Thermo Scientific TLE60086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

Thermo Scientific TLE60086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer (Refurbished)

The Thermo Scientific TLE60086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer is a large-capacity upright -80°C freezer designed for dependable long-term storage of biological samples, research materials, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive laboratory products. With 28.8 cubic feet (816 liters) of internal capacity and storage space for up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the TLE60086A provides substantial sample storage for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, academic, and research laboratories.

Operating over a temperature range of -50°C to -86°C, the Thermo TLE60086A combines proven ultra-low temperature refrigeration with a spacious stainless steel interior, multiple storage compartments, adjustable shelving, and laboratory-focused monitoring and alarm features. The large 600-box configuration makes this freezer particularly useful for laboratories that need to consolidate significant sample inventories into a single upright ULT freezer.

For laboratories looking for a reliable alternative to the cost of purchasing a new ultra-low freezer, a refurbished Thermo Scientific TLE60086A from American Instrument Exchange provides substantial storage capacity and proven Thermo cold-storage technology at a significantly lower acquisition cost. Each freezer is inspected, cleaned, performance tested, and supplied with a 90-day warranty.

Thermo Scientific TLE60086A Key Features

• Thermo Scientific TLE Series ultra-low temperature freezer

• Model TLE60086A

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

• Holds up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

• Operating temperature range of -50°C to -86°C

• Designed for long-term -80°C biological sample storage

• Upright configuration maximizes storage while conserving laboratory floor space

• Stainless steel interior

• Four insulated inner compartments

• Three adjustable shelves

• Maximum shelf loading of approximately 245 lbs.

• Advanced microprocessor control and monitoring system

• Audible and visual alarm protection

• Remote alarm capability

• Natural refrigerants

• Water-blown foam insulation

• Heavy-duty locking outer door

• 115V, 60Hz electrical configuration

• NEMA 5-20 plug

• Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included

Overview

The Thermo Scientific TLE60086A was designed for laboratories that require large-scale ultra-low temperature storage without sacrificing convenient access to individual sample inventories. With 28.8 cubic feet of internal space and capacity for as many as 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the TLE60086A can accommodate tens of thousands of cryovials when configured with appropriate freezer racks and storage boxes.

This capacity makes the freezer especially attractive for growing biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, biobanks, core facilities, university research programs, and other organizations maintaining substantial collections of biological samples.

The upright cabinet provides high-density sample storage while occupying considerably less floor space than multiple smaller freezers. Internal compartments and adjustable shelving allow laboratories to organize samples by project, researcher, sample type, study, or storage duration while limiting unnecessary exposure of the entire cabinet during routine sample retrieval.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific TLE60086A is commonly used for long-term storage of DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, antibodies, cell lines, tissue samples, serum, plasma, bacterial cultures, viral samples, research specimens, pharmaceutical compounds, clinical research materials, and other biological products requiring ultra-low temperature preservation.

Its large capacity also makes the TLE60086A particularly useful for biobanking, longitudinal research studies, pharmaceutical development, genomics and proteomics research, cell biology, molecular biology, translational research, and centralized sample repositories.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The TLE60086A is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, academic research facilities, biobanks, hospital research laboratories, clinical research organizations, university core facilities, molecular biology laboratories, genomics laboratories, cell biology groups, government research facilities, and other organizations maintaining large inventories of valuable frozen samples.

For rapidly growing laboratories, the 600-box format also provides room to expand sample collections without immediately adding another ultra-low freezer.

Performance & Temperature Uniformity

The Thermo Scientific TLE60086A provides an adjustable operating range from -50°C to -86°C, allowing laboratories to select an appropriate setpoint for their storage requirements. For many long-term biological storage applications, the freezer is operated near -80°C.

The refrigeration system is designed to maintain stable ultra-low temperatures while recovering from routine sample access. Insulated inner compartments help reduce cold-air loss when the exterior door is opened, allowing users to access a portion of the freezer without exposing the entire sample inventory directly to ambient laboratory air.

Proper organization can further improve freezer performance. Frequently accessed samples should be placed in locations that minimize door-open time, while racks and cryoboxes should be clearly labeled so researchers can retrieve materials efficiently.

Sample Storage Recommendations

With capacity for up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the TLE60086A can support very large sample collections. Depending on the cryobox configuration, a fully populated freezer can accommodate approximately 60,000 cryovials when using 100-place boxes.

Typical materials stored in the TLE60086A include:

• Cell lines and cell banks

• DNA and RNA samples

• Proteins and enzymes

• Antibodies

• Serum and plasma

• Tissue specimens

• Microbial cultures

• Pharmaceutical research compounds

• Clinical research samples

• Biobank specimens

• Long-term archived research materials

For valuable or irreplaceable sample collections, laboratories should maintain independent temperature monitoring, appropriate alarm notification procedures, and a documented emergency response plan in the event of a freezer malfunction or power failure.

