VWR 4 Cu. Ft. General Purpose Incubator

Brand : VWR

Product Code : SKU 3134E INC

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VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator (Model 89511-420)

Reliable incubation begins with consistent temperature control. The VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator (Model 89511-420) is designed to provide stable, uniform heating for microbiology, pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing, food science, and routine laboratory applications. Featuring a 117-liter (4.0 cubic foot) chamber, precision microprocessor controls, and a gravity convection heating system, this incubator creates an ideal environment for laboratories requiring dependable performance while minimizing sample dehydration. Its compact footprint makes it an excellent choice for laboratories seeking high-capacity incubation without sacrificing valuable bench or floor space.

Unlike mechanical convection incubators that rely on circulating fans, the VWR 89511-420 uses gravity convection, allowing warm air to circulate naturally throughout the chamber. This gentle airflow minimizes evaporation from agar plates and other moisture-sensitive samples while maintaining outstanding temperature stability and uniformity. Operating from Ambient +5°C to 75°C, the incubator is suitable for microbiological cultures, quality assurance testing, media preparation, environmental monitoring, and numerous general laboratory heating applications. Purchasing a refurbished VWR 89511-420 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with dependable laboratory equipment at significant savings compared with purchasing new equipment.

VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator Key Features

117 L (4.0 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Gravity convection heating system
Temperature range from Ambient +5°C to 75°C
PID 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
Two adjustable perforated stainless steel shelves included
Nineteen shelf positions
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 89511-420 was engineered for laboratories requiring accurate, repeatable temperature control across a broad range of routine incubation applications. Its 117-liter chamber provides ample space for Petri dishes, culture tubes, media bottles, Erlenmeyer flasks, environmental samples, and quality control materials while maintaining excellent chamber uniformity.

The gravity convection heating system naturally circulates warm air throughout the chamber without the use of an internal fan. This minimizes unnecessary air movement, helping reduce evaporation and preserving sample integrity during prolonged incubation. Combined with precision PID controls and rapid recovery following door openings, the incubator delivers dependable performance for busy laboratory environments.

Common Applications

The VWR 89511-420 is commonly used for:

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

Its broad operating temperature range and gravity convection heating make it suitable for both routine microbiological incubation and general laboratory heating applications.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The VWR 89511-420 is well suited for pharmaceutical laboratories, biotechnology companies, food and beverage testing facilities, environmental laboratories, universities, hospitals, industrial quality control departments, and government research laboratories.

Laboratories that routinely incubate agar plates or moisture-sensitive samples often prefer gravity convection incubators because the gentle natural airflow minimizes drying while maintaining highly uniform chamber temperatures.

Temperature Uniformity and Gravity Convection Performance

The VWR 89511-420 utilizes gravity convection heating to provide stable incubation temperatures with minimal sample disturbance. Operating over a temperature 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, helping ensure reproducible results across a wide range of laboratory applications. The PID controller maintains precise temperature regulation with 0.1°C resolution, while the insulated cabinet and internal glass door reduce heat loss during routine sample observation. Recovery to operating temperature following door openings typically occurs in approximately 4 minutes, supporting efficient laboratory workflows.

Laboratory-Friendly Design

Designed for everyday laboratory use, the VWR 89511-420 combines durable construction with practical features that simplify operation. The stainless steel chamber features rounded interior corners for easy cleaning, while the adjustable shelving system provides flexibility for a variety of sample sizes. A rear access port allows probes and monitoring equipment to be routed into the chamber without compromising temperature control, and the stackable cabinet design enables laboratories to expand incubation capacity while conserving valuable floor space. The result is a dependable gravity convection incubator built to provide years of reliable laboratory service.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The 117-liter (4.0 cubic foot) chamber of the VWR 89511-420 provides ample space for routine microbiological incubation and general laboratory applications. The chamber accommodates Petri dishes, agar plates, culture tubes, media bottles, Erlenmeyer flasks, environmental samples, food testing materials, pharmaceutical quality control samples, and other laboratory containers requiring consistent temperature control.

Two adjustable stainless steel shelves and 19 available shelf positions allow laboratories to configure the chamber for a variety of vessel sizes while maintaining proper airflow. For optimal temperature uniformity, samples should be evenly distributed throughout the chamber with sufficient clearance between shelves and chamber walls. Avoid overcrowding the chamber, as unrestricted natural airflow is essential for achieving consistent gravity convection performance.

Because the incubator relies on gentle natural convection rather than forced-air circulation, it is particularly well suited for agar plates and moisture-sensitive microbiological cultures that can dry more rapidly in mechanical convection incubators.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The VWR 89511-420 utilizes a gravity convection heating system that operates without an internal circulation fan, reducing mechanical complexity and minimizing routine maintenance. This simple design provides dependable temperature control while consuming less energy than many mechanically ventilated incubators and operates quietly in busy laboratory environments.

The insulated cabinet helps maintain stable chamber temperatures during continuous operation, while the corrosion-resistant stainless steel interior simplifies routine cleaning and long-term maintenance. The PID microprocessor controller continuously regulates chamber temperature with minimal operator intervention, contributing to dependable performance and low operating costs throughout the life of the incubator.

For laboratories requiring reliable incubation without the added maintenance of mechanical airflow systems, the VWR 89511-420 offers an economical solution for daily laboratory operation.

VWR Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator (Model 89511-420) Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	VWR
Model	89511-420
Incubator Type	Gravity Convection General Purpose Incubator
Chamber Capacity	117 L (4.0 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 × 16.3" D × 23.9" H
Exterior Dimensions	25.0" W × 22.0" D × 32.0" H
Shelves	2 supplied; adjustable
Shelf Positions	19
Electrical Requirements	120 V, 60 Hz
Approximate Weight	136.7 lb (62 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 instead of a mechanical convection model?

Gravity convection incubators rely on the natural movement of heated air rather than an internal circulation fan. This creates gentler airflow that helps minimize evaporation and sample drying while providing highly uniform temperatures for routine microbiological and laboratory applications.

What types of samples are commonly incubated in the VWR 89511-420?

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

Can the VWR 89511-420 be used for mammalian cell culture?

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

How does the internal glass door improve performance?

The full-view inner glass door allows laboratory personnel to observe samples without opening the insulated exterior door, reducing heat loss and helping maintain stable chamber temperatures during routine inspections.

How flexible is the shelving system?

The incubator includes two adjustable stainless steel shelves and offers 19 shelf positions, allowing laboratories to configure the chamber for a wide range of sample containers while maximizing usable incubation space.

Is the VWR 89511-420 appropriate for quality control laboratories?

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

What advantages does gravity convection offer for microbiological applications?

Gravity convection provides gentle natural airflow that reduces dehydration of agar media and minimizes disturbance of lightweight cultures while maintaining excellent chamber temperature uniformity.

Why purchase a refurbished VWR 89511-420 from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished VWR 89511-420 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with dependable laboratory incubation equipment at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Combining a 117-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.