VWR Ultralow Freezer VWR60086FA

Brand : VWR

Product Code : SKU 2547PP FREEZER

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VWR60086FA Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

In many laboratories, the most valuable asset isn't the equipment—it's what's stored inside it. Whether preserving cell lines, clinical trial materials, DNA libraries, or years of research, dependable ultra-low temperature storage protects irreplaceable samples while helping research move forward without interruption. The VWR60086FA Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer was engineered to provide reliable long-term storage at temperatures as low as -86°C, combining high-capacity sample storage with modern refrigeration technology designed for today's research laboratories.

With 28.8 cubic feet (816 liters) of storage capacity and space for up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboes, the VWR60086FA is an excellent solution for universities, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, and biorepositories requiring dependable ultra-low temperature preservation. Laboratories building a complete cold storage program often pair ultralow freezers with laboratory refrigerators for daily reagent storage and -30°C laboratory freezers for materials that do not require -80°C preservation.

VWR60086FA Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Features

28.8 cu. ft. (816 L) storage capacity
Stores up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes
Adjustable operating temperature from -50°C to -86°C
H-Drive™ hydrocarbon refrigeration technology
Manual defrost operation
Microprocessor temperature control
Eye-level information center
Advanced alarm and monitoring system
Multiple insulated inner doors
Quiet laboratory operation
Environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerants
Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

VWR60086FA Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Overview

The VWR60086FA was developed for laboratories that require dependable ultra-low temperature storage while also considering long-term operating costs. Its H-Drive™ hydrocarbon refrigeration system provides reliable cooling performance with lower energy consumption and reduced heat output than many previous-generation ultralow freezers.

Modern laboratories increasingly view cold storage as part of an integrated workflow rather than standalone equipment. Samples may move from biosafety cabinets during sterile processing, into CO₂ incubators for cell culture, through refrigerated centrifuges during preparation, and finally into an ultralow freezer for long-term preservation. The VWR60086FA is designed to become a dependable part of that workflow, providing stable storage conditions that help protect valuable research materials throughout their lifecycle.

Common Applications

The VWR60086FA is commonly used for long-term preservation of DNA and RNA libraries, stem cells, cell lines, tissue samples, plasma, serum, vaccines, pharmaceutical compounds, microbiology collections, forensic evidence, clinical trial materials, biological reference standards, and other temperature-sensitive research materials requiring storage at temperatures as low as -86°C.

Its large storage capacity makes it particularly well suited for centralized laboratory storage, university core facilities, pharmaceutical research programs, and biorepositories managing extensive sample collections. Laboratories requiring storage below the capabilities of traditional laboratory freezers often select an ultralow freezer to provide additional protection for irreplaceable biological materials.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The VWR60086FA is an excellent choice for:

Biotechnology laboratories
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Academic research institutions
Hospitals and clinical laboratories
Government research facilities
Public health laboratories
Contract research organizations
Biobanks and biorepositories

Facilities managing large biological collections or supporting multiple research groups will particularly benefit from the freezer's combination of storage capacity, dependable performance, and efficient operation.

Temperature Recovery & Sample Protection

Every door opening exposes stored samples to warmer ambient air, making temperature recovery one of the most important performance characteristics of any ultralow freezer. The VWR60086FA utilizes insulated inner doors together with H-Drive™ refrigeration technology to restore cabinet temperatures quickly while limiting thermal exposure to neighboring samples.

This design allows laboratory personnel to retrieve only the materials they need while minimizing disruption to the remainder of the storage chamber. For laboratories preserving valuable research collections, improved recovery performance helps reduce cumulative thermal stress caused by routine freezer access.

Laboratories requiring even longer-term preservation of certain biological materials may also utilize cryogenic storage systems, which complement ultralow freezers for liquid nitrogen applications.

