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VWR 1546 General Purpose Incubator
Reliable temperature control is essential for microbiology, pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing, food safety analysis, and countless routine laboratory procedures. The VWR 1546 General Purpose Incubator combines a spacious 10.8 cubic foot (306-liter) chamber with precise digital temperature control to provide uniform incubation conditions for laboratories processing high sample volumes. Its large-capacity interior, heated outer door, and microprocessor-based control system make it well suited for research, production, and quality assurance laboratories requiring dependable, repeatable incubation performance.
Designed to operate from Ambient +8°C to 70°C, the VWR 1546 utilizes a warm-air jacket heating system that delivers exceptional temperature uniformity without circulating air directly over laboratory samples. Five strategically positioned heating elements—including a heated outer door—maintain consistent chamber temperatures while minimizing condensation and reducing sample dehydration. Purchasing a refurbished VWR 1546 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with premium laboratory incubation equipment at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
VWR 1546 General Purpose Incubator Key Features
Large 306 L (10.8 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Temperature range from Ambient +8°C to 70°C
Temperature uniformity of ±0.35°C at 37°C
Digital microprocessor temperature controller
Warm-air jacket heating system
Five strategically placed heating elements
Heated outer door to minimize condensation
Stainless steel chamber
Triple-wall insulated cabinet construction
Independent over-temperature protection
Six adjustable shelves included (twelve maximum)
Interior accessory outlet
Viewing window for sample observation
120 V, 50/60 Hz operation
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for High-Capacity Laboratory Incubation
The VWR 1546 was engineered for laboratories that routinely process large numbers of microbiological cultures, pharmaceutical quality control samples, environmental specimens, and research materials. Its 306-liter chamber provides generous capacity for Petri dishes, media bottles, culture tubes, flasks, stability samples, and production testing while maintaining outstanding temperature consistency throughout the chamber.
Rather than relying on a fan to circulate heated air directly over laboratory samples, the incubator employs a warm-air jacket design that distributes heat through the walls surrounding the chamber. This approach provides excellent temperature uniformity while reducing the risk of cross-contamination and minimizing the drying effects often associated with forced-air circulation.
Common Applications
The VWR 1546 General Purpose Incubator is commonly used for:
Microbiology laboratories
Bacterial culture
Yeast and fungal culture
Pharmaceutical quality control
Food safety testing
Environmental testing
Water quality analysis
Stability studies
Clinical laboratories
University research
Industrial quality assurance
General laboratory incubation
Many laboratories pair the VWR 1546 with biosafety cabinets for aseptic sample preparation, centrifuges for sample processing, laboratory refrigerators for reagent storage, and ultra-low freezers for long-term sample preservation.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The VWR 1546 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, universities, environmental testing laboratories, food and beverage quality control facilities, government laboratories, and industrial research organizations requiring dependable, high-capacity incubation.
Its spacious chamber and excellent temperature uniformity also make it an excellent choice for laboratories processing multiple projects simultaneously or incubating larger production batches where consistency and repeatability are essential.
Warm-Air Jacket Design for Outstanding Temperature Uniformity
The VWR 1546 utilizes a precision digital microprocessor controller together with a unique warm-air jacket heating system that surrounds the chamber with evenly distributed heat. Five independently positioned heating elements—including a heated outer door—help maintain outstanding temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.35°C at 37°C while reducing condensation on the viewing window. Unlike conventional fan-driven incubators, the warm-air jacket design minimizes direct airflow across laboratory samples, helping reduce evaporation and creating stable incubation conditions for sensitive microbiological and quality control applications. Triple-wall cabinet construction further improves thermal efficiency and promotes rapid temperature recovery following routine door openings.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The 163-liter (5.8 cubic foot) chamber of the VWR 1546 provides generous capacity for laboratories processing moderate to high volumes of microbiological cultures, pharmaceutical quality control samples, environmental specimens, and research materials. The spacious interior accommodates Petri dishes, agar plates, culture tubes, media bottles, Erlenmeyer flasks, environmental samples, and other laboratory containers requiring stable, repeatable incubation conditions.
