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What Are the Best Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers on the Market?

Written By: Ian Black, MSc, MScComm

May 26, 2025

From storage space to affordability, which ULT freezer is the best fit for your lab?

Outfitting a lab involves making several daunting decisions to shortlist the best and most suitable lab equipment. When it comes to long-term investments such as ultra-low temperature (ULT) cold storage, multiple factors determine which brand is best for you. To help lab managers make this decision, we have compiled a list of the top brands with respect to reliability, sustainability, affordability, capacity, temperature range and uniformity, and portability.

High reliability and lowest temperature

PHC VIP ECO series ULT freezer on a white background A reliable ULT freezer is one that will dependably function, without failure, for an extended period while maintaining temperature stability. While most of the branded freezers will prove reliable, the PHC VIP Series or the VIP Series Eco boasts a very strong history of performance and dependability, and costs between $10,000 and $40,000 new or under $20,000 used. Typically operating at a temperature range of -50 to -86°C, the VIP Series uses specialized compressors that borrow refrigerant flow from high-stage circuits and use it twice. For researchers who need colder than average storage options, the PHCbi VIP PLUS Series units are a good bet, as they can go as low as -150°C. These units cost over $40,000 and have a capacity of 231 L (68.1 x 30.1 x 39.8 in).

Additionally, the VIP Series has vacuum insulation panels that have a high insulation rating. This reduces cold air loss and helps maintain a consistent internal temperature during door openings, warm-up times, and power outages. The VIP Series offers between 500 and 850 L of storage capacity with its largest unit at 45.3 x 34.3 x 78.3 in. Superior insulation also limits compressor run times for lower energy consumption.

Best in temperature uniformity and sustainability

Researchers focused on maximizing energy efficiency to lower operating costs and limit their lab’s carbon footprint may, instead, be interested in the VAULT100 ULT upright freezer Vault100 ULT freezer on a white background from Stirling (36 x 34 x 78 in). The VAULT100 has—as of March 2025—a US Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) score of 23, the lowest score of any ULT freezer in the My Green Lab’s ACT database, and a cost range from $15,000 to $30,000 when bought new with used and refurbished prices coming in under $15,000. The VAULT100 is powered by the M6D Stirling engine that provides improved reliability while allowing lower power consumption and offers 795 L of storage capacity. The new engine keeps the VAULT100 running on only 5.8 kWh/day and has a maximum daily energy consumption of 0.22 kWh/day/cu-ft.

The VAULT100 has a temperature range of -20°C to -100°C, and—along with the Haier TwinCool—some of the best temperature uniformity of +/-3°C of any ULT freezer. By offering such a wide temperature range, users have more cold storage options available without compromising on energy efficiency.

Most affordable

The Haier DW-86L series on a white background Most ULT freezers come at a heavy price, in terms of both up-front and operating costs. If affordability is paramount, researchers can opt for the Haier DW-86L series, which is both reliable and cost-effective. The Haier DW-86L series has several units that cost between $10,000 and $20,000 when bought new, with the cheapest being the DW-86L51J (20.9 x 25.2 x 31.7 in), which costs less than $10,000.

Best options for storage space

Given the cost and size of ULT freezers, the goal is to purchase one that has the storage capacity to meet all your needs. To that end, portable or smaller freezers may not cut it. If you wish to maximize your lab’s cold storage, buying a large upright or chest freezer is likely your best option. The Haier DW-86L959BP or Haier DW-86L959BPT offer the most storage capacity with 959 L. Both freezers have a temperature range of -40 to -86°C and The TSX Core series on a white background cost over $20,000.

Alternatively, with 33.5 cu. ft. or 950 L of space (37.6 x 39.6 x 78 in), the TSX™ Core Series from Thermo Fisher Scientific is another excellent option. The TSX™ Core Series is designed for general purpose and has a temperature range of -50°C to -86°C. These freezers are relatively quiet and ENERGY STAR-rated but have a higher cost, ranging from $20,000 to $60,000.

Most portable

Designed to be light, small, and efficient, the Stirling Ultracold ULT25NEU is the most portable cold storage unit on the market. The ULT25NEU operates A stirling ultracold ULT25NEU on a wooden floor at -80°C and makes an excellent option for field use or remote storage. The ULT25NEU is much smaller than other ULT freezers, weighing only 46lbs and providing about 0.9 cu. ft. (25 L) of storage. This compact size (27.3 x 13.8 x 18.1 in) is possible because of Stirling’s breakthrough free-piston engine technology.

Used units can be bought for $2,000, and new or refurbished freezers are sold at closer to $8,000.

Capacity, lowest operational temperature, and cost range comparison

	Storage Capacity (L)	Lowest Operational Temperature (°C)	Cost Range ($)
PHCbi VIP Series	333 - 845	-150	10,000 - 40,000
VAULT100	795	-100	15,000 - 30,000
Haier DW	579 - 959	-86	10,000 - 25,000
TSX Core Series	950	-86	20,000 - 60,000
Stirling Ultracold	25	-86	2,000 - 8,000

Conclusion

Before purchasing a ULT freezer, consider what features are a priority. Whether it’s portability, sustainability, cost, reliability, or storage space, your freezer is going to be a long-term investment that deserves careful consideration. Fortunately, regardless of whether you are looking to buy new or used, LabX has resources and listings for you to peruse and compare. Click here to explore our wide range of products on offer.