The Mercatus Guide to Choosing the Right Fridge for Your Lab

Selecting the ideal refrigerator for your lab is often a secondary thought, but it’s a decision that could ultimately impact the integrity of your samples, materials, and, therefore, research. Whether you’re storing vaccines, chemicals, blood samples, or other sensitive items, the suitability of your fridge ensures your lab operates smoothly and efficiently. But with so many options on the market, how do you know what’s best for your specific needs? 

This guide will help you navigate the decision-making process, understand what’s available, and determine the most suitable specs for your lab's unique requirements.

Why Are You Looking for a New Lab Fridge?

If you're reading this, you might be facing one of these scenarios:

Outdated or malfunctioning equipment: Your current fridge may not be performing as it once did, risking temperature inconsistencies, sample spoilage, or even contamination.

Expanding lab needs: You may be handling more materials or a broader range of substances, requiring additional storage or advanced features.

New regulatory requirements: With changing guidelines in the handling of biological materials or chemicals, you may need to upgrade to a model that ensures compliance.

Energy efficiency concerns: Older fridges can consume unnecessarily large amounts of energy, increasing operational costs. Upgrading to more energy-efficient models could lead to significant savings. This is particularly concerning as the world strives to curb its fossil fuel usage.

If any of these apply, it’s clear why you need to invest in a new, functional refrigerator for your lab. The wrong fridge can undermine the efficiency of your entire operation, leading to costly spoilage, compromised research, and even legal penalties if storage regulations aren't met.

What’s on the Market?

A broad range of laboratory refrigerators is available, and understanding what's out there is essential for making the right choice. Modern lab fridges come with various features designed for specific use cases:

Medical-grade refrigerators: These are specifically designed for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and are ideal for storing vaccines, medications, and blood samples.

Undercounter or compact fridges: Perfect for labs with limited space or those requiring a secondary fridge for specific materials.

Explosion-proof fridges: Designed for handling volatile chemicals, these models reduce the risk of explosions by using spark-free components.

Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers: Essential for labs that handle samples like enzymes, DNA, or RNA that need storage temperatures far below freezing (-80°C).

What Does Good Look Like in the Lab Fridge Space?

When selecting a suitable fridge, several features distinguish a high-quality model from one that may not meet your lab's needs. Here's what to look for in a lab refrigerator:

Labs require strict temperature maintenance to avoid damaging sensitive materials. The best refrigerators have tight temperature control systems that offer minimal variation. Look for models with ranges that suit your materials, typically between +2°C and +8°C for general biologicals or lower if required.

Automation is key for labs with high-value materials. Refrigerators equipped with real-time temperature monitoring, automated alerts, and logging systems can provide peace of mind, ensuring any deviation is caught early before it causes spoilage. 

Good fridges offer adjustable shelving and drawers to maximise storage capacity and reduce clutter. Depending on your sample types, consider fridges with compartmentalised layouts for easy access and organisation. Another consideration is selecting a refrigerator with a clear door for constant visuals of specimens to enable enhanced monitoring. 

Lab fridges are long-term investments, so ensure the model is built to last. Stainless steel interiors, corrosion-resistant materials, and low-maintenance features are crucial. Additionally, units with a solid warranty (ideally 3+ years) offer greater security.

High-quality lab refrigerators now offer energy-saving modes or eco-friendly refrigerants that reduce operational costs and environmental impact. 

Get in touch with us to discover our offer and make the right decision!