5 Probable Things Causing Temperature Issues with Benchtop Incubator

The term ‘Benchtop Incubator’ is quite common in the research industry, especially in the case of hematology and microbiology applications. During research applications, the experts use a benchtop centrifuge to spin samples at a high speed to separate the sample components required, for example isolating red blood cells from plasma. Then, they incubate them at a certain temperature using a benchtop incubator.

However, sometimes the incubator fails to reach the temperature you have set, preventing it from heating up or cooling down. Such interruption in between the research applications can leave you frustrated, no wonder!

Don’t worry! In today’s blog, we will discuss the factors causing such temperature issues and help you troubleshoot. Let’s get started.

Possible Reasons Impacting Benchtop Incubator Temperature

It goes without saying that it feels quite frustrating when the benchtop incubator starts malfunctioning or not working properly in the middle of a research application. But, in this case, you need to blame this host of factors mentioned below:

1: Mechanical failure-

While using an incubator shaker and you find it failing to heat or cool, don’t ignore it! It can be a serious issue, for example, a broken controller or element. In both cases, you either need to get the parts replaced or buy a new machine, such as the Incu-Shaker Mini CO2 with a nonslip rubber mat.

Now, if the benchtop incubator you use comes with a refrigeration feature but not cooling at all, the chances are of compressor failure. Similarly, here, you need to replace parts or get a new one!

2: Temperature protection-

Almost every incubated shaker comes with Over-Temperature Protection(OTP) to have a backup so it can shut off the heat if the temperature fluctuates for any reason. Hence, you can ensure stability and integrity for your samples in case of extremely high temperatures. In fact, some incubators have an automatic protection feature where the unit will turn off if the temperature goes up from the setpoint by a specific temperature, like 1°C.

But, if you set this temperature protection too low or too high, the chances are that your unit won't heat up or cool down to the temperature you desire for your research application.

3: Temperature requires stabilization-

Many incubator models have built-in reference thermometers to aid in calibration. But, if you see the temperature on the thermometer, not matching the reading of the prime temperature controller, you need to think of stabilizing the temperature. It usually happens when you have just opened the door, reset the temperature, or turned it off. The unit fails to stabilize the internal temperature due to a lack of enough time in between.

4: Broken door seal-

When the incubated shaker isn’t reaching the temperature you set, the broken door seal can be a factor to blame! After all, when the seal is damaged, the air between the outside environment and the unit replaces the warm or cold air inside and lets that out. Moreover, a broken seal can be anything, like a damaged gasket, misadjusted hinges, broken latch bolts, and much more. Look out for all these problems and repair or replace parts if possible or necessary!

5: Lack of airflow-

Benchtop incubators need sufficient free airflow to work properly. Of course, it doesn’t mean that you must have a bigger room to use it but try to keep a couple of inches gap from the walls to leave some breathing room for the unit so it can perform properly.

If your incubated shakers contain refrigeration systems, there can be ice buildup if the unit doesn’t cool sufficiently. In that case, clean the ice, and open the doors fewer to prevent moisture from entering.

In Conclusion

We hope these tips will help you troubleshoot the temperature issues with your benchtop incubator. And, if you have any of these problems gone beyond repairs or replacement, count on us to get a new one. At Bio Basic, we offer quality benchtop equipment, from incubator to fume hood to refrigerated benchtop centrifuge and Eppendorf benchtop centrifuge with high-quality performance.

So, why wait? Visit our page to find the best-suited product for your research application!