The incubator includes three adjustable stainless steel shelves and supports up to twelve shelf positions, allowing laboratories to configure the chamber for a wide variety of sample sizes and workflows. For optimum temperature uniformity, samples should be distributed evenly throughout the chamber with sufficient clearance around shelves and chamber walls. Proper spacing allows the warm-air jacket heating system to maintain consistent temperatures while minimizing temperature gradients throughout the chamber.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The VWR 1546 was engineered to deliver dependable incubation performance while minimizing energy consumption and operating costs. Its triple-wall insulated cabinet and warm-air jacket heating system retain heat efficiently, reducing energy usage while promoting rapid temperature recovery following routine door openings.
Unlike conventional fan-driven incubators, the warm-air jacket design surrounds the chamber with evenly distributed heat, reducing direct airflow across laboratory samples. This helps minimize evaporation from culture media while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity. The heated outer door further reduces condensation on the viewing window, allowing users to monitor samples without disturbing chamber conditions. Combined with its durable stainless steel chamber and digital microprocessor controls, the VWR 1546 provides years of reliable operation with minimal maintenance.
VWR 1546 General Purpose Incubator Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
VWR
Model
1546
Incubator Type
General Purpose Laboratory Incubator
Chamber Capacity
163 L (5.8 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +8°C to 70°C
Temperature Uniformity
±0.35°C at 37°C
Heating System
Warm-Air Jacket with Five Heating Elements
Controller
Digital Microprocessor
Chamber Material
Stainless Steel
Interior Dimensions
19.2" W × 20.0" D × 25.7" H
Exterior Dimensions
25.5" W × 27.3" D × 38.0" H
Shelves Included
3 adjustable stainless steel shelves
Maximum Shelf Positions
12
Viewing Window
Heated outer door with glass viewing window
Interior Accessory Outlet
Yes
Safety Features
Independent over-temperature protection
Cabinet Construction
Triple-wall insulated
Electrical Requirements
120 V, 50/60 Hz, 700 W, 4.5 A
Approximate Weight
162 lb (74 kg)
Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on production date or factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.
VWR 1546 General Purpose Incubator Frequently Asked Questions
What applications is the VWR 1546 designed for?
The VWR 1546 is designed for microbiology, pharmaceutical quality control, food safety testing, environmental analysis, water quality testing, stability studies, clinical laboratories, and general laboratory incubation requiring dependable temperature control and medium-capacity sample storage.
What are the advantages of the warm-air jacket heating system?
The warm-air jacket surrounds the chamber with evenly distributed heat rather than blowing heated air directly over samples. This design improves temperature uniformity, reduces evaporation from culture media, minimizes temperature fluctuations after door openings, and provides gentle heating for sensitive laboratory applications.
Can the VWR 1546 be used for mammalian cell culture?
No. The VWR 1546 is a general-purpose laboratory incubator and does not provide CO₂ concentration or humidity control required for mammalian cell culture. Tissue culture applications require a dedicated CO₂ incubator.
How much material can the incubator hold?
The 163-liter (5.8 cubic foot) chamber, three adjustable shelves, and twelve available shelf positions provide excellent flexibility for laboratories processing moderate to high sample volumes while allowing the chamber configuration to be customized for different container sizes.
Why is the outer door heated?
The heated outer door helps prevent condensation from forming on the viewing window, allowing users to observe samples without opening the chamber and helping maintain stable incubation temperatures.
Is the incubator easy to maintain?
Yes. The stainless steel chamber, removable shelves, smooth interior surfaces, and triple-wall insulated cabinet simplify routine cleaning and preventative maintenance while providing long-term durability.
What laboratories commonly use the VWR 1546?
The VWR 1546 is widely used in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, universities, environmental testing laboratories, food and beverage quality control facilities, industrial research organizations, and government laboratories.
Why purchase a refurbished VWR 1546 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished VWR 1546 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with dependable, medium-capacity incubation equipment at significant savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Combining a 163-liter chamber, warm-air jacket heating system, digital microprocessor controls, triple-wall insulated construction, and a durable stainless steel interior, the VWR 1546 is an excellent choice for microbiology, pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing, and routine laboratory incubation. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty for added confidence.
Click Hereto see the VWR 1546 incubator on the American Instrument Exchange YouTube channel.
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.
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.
