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LAB EQUIPMENT REPAIRS, INCLUDING ULTRALOW FREEZERS, FRIDGES, CENTRIFUGES AND MORE - Click here for details
LAB EQUIPMENT REPAIRS, INCLUDING ULTRALOW FREEZERS, FRIDGES, CENTRIFUGES AND MORE - Click here for details

Thermo Scientific VWR60086D ultralow freezer

Fully Tested & Warrantied*
Brand : VWR
Product Code : SKU 2547PPP FREEZER

Shipping

All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse

Thermo Scientific VWR60086D Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

When a laboratory depends on an ultralow freezer to protect years of research, knowing the freezer is operating properly can be just as important as the storage temperature itself. The Thermo Scientific VWR60086D Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer combines dependable -86°C sample preservation with an advanced monitoring interface that keeps laboratory personnel informed about freezer health, operating conditions, and alarm status at a glance.

With 28.8 cubic feet (816 liters) of storage capacity and room for up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the VWR60086D is an excellent choice for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, universities, and biorepositories requiring dependable long-term preservation of valuable biological materials. Its upgraded eye-level information center provides clear visibility of cabinet temperature, sample probe readings, operating status, and maintenance indicators, allowing users to identify potential issues before they become critical.

Laboratories building a complete cold storage program often pair ultralow freezers with laboratory refrigerators for day-to-day reagent storage and laboratory freezers for samples that require temperatures between -20°C and -30°C rather than ultra-low preservation. Purchasing a professionally refurbished unit from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with premium cold storage while reducing equipment acquisition costs.

Thermo Scientific VWR60086D Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Features

  • 28.8 cu. ft. (816 L) storage capacity

  • Stores up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

  • Adjustable operating temperature from -50°C to -86°C

  • Advanced eye-level information center

  • Cabinet and optional sample probe temperature display

  • 12-character alphanumeric LED message center

  • Audible and visual alarm system

  • Low battery and condenser maintenance indicators

  • Manual defrost operation

  • Multiple insulated inner doors

  • Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange

  • 90-day warranty included

Thermo Scientific VWR60086D Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Overview

The VWR60086D was designed for laboratories that require more than dependable cooling—they also need continuous visibility into freezer operation. Its eye-level information center displays cabinet temperature, operating status, alarm conditions, and system messages in a format that is easy to monitor during normal laboratory activity. Rather than relying solely on alarm notifications, users can quickly verify freezer health and operating conditions throughout the day.

Modern laboratory workflows rarely rely on a single instrument. Samples are commonly prepared inside biosafety cabinets, cultured in CO₂ incubators, processed using refrigerated centrifuges, and ultimately transferred into an ultralow freezer for long-term preservation. The VWR60086D provides dependable storage while giving laboratory personnel greater confidence through enhanced system monitoring and diagnostics.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific VWR60086D is commonly used for long-term preservation of DNA and RNA libraries, stem cells, cell lines, tissue specimens, plasma, serum, vaccines, pharmaceutical compounds, microbiological collections, forensic evidence, clinical trial materials, and biological reference standards requiring storage at temperatures as low as -86°C.

Its large storage capacity makes it particularly well suited for centralized laboratory storage, university research cores, pharmaceutical development laboratories, hospitals, and biorepositories managing extensive sample collections. Laboratories requiring colder storage than traditional laboratory freezers often choose ultralow freezers to provide additional protection for irreplaceable biological materials.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The VWR60086D is well suited for:

  • Biotechnology laboratories

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers

  • Academic research institutions

  • Hospitals and clinical laboratories

  • Public health laboratories

  • Government research facilities

  • Contract research organizations

  • Biobanks

  • University core facilities

Its combination of high-capacity storage and enhanced operational monitoring makes it particularly attractive for laboratories managing large sample inventories across multiple research groups.

Temperature Recovery & Sample Protection

Maintaining stable ultra-low temperatures requires more than powerful refrigeration. The VWR60086D combines insulated inner doors with dependable refrigeration performance to minimize cold air loss during routine sample retrieval and restore cabinet temperature efficiently following door openings.

The enhanced information center further supports sample protection by continuously displaying freezer status, alarm conditions, and maintenance reminders. Operators can monitor cabinet performance throughout the day and identify conditions such as low battery status or condenser maintenance before they affect freezer performance.

