When our bench space started to feel more like a game of Tetris-samples stacked, incubators jockeying for position. We decided to bring a compact, purpose-built unit into our workflow: the Thermo Scientific Heratherm IMC18 (model 50125590). It promises microbiological-grade temperature control in a footprint small enough to live on a crowded countertop, and after several weeks of hands-on use we’ve put that claim through the kind of practical tests you care about: fit, stability, accessibility, and how well it actually keeps cultures happy.
On paper the IMC18 is straightforward: a 0.65 cu ft/18 L chamber with mechanical convection airflow, a 17-40 °C operating range, and auto-ranging 100-240 V power. Its stainless steel interior, removable shelves and glass door with internal light are designed for everyday lab realities-cleaning, speedy inspections, and stacking multiple units when space demands it. Thermo Fisher quotes tight temperature control (manufacturer-stated uniformity and accuracy around ±1.2 °C and ±0.2 °C at 37 °C), an LED readout, audible alarms, and a fan-driven recovery after doors are opened-features that matter when maintaining experimental consistency.
In the rest of this review we’ll walk through how the IMC18 performed in real use: how it handled plate incubations and drying runs, how uniform and fast its recovery was, whether the small footprint actually translates into bench freedom, and how the build and controls hold up under routine handling. We’ll also highlight the practical trade-offs of a compact mechanical-convection unit so you can judge whether this model fits your lab’s needs.
Our Overview of the Thermo Scientific Heratherm Compact Microbiological Incubator
We like how this compact incubator delivers dependable,lab-grade performance without taking up bench space. Its mechanical convection with a powered fan gives fast recovery after opening the door and helps maintain a steady 17-40 °C environment with excellent uniformity (about ±1.2 °C at 37 °C) and fine accuracy (≈±0.2 °C). The glass door and interior light let us monitor cultures without disturbing conditions, while the stainless steel interior with rounded corners and removable shelves makes routine cleaning simple. For small-scale workflows we found the stacking feature and autoranging 100-240 V supply especially useful-multiple units can be stacked to scale capacity without extra parts, and the unit can double as a drying oven at higher setpoints.
At a glance, the unit is practical for teaching labs, QC benches, or experimental benches where space and reliability matter. Its 0.65 cu ft (18 L) capacity, two supplied shelves across three shelf positions, and a compact 10.2 × 16.3″ footprint make organization easy, and built-in LED temperature display with an audible alarm provides reassurance when parameters drift. Below is a quick spec snapshot we used when deciding whether it fit our bench:
- Capacity: 0.65 cu ft / 18 L
- Footprint: 10.2 × 16.3 in
- Power: 100-240 V autoranging
| Feature | Quick Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 17-40 °C |
| Uniformity / Accuracy | ±1.2 °C / ±0.2 °C |
| Weight | ~16 lb |
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Features and Practical aspects We Put to the Test
When we put the unit through real bench work, the mechanical convection system proved dependable: the built-in fan gave noticeably fast recovery after opening the door and maintained a consistent atmosphere for routine incubations and even light drying tasks. We appreciated the compact footprint and thoughtful interior layout – the stainless steel chamber with rounded corners and removable shelves made cleanup straightforward, while the glass door plus interior light let us check cultures without disturbing conditions. Highlights we relied on during testing included:
- Temperature range: 17-40 °C for standard microbiological work.
- Uniformity & stability: close to the advertised ~±1.2-1.5 °C uniformity at 37 °C, with accuracy/stability approaching ±0.2 °C in steady state.
- Fast recovery: convection fan minimises downtime after door openings.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.65 cu ft / 18 L |
| Footprint (W x D) | 10.2″ x 16.3″ |
| Power | 100-240 V autoranging |
On the practical side, stacking capability and the small overall weight made it easy for us to adapt workspace layouts without extra hardware, and the unit arrived with two shelves that fit three built-in positions for flexible sample organization. we also noted the useful LED temperature readout and the audible alarm for deviations – small features that reduce guesswork during long runs. Our takeaways in everyday lab use:
- Cleaning & maintenance: smooth interior and removable shelves simplify routine hygiene checks.
- Workspace amiable: benchtop size, stacking option, and autoranging power makes deployment simple across labs.
- Viewing convenience: glass door + interior light avoids unnecessary door openings.
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Detailed Insights from Our Use and Recommendations for Your lab
From our hands-on time with the unit, the mechanical convection airflow and fan make the difference between a box that merely heats and one that maintains reliably uniform conditions. We observed rapid recovery after opening the door and consistent internal temperatures across runs-temperature stability and accuracy around typical setpoints where in line with the stated performance (we routinely saw uniformity within about ±1.2°C at 37°C and tight stability near ±0.2°C). The compact 0.65 cu ft / 18 L volume and small 10.2″ x 16.3″ footprint make it easy to fit multiple units on a bench, and the built‑in stacking feature lets us stack units without additional hardware. Practical touches like the rounded stainless interior, removable shelves (two supplied, three shelf positions available), glass viewing door and interior light keep daily workflows smoother and cleaning faster.
