Refrigerated Incubators FAQ

Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ guide on refrigerated incubators! Whether you're a student, researcher, or lab professional, understanding the core functions and applications of this essential laboratory equipment is key to ensuring the success and accuracy of your work.

This guide will answer your most pressing questions about refrigerated incubators, from their fundamental differences compared to standard incubators to best practices for use and maintenance.

What is a refrigerated incubator, and how is it different from a standard incubator?

A refrigerated incubator maintains temperatures below, at or above room temperature, making it ideal for microbiology, pharmaceutical, and environmental research. Unlike standard incubators that only provide heating, refrigerated incubators:

  • Offer precise temperature control for cold storage needs.

  • Prevent bacterial degradation in microbiological studies.

  • Support drug stability testing under regulated conditions

What is a refrigerated incubator, and how is it different from a standard incubator?

  • Explanation of temperature-controlled environments and how refrigerated incubators function.

What temperature range should I use for bacterial growth?

  • Psychrophilic Bacteria: 0–20°C

  • Mesophilic Bacteria: 25–40°C (Most common, including E. coli)

  • Thermophilic Bacteria: 50–70°C

How do I prevent contamination inside my incubator?

  • Clean weekly with ethanol or a lab-grade disinfectant.

  • Use HEPA filters if available to reduce airborne contaminants.

  • Avoid overloading to ensure proper air circulation.

How much energy does a refrigerated incubator consume?

  • Energy use varies by model. Compressor-based units consume more energy but offer better cooling power, while thermoelectric models are more energy-efficient.

What size refrigerated incubator should I buy for my lab?

  • Factors to consider: sample volume, experiment type, and available space.

Browse Revsci’s Refrigerated Incubator Collection.