Typical Stored Materials

The VWR60086FA is commonly used to store:

DNA and RNA libraries
Cell lines
Stem cells
Tissue specimens
Plasma and serum
Vaccines
Protein samples
Enzymes
Pharmaceutical compounds
Clinical trial materials
Microbial cultures
Biological reference materials

VWR60086FA Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Key Specifications

Capacity

28.8 cu. ft. (816 L)
Up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

Temperature Range

Adjustable from -50°C to -86°C

Refrigeration System

H-Drive™ hydrocarbon refrigeration technology

Monitoring & Controls

Microprocessor temperature controller
Eye-level information center
Alarm and monitoring system

Interior Configuration

Multiple insulated inner doors
Compatible with standard cryobox storage racks

Electrical Requirements

115V, 60 Hz

Dimensions

Exterior: 43.6" W × 38.4" D × 78" H

Weight

Approximately 820 lbs.

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

Ultra-low freezers typically operate continuously for many years, making energy consumption an important part of the total cost of ownership. The VWR60086FA utilizes H-Drive™ hydrocarbon refrigeration technology to reduce electrical consumption while generating less heat than many earlier-generation ultralow freezer platforms. Lower heat rejection can reduce HVAC demand, improve laboratory comfort, and contribute to lower long-term operating costs for facilities operating multiple pieces of cold storage equipment.

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

Refurbishment & Testing Process

Every VWR60086FA received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and extended performance evaluation before shipment. Our technicians verify pull-down performance, confirm stable operation throughout the operating temperature range, inspect the refrigeration system and compressors, test alarms and monitoring functions, evaluate door gaskets and cabinet insulation, verify control operation, and thoroughly clean the freezer before delivery.

This refurbishment process helps laboratories purchase professionally tested equipment with confidence while extending the useful life of high-quality laboratory instrumentation.

Shipping & Installation Considerations

The VWR60086FA ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before delivery, laboratories should verify doorway clearances, floor loading capacity, electrical service, and adequate ventilation around the cabinet. Proper installation not only improves long-term reliability but also helps maximize energy efficiency and service accessibility throughout the life of the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cryoboxes can the VWR60086FA hold?

The freezer accommodates up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making it well suited for biorepositories, university core facilities, and laboratories managing large research collections.

Why do laboratories choose hydrocarbon ultralow freezers?

Hydrocarbon refrigeration technology offers lower energy consumption, reduced heat output, and environmentally responsible refrigerants while maintaining dependable ultra-low temperature performance.

What types of samples are commonly stored in the VWR60086FA?

The freezer is commonly used for DNA and RNA libraries, cell lines, stem cells, tissue samples, plasma, serum, vaccines, pharmaceutical compounds, microbiological collections, and other valuable biological materials requiring long-term storage at temperatures as low as -86°C.

How is the freezer tested before shipment?

Every refurbished VWR60086FA is inspected, cleaned, and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians to verify pull-down performance, temperature stability, refrigeration performance, alarm functionality, and overall system operation before shipment.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Ultralow Freezers
Ensure -80°C Stability and Critical Sample Protection

Used and refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are rigorously tested to ensure reliable long-term storage at temperatures as low as -80°C. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection, full system evaluation, and extended runtime testing to meet the high standards required by research, clinical, and biorepository environments.

Why Testing Used Ultralow Freezers Is Essential

Before an ultralow freezer is placed back into service, it must be carefully tested for:
• Temperature stability and uniformity at ultralow levels (e.g., -70°C to -86°C)
• Cascade refrigeration system functionality and compressor health
• Seal and insulation effectiveness to prevent thermal loss
• Electrical safety, alarm functionality, and system compliance

Thorough testing helps prevent temperature excursions and equipment failure—crucial for protecting sensitive materials such as biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and research specimens.
Our structured ULT testing protocol ensures each refurbished unit delivers dependable performance and long-term reliability.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Ultralow Freezers

1. Initial Visual Inspection

• Inspect external cabinet, hinges, and door gaskets for wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check power cords, plugs, and control interfaces for signs of wear or tampering
• Verify that internal racks, shelving, and chamber components are intact and operational

