VWR 1500E Gravity Convection Incubator, 1 Cu. Ft. – Used and Refurbished
The VWR 1500E Gravity Convection Incubator is a compact, general-purpose laboratory incubator designed for microbiological cultivation, routine sample incubation, educational research, and laboratory quality-control procedures. Featuring a 1 cu. ft. (28.3 L) chamber, an operating temperature range from 5°C above ambient to 70°C, and dependable gravity-convection heating, the VWR 1500E provides an economical solution for laboratories requiring consistent incubation temperatures without the complexity of larger environmental chambers.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the VWR 1500E is an excellent choice for laboratories with limited bench space, modest sample volumes, or occasional incubation requirements. Its straightforward hydraulic temperature controller, insulated chamber, and adjustable shelving make it particularly suitable for academic laboratories, microbiology departments, industrial testing facilities, and smaller research operations.
This particular incubator, AIE product code 3186F INC, includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Key Features
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Compact 1 cu. ft. (28.3 L) incubation chamber
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Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 70°C
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Temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C
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Gravity-convection heating without forced-air circulation
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Hydraulic temperature controller for straightforward operation
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Low-watt-density heating elements
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Insulated chamber designed to minimize heat loss
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Two adjustable shelves in the standard manufacturer configuration
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Adjustable shelf positions for different sample containers
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Silicone door gasket for a secure seal
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Positive-action door latch
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Light-colored interior finish for easier visual inspection
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Compact benchtop design
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Standard 115V electrical configuration available
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Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
VWR 1500E Incubator Overview
The VWR 1500E is part of the manufacturer's Economy Incubator series, developed for routine laboratory applications requiring reliable heating and uncomplicated temperature control.
Unlike larger incubators with programmable microprocessor controllers, the 1500E uses a hydraulic temperature controller to regulate chamber temperature. This simple design is well suited for laboratories that primarily require a stable incubation environment at a single temperature.
The incubator operates from approximately 5°C above the surrounding room temperature to 70°C, accommodating a broad range of microbiological and general laboratory procedures.
Its gravity-convection system relies on the natural movement of heated air throughout the chamber rather than a mechanical circulation fan. This provides gentle incubation conditions for routine samples while minimizing moving components.
The chamber is insulated to reduce heat loss and help maintain consistent internal temperatures.
A silicone door gasket and positive-action latch help maintain a secure seal during incubation.
The compact 1 cu. ft. chamber provides sufficient capacity for smaller sample batches, making the VWR 1500E particularly useful in laboratories where a large incubator would be unnecessary.
Common Applications
The VWR 1500E is suitable for general microbiology, bacterial cultivation, educational laboratory experiments, routine quality-control testing, and other applications requiring temperatures moderately above ambient.
Microbiology laboratories can use the incubator for cultivating selected bacterial and fungal cultures, provided the required temperature and environmental conditions are appropriate.
Academic institutions may use the VWR 1500E for student experiments, teaching laboratories, and introductory microbiology courses.
Industrial quality-control departments can use the incubator for routine sample conditioning and temperature-dependent testing.
Research laboratories may use it for selected biochemical reactions, microbiological assays, and other procedures requiring controlled heating.
The compact design also makes the VWR 1500E a useful secondary incubator for laboratories that need to maintain a separate temperature for a small group of samples.
For laboratories with broader equipment requirements, the VWR 1500E complements laboratory centrifuges for sample preparation, laboratory refrigerators for reagent storage, and laboratory freezers for temperature-sensitive materials.
Additional equipment is available through American Instrument Exchange's selection of used and refurbished laboratory incubators.
Gravity Convection & Gentle Incubation
One of the defining characteristics of the VWR 1500E is its gravity-convection heating system.
Gravity convection relies on the natural circulation of air as it warms and rises within the chamber. Cooler air moves downward, creating a gentle circulation pattern without requiring a mechanical fan.
This heating method is particularly suitable for routine incubation procedures where strong airflow is unnecessary.
Because the chamber does not use forced-air circulation, the VWR 1500E also avoids the additional air movement associated with mechanical-convection incubators.
The heating system uses low-watt-density heating elements designed to provide efficient and consistent heat distribution.
Manufacturer literature specifies temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C under defined operating conditions.
Actual performance depends on sample loading, shelf arrangement, ambient laboratory temperature, and the frequency of door openings.
