Taylor Wharton
Cryogenic storage
LN2 freezers preferred by most labs that have ever used them. Safe, easy, long-living - a well-earned reputation of quality.
No ice means no chiseling frozen racks free
Smaller neck openings cut LN2 consumption by 30%
Proven designs that work for a decade+
Liquid or vapor phase available
Whether you're storing cell lines, tissue samples, or biological materials, consistent ultra-low temperatures matter. Taylor Wharton (now IC Biomedical, though everyone still wants Taylor Wharton) engineered its cryogenic storage systems to solve the real problems labs face - ice buildup, excessive nitrogen consumption, and temperature fluctuations that risk your samples. Discover why labs trust these workhorses over flashier alternatives.
Models suitable for…
Cell line and tissue banking
Biological sample archiving
IVF and reproductive medicine
Research sample preservation
Why labs still prefer Taylor Wharton - the ice buildup problem
Ice buildup is the first complaint you'll hear about other cryogenic storage brands. It's why Taylor Wharton developed such a loyal following. It solved this fundamental problem at a fair price for labs.
Ice buildup is expensive and dangerous for your samples. When you can't remove racks because they're frozen in place, you're exposing samples to ambient temperatures longer than necessary. When ice chunks fall into your LN2, they create temperature gradients. When moisture accumulates, your storage efficiency drops.
Taylor Wharton's insulation design prevents the temperature differentials that cause ice formation. While other manufacturers tell you to schedule regular defrosting, Taylor Wharton eliminated the need through better engineering.
What this means for you tomorrow
- Pull racks smoothly every time - no wrestling with frozen equipment.
- Open the lid without needing a hammer or hot water.
- Maintain consistent temperatures during sample retrieval.
- Avoid water dripping onto samples from melting external ice.
- Spend time on research, not defrosting equipment.
- Protect samples from temperature excursions caused by ice chunks.
- Reduce slip hazards in your lab from ice accumulation.
Manual fill vs autofill. What works for your lab?
Taylor Wharton offers both manual and autofill options because different labs have different needs. Neither is inherently better - it depends on your specific situation.
Manual fill systems
How it works:
You monitor LN2 levels and add liquid nitrogen on a regular schedule, typically weekly or biweekly depending on usage.
Best for:
- Smaller labs managing 1-10 tanks
- Facilities with reliable staff schedules for regular filling
- Labs wanting lower upfront costs
- Situations where mechanical simplicity is valued
Considerations:
- Requires staff time for monitoring and filling
- Human error possible if filling schedule missed
- Lower initial investment
- No electronic components to maintain or replace
Autofill systems
How it works:
Sensors monitor LN2 levels and automatically trigger filling from a bulk tank or manifold system when levels drop below set points.
Best for:
- Large facilities with many tanks
- Labs with 24/7 operations where manual filling isn't practical
- GMP environments requiring documented fill cycles
- Facilities with centralized LN2 distribution systems
Considerations:
- Higher upfront investment in controllers and sensors
- Requires maintenance of electronic components
- Provides automatic documentation of fill cycles
- Reduces labor costs in high-volume operations
- Needs backup plans for sensor or controller failures
Making the choice
The decision usually comes down to scale and regulatory requirements. A research lab with 5 tanks might find manual filling takes 30 minutes per week - easily manageable. A biobank with 50 tanks needs automation to operate efficiently. GMP facilities often choose autofill for the documentation trail, while academic labs often prefer the lower cost of manual systems.
Both options maintain temperature equally well when operated properly. Taylor Wharton's design excellence applies to both configurations.
Liquid phase vs vapor phase LN2 storage
The liquid vs vapor debate misses the point. Both work fine when done properly. The question is what works for your specific situation.
Liquid phase storage
Samples sit directly in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This provides the coldest possible storage and the most thermal mass to maintain temperature during power failures or LN2 supply interruptions.
Best for
Long-term archival storage where samples won't be accessed frequently. Facilities with reliable LN2 supply. Users who need maximum temperature security.
Trade-offs
Higher LN2 consumption. Risk of cross-contamination if a vial breaks. Samples must be in sealed containers rated for liquid nitrogen immersion.
Vapor phase storage
Samples sit above the liquid nitrogen in vapor that typically ranges from -190°C at the bottom to -150°C at the top. Modern vapor phase systems like Taylor Wharton's maintain consistent temperatures throughout the storage area.
Best for
Frequently accessed samples. GMP environments concerned about cross-contamination. Facilities trying to reduce LN2 consumption.
Trade-offs
Slightly warmer than liquid phase (though -150°C vs -196°C makes no practical difference for most biological materials). Requires careful monitoring to maintain adequate LN2 levels.
The bottom line on phase
Most users choose vapor phase for operational convenience and safety. Unless you have specific requirements for liquid phase storage, vapor phase Taylor Wharton units provide excellent protection with fewer headaches.
How Taylor Wharton compares to the competition
Taylor Wharton vs Thermo Cryo Plus
The Thermo Cryo Plus gets mentioned frequently in forums - usually by people complaining about ice buildup and controller failures. While Thermo Fisher makes excellent equipment in other categories, their cryogenic storage consistently frustrates users with:
- Excessive ice formation requiring frequent defrosting
- Controller boards that fail without warning
- Wider neck openings that increase LN2 consumption
- Autofill systems that create more problems than they solve
Taylor Wharton units avoid these issues through better fundamental design - superior insulation, narrower necks, and simpler operation.
Taylor Wharton vs Custom Biogenic Systems (CBS)
CBS targets the premium market with advanced features and corresponding prices. Taylor Wharton provides the core functionality - stable ultra-low temperature storage - without features that sit unused in most labs.
Taylor Wharton vs Worthington/IC Biomedical
This comparison is interesting because IC Biomedical now owns Taylor Wharton. The Taylor Wharton brand maintained its identity because of its reputation for reliability. Worthington units share some design elements but typically have larger neck openings that increase nitrogen consumption.
Understanding the Taylor Wharton model range
K Series manual fill freezers
The K Series represents Taylor Wharton's core manual fill line. These isothermal LN2 freezers maintain uniform temperatures throughout the storage area without complicated control systems.
K Series highlights:
- 3,000 to 38,000 vial capacity depending on model.
- Narrow neck design reduces LN2 consumption.
- Superior insulation eliminates ice buildup.
- Available in both liquid and vapor phase configurations.
Taylor Wharton 10K
The 10K holds roughly 10,000 2ml vials - the sweet spot for many research labs and biobanks. It's large enough to consolidate samples but small enough to manage manually.
Why labs choose the 10K:
- Fits through standard doorways (unlike larger models)
- One person can handle routine filling and maintenance
- Sufficient capacity for most research groups
- Lower LN2 consumption than multiple smaller units
Cryo-shippers vs dewars vs storage tanks
Taylor Wharton cryo-shippers are designed for transporting samples. They use absorbent material to hold LN2, preventing spills during shipping. Taylor Wharton cryo-shippers maintain temperature for days or weeks depending on size.
Taylor Wharton Dewars are simple vacuum-insulated containers for storing and dispensing LN2. They're not designed for sample storage - they're for filling your storage tanks and other equipment.
Taylor Wharton storage tanks like the K Series are engineered specifically for long-term sample preservation. They include racking systems, inventory management features, and optimized geometries for temperature uniformity.
Don't use a dewar as a storage tank. Don't use a storage tank as a shipper. Use the right tool for each job.
That narrow neck saves more money than you think
A 51mm neck opening vs a 89mm opening might not sound significant, but the physics matter. The area difference means 3x more heat transfer and nitrogen evaporation. Over a year, that's thousands of dollars in additional LN2 costs per tank.
Taylor Wharton's narrow neck design:
Reduces LN2 consumption by 30-40% compared to wide-neck competitors.
Maintains temperature longer during power failures or supply interruptions.
Minimizes ice formation at the neck/body junction.
Allows secure closure to prevent contamination.
The narrow neck does mean slightly more careful sample retrieval, but users adapt quickly and appreciate the operational savings.
The IC Biomedical acquisition - what it means
IC Biomedical acquired Taylor