Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA Value Series Laboratory Freezer – 20.9 Cu. Ft.
The Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA Value Series Laboratory Freezer is a full-size upright general-purpose freezer designed for routine frozen storage of non-critical laboratory samples, reagents, research materials, and other products requiring approximately -20°C conditions. With a 20.9 cu. ft. storage capacity and an adjustable temperature range of -12°C to -20°C, the 20LFEETSA provides substantial frozen storage in a straightforward, cost-effective laboratory freezer.
The manual-defrost design makes this model particularly useful for laboratories that prefer to avoid the periodic warming cycles associated with automatic-defrost systems. Four fixed interior shelves and six fixed door shelves provide multiple storage areas for organizing reagents, samples, standards, and other frozen laboratory inventory.
This used Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA is refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from AIE.
Key Features
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20.9 cu. ft. laboratory freezer capacity
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Adjustable temperature range from -12°C to -20°C
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Designed for general storage of non-critical laboratory samples and reagents
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Manual-defrost refrigeration system
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Mechanical temperature control
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Four fixed interior shelves
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Six fixed door shelves
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Interior lighting
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Single solid hinged door
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Epoxy-coated steel interior and exterior
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Polyurethane foam insulation
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R134a CFC-free refrigerant
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Bottom-mounted compressor
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Four adjustable leveling feet
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115 V, 60 Hz electrical service
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NEMA 5-15P plug
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cCSAus agency listing
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Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day AIE warranty included
Overview
The Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA is part of the Value Series of laboratory cold-storage equipment, designed to meet routine laboratory freezer requirements without the complexity or expense of equipment intended for highly critical sample storage.
With approximately 20.9 cu. ft. of internal capacity, the freezer provides substantially more storage than compact or undercounter models while maintaining the convenient organization of a conventional upright cabinet.
The freezer operates over an adjustable range of -12°C to -20°C, making it suitable for many reagents, research materials, standards, and other products intended for conventional frozen laboratory storage.
A manual-defrost refrigeration system eliminates automatic defrost heating cycles. This can be advantageous for laboratory applications where users prefer a relatively straightforward frozen-storage environment, although periodic manual defrosting is required as frost accumulates.
The interior includes four fixed shelves plus six additional fixed shelves in the door. This combination gives laboratories multiple storage zones for separating inventory by project, researcher, material type, or frequency of use.
For laboratories replacing an older general-purpose freezer or expanding their approximately -20°C storage capacity, a refurbished Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA can provide a practical and economical alternative to purchasing comparable new cold-storage equipment.
Common Applications
The Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA is intended for general storage of non-critical samples and reagents requiring conventional frozen conditions. Potential applications include storage of compatible laboratory reagents, research compounds, analytical standards, controls, prepared materials, and other laboratory inventory with storage requirements that fall within the freezer's -12°C to -20°C operating range.
The unit can support routine frozen-storage requirements in molecular biology, biotechnology research, chemistry, pharmaceutical research, academic laboratories, analytical testing, industrial research, and quality-control environments.
Because Thermo Scientific specifically categorizes the 20LFEETSA for non-critical samples and reagents, laboratories storing irreplaceable specimens, high-value biological materials, or materials requiring more stringent temperature control should evaluate whether a freezer with additional monitoring, alarm, or performance features would be more appropriate.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA is well suited for academic research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical facilities, analytical laboratories, industrial research facilities, chemistry laboratories, quality-control departments, teaching laboratories, and other scientific environments requiring substantial general-purpose frozen storage.
Its relatively simple design can be particularly attractive for laboratories that need dependable storage for routine inventory without paying for advanced features that may not be necessary for the application.
The 20.9 cu. ft. capacity also makes the unit useful as a centralized departmental freezer or as supplemental -20°C-class storage in larger facilities with multiple refrigerators, freezers, and ultra-low temperature freezers.
Temperature Recovery & Uniformity
The 20LFEETSA is a general-purpose Value Series freezer, so expectations for temperature performance should be matched to its intended application.
Thermo Scientific specifies an adjustable operating range of -12°C to -20°C and notes that actual freezer performance can vary according to product quantity, product size, and operating conditions.
Temperature recovery following a door opening will similarly depend on how long the door remains open, ambient laboratory conditions, freezer loading, the thermal mass of stored materials, and the condition of the refrigeration system.
The freezer's four interior shelves and six door shelves allow materials to be organized for rapid retrieval. Keeping frequently used products in predictable locations can reduce door-open time and limit the amount of warmer laboratory air entering the cabinet.
Because door shelving is inherently closer to the surrounding environment when the freezer is opened, laboratories should consider the temperature sensitivity of individual materials when deciding where inventory is stored.
