Laboratory & medical cold storage comes in a variety of number of options. From different sizes as benchtop, under-counter and large upright units, to different features such as glass & solid door or manual & auto defrost. It can be a challenge to figure out the most fitting cold storage unit for your facility and application. If your facility is storing smaller quantities of both refrigerated and frozen samples or vaccines, one style of refrigeration that is often overlooked is a stacked combo unit. A laboratory or medical-grade stacked combo refrigerator freezer unit can provide many benefits to your facility and application. But before we dive into the details, lets discuss why an all-in-one dual temperature refrigerator/freezer (much like your home refrigerator) has it’s disadvantages.
Disadvantages of a Dual Temperature Refrigerator/Freezer
A dual temperature refrigerator/freezer houses both temperature compartments in a single unit with one compressor. Although this may seem similar to the stacked combo units, there are differences that cause many disadvantages to use an all-in-one dual temperature refrigerator/freezer.
- A single compressor to control two different temperatures means greater strain on the unit. This can lead to a significantly shorter lifespan on the unit. requiring you to spend more money in the long run.
- Having only one compressor also means if the compressor fails, both the refrigerated and frozen section both fail. This puts your stored samples & vaccines at higher risk in both compartments. If this compressor fails you will need to find immediate back up storage for both temperatures. If not, you could possibly destroy all stored samples.
- Another risk to your sensitive samples or vaccines being stored in one of these units is temperature uniformity. Since the unit is working to control a refrigerator and a freezer compartment, temperature fluctuations are very common.
The Difference Between a Refrigerator Freezer Stacked Combo Unit vs All-in-One Dual Temperature Unit
A stacked combo unit is essentially two separate units that are literally stacked on top of the other. This means there are 2 separate compressors and both cabinets are individually housed and managed by separate controllers. One the other hand, the all-in-one dual temperature unit is one single unit with 2 compartments housed in the same unit running off of the same single compressor and controller.
Benefits of a Stacked Combo Refrigerator Freezer Unit
Space Saving Design Allows for Efficient Use of Space
Stacked combo units offer a compact design that helps with saving valuable laboratory floor space. Regardless of which stacked offering you purchase, the width and depth are typically the size of an undercounter refrigerator or freezer. These products are around 26” wide by 27” deep at most, so you will only be using a little over 2 square feet of floor space per unit. This slim design also allows for the units to fit within tight spaces. You can squeeze these units between benches or underneath wall cabinets (depending on the height).
Tighter Temperature Control & Increased Sample Security
As mentioned earlier, a single compressor controlling two cabinets & temperatures puts more strain on the compressor. This not only increases temperature fluctuations but risks higher compressor failure. If the compressor does fail, the entire unit (both cabinets) shut down.
With a laboratory or medical-grade refrigerator freezer stacked combo unit, each cabinet has its own compressor which controls separate temperatures. This feature allows for tighter temperature uniformity. Maintaining a precise temperature is crucial for preserving sensitve samples.
Two separate compressors also means that if one fails, the other continues to work. This helps eliminate a total loss of product in both the refrigerator and freezer, and instead will only effect one cabinet.
Energy Efficiency & Less Strain on Compressors
In a laboratory setting, energy efficiency is important for both cost savings and environmental impact. A laboratory refrigerator freezer stacked combo unit is designed to be energy efficient. They include features such as LED lighting, hydrocarbon refrigerants and two separate compressors. Two separate compressors operating their own temperature puts less strain on the unit. This results in less energy consumption and eliminates the need for one single compressor to do all of the work. This helps to reduce energy consumption, save on utility costs and minimizes the risk of temperature fluctuations.
Versatility & Efficiency With Refrigerator Freezer Stacked Combo Units
Utilizing a stacked combo laboratory medical refrigerator freezer offers both flexibility and efficiency in storage solutions. Having both a refrigerator and freezer stacked on top of one another means all of your samples stored in one convenient space. This reduces personnel from having to go to multiple locations within the facility. This helps reduce time wasted while increasing efficiency within the lab.
A stacked unit also means the refrigerator and freezer can be separated. This gives you and your lab the flexibility to unstack and move one of the units to a different location. For example, you buy a stacked combo unit because it makes most sense due to floor space constraints. Then rearrangements are made in the lab, or you move to a new facility with more room. The stacked units can be separated and individually moved to wherever you’d like, including underneath a countertop.
Conclusion
A Refrigerator Freezer Stacked Combo Unit offers a range of benefits that make it a top choice for lab or medical/pharmacy storage. From efficient use of space to precise temperature control and organization, these versatile appliances are a valuable addition to any facility. If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to store and organize your lab samples or vaccines, consider investing in a refrigerator freezer stacked combo unit.
For more information on stacked style refrigerator or freezers, visit our refrigerators category of our website. You can also scroll below to fill out a contact form today and speak with a local area rep to help assist you in finding the proper unit for your facility and application as well as receiving a quote.
Laboratory & Medical Refrigerators
A stacked combo unit consists of two separate cabinets, one refrigerator and one freezer, positioned vertically. Each section has its own compressor, controller, and housing, allowing independent temperature management for better sample protection and flexibility.
A dual temperature unit uses a single compressor to control both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This can lead to temperature fluctuations and shorter equipment lifespan. A stacked combo unit operates with two independent compressors, providing greater reliability, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency.
Each cabinet in a stacked combo unit functions separately. If one compressor fails, the other continues to operate, preventing a total loss of stored samples or vaccines. This separation helps reduce the risk of temperature instability that can compromise sensitive materials.
Yes. Stacked combo units are designed for energy efficiency. They typically feature LED lighting, hydrocarbon refrigerants, and independent compressors that reduce strain on the system. This design minimizes energy consumption and helps lower utility costs.
Key benefits include improved temperature control, independent operation of refrigerator and freezer compartments, greater energy efficiency, and flexible installation options. The vertical design saves valuable floor space while providing reliable storage for both refrigerated and frozen materials.
Yes. Most stacked combo models can be separated into individual units. This gives your lab flexibility to rearrange storage areas or move one section to a different location if needed, such as under a countertop or in another lab room.
These units are ideal for laboratories, medical facilities, and pharmacies that store smaller quantities of samples, vaccines, or reagents requiring both refrigerated and frozen conditions. They are especially beneficial for facilities with limited space.
LabRepCo offers a complete range of laboratory and medical-grade stacked combo units designed for reliability, temperature stability, and efficiency. Explore our selection of refrigerators and freezers or contact a LabRepCo representative to find the right model for your facility.
