Laboratory incubators are critical tools in scientific research, supporting the growth and development of microorganisms, cells, and tissues. From microbiology to cell culture, the right incubator ensures controlled environments essential for various types of research. In this guide, we will explore the different types of laboratory incubators, their key features, applications, and maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance.
Types of Laboratory Incubators
There are several types of laboratory incubators, each designed for specific research needs. Below are the most commonly used incubators in laboratories:
1. CO2 Incubator
A CO2 incubator is widely used in cell culture and tissue engineering. It maintains a controlled environment with regulated carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and humidity, making it ideal for growing mammalian cells. Researchers rely on CO2 incubators for work in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.
2. BOD Incubator
A Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator is primarily used in environmental science for determining the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms during the decomposition of organic materials. BOD incubators have a wide temperature range, which makes them suitable for microbiology and water testing.
3. Shaking Incubator
The shaking incubator combines the functionality of an incubator with a platform that gently shakes the samples, providing aeration and mixing. This type is ideal for bacterial culture growth and fermentation processes where constant movement is essential for optimal results.
4. Low-Temperature Incubator
Low-temperature incubators, or refrigerated incubators, maintain temperatures below room temperature, making them suitable for studies in food microbiology, biochemical reactions, and molecular biology where cold storage is required.
5. Dry Heat Incubator
A dry heat incubator is used for sterilization purposes. It works by heating the air inside to high temperatures to kill bacteria, making it a valuable tool in clinical and medical laboratories.
Choosing the Best Laboratory Incubator for Your Needs

When selecting the right incubator for your lab, consider the following:
1. Temperature and Humidity Control
Precise temperature control is essential for any lab incubator. Most models offer a range between 4°C to 70°C, but CO2 incubators often come with humidity controls to create ideal conditions for cell culture.
2. CO2 Control for Cell Culture
If your research involves mammalian cells, a CO2 incubator is crucial. It can regulate CO2 levels, maintaining the pH balance needed for cells to grow.
3. Shaking Feature for Aeration
For experiments requiring bacterial growth or yeast culture, a shaking incubator provides continuous movement to ensure proper oxygenation and nutrient distribution.
4. Size and Capacity
Incubators come in a range of sizes to fit various lab setups. Smaller benchtop models are ideal for limited space, while larger units are more suitable for high-volume research labs.
How to Use a Laboratory Incubator
Operating a laboratory incubator properly is vital to ensure consistent results:
- Set the Desired Temperature Choose the appropriate temperature based on your specific research needs. For cell culture, most CO2 incubators are set between 37°C and 40°C.
- Adjust Humidity and CO2 Levels (If Applicable) If using a CO2 incubator, adjust the CO2 concentration to maintain a stable pH in your cell culture media. Similarly, control the humidity to avoid drying out the samples.
- Place Your Samples Inside Arrange your samples on the racks inside the incubator. Ensure there’s enough space between each sample to allow for proper air circulation.
- Monitor the Incubator Check the temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels regularly. Some incubators come with alarms to alert you of any deviations from the set parameters.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Incubators

Proper care and maintenance of laboratory incubators can extend their lifespan and ensure consistent results:
- Regular Cleaning
Clean the interior surfaces regularly using non-abrasive cleaners. For CO2 incubators, ensure that the water reservoir is clean to prevent contamination. - Calibration
Incubators should be calibrated periodically to ensure the temperature and CO2 sensors are providing accurate readings. - Check Gaskets and Seals
The door gaskets and seals should be inspected regularly for wear and tear to prevent air leakage, which can affect temperature stability. - Filter Replacement
If your incubator uses a filter (common in CO2 incubators), replace it as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure clean air circulation.
Applications of Laboratory Incubators
Laboratory incubators are used in various scientific fields, such as:
- Microbiology: Growing bacteria and fungi in controlled conditions.
- Cell Culture: CO2 incubators are used for growing mammalian cells.
- Environmental Science: BOD incubators measure the oxygen demand of microorganisms in water samples.
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: Incubators help in drug development, protein synthesis, and genetic research.
Conclusion: Essential Equipment for Scientific Discovery
Laboratory incubators play a critical role in scientific research by providing controlled environments for cell culture, bacterial growth, and chemical reactions. By choosing the right type of incubator and maintaining it properly, researchers can ensure accurate and reproducible results.