Laboratories preserving especially valuable biological collections frequently complement ultralow freezers with cryogenic storage systems for applications requiring liquid nitrogen temperatures or specialized long-term preservation.

Typical Stored Materials

The Thermo Scientific VWR60086D is commonly used to store:

  • DNA and RNA libraries

  • Cell lines

  • Stem cells

  • Tissue specimens

  • Plasma and serum

  • Vaccines

  • Protein samples

  • Enzymes

  • Pharmaceutical compounds

  • Clinical trial materials

  • Microbial cultures

  • Biological reference materials

Thermo Scientific VWR60086D Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Specifications

Capacity

  • 28.8 cu. ft. (816 L)

  • Up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

Temperature Range

  • Adjustable from -50°C to -86°C

Refrigeration System

  • Manual defrost ultra-low refrigeration system

Monitoring & Controls

  • Eye-level information center

  • Actual cabinet temperature display

  • Optional sample probe temperature display

  • 12-character alphanumeric LED message center

  • Audible and visual alarms

  • Low battery indicator

  • Hot condenser indicator

  • User-adjustable alarm settings

Interior Configuration

  • Multiple insulated inner doors

  • Compatible with standard cryobox rack systems

Electrical Requirements

  • 208/230V, 60 Hz, 12A, single phase

Dimensions

  • Exterior: 47" W × 41" D × 78" H

Weight

  • Approximately 900 lbs.

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

Ultra-low freezers operate continuously, making dependable operation and preventative maintenance important contributors to total ownership costs. The VWR60086D's integrated monitoring system helps laboratory personnel identify maintenance needs early, allowing routine service to be scheduled before minor issues develop into costly downtime. Improved visibility into freezer health also helps laboratories protect valuable sample collections while supporting long-term equipment reliability.

Specifications compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information.

Refurbishment & Testing Process

Every Thermo Scientific VWR60086D received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and extended performance evaluation before shipment. Our technicians verify pull-down performance, confirm stable operation throughout the operating temperature range, inspect the refrigeration system and compressors, evaluate door gaskets and cabinet insulation, verify information center operation, test alarms and monitoring functions, and thoroughly clean the freezer before delivery.

Laboratories outfitting an entire facility frequently combine refurbished ultralow freezers with laboratory refrigerators, biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, and refrigerated centrifuges to create a complete laboratory equipment solution while reducing overall capital expenditures.

Shipping & Installation Considerations

The Thermo Scientific VWR60086D ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before delivery, laboratories should verify doorway clearances, floor loading capacity, electrical service, and adequate ventilation around the cabinet. Proper installation helps maximize refrigeration performance, simplify preventative maintenance, and support dependable long-term operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the VWR60086D different from earlier VWR ultralow freezers?

The VWR60086D features an upgraded eye-level information center with an alphanumeric message display, cabinet and optional sample probe temperature readouts, system status messages, and maintenance indicators. These enhancements provide operators with more information about freezer performance than earlier control panels.

What information does the display panel provide?

The display continuously shows cabinet temperature and can display optional sample probe readings. It also reports freezer status messages, alarm conditions, low battery warnings, condenser maintenance reminders, and user-adjustable operating parameters through its alphanumeric information center.

How many cryoboxes can the VWR60086D hold?

The freezer accommodates up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making it an excellent solution for centralized laboratory storage and biorepository applications.

How is the freezer tested before shipment?

Every refurbished VWR60086D is inspected, cleaned, and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians to verify pull-down performance, temperature stability, refrigeration performance, information center functionality, alarm operation, and overall system reliability before shipment.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Ultralow Freezers
Ensure -80°C Stability and Critical Sample Protection

Used and refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are rigorously tested to ensure reliable long-term storage at temperatures as low as -80°C. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection, full system evaluation, and extended runtime testing to meet the high standards required by research, clinical, and biorepository environments.

