VWR Gravity Convection Incubator Model 89511-422

Brand : VWR

Product Code : SKU 3134F INC

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VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator (Model 89511-422)

Reliable temperature control is essential for microbiology, quality control, environmental testing, pharmaceutical research, and countless routine laboratory procedures. The VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator (Model 89511-422) was designed to provide highly uniform heating in a spacious 194-liter (6.85 cubic foot) chamber while using gentle natural air circulation to minimize sample drying. Combining precise microprocessor temperature control, a durable stainless steel chamber, and an efficient gravity convection heating system, the 89511-422 offers dependable performance for laboratories requiring accurate incubation across a wide range of applications.

Unlike forced-air incubators that continuously circulate heated air with an internal fan, the VWR 89511-422 relies on gravity convection, allowing warm air to rise naturally through the chamber. This gentle airflow reduces evaporation of agar media and liquid samples while maintaining excellent temperature stability and uniformity. Operating from Ambient +5°C to 75°C, the incubator is well suited for microbiological cultures, environmental testing, food safety, pharmaceutical quality control, stability studies, and general laboratory warming. Purchasing a refurbished VWR 89511-422 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with dependable laboratory incubation equipment at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.

VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator Key Features

194 L (6.85 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Gravity convection heating system
Temperature range from Ambient +5°C to 75°C
Microprocessor temperature controller
Temperature stability of ±0.2°C at 37°C
Temperature uniformity of ±0.6°C at 37°C
Temperature setting resolution of 0.1°C
Stainless steel interior chamber
Powder-coated steel exterior
Full-view inner glass observation door
Adjustable shelving system
Rear access port for probes and monitoring equipment
Approximately 35-minute heat-up time to 37°C
Approximately 4-minute recovery time to 37°C
Stackable cabinet design
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Reliable Laboratory Incubation

The VWR 89511-422 was developed for laboratories requiring dependable, repeatable incubation temperatures across a broad range of microbiological and general laboratory applications. Its 194-liter chamber provides generous capacity for Petri dishes, culture tubes, media bottles, Erlenmeyer flasks, environmental samples, and quality control materials while maintaining highly consistent temperature throughout the chamber.

The gravity convection heating system promotes gentle natural airflow without mechanical circulation, making the incubator particularly well suited for agar plates and other samples that can lose moisture under forced-air conditions. Combined with precise electronic controls and rapid temperature recovery, the incubator supports reproducible laboratory workflows while minimizing unnecessary sample disturbance.

Common Applications

The VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator is commonly used for:

Microbiology laboratories
Bacterial culture
Yeast and fungal culture
Water quality testing
Environmental microbiology
Food safety testing
Pharmaceutical quality control
Clinical microbiology
Culture media incubation
Stability testing
Seed germination
General laboratory warming
Educational laboratory instruction

Its combination of stable temperature control and gentle gravity convection heating makes it an excellent choice for laboratories requiring consistent incubation without excessive airflow.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The VWR 89511-422 is well suited for microbiology laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers, food and beverage testing facilities, environmental laboratories, universities, hospitals, industrial quality control departments, and government research laboratories.

Because gravity convection minimizes drying while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity, this incubator is especially valuable for laboratories performing prolonged microbiological incubation or routine quality control procedures involving agar plates and moisture-sensitive samples.

Temperature Uniformity and Gravity Convection Performance

The VWR 89511-422 utilizes a gravity convection heating system designed to maintain highly stable incubation temperatures through natural air circulation. Operating over a range of Ambient +5°C to 75°C, the incubator achieves temperature stability of approximately ±0.2°C and chamber uniformity of approximately ±0.6°C at 37°C, providing dependable environmental conditions for routine laboratory testing. The microprocessor controller maintains temperature with 0.1°C setting resolution, while recovery to operating temperature following routine door openings typically occurs in approximately 4 minutes.

The insulated cabinet and full-view inner glass door reduce heat loss during sample observation, helping maintain consistent chamber conditions while minimizing disruptions to ongoing incubation cycles.

Laboratory-Friendly Design

The spacious stainless steel chamber was designed to maximize usable incubation space while simplifying routine cleaning and maintenance. Adjustable shelving allows laboratories to organize a wide variety of sample containers, while the rear access port permits routing of temperature probes, monitoring sensors, or data logger cables without compromising chamber performance.