Thermo Scientific TLE60086A Specifications

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

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

The Thermo Scientific TLE Series was developed as a more efficient generation of ultra-low temperature storage compared with many earlier cascade-refrigeration ULT freezers. Natural refrigerants and modern insulation help reduce environmental impact while supporting dependable ultra-low temperature operation.

For laboratories replacing older -80°C freezers, improved efficiency can have benefits beyond direct electrical consumption. Every kilowatt-hour consumed by an ultra-low freezer ultimately contributes heat to the surrounding laboratory, which must then be removed by the building HVAC system. A more efficient ULT freezer can therefore help reduce both electrical demand and laboratory cooling requirements.

Actual operating costs will vary based on ambient temperature, freezer setpoint, loading, door-opening frequency, condenser condition, and preventive maintenance.

Refurbishment & Testing Process

Every Thermo Scientific TLE60086A ultra-low freezer refurbished by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and testing process before shipment. Our technicians inspect the refrigeration system, compressors, condenser, control system, temperature probes, alarms, door seals, inner doors, shelving, cabinet hardware, and overall freezer condition.

The freezer is thoroughly cleaned and operated at ultra-low temperature while its performance is monitored using calibrated digital temperature measurement equipment. Our technicians verify that the freezer reaches its operating setpoint, maintains ultra-low temperatures, and operates properly before it is released for shipment.

Components are repaired or replaced when necessary, providing laboratories with a professionally refurbished ULT freezer that can deliver substantial savings compared with purchasing comparable new equipment.

Shipping & Installation Considerations

The TLE60086A is a large and heavy ultra-low freezer, with a shipping weight of approximately 820 lbs. Laboratories should verify loading docks, doorways, elevators, hallways, turns, and final installation clearances before delivery.

The cabinet measures approximately 39.6"W × 37.8"D × 78"H. Because the freezer requires a 115V, 60Hz, 20A circuit with a NEMA 5-20 receptacle, laboratories should verify that the appropriate dedicated electrical service is available at the installation location before delivery.

Adequate ventilation around the freezer is also important. Ultra-low freezers reject heat into the surrounding room, so sufficient HVAC capacity and clearance around the cabinet should be provided to maintain reliable performance.

After installation, the freezer should be allowed to reach and stabilize at the desired operating temperature before valuable samples are transferred into the chamber.

Related Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories purchasing the Thermo Scientific TLE60086A frequently require laboratory refrigerators and laboratory freezers for routine reagent and sample storage, cryogenic storage systems for long-term liquid nitrogen preservation, centrifuges for sample processing, biosafety cabinets for aseptic and containment workflows, and CO₂ incubators for cell culture applications.

American Instrument Exchange offers refurbished equipment across these categories, allowing laboratories to equip or expand complete sample preparation, cell culture, and cold-storage workflows while reducing capital equipment costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many samples can the Thermo Scientific TLE60086A hold?

The TLE60086A is designed to accommodate up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes. When using 100-place boxes, that represents a theoretical maximum of approximately 60,000 cryovials, although actual capacity will depend on the racks, boxes, and vial format used.

What is the temperature range of the TLE60086A?

The Thermo Scientific TLE60086A operates from approximately -50°C to -86°C. It can therefore be used at the -80°C setpoints commonly required for long-term biological sample preservation.

What is the difference between the Thermo TLE60086A and TSX60086A?

Both are large-capacity Thermo Scientific ultra-low freezers with approximately 28.8 cubic feet of storage and 600-box capacity. The TLE Series is best positioned as a dependable, high-capacity ULT platform, while the TSX Series adds Thermo's V-drive variable-speed compressor technology and places greater emphasis on energy efficiency, noise reduction, advanced performance, and monitoring features. For laboratories primarily concerned with dependable -80°C storage and acquisition cost, a refurbished TLE60086A can represent an excellent value.

Does the TLE60086A require 208–230V power?

No. The TLE60086A is the 115V, 60Hz version and requires a 20A circuit with a NEMA 5-20 receptacle. Thermo also produced higher-voltage configurations of the TLE Series, so laboratories should always verify the model suffix and electrical requirements before purchasing.

Why is 600-box capacity useful for a growing laboratory?

A 600-box ULT freezer allows a laboratory to consolidate a very large sample inventory into a single cabinet while retaining room for future collections. This can reduce the floor space, electrical connections, maintenance requirements, and monitoring infrastructure associated with operating several smaller ultra-low freezers.

How is a refurbished Thermo TLE60086A tested before shipment?

American Instrument Exchange inspects the refrigeration system, compressors, controls, temperature probes, alarms, door seals, inner doors, shelving, and overall cabinet condition. The freezer is then operated at ultra-low temperature and monitored with calibrated digital temperature equipment to verify that it reaches and maintains the required operating temperature before shipment.