Cryogenic Freezers: A Complete Guide
A cryogenic freezer is a specialised piece of laboratory equipment used to cool biological samples to ultra-low temperatures for long-term preservation. Unlike conventional laboratory freezers that operate at -20 or -80 degrees Celsius, cryogenic freezers use liquid nitrogen to achieve and maintain temperatures at or below -130 degrees Celsius, the threshold below which all biological activity effectively ceases.
Cryogenic freezers are essential in IVF clinics, biobanks, sperm banks, pharmaceutical research laboratories, and veterinary facilities. They provide the controlled, reliable temperature environment required for the safe cryopreservation of embryos, oocytes, sperm, stem cells, blood, tissue, and cell lines.
Types of Cryogenic Freezer
Controlled-Rate Freezers
Controlled-rate freezers (CRFs) cool samples at a precisely programmed rate, typically 1 to 2 degrees Celsius per minute, using liquid nitrogen vapour. This controlled approach is critical for slow-cooling cryopreservation protocols used for sperm, red blood cells, and certain stem cell populations. Programmable profiles ensure reproducible results across every freeze cycle, removing operator variability.
Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tanks
LN2 storage vessels maintain samples at -196 degrees Celsius for long-term storage after the initial freeze. Available in a range of sizes from compact laboratory dewars to large-volume biobank vessels, they are the backbone of any cryogenic storage system.
Dry Shippers
Dry shippers are transport-specific cryogenic vessels that maintain samples at cryogenic temperatures without free liquid nitrogen, making them compliant for air freight and courier transport between clinics, banks, and research sites.
Liquid Nitrogen Dispensing Dewars
Wide-neck cryogenic vessels used for storing and dispensing liquid nitrogen in laboratory environments. Used for topping up storage vessels and handling LN2 safely during cryopreservation workflows.
What Cryopreservation Equipment Does a Laboratory Need?
A complete cryopreservation equipment setup covers every stage of the sample lifecycle — from the initial freeze through to long-term storage, transport, and retrieval. The specific equipment required depends on the sample types being preserved, the volume of the programme, and the protocols in use.
For IVF Clinics
IVF laboratory cryopreservation equipment typically includes a controlled-rate freezer for slow-cooling sperm and certain cell types, vitrification kits for oocyte and embryo freezing, liquid nitrogen storage tanks for long-term embryo and gamete storage, and dry shippers for inter-clinic sample transport. Consumables including cryovials, straws, canes, goblets, and cryosleeves complete the workflow.
For Biobanks
Biobank cryopreservation equipment requirements centre on high-capacity liquid nitrogen storage tanks, controlled-rate freezers for blood, tissue, and cell line freezing, and validated dry shippers for sample distribution. Continuous temperature monitoring and alarm systems are also essential components of any biobank cryogenic storage equipment setup.
For Research Laboratories
Research laboratory cryopreservation equipment needs vary widely by application but typically include LN2 storage vessels for cell line and stem cell preservation, controlled-rate freezers for reproducible freeze protocols, and cryovials or straws for individual sample storage. Cryolab supplies cryopreservation equipment across all these categories, with specialist technical support for laboratory setup and protocol development.
Cryogenic Freezer Products from Cryolab
Cryolab has supplied cryogenic freezers and storage equipment to IVF clinics, biobanks, and research facilities for over 40 years, backed by ISO 9001:2015 certification and specialist technical support.
 | CBS Digitcool Controlled Rate Freezer RangeThe CBS Digitcool range offers four chamber sizes from 11.5 litres (Nano) to 150 litres, covering every scale of cryopreservation. Medical Device classified and programmable for full protocol reproducibility. |
 | CryoCan 47-10 LN2 Storage TankA 47-litre dewar featuring ten round canisters, a lightweight design, and market-leading holding times for optimal sample preservation. Dimensions: H 730mm x W 508mm. |
 | CryoNest XL LN2 Storage VesselA high-capacity liquid nitrogen storage vessel designed for IVF clinics and biobanks requiring large-volume, reliable long-term sample storage at -196 degrees Celsius. |
 | CryoStork V2 Dry ShipperA 2-litre compact dry shipper for the safe, secure and efficient transportation of biological samples in the LN2 vapour phase between clinics and laboratories. |
 | CryoCrest 35L with Liquid DispenserA high-performance cryogenic storage tank with a built-in liquid dispenser. Compact design (H 580mm x W 508mm), ideal for labs where space is at a premium. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryogenic Freezers
What is a cryogenic freezer?
A cryogenic freezer is a specialist laboratory device that uses liquid nitrogen to cool and store biological samples at temperatures at or below -130 degrees Celsius, preserving them indefinitely without biological degradation.
What temperature does a cryogenic freezer reach?
Cryogenic freezers using liquid nitrogen reach -196 degrees Celsius for storage. Controlled-rate freezers cool samples through intermediate temperatures at a programmed rate before transfer to long-term LN2 storage.
What is the difference between a cryogenic freezer and an ultra-low temperature freezer?
Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers operate at around -80 degrees Celsius using mechanical refrigeration. Cryogenic freezers use liquid nitrogen and reach -196 degrees Celsius. For long-term biological preservation, cryogenic storage is required.
What is a controlled-rate freezer used for?
A controlled-rate freezer is used for slow-cooling cryopreservation protocols where the sample must be cooled at a precisely programmed rate. It is commonly used for sperm, red blood cells, stem cells, and other cell types sensitive to rapid temperature change.
How long can samples be stored in a cryogenic freezer?
Samples stored at -196 degrees Celsius in liquid nitrogen can theoretically remain viable indefinitely. Biological activity is effectively halted at this temperature with no measurable degradation over time under correct storage conditions.
What cryogenic freezers does Cryolab supply?
Cryolab supplies the full CBS Digitcool controlled-rate freezer range, CryoCan and CryoNest LN2 storage tanks, CryoStork dry shippers, and CryoCrest liquid dispensing dewars, all supported by over 40 years of specialist cryogenic expertise.
