The Scientemp 85-1.7A is a 1.7 cu ft ultra-low chest freezer from Scientemp's Ultra Cold (-45 °C to -80 °C ~ -86 °C) line, reaching -45 °C to -85 °C (-121 °F) with mechanical refrigeration only (no liquid nitrogen required). It uses a two-stage cascade system - R-134A high stage / R-508 low stage (two-stage cascade) - driving CAL 9500 digital display, a key-locking door and casters and a visual/audible alarm to hold ULT temperatures for long-term biological and material sample storage.
Key Specifications
| SKU | 85-1.7A |
| Type | Chest-style laboratory freezer |
| Temperature range | -45 °C to -85 °C (-121 °F) |
| Capacity | 1.7 cu ft |
| Exterior dimensions | 36"H x 30"W x 24"D |
| Interior dimensions | 13"H x 18"W x 12"D |
| Insulation | Urethane |
| Refrigeration | R-134A high stage / R-508 low stage (two-stage cascade) |
| Compressors | High stage 1/4 hp / low stage 1/4 hp |
| Defrost | Manual (cold-wall evaporator) |
| Temperature controller | CAL 9500 digital display |
| Alarm | Visual and audible |
| Door / lock | Key-locking |
| Casters | 2" non-locking casters (locking available) |
| Running amps | 10 A (115 V) / 5 A (230 V) |
| Voltage (this SKU) | 115 V / 60 Hz, single phase |
| Voltage options | 115 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 50 Hz |
Application Profile
At -45 °C to -85 °C (-121 °F), the Scientemp 85-1.7A reaches the *ultra-low* band used for long-term preservation of cells, tissues, nucleic acids, and biological and material samples that degrade at warmer temperatures - the -80 °C-class storage that underpins biobanking and cold-chain workflows (see cold-chain-sample-storage). A two-stage cascade refrigeration system (R-134A high stage / R-508 low stage (two-stage cascade)) achieves these temperatures mechanically, with no liquid nitrogen consumables to manage. The 1.7 cu ft chest geometry keeps cold air settled in the cabinet during access, aiding recovery after the lid is opened.
The CAL 9500 digital controller plus a visual and audible alarm provides the closed-loop control and fault warning that high-value ULT inventories demand; options include access ports, ramp/soak control, CO2/LN2 back-up, stainless interior, observation window and internal heater/fan. A chest ULT is a space- and access-efficient alternative to an upright -80 °C freezer where floor footprint and cold retention matter (see ult-freezer-selection).
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature does the Scientemp 85-1.7A reach?
Its working range is -45 °C to -85 °C (-121 °F). The unit holds ultra-low temperatures using a two-stage cascade system - no liquid nitrogen required.
How much can it hold?
The 85-1.7A has a 1.7 cu ft interior measuring 13"H x 18"W x 12"D. Exterior dimensions are 36"H x 30"W x 24"D.
What voltage options are available?
This SKU is configured for 115 V / 60 Hz, single phase. Factory voltage options are: 115 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 50 Hz. Match the model to your facility's supply before ordering.
Is defrost automatic?
No - like all Scientemp chest freezers, the 85-1.7A uses manual defrost with a cold-wall evaporator, which avoids the temperature swings of an auto-defrost cycle for stable long-term storage.
Can it be customized?
Yes. Brochure-listed options include access ports, ramp/soak control, CO2/LN2 back-up systems, stainless-steel interior, observation window and internal heater/fan (option availability varies by model). Specify these on the quote.
Ordering & Configuration
The Scientemp 85-1.7A is built-to-order laboratory refrigeration; request a quote to confirm configuration and pricing. At quote, verify: set-point vs. the coldest material you store, capacity against your sample volume, voltage/electrical supply, any options (access ports, ramp/soak, CO2/LN2 back-up, stainless interior, monitoring), and freight/lead time for a unit of this size and weight.
Warranty: Per Scientemp standard terms - confirm at quote.
Positioning: the Scientemp 85-1.7A is a 1.7 cu ft Ultra Cold (-80/-86 °C) chest freezer using two-stage cascade refrigeration - mechanical -80 °C-class storage for biobanking and cold-chain sample preservation, with no liquid nitrogen to manage. Choose capacity by inventory volume; the chest format conserves floor space and cold retention versus an upright ULT.
