating System	Gravity Convection
Chamber Material	Stainless Steel
Temperature Range	Ambient +5°C to 75°C
Temperature Uniformity	±0.5°C at 37°C
Temperature Stability	±0.4°C at 37°C
Controller	Digital Microprocessor
Display	Vacuum Fluorescent Display
Shelf Positions	Up to 39
Shelves Included	Varies by configuration
Access Port	Yes
Door Opening	180°
Mobility	Lockable Casters
Interior Dimensions	Approximately 27.6" W × 22.4" D × 40.4" H
Exterior Dimensions	Approximately 33.1" W × 30.7" D × 78.7" H
Electrical Requirements	120 V
Approximate Weight	Approximately 250 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

What is the difference between a gravity convection incubator and a mechanical convection incubator?

A gravity convection incubator distributes heat naturally as warm air rises through the chamber, while a mechanical convection incubator uses fans to circulate heated air. Gravity convection produces gentler airflow, making it an excellent choice for microbiological cultures, agar plates, and open containers where minimizing evaporation is important.

What types of samples are commonly incubated in the Heratherm IGS400?

The IGS400 is frequently used for bacterial cultures, fungal cultures, yeast, agar plates, microbiological media, water testing samples, food quality testing, pharmaceutical quality control, sterility testing, and general laboratory incubation procedures that require accurate temperature control without CO₂.

Does the Heratherm IGS400 require a CO₂ supply?

No. The IGS400 is a general-purpose microbiological incubator and does not use CO₂ control. Laboratories performing mammalian cell culture typically require a dedicated CO₂ incubator, whereas the IGS400 is intended for routine temperature-controlled incubation applications.

Why does the incubator have so many shelf positions?

With up to 39 shelf positions, users can customize the chamber layout for different sample heights and vessel types. This flexibility allows laboratories to maximize usable chamber space while adapting the incubator to changing research projects or quality control workflows.

Is the Heratherm IGS400 suitable for food and beverage laboratories?

Yes. The IGS400 is commonly used in food safety and beverage testing laboratories for microbiological incubation, environmental monitoring, and quality assurance procedures where consistent incubation temperatures are essential.

What advantages does gravity convection offer for routine microbiology?

Gravity convection minimizes air movement within the chamber, helping reduce drying of agar plates and open culture vessels during longer incubation periods. For many microbiological protocols, this gentle heating method provides excellent temperature consistency while preserving sample integrity.

Is the Heratherm IGS400 appropriate for pharmaceutical quality control laboratories?

Yes. Pharmaceutical quality control laboratories frequently use gravity convection incubators for sterility testing, microbial limit testing, media incubation, and other routine microbiological procedures that do not require CO₂ or humidity control.

Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Heratherm IGS400 from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Heratherm IGS400 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a dependable, large-capacity microbiological 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 for routine laboratory use.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Incubators
Ensure Quality and Stability Before Use

Used and refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance and temperature stability with laboratory safety standards. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection and functionality assessment to meet the needs of research, clinical, and industrial labs.

Why Testing Used Laboratory Incubators Is Essential

Before a laboratory incubator is reintroduced into any work environment, it must be tested for:
• Temperature uniformity and accuracy
• Airflow and humidity control (if applicable)
• Door seal integrity and insulation effectiveness
• Electrical and safety system compliance

Comprehensive testing reduces the risk of culture loss, contamination, and equipment failure—especially critical in applications involving cell culture, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, and diagnostics.

Our multi-point testing protocol for used and refurbished incubators ensures reliability, safety, and performance across all models and brands.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Incubators

1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Check for cosmetic damage, corrosion, and wear to exterior surfaces, door hinges, and gasket seals
• Inspect power cord, wiring, and display panel for any defects or signs of tampering
• Confirm that shelves, chamber components, and internal fixtures are present and undamaged

2. Functional Testing
• Power on the incubator and verify all display indicators and alarms function correctly
• Test door latch and seal mechanisms for proper closure and insulation
• Run basic temperature cycles to ensure the unit maintains stability over time

3. Temperature Accuracy and Uniformity Tests
• Test internal sensors and controllers using temperature probes
• Measure temperature consistency at multiple chamber locations over several hours
• Confirm that programmable temperature settings respond accurately

4. Airflow and Humidity Control (if applicable)
• Test internal fan operation and airflow distribution
• For humidified incubators, inspect and test humidity reservoirs, sensors, and control systems
• Check for condensation buildup and confirm environmental stability

5. Electrical Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure all electrical components are properly grounded
• Perform insulation resistance and leakage current tests
• Verify compliance with current electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment

6. Final Quality Assurance Checklist
• Perform full cycle testing at various temperature setpoints
• Document performance benchmarks and results

All refurbished incubators from American Instrument Exchange are backed by our commitment to quality and precision. With our strict testing procedures, you can rely on your incubator to deliver dependable results from day one.

Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Incubators
Performance and Quality from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory incubator we sell goes through a repair and refurbishment protocol. Whether it’s a standard, CO₂, or refrigerated incubator, our goal is to restore each unit to laboratory-level performance—ensuring temperature accuracy, environmental stability, and long-term reliability in your lab.

Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?

• Fully tested for performance and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through reuse and restoration
• Refurbished by expert technicians with decades of lab equipment experience

Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol

Every incubator at American Instrument Exchange follows this comprehensive, multi-stage process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection for cosmetic wear, corrosion, dents, or broken components
• Mechanical assessment of door hinges, gaskets, seals, and chamber components
• Document any missing parts or issues requiring repair or replacement

2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive solutions
• Decontamination/cleaning of surfaces to remove biological, chemical, or particulate residue
• Cleaning of removable parts (e.g., shelves, trays, etc.)

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn mechanical components such as door latches, fans, hinges, and seals
• Evaluation and repair of control panels, switches, thermostats, and displays
• Inspection and testing of wiring, fuses, relays, and power supplies

4. Environmental Control System Assessment
• For CO₂ incubators: CO₂ sensors, regulators, and gas delivery systems are tested
• For refrigerated incubators: compressors, condensers, and cooling systems are evaluated for performance and leaks
• Fan motors and airflow systems are tested to ensure uniform environmental conditions

5. Temperature and Sensor Testing
• All temperature sensors and controllers are tested using thermometers/probes
• Uniformity and accuracy tested at multiple chamber locations
• For humidified or CO₂ incubators, humidity and CO₂ stability are verified

6. Safety System Testing
• Test of over-temperature protection systems and alarms
• Evaluation of door sensors, safety interlocks, and power failure recovery

7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Full performance test run over 24 hours
• Validation of setpoints for temperature, CO₂ (if applicable), and humidity (if applicable)
• Final inspection and cleaning before packaging
• Complete service report

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for high-quality refurbished laboratory incubators. Our proven refurbishment protocol ensures every unit is reliable, accurate, and ready to meet the demands of your lab from day one.

Warranty Information

All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,

Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”

Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.

Return & Cancellation Policy

American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.

Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.

Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.

Ongoing and Extended Support Options

American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.

For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.

For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

How do you test and recondition the equipment?

Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality.
We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.

How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?

We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.

Return and order cancellation policy

American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.

Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?

Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.

How does your price matching policy work?

We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.

Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?

Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.

1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.

Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?

Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.