The Scientemp 86-01B is a 1 cu ft ultra-low chest freezer from Scientemp's Ultra Cold (-45 °C to -80 °C ~ -86 °C) line, reaching -45 °C to -86 °C (-122 °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 and a visual/audible alarm to hold ULT temperatures for long-term biological and material sample storage.
Key Specifications
| SKU | 86-01B |
| Type | Chest-style laboratory freezer |
| Temperature range | -45 °C to -86 °C (-122 °F) |
| Capacity | 1 cu ft |
| Exterior dimensions | 29"H x 20"W x 22"D |
| Interior dimensions | 11"H x 12"W x 12"D |
| Insulation | Urethane foam |
| 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 (no battery backup) |
| Door / lock | Key-locking |
| Casters | None (86-01 is the only Ultra Cold without standard casters) |
| Running amps | 10 A (115 V) / 5 A (230 V) |
| Voltage (this SKU) | 230 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 -86 °C (-122 °F), the Scientemp 86-01B 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 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 86-01B reach?
Its working range is -45 °C to -86 °C (-122 °F). The unit holds ultra-low temperatures using a two-stage cascade system - no liquid nitrogen required.
How much can it hold?
The 86-01B has a 1 cu ft interior measuring 11"H x 12"W x 12"D. Exterior dimensions are 29"H x 20"W x 22"D.
What voltage options are available?
This SKU is configured for 230 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.
Does it come with casters?
No - 86-01B is one of the few Scientemp models without standard casters; it is compact enough to sit on or under a countertop.
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 86-01B 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 86-01B is a 1 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.