For laboratories processing relatively small sample volumes, gravity convection provides a practical balance of simplicity, temperature control, and operating efficiency.
Hydraulic Temperature Control
The VWR 1500E incorporates a hydraulic temperature controller designed for straightforward adjustment and dependable operation.
Unlike the related VWR 1500EM, which features digital temperature control, the standard 1500E uses a conventional hydraulic regulation system.
This allows operators to establish an incubation temperature without navigating digital menus or programming sequences.
The temperature range extends from approximately 5°C above ambient to 70°C.
Because the controller is not a digital temperature-display system, laboratories requiring documented temperature readings should use an appropriate calibrated thermometer or independent monitoring probe.
For procedures requiring accurate temperature verification, the incubator should be allowed to stabilize before samples are introduced.
Routine temperature checks can help confirm that the chamber remains within the limits required by the laboratory's operating procedures.
The hydraulic controller is particularly appropriate for applications where a consistent setpoint is more important than programmable temperature profiles.
Chamber Construction & Insulation
The VWR 1500E features a compact, insulated chamber designed for routine laboratory operation.
Original VWR catalog literature describes a stainless steel chamber with a light-colored interior finish that helps operators identify spills and contamination.
The chamber is surrounded by approximately 2 inches of industrial fiberglass insulation to reduce heat loss and improve temperature stability.
A silicone door gasket provides a secure seal, while the positive-action latch helps maintain consistent door closure.
The incubator also incorporates a shielded heating-element arrangement intended to reduce exposure to accidental spills inside the chamber.
The standard configuration includes two adjustable shelves, allowing users to arrange sample containers at different heights.
Shelves can be repositioned to accommodate culture vessels, test tubes, sample bottles, and other laboratory containers.
The actual number of shelves included with this particular refurbished unit should be verified before purchase.
Sample Capacity & Laboratory Workflow
With a chamber capacity of 1 cu. ft. (28.3 L), the VWR 1500E is intended for relatively small incubation loads.
The compact chamber can accommodate selected culture dishes, test tubes, sample bottles, and small laboratory vessels.
Its adjustable shelving provides flexibility for different container sizes.
For best temperature uniformity, samples should be arranged to allow adequate natural air circulation.
Overloading the chamber or placing containers directly against the walls may interfere with heat distribution.
The VWR 1500E is particularly useful for laboratories that need a dedicated incubator for a specific temperature or research procedure.
For example, a microbiology laboratory may use a larger incubator for routine cultures while reserving the VWR 1500E for a smaller batch requiring a different temperature.
Its compact design makes it suitable for placement on a laboratory bench or other stable, appropriately ventilated surface.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The VWR 1500E is particularly well suited for academic teaching laboratories, microbiology research facilities, small biotechnology laboratories, industrial quality-control departments, and general-purpose laboratory environments.
Educational institutions benefit from the incubator's simple controls and manageable chamber capacity.
Smaller laboratories can use the unit for routine microbiological work without dedicating substantial bench space to a larger incubator.
Industrial facilities may use it for sample conditioning and selected quality-control procedures.
The VWR 1500E can also serve as an economical backup incubator for laboratories that need additional capacity during busy periods.
Because it is a conventional heated incubator, the VWR 1500E does not provide refrigeration, CO₂ regulation, or independent humidity control.
Laboratories requiring those capabilities should select equipment specifically designed for their application.
VWR 1500E Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
VWR |
| Model |
1500E |
| Product Series |
Economy Incubator |
| AIE Product Code |
3186F INC |
| Equipment Type |
General-Purpose Gravity Convection Incubator |
| Chamber Capacity |
1.0 cu. ft. (28.3 L) |
| Temperature Range |
Ambient +5°C to 70°C |
| Temperature Uniformity |
±0.5°C at 37°C |
| Heating Method |
Low-watt-density electrical heating elements |
| Air Circulation |
Gravity convection |
| Temperature Controller |
Hydraulic |
| Digital Temperature Display |
No; standard 1500E uses hydraulic control |
| Chamber Interior |
Stainless steel construction with light-colored finish described in original catalog |
| Chamber Insulation |
Approximately 2" industrial fiberglass |
| Door Gasket |
Silicone |
| Door Closure |
Positive-action latch |
| Standard Shelves |
2 adjustable shelves |
| Shelves Included with AIE Unit |
Not specified; verify |
| Interior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
12" × 12" × 12" |
| Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
Approximately 17" × 17.5" × 19.5" per original VWR catalog |
| Electrical Requirements |
115V, 50/60 Hz configuration; verify nameplate |
| Rated Power |
Approximately 330 W |
| Manufacturer Published Shipping Weight |
Approximately 53 lb. |
| Refrigeration |
No |
| CO₂ Control |
No |
| Independent Humidity Control |
No |
| Warranty |
90 days through American Instrument Exchange |
Specifications compiled from original VWR catalog literature, distributor technical references, and American Instrument Exchange product information. The actual included shelves, electrical configuration, and equipment dimensions should be confirmed for this individual unit.
