ULT Freezer −86 °C: How to Choose an Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
418 or 608 litres, −40 to −86 °C, two independent compressor systems: what matters when buying a −80 °C laboratory freezer and what the WAVE ULT models cost.
In this article
The short answer
An ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer stores samples and materials far below the −20 °C of a normal laboratory freezer. Most laboratories run them at around −80 °C for long-term storage. The WAVE ULT418 and ULT608 cover −40 to −86 °C, use two independent inverter compressor systems and cost €9,250 and €10,450 net respectively.
Selection rule: choose the ULT418 when floor space is tight and the ULT608 when you expect your sample inventory to grow. The price difference is €1,200; the external footprint grows from 980 × 988 mm to 1,000 × 1,147 mm.
ULT418 and ULT608 compared
| Specification | WAVE ULT418 | WAVE ULT608 |
|---|---|---|
| Net price | €9,250 | €10,450 |
| Usable volume | 418 L | 608 L |
| Temperature range | −40 to −86 °C | −40 to −86 °C |
| Uniformity / stability | ≤ 5 °C / ≤ 6 °C | ≤ 5 °C / ≤ 6 °C |
| Compressors | 2 independent inverter compressor systems | |
| Shelves | 3 stainless-steel shelves | |
| Power consumption | 650 W | 740 W |
| Noise level | 53 dB(A) | ≤ 60 dB(A) |
| Internal dimensions (W × D × H) | 600 × 612 × 1,150 mm | 620 × 755 × 1,280 mm |
| External dimensions (W × D × H) | 980 × 988 × 1,940 mm | 1,000 × 1,147 × 1,996 mm |
| Net weight | 270 kg | 308 kg |
| Power supply | 220 V / 50 Hz (standard) | |
Both models use direct cooling with manual defrost, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 0.1 °C display resolution, RS485 and USB interfaces, a remote alarm contact and IoT connectivity. Access can be restricted by fingerprint, NFC card or password. The ULT608 is specified to pull down to −81 °C in no more than eight hours.
Five criteria that matter in daily use
1. Temperature uniformity and stability
The set point on the display says little about the conditions on the top shelf after the door has been opened. Uniformity describes the spread between positions in the cabinet, stability the fluctuation over time. Both WAVE models are specified at ≤ 5 °C uniformity and ≤ 6 °C stability. Store the most sensitive material in the middle of the cabinet rather than directly behind the door.
2. Redundancy in the refrigeration system
WAVE ULT freezers use two independent inverter compressor systems. They support reliable cooling, and the variable-speed compressors adapt their output to the load instead of running in constant start–stop cycles.
3. Alarms that reach someone at night
A freezer failure rarely happens during office hours. A local display is not enough: connect the remote alarm contact or the IoT function to whoever is on call, and decide in advance where samples go if a unit has to be emptied.
4. Access control and traceability
Shared freezers in multi-user labs benefit from individual access. Fingerprint, NFC and password access control who can open the unit, and USB data export supports documentation.
5. Energy, noise and heat
An air-cooled ULT freezer releases its heat into the room. With 650 W (ULT418) or 740 W (ULT608) of power consumption, several units in a small room raise the room temperature noticeably — which in turn makes the freezers work harder.
Installation and operation
Checklist before delivery
- Access route: the units weigh 270 kg (ULT418) and 308 kg (ULT608) net and are almost two metres tall — check doors, lifts and corners.
- Room conditions: indoor operation at 10–32 °C ambient and relative humidity ≤ 83 %.
- Clearance: leave free space around the unit for air circulation and service access.
- Power: a dedicated 220 V / 50 Hz socket as standard; check your network before ordering.
- Defrost plan: with manual defrost, plan where samples are kept while ice is removed.
- Alarm routing: connect the remote alarm before the first samples go in.
The WAVE ULT series is laboratory storage equipment. If your application requires a specific approval or validation, clarify it before ordering.
WAVE supplies the freezers with German and English technical documentation, direct product support and spare-parts coordination from Vienna.
Which volume do you need?
Start with today's inventory in racks and boxes, then add the growth you expect over the next three to five years. Keep some reserve: in an overfilled cabinet, finding a box takes longer with the door open, and boxes pressed against the walls hinder air circulation. If you are close to the limit of the ULT418, the ULT608 adds 190 litres for €1,200 more.
Laboratories that also prepare samples for drying can combine cold storage with a compact freeze dryer: the WAVE LAB series starts at €4,780.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature does a ULT freezer reach?
The WAVE ULT418 and ULT608 can be set between −40 and −86 °C. Most laboratories operate ULT freezers at around −80 °C for long-term storage.
How much does a −80 °C freezer cost?
The WAVE ULT418 with 418 litres costs €9,250 net and the ULT608 with 608 litres €10,450 net, excluding VAT and transport.
How long does it take to cool down?
The WAVE ULT608 is specified to reach −81 °C in no more than eight hours. Load samples only after the cabinet has reached and held its set point.
How much power does a ULT freezer use?
The specified power consumption is 650 W for the ULT418 and 740 W for the ULT608. Actual consumption depends on room temperature, door openings and load.
Can the freezer send an alarm?
Yes. Both models have a remote alarm contact as well as RS485, USB and IoT connectivity, so a temperature alarm can be passed on outside working hours.
WAVE laboratory equipment
Compare the ULT418 and ULT608 or ask for a quotation with delivery to your laboratory.
View ULT freezers