Why Testing Used Ultralow Freezers Is Essential

Before an ultralow freezer is placed back into service, it must be carefully tested for:
• Temperature stability and uniformity at ultralow levels (e.g., -70°C to -86°C)
• Cascade refrigeration system functionality and compressor health
• Seal and insulation effectiveness to prevent thermal loss
• Electrical safety, alarm functionality, and system compliance

Thorough testing helps prevent temperature excursions and equipment failure—crucial for protecting sensitive materials such as biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and research specimens.
Our structured ULT testing protocol ensures each refurbished unit delivers dependable performance and long-term reliability.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Ultralow Freezers

1. Initial Visual Inspection

• Inspect external cabinet, hinges, and door gaskets for wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check power cords, plugs, and control interfaces for signs of wear or tampering
• Verify that internal racks, shelving, and chamber components are intact and operational

2. Functional Startup and Control Testing

• Power on the unit and confirm successful initialization of digital displays and alarm systems
• Test control panels, keypad responsiveness, and user-setpoint functionality
• Verify that door seals close tightly and form a secure barrier

3. Temperature and -80°C Stability Testing

• Test and evaluate internal temperature sensors thermometers/probes
• Monitor temperature performance at multiple chamber points over extended runtimes
• Confirm uniformity and stability at key setpoints, including -70°C, -80°C, and -86°C

4. Refrigeration System and Cascade Compressor Evaluation

• Test dual-stage (cascade) compressor function, startup times, and cycling behavior
• Evaluate evaporator coils, heat exchangers, and vacuum insulation panels for performance and integrity
• Check for refrigerant leaks, low-pressure faults, and abnormal compressor noise

5. Alarm and Safety System Verification

• Test high/low temperature alarms, power failure alerts, and battery backup systems (if equipped)
• Verify lockout controls, alarm delay settings, and door-open indicators

6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Run a continuous multi-day test cycle at -80°C to confirm sustained performance
• Document temperature logs, controller accuracy, and compressor behavior
• Complete a detailed service report

Dependable Performance from American Instrument Exchange

All refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are tested to exacting standards for performance, safety, and reliability. With our rigorous inspection and testing procedures, you can trust your ULT freezer to deliver consistent -80°C storage from day one—ideal for research, clinical, pharmaceutical, and biobanking applications.

Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Ultralow Freezers
-80°C Storage Performance from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every used ultralow temperature freezer (ULT freezer) undergoes a rigorous, multi-step refurbishment protocol designed to restore reliable -80°C performance. Whether upright, chest-style, or undercounter, our refurbished ULT freezers are tested and restored to deliver the cold storage precision required for biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and other temperature-sensitive materials.

Why Choose a Refurbished Ultralow Freezer from American Instrument Exchange?

• Fully tested for -80°C cold storage stability and compressor performance
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to expensive new ULT units
• Environmentally responsible through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by experienced technicians specializing in laboratory-grade refrigeration

Step-by-Step Ultralow Freezer Refurbishment Protocol

Every ultralow freezer sold by American Instrument Exchange is carefully evaluated and restored through the following process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection

• Exterior inspection for dents, corrosion, or physical damage
• Evaluation of door seals, hinges, and internal chamber components
• Documentation of missing parts or components requiring repair

2. Cleaning and Decontamination

• Comprehensive interior and exterior cleaning using non-abrasive cleaners
• Removal of dust, frost buildup, and residual contaminants
• Decontamination of all internal surfaces and removable parts like shelves and drawers

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repairs

• Replacement or repair of worn or damaged components (door latches, hinges, gaskets, etc.)
• Inspection and repair of control boards, displays, sensors, and switches
• Electrical system evaluation, including fuses, wiring, relays, and connectors

4. Ultralow Refrigeration System Assessment

• Testing of dual-stage compressors and cascade cooling system
• Evaluation of heat exchangers, evaporator coils, and vacuum insulation panels
• Inspection for refrigerant leaks, low pressure, or signs of compressor fatigue
• Verification of thermal insulation integrity

5. Temperature and Performance Testing

• Testing of internal temperature sensors and controllers
• Multi-point testing to verify chamber temperature uniformity at -80°C
• Long-duration, multi-day operational testing to ensure sustained ultralow performance

6. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Electrical safety testing and grounding verification
• Alarm function tests for high/low temperature alerts and power failure warnings

7. Final Quality Control and Documentation

• Multi-day runtime validation at -80°C
• Recording of temperature logs, compressor cycle data, and performance benchmarks
• Final inspection and service/testing report completed

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is your trusted source for refurbished ultralow freezers. Our certified refurbishment protocol ensures each ULT freezer delivers the precision, performance, and reliability your lab needs—at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

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.