Refurbishment & Testing by American Instrument Exchange
The VWR 1500E is offered used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange.
AIE technicians inspect and evaluate refurbished laboratory incubators to verify their suitability for continued laboratory use.
The refurbishment process includes inspection of the cabinet, door gasket, latch, shelves, heating system, and temperature-control components.
The chamber is cleaned, and worn or malfunctioning components are repaired or replaced as necessary.
Temperature performance is evaluated using calibrated monitoring equipment to confirm that the incubator can maintain appropriate operating conditions.
For the VWR 1500E, particular attention is given to the hydraulic temperature controller, heating response, and chamber temperature stability.
The unit is prepared for shipment following testing and final inspection.
All refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange include a 90-day warranty unless otherwise specified.
Shipping & Installation
The VWR 1500E's compact benchtop design makes it relatively easy to integrate into existing laboratory workspaces.
The incubator should be positioned on a stable, level surface with sufficient clearance for ventilation and access to the door.
A suitable electrical outlet must be available, and the equipment nameplate should be checked before connecting power.
After installation, the incubator should be allowed to stabilize at the desired operating temperature before samples are introduced.
Laboratories requiring documented temperature performance should verify chamber conditions using an independent calibrated thermometer or temperature recorder.
American Instrument Exchange can provide shipping arrangements and assistance identifying suitable replacement equipment when needed.
VWR 1500E Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VWR 1500E incubator used for?
The VWR 1500E is designed for routine microbiological cultivation, educational laboratory experiments, sample conditioning, and general-purpose incubation requiring temperatures above ambient.
What is the capacity of the VWR 1500E?
The incubator provides 1 cu. ft., or approximately 28.3 liters, of chamber capacity.
What is the temperature range of the VWR 1500E?
The incubator operates from approximately 5°C above ambient laboratory temperature to 70°C.
Does the VWR 1500E use gravity convection?
Yes. The VWR 1500E relies on natural air circulation rather than a mechanical circulation fan.
Does the VWR 1500E have a digital temperature controller?
No. The standard VWR 1500E uses a hydraulic temperature controller. The related VWR 1500EM model features digital temperature control.
How accurate is the VWR 1500E?
Manufacturer specifications indicate temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.5°C at 37°C. Actual performance depends on operating conditions and chamber loading.
How many shelves does the VWR 1500E have?
The original manufacturer configuration includes two adjustable shelves. The number included with this particular refurbished unit should be verified.
Can the VWR 1500E maintain 37°C?
Yes, provided the surrounding laboratory temperature is sufficiently below the selected setpoint. The incubator is suitable for many routine procedures requiring 37°C incubation.
Does the VWR 1500E have refrigeration?
No. The VWR 1500E is a heated incubator and cannot maintain temperatures below ambient laboratory conditions.
Does the VWR 1500E control CO₂ or humidity?
No. The VWR 1500E does not provide independent CO₂ or humidity regulation. It is intended for general-purpose heated incubation.
What are the interior dimensions of the VWR 1500E?
Original VWR catalog literature specifies interior dimensions of approximately 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches high.
What electrical supply does the VWR 1500E require?
The commonly documented North American configuration uses 115V power and is rated at approximately 330 watts. The equipment nameplate should be checked to confirm the electrical configuration of this particular unit.
Is this VWR 1500E refurbished?
Yes. The VWR 1500E offered by American Instrument Exchange is used and refurbished. AIE technicians inspect, clean, and test the incubator to verify heating performance and temperature stability. Necessary repairs are performed before shipment, and the equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