2. Functional Startup and Control Testing

• Power on the unit and confirm successful initialization of digital displays and alarm systems
• Test control panels, keypad responsiveness, and user-setpoint functionality
• Verify that door seals close tightly and form a secure barrier

3. Temperature and -80°C Stability Testing

• Test and evaluate internal temperature sensors thermometers/probes
• Monitor temperature performance at multiple chamber points over extended runtimes
• Confirm uniformity and stability at key setpoints, including -70°C, -80°C, and -86°C

4. Refrigeration System and Cascade Compressor Evaluation

• Test dual-stage (cascade) compressor function, startup times, and cycling behavior
• Evaluate evaporator coils, heat exchangers, and vacuum insulation panels for performance and integrity
• Check for refrigerant leaks, low-pressure faults, and abnormal compressor noise

5. Alarm and Safety System Verification

• Test high/low temperature alarms, power failure alerts, and battery backup systems (if equipped)
• Verify lockout controls, alarm delay settings, and door-open indicators

6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Run a continuous multi-day test cycle at -80°C to confirm sustained performance
• Document temperature logs, controller accuracy, and compressor behavior
• Complete a detailed service report

Dependable Performance from American Instrument Exchange

All refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are tested to exacting standards for performance, safety, and reliability. With our rigorous inspection and testing procedures, you can trust your ULT freezer to deliver consistent -80°C storage from day one—ideal for research, clinical, pharmaceutical, and biobanking applications.

Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Ultralow Freezers
-80°C Storage Performance from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every used ultralow temperature freezer (ULT freezer) undergoes a rigorous, multi-step refurbishment protocol designed to restore reliable -80°C performance. Whether upright, chest-style, or undercounter, our refurbished ULT freezers are tested and restored to deliver the cold storage precision required for biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and other temperature-sensitive materials.

Why Choose a Refurbished Ultralow Freezer from American Instrument Exchange?

• Fully tested for -80°C cold storage stability and compressor performance
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to expensive new ULT units
• Environmentally responsible through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by experienced technicians specializing in laboratory-grade refrigeration

Step-by-Step Ultralow Freezer Refurbishment Protocol

Every ultralow freezer sold by American Instrument Exchange is carefully evaluated and restored through the following process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection

• Exterior inspection for dents, corrosion, or physical damage
• Evaluation of door seals, hinges, and internal chamber components
• Documentation of missing parts or components requiring repair

2. Cleaning and Decontamination

• Comprehensive interior and exterior cleaning using non-abrasive cleaners
• Removal of dust, frost buildup, and residual contaminants
• Decontamination of all internal surfaces and removable parts like shelves and drawers

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repairs

• Replacement or repair of worn or damaged components (door latches, hinges, gaskets, etc.)
• Inspection and repair of control boards, displays, sensors, and switches
• Electrical system evaluation, including fuses, wiring, relays, and connectors

4. Ultralow Refrigeration System Assessment

• Testing of dual-stage compressors and cascade cooling system
• Evaluation of heat exchangers, evaporator coils, and vacuum insulation panels
• Inspection for refrigerant leaks, low pressure, or signs of compressor fatigue
• Verification of thermal insulation integrity

5. Temperature and Performance Testing

• Testing of internal temperature sensors and controllers
• Multi-point testing to verify chamber temperature uniformity at -80°C
• Long-duration, multi-day operational testing to ensure sustained ultralow performance

6. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Electrical safety testing and grounding verification
• Alarm function tests for high/low temperature alerts and power failure warnings

7. Final Quality Control and Documentation

• Multi-day runtime validation at -80°C
• Recording of temperature logs, compressor cycle data, and performance benchmarks
• Final inspection and service/testing report completed

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is your trusted source for refurbished ultralow freezers. Our certified refurbishment protocol ensures each ULT freezer delivers the precision, performance, and reliability your lab needs—at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

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.