The stackable cabinet design provides flexibility for laboratories expanding incubation capacity, and the straightforward gravity convection heating system eliminates the maintenance associated with internal circulation fans while delivering quiet, reliable operation. The result is a dependable laboratory incubator suitable for years of routine microbiological and quality control use.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The 194-liter (6.85 cubic foot) chamber of the VWR 89511-422 provides ample space for routine microbiological and laboratory incubation. The incubator easily accommodates Petri dishes, agar plates, culture tubes, media bottles, Erlenmeyer flasks, environmental samples, pharmaceutical quality control materials, and other laboratory containers requiring stable temperature conditions.

The adjustable shelving system allows laboratories to configure the chamber for a variety of sample sizes while maintaining proper airflow. To achieve the best temperature uniformity, samples should be distributed evenly throughout the chamber with adequate spacing between shelves and chamber walls. Avoid overcrowding the chamber, as unrestricted natural air circulation is essential for maintaining consistent gravity convection performance.

Because gravity convection produces gentle, fan-free airflow, the VWR 89511-422 is particularly well suited for agar plates and microbiological cultures that may be susceptible to drying in mechanical convection incubators.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The VWR 89511-422 utilizes a gravity convection heating system that operates without an internal circulation fan. This simple design reduces mechanical complexity, minimizes maintenance requirements, and provides dependable, quiet operation while consuming less energy than many mechanically ventilated incubators.

The insulated cabinet helps maintain stable chamber temperatures during continuous operation, while the stainless steel interior resists corrosion and simplifies routine cleaning. The microprocessor controller automatically regulates chamber temperature with minimal operator intervention, reducing day-to-day maintenance requirements.

For laboratories performing routine incubation, environmental testing, food safety analysis, or pharmaceutical quality control, the VWR 89511-422 offers dependable performance with low long-term operating costs.

VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator (Model 89511-422) Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	VWR
Model	89511-422
Incubator Type	Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator
Chamber Capacity	194 L (6.85 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range	Ambient +5°C to 75°C
Temperature Stability	±0.2°C at 37°C
Temperature Uniformity	±0.6°C at 37°C
Temperature Resolution	0.1°C
Heating System	Gravity Convection
Chamber Material	Stainless Steel
Interior Dimensions	18.3" W × 23.2" D × 30.0" H
Exterior Dimensions	25.2" W × 29.1" D × 38.4" H
Shelves	2 supplied; adjustable
Shelf Positions	19
Electrical Requirements	120 V, 60 Hz, 720 W
Approximate Weight	143 lb (65 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 Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a gravity convection incubator?

Gravity convection incubators use the natural movement of heated air rather than an internal circulation fan. This creates gentler airflow that helps reduce evaporation and drying of agar media while providing highly uniform incubation temperatures for routine laboratory applications.

What types of samples are commonly incubated in the VWR 89511-422?

The incubator is commonly used for agar plates, bacterial cultures, fungal cultures, yeast cultures, environmental samples, pharmaceutical quality control materials, food testing samples, culture media, water quality testing, and other laboratory specimens requiring controlled heating.

Is this incubator suitable for mammalian cell culture?

No. The VWR 89511-422 is a general-purpose laboratory incubator and does not provide CO₂ control or high-humidity regulation required for mammalian cell culture. Laboratories performing cell culture should instead use a dedicated CO₂ incubator.

How does the internal glass door improve performance?

The full-view inner glass door allows users to inspect samples without opening the insulated exterior door, reducing heat loss and improving temperature recovery during routine observations.

How many shelves can the incubator accommodate?

The incubator includes two adjustable shelves and offers 19 shelf positions, allowing laboratories to configure the chamber for a wide variety of sample containers and experimental workflows.

Is the VWR 89511-422 appropriate for pharmaceutical and quality control laboratories?

Yes. Its excellent temperature stability, gravity convection heating, and broad operating temperature range make it well suited for pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental testing, food safety laboratories, industrial quality control, and educational laboratories.

What are the advantages of gravity convection over mechanical convection?

Gravity convection provides quieter operation, lower maintenance requirements, and gentler airflow that helps minimize sample dehydration. These characteristics make it particularly beneficial for microbiological cultures and agar-based applications.

Why purchase a refurbished VWR 89511-422 from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished VWR 89511-422 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with dependable laboratory incubation equipment at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Combining a 194-liter chamber, gravity convection heating, excellent temperature stability, and a durable stainless steel interior, this incubator delivers reliable performance for microbiology, environmental testing, pharmaceutical quality control, and general laboratory applications. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty for added confidence.

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.

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.