When you entrust your cells and cultures to an incubator, you need a well-designed, properly functioning laboratory incubator to help you worry less. Your cells and cultures will grow well, contamination will occur less frequently and maintenance will be easy.
With so many different incubators on the market today, there are many choices. Here are some important questions to ask:
1.Do you need CO2 control?
2.What temperature set point or range do you need?
3.How much volume do you need?
4.Do you prefer a table top, stackable or floor standing unit?
5.What temperature stability and uniformity do you need?
6.Do you need humidity control?
7.Is gravity convection sufficient or do you need forced air circulation?
8.Are there any other features you need?
CO2 Incubators
1.Direct heating or water jacket?
Consider your application to decide between direct heating or a water jacketed incubator. Water jacket technology provides faster temperature recovery and longer temperature retention during power failures, but cannot provide high temperature purge cycles. Direct heat offers push-button sterilization/decontamination program options.
2.Variable O2 control?
If your cells need to grow under conditions that mimic their natural or in vivo conditions, controlling oxygen levels can help your cells grow faster and healthier.
3.Pollution control?
Leading pollution control technologies include HEPA filters for ISO 5 or 100 air, 100% copper interiors and autoclaving.Microbiological Incubators
Microbiological Incubators
1.What temperature range?
If a temperature equal to or below ambient temperature (30°C) is required, select a low temperature or refrigerated incubator. If the desired temperature is 30°C or higher, a standard or microbiological incubator is sufficient.
2.Gravity or forced airflow?
Incubators typically provide two types of convection or airflow. Gravity flow incubators have no fans or mechanisms to move the air; the circulation is based on the laws of physics (hot air rises, cool air falls). Active or forced airflow will improve temperature uniformity across the chamber, but also produce a drying effect over time. Some forced air incubators have an adjustable fan, so the negative effects of either option can be mitigated. Gravity convection models are also more affordable.
Low Temperature/Refrigerated Incubators
What Cooling Type?
Cooling is accomplished by using either a compressor or a thermoelectric/Peltier device. A compressor allows the unit to reach temperatures down to 0°C or lower; a Peltier device is much more energy efficient and does not use any refrigerants, although it can be more expensive to purchase.
Environmental Chambers
1.Humidity Control?
If precise humidity control is required, consider purchasing an environmental chamber, which can offer a very specific controlled environment.
2.Other Features and Considerations
Internal Doors — Some incubators have interior glass doors that allow the contents to be seen without fully opening the incubator and affecting the temperature.
Ports and Outlets — Choose a unit with an access port or internal outlet if you will need to use accessories (like stirring plates or shakers) inside the incubator.
Sizes and Placement — Incubators are available in a range of capacities, from 1.4 to 40 cu. ft. Determine your current space needs and then allow for future growth or workload changes. If space is limited, incubators can be placed on a permanent or portable bench or on the floor, and stackable units are another option.