- Quick benefits: uniform heat distribution, fast recovery, space-saving stackability.
- Good for: routine microbiological cultures, small‑scale incubations and drying tasks at higher set points.
- Power & compliance: 100-240V autoranging and common lab safety certifications make siting straightforward.
| Spec | What We Noted |
|---|---|
| Temp range | 17-40°C (stable for culture work) |
| Capacity | 0.65 cu ft / 18 L – bench-friendly |
| Footprint | 10.2″ × 16.3″ – stacks well |
Recommendations for integrating this incubator into your lab: we recommend it for teaching labs, small research groups, and any bench that needs a reliable, compact incubator without the footprint of larger units. Always verify set temperatures with an self-reliant probe before beginning critical experiments, and avoid blocking airflow by overloading the chamber-mechanical convection relies on unobstructed circulation for the best uniformity. Use the glass door and internal light to reduce unnecessary door openings, and take advantage of the removable shelves and rounded stainless interior to keep maintenance easy.
- Calibrate: confirm temp uniformity at your working setpoint with a digital probe.
- Load smart: space samples to preserve air circulation and recovery times.
- Stack where possible: stack multiple units to scale capacity without expanding bench footprint.
Pros & Cons
We’ve spent time with the Heratherm IMC18 and boiled our experience down to the essentials below – the bright spots and the trade-offs we noticed while using this compact benchtop incubator.
Pros
- Compact but capable: At 0.65 cu ft (18 L) the IMC18 is like a tiny, efficient kitchen oven for cultures – it fits on crowded benches while still holding useful sample loads.
- Reliable temperature control: The unit’s specs (manufacturer-listed uniformity ±1.2°C at 37°C and accuracy ±0.2°C) give us confidence that samples stay within expected conditions.
- Mechanical convection with quick recovery: The fan-driven airflow evens temperature and gets the chamber back to setpoint quickly after door openings – handy for frequent access.
- See without disturbing: The glass door and interior light let us check cultures without breaking incubation,wich helps stability and workflow.
- Easy to clean and configure: Stainless steel interior with rounded corners and removable shelves makes maintenance straightforward; three shelf positions offer quick layout changes.
- Stackable design: We like that multiple units can be stacked without extra parts when we need to scale up footprint-wise.
- Global-ready power: Autoranging 100-240 V makes the unit convenient for multi-site labs or field deployments.
- Certifications: cCSAus and CE markings reassure us about basic safety and regulatory compliance for many lab environments.
Cons
- Small capacity: The compact size is a strength for space-saving, but it’s limiting when we need to incubate larger flasks, many plates, or bulky items.
- Limited temperature range: 17-40°C covers most microbiological incubations but rules out refrigeration, freezing, or high-temperature drying applications.
- Mechanical convection limitations: While effective for many tasks, mechanical convection is less uniform than some forced-air or precision incubators for the most demanding experiments.
- Basic controls and connectivity: The LED display and audible alarm provide core feedback, but we miss more advanced programming, data logging, or remote monitoring found on higher-end models.
- Noise and vibration: The internal fan produces audible noise and a mild vibration signature – not loud, but noticeable on a quiet bench.
- Shelf count out of the box: Only two shelves are included; we sometimes wish for additional accessories or more included shelving for immediate higher-density setups.
| Quick Snapshot | Why it matters to us |
|---|---|
| Capacity: 0.65 cu ft / 18 L | Great for small runs; not for bulk incubations |
| Temp Range: 17-40°C | perfect for standard microbiology; limited for extremes |
| Uniformity: ±1.2°C (at 37°C) | Stable enough for many assays and cultures |
| Footprint: 10.2″ x 16.3″ | Fits on crowded benches and stacks well |
| Power: 100-240V (autoranging) | Portable between sites and international-ready |
We find the Heratherm IMC18 to be a trustworthy, space-savvy incubator for routine lab work. It’s not a high-end, feature-packed system, but for everyday incubations where bench space and straightforward performance matter, it often hits the mark.
Q&A
Q: What is the Heratherm IMC18 best suited for?
A: We find it ideal for routine microbiological work: plate incubation, small culture batches, and general bench‑top warming or incubation tasks. It’s not a CO2 incubator, so it’s not appropriate for CO2‑dependent mammalian cell culture or applications that require humidity or gas control.
Q: How accurate and uniform is the temperature?
A: The specification sheet lists a temperature accuracy of about ±0.2°C and temperature uniformity around ±1.2°C at 37°C. Some retailer listings show ±1.5°C, so we recommend verifying the exact figure with the supplier or checking the unit’s documentation. for most microbiology applications this performance is acceptable; for very high‑precision work we would validate with our own calibrated thermometer or data logger.
Q: What is the usable capacity and footprint?
A: The chamber is 0.65 cu ft (18 L). Interior dimensions are roughly 12.2 x 7.1 x 11.4 inches (H x W x D), and the external footprint is about 10.2 x 16.3 inches (W x D). We found it fits comfortably on crowded benches and is truly compact for small labs.
Q: How many shelves does it come with and can they be adjusted?
A: It ships with two removable shelves and has three built‑in shelf positions so you can customize spacing. The stainless interior and rounded corners make moving and cleaning the shelves straightforward.
Q: can multiple units be stacked?
A: Yes – the unit has a built‑in stacking feature designed to let us stack multiple IMC18s without extra hardware. Even so, we always follow the manufacturer’s stacking instructions and ensure vents are not obstructed.
Q: Does it have alarms and an easy display?
A: Yes.The LED display shows the current temperature and an audible alarm notifies us if temperatures deviate from set limits. For critical work we still use an independant monitoring logger for redundancy.
Q: is the glass door useful or a liability?
A: we appreciate the glass door and interior light – being able to check cultures without opening the door reduces temperature disturbance and speeds recovery. The glass does add a potential cold spot at the front, but the mechanical convection and internal fan generally keep temperatures uniform.
Q: How fast is the recovery after opening the door?
A: The internal fan and mechanical convection help recovery. It’s not instantaneous, but in our experience recovery is quick enough for routine plate work. If you repeatedly open the door for long periods, expect longer recovery times.
Q: Is it noisy?
A: There is a fan-driven noise when running, but it’s moderate and typical for benchtop mechanical convection incubators. We wouldn’t call it loud in a normal lab environment, but it’s audible.
Q: What are limitations we shoudl be aware of?
A: Maximum temperature is 40°C, so it’s not suitable for higher‑temperature drying or incubation. It does not control CO2 or humidity, so it’s not for CO2‑dependent cell culture or humidity‑sensitive assays.If you need strict uniformity tighter than ~±1°C everywhere, consider higher‑end models with forced‑air or specialized control.
Q: Can the incubator be used for drying?
A: mechanical convection can support drying applications,but with a 40°C max your limited to relatively low‑temperature drying tasks. For higher‑temperature drying,a dedicated drying oven would be a better fit.
Q: What about safety, certifications, and power?
A: The unit is autoranging 100-240V (50-60 Hz) and comes with a US plug. It carries certifications such as cCSAus and CE. We still recommend placing it on a stable, level bench and keeping it away from flammable materials.
Q: how easy is cleaning and maintenance?
A: The stainless steel interior,rounded corners,and removable shelves make cleaning straightforward. We use mild detergents, avoid abrasive cleaners on the glass, and routinely check seals and the fan for dust buildup. For long‑term reliability we recommend periodic calibration and following Thermo Fisher’s maintenance guidance.
Q: What about calibration and validation for regulated work?
A: For GLP/GMP or regulated assays, we would request a calibration certificate, perform our own validation runs, and use an external data logger to record temperature profiles. Contact Thermo Fisher for official service/calibration options.
Q: Is this a good buy for a small lab?
A: Generally yes. We like the compact size, straightforward controls, glass door, and stacking capability. It’s a solid choice for routine microbiology and bench incubation. Though, if you need CO2, humidity control, higher temperatures, or ultra‑tight uniformity, we’d look at more specialized units.
If there’s a specific submission you’re considering (plates, liquid cultures, spores, drying, etc.),tell us and we’ll say whether we’d trust the IMC18 for that task and how we’d set it up.
Unlock Your Potential
We’ve walked through the specs, tested the basics, and noted how the Heratherm 50125590 IMC18 performs in real bench-top conditions. For a compact incubator, it delivers reliable mechanical‑convection airflow, a usable 17-40 °C working range, tight temperature control (±0.2 °C accuracy with excellent uniformity around 37 °C), and a small footprint that makes it easy to fit into busy lab spaces. The stainless steel interior,removable shelves,glass door and interior light make daily use and cleaning straightforward,and the built‑in stacking option adds flexibility when bench space runs out.
We see this unit as a practical choice for small labs, teaching spaces, and researchers who need consistent incubation or drying at modest volumes – not a large‑scale incubator replacement, but a dependable, space‑saving tool that simply does its job well.Its autoranging 100-240 V power and safety certifications give us added confidence for varied lab environments.
If you’re looking for a compact, no‑fuss incubator that balances performance with a minimal footprint, the Heratherm IMC18 is worth considering. See current pricing and availability here: Check the Thermo Scientific Heratherm IMC18 on Amazon.
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