The incubator is an essential piece of equipment in many scientific fields: microbiology, cell biology, pharmaceutical research, quality control. It allows you to create stable environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, CO₂) to promote the growth of microorganisms or cell cultures. This article details the different categories of incubators, the technical criteria to consider, and provides a complete analysis on the laboratory incubator price .
Price of a laboratory incubator: what are the determining factors?
The price of an incubator generally ranges from €800 for a simple benchtop model to over €12,000 for a large-capacity CO₂ incubator or one with advanced features. Several factors influence this cost:
- Useful volume : from 20 to 800 liters depending on requirements.
- The type of regulation : temperature only, temperature + CO₂, + humidity.
- The presence of orbital shaking or built-in refrigeration.
- Sterilization level : hot sterilization, water sterilization, dry air sterilization.
- Manufacturer : Binder, Memmert, Panasonic, Thermo Fisher, etc.
On the used or refurbished market, an incubator can be purchased for between 30% and 60% less than the price of a new one, provided that it is checked and certified by a refurbishing professional.
Types of laboratory incubators: which one is suitable for which use?
There are several types of incubators suitable for very different uses. Here are the main categories:
1. Bacteriological incubator
The standard model for growing bacteria or yeast. It operates at a constant temperature (often around 37°C) with simple regulation. It is commonly used in teaching, food analysis, and veterinary laboratories.
2. CO₂ incubator
Specially designed for cell culture, this incubator maintains a constant CO₂ level (5 to 10%) to stabilize the pH of the culture medium. It is used in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and hospital research laboratories.
3. Orbital Shaking Incubator
Allows incubation while keeping the flasks moving. It is used for fermentations, suspension cultures or enzymatic tests requiring homogeneity of the medium.
4. Refrigerated incubator
Incorporates a cooling function for studies requiring low temperatures (e.g., 4°C to 60°C). Ideal for stability testing or storing sensitive samples.
5. Humidity-controlled incubator
Maintains high humidity to limit evaporation of the culture medium. Essential for certain long or sensitive cell cultures.
Technical criteria for choosing the right incubator
The choice of an incubator depends on technical constraints, the working environment, and the nature of the samples to be incubated. Here are the determining factors:
1. Temperature range and stability
A good incubator should provide a consistent temperature throughout the chamber, with a maximum temperature drift of less than ±0.5°C. High-end models can go as low as ±0.1°C, which is essential for sensitive cultures.
2. Internal capacity
Capacity is expressed in liters. For routine laboratory use, 50 to 150 L is often sufficient. For high-flow laboratories, volumes of 300 L or more may be necessary.
3. Regulation system
Modern incubators incorporate electronic controllers with digital displays, temperature alarms, event logs, and sometimes external connectivity for traceability.
4. Maintenance and sterilization
An easy-to-clean incubator with rounded corners, removable shelves, and a stainless steel chamber is recommended. Some models offer automatic high-temperature sterilization.
5. Scalability
Possibility to add options (CO₂, O₂, agitation, humidification) or to connect the incubator to a data acquisition system.
Why choose a refurbished incubator?
Purchasing a refurbished incubator allows laboratories to benefit from high-end equipment at a lower cost, without compromising on quality. Here are the main advantages:
- Budget savings : up to 60% savings compared to new.
- Reduced lead times : material available immediately.
- Warranty and compliance : each device is tested, validated, and guaranteed.
- Eco-responsible approach : extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce electronic waste.
A refurbished incubator can be suitable for many uses outside of medical diagnostics (research, training, industrial analysis, etc.). It is essential to purchase from a recognized player in the sector to guarantee reliability, traceability, and safety.
What Rewake offers
Rewake specializes in second-hand laboratory equipment, rigorously selected and refurbished by qualified technicians. Each incubator is:
- From a controlled laboratory (academic, pharmaceutical, industrial).
- Inspected and tested according to a strict protocol (heating, homogeneity, alarms, interface).
- Comes with a warranty and detailed technical data sheet.
Rewake offers models adapted to every need: simple incubation, CO₂ incubation, incubation with cooling or shaking. The equipment is available quickly, with delivery and technical support available.
Maintenance and lifespan
The lifespan of an incubator can range from 7 to 15 years depending on the intensity of use and regular maintenance. It is recommended to:
- Clean the room at least once a month.
- Check probes and calibrate if necessary.
- Perform internal sterilization according to the manufacturer's protocol (if available).
Well-maintained reconditioned incubators offer reliability equivalent to new units, while reducing operating costs.
Conclusion: a reasoned and effective choice
The incubator is a cornerstone of many experimental protocols. Choosing a model suited to your needs ensures reliable results and laboratory efficiency. Opting for a refurbished incubator from a specialist like Rewake is a strategic solution, combining performance, cost savings, and environmental responsibility.
Whether it's a CO₂ incubator for cell culture, a shaking incubator for fermentation, or a standard incubator for microbiological analysis, careful selection and a certified supplier are the keys to a successful investment.