For applications requiring tighter temperature monitoring or documented uniformity, independent temperature monitoring should be considered.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The 20LFEETSA is best used for materials whose specified storage requirements are compatible with its -12°C to -20°C operating range and its designation as a general-purpose freezer for non-critical samples and reagents.
The four fixed interior shelves can be organized by project, sample type, research group, or material category. The six door shelves provide convenient additional storage for compatible materials that benefit from quick access.
Frequently used inventory should be positioned where it can be retrieved without prolonged door openings. Clear labels and consistent shelf assignments can make a significant difference in a shared laboratory freezer.
Because the 20LFEETSA is a manual-defrost freezer, frost accumulation should be monitored routinely. Excessive frost reduces usable storage space and can eventually interfere with normal operation and door sealing.
Laboratories should establish a defrost schedule appropriate for their usage and ambient conditions, along with a plan for temporarily relocating frozen materials during defrosting.
High-value or irreplaceable samples should be supported by appropriate independent monitoring, alarm systems, backup storage, and emergency-response procedures rather than relying exclusively on a general-purpose freezer.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA |
| Equipment Type |
General-Purpose Laboratory Freezer |
| Manufacturer |
Thermo Scientific |
| Model |
20LFEETSA |
| Series |
Value Series |
| Capacity |
20.9 cu. ft. / 591.82 L |
| Temperature Range |
-12°C to -20°C |
| Setpoint |
Adjustable |
| Defrost |
Manual |
| Refrigerant |
R134a, CFC-free |
| Insulation |
Polyurethane foam |
| Temperature Control |
Mechanical |
| Controller Location |
Interior, right wall |
| Number of Doors |
1 |
| Door Type |
Solid hinged, non-reversible |
| Door Lock |
No |
| Interior Shelves |
4 fixed |
| Door Shelves |
6 fixed |
| Interior Lighting |
Yes |
| Interior Material |
Epoxy-coated steel |
| Exterior Material |
Epoxy-coated steel |
| Color |
White |
| Compressor |
Bottom mounted |
| Leveling |
4 adjustable leveling feet |
| Interior Dimensions |
57.8"H × 27.8"W × 23.8"D |
| Exterior Dimensions |
73.13"H × 34"W × 30.5"D |
| Unpacked Weight |
200 lb. |
| Shipping Weight |
230 lb. |
| Electrical |
115 V, 60 Hz |
| Rated Current |
5 A |
| Rated Wattage |
575 W |
| Plug |
NEMA 5-15P |
| Power Cord |
10 ft. |
| Minimum Clearance |
3" sides, rear, and top |
| Agency Listing |
cCSAus |
| Condition |
Used / Refurbished |
| AIE Warranty |
90 days |
Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs
The Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA uses R134a CFC-free refrigerant and polyurethane foam insulation to maintain conventional frozen-storage conditions.
Because the freezer operates only as cold as -20°C, it generally serves a different purpose from an ultra-low temperature freezer. Laboratories should avoid using significantly colder and more energy-intensive equipment for inventory that only requires conventional -20°C-class storage when an appropriate general-purpose freezer can satisfy the application.
Installation also affects refrigeration performance. Thermo Scientific specifies a minimum of 3 inches of clearance at the sides, rear, and top of the 20LFEETSA.
Adequate clearance allows heat generated by the refrigeration system to dissipate properly. Crowding the freezer against walls, laboratory casework, or other equipment can interfere with heat rejection and place unnecessary stress on the compressor.
Door-opening frequency also affects energy use. Organizing samples for rapid retrieval, maintaining a proper door seal, and keeping frost accumulation under control can help the refrigeration system operate efficiently.
Actual electrical consumption will vary with ambient temperature, freezer setpoint, loading, door-opening frequency, frost accumulation, ventilation, and equipment condition.
Refurbishment & Testing
This Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA Value Series freezer is supplied used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange.
Before shipment, our technicians inspect, clean, and test the freezer to verify proper operation. Temperature-controlled laboratory equipment is tested using NIST-traceable temperature probes and data logging equipment as appropriate to evaluate temperature performance.
The freezer is operated under frozen-storage conditions to verify that it reaches and maintains an appropriate temperature within its specified operating range. Testing over time provides a more meaningful assessment than simply confirming that the refrigeration system becomes cold.
Our technicians also inspect the compressor and refrigeration system, mechanical temperature control, door, hinges, gasket, interior and door shelving, interior light, power cord, electrical components, leveling feet, and cabinet.
Because this is a manual-defrost freezer, accumulated frost and ice are removed as necessary during preparation. The interior, shelves, door surfaces, and exterior cabinet are thoroughly cleaned before the unit is released for shipment.
Worn or defective operating components are repaired or replaced as necessary during the refurbishment process.
Customers with specific temperature-testing or documentation requirements are encouraged to discuss those requirements with American Instrument Exchange before shipment. When practical, our technicians can accommodate application-specific testing requests.
This refurbished Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Shipping & Installation
The Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA is a full-size upright freezer measuring approximately 73.13"H × 34"W × 30.5"D and weighing approximately 200 lb. before packaging.
Customers should confirm that adequate clearance is available through loading docks, doorways, hallways, elevators, and laboratory entrances before delivery.
The freezer operates on 115 V, 60 Hz power, is rated at 5 A and 575 W, and uses a standard three-prong NEMA 5-15P plug.
Thermo Scientific specifies at least 3 inches of clearance at the sides, back, and top of the cabinet. These ventilation requirements should be incorporated into installation planning rather than using cabinet dimensions alone to determine whether the freezer will fit a particular space.
After transportation, the freezer should be positioned, leveled, and allowed to stabilize as appropriate before operation. Laboratories should verify satisfactory temperature performance before transferring temperature-sensitive inventory into the chamber.
American Instrument Exchange can arrange freight transportation throughout the United States and internationally. Customers requiring liftgate service, inside delivery, rigging, or specialized handling should discuss those requirements with AIE before shipment.
Related Laboratory Equipment
Laboratories requiring additional frozen storage can browse American Instrument Exchange's selection of laboratory freezers, including full-size upright, undercounter, manual-defrost, automatic-defrost, and specialty laboratory freezers from Thermo Scientific, VWR, Fisher Scientific, Panasonic, PHCbi, and other major manufacturers.
For biological samples requiring approximately -80°C storage, AIE also maintains a large inventory of refurbished ultra-low temperature freezers.
Materials requiring refrigerated rather than frozen storage can be accommodated by our selection of laboratory refrigerators, including solid-door, glass-door, chromatography, and undercounter refrigerators.
American Instrument Exchange also offers refurbished centrifuges, CO₂ incubators, and biosafety cabinets for laboratories replacing or expanding essential research equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA?
The Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA is a 20.9 cu. ft. general-purpose upright laboratory freezer from the Thermo Scientific Value Series. It is intended for routine frozen storage of non-critical samples, reagents, and other compatible laboratory materials.
What is the temperature range of the 20LFEETSA?
The freezer has an adjustable operating range of -12°C to -20°C.
Is the Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA a -20°C freezer?
Yes. The unit can be adjusted down to -20°C and is suitable for compatible materials requiring conventional approximately -20°C laboratory storage.
It should not be confused with an ultra-low temperature freezer designed for approximately -80°C storage.
How much storage capacity does the 20LFEETSA provide?
Thermo Scientific's technical data sheet specifies 20.9 cu. ft., or approximately 591.82 liters, of storage capacity.
Is the 20LFEETSA manual defrost?
Yes. The 20LFEETSA is a manual-defrost laboratory freezer.
This avoids automatic defrost heating cycles but means accumulated frost must be removed periodically as part of routine freezer maintenance.
How many shelves does the 20LFEETSA have?
The freezer has four fixed interior shelves and six fixed door shelves, providing multiple areas for organizing laboratory inventory.
Does the Thermo 20LFEETSA have a door lock?
No. Manufacturer specifications indicate that the 20LFEETSA does not include a door lock.
Laboratories requiring controlled access should take this into consideration when evaluating the freezer for their application.
Does this freezer have temperature alarms?
Thermo Scientific's technical data sheet does not specify integrated temperature alarms for the 20LFEETSA. Laboratories requiring alarm protection should consider an appropriate independent temperature-monitoring and alarm system.
Is the 20LFEETSA appropriate for critical biological samples?
Thermo Scientific identifies the 20LFEETSA for general storage of non-critical samples and reagents.
Laboratories storing high-value, irreplaceable, clinical, or otherwise critical biological materials should evaluate equipment with appropriate temperature-performance, alarm, monitoring, and backup capabilities for those materials.
What electrical service does the 20LFEETSA require?
The freezer operates on 115 V, 60 Hz electrical service, is rated at 5 A and 575 W, and uses a NEMA 5-15P plug.
How much ventilation clearance does the 20LFEETSA need?
Thermo Scientific specifies a minimum of 3 inches of clearance at the sides, rear, and top of the freezer.
Adequate ventilation should be maintained to allow heat from the refrigeration system to dissipate properly.
How does American Instrument Exchange test a refurbished Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA?
American Instrument Exchange operates and tests refurbished laboratory freezers before shipment. NIST-traceable temperature probes and data logging equipment are used as appropriate to evaluate temperature performance.
The refrigeration system, temperature control, door, gasket, shelves, interior light, electrical components, leveling feet, and cabinet are also inspected for proper operation and physical condition.
Does this refurbished Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA include a warranty?
Yes. This used and refurbished Thermo Scientific 20LFEETSA Value Series laboratory freezer includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange unless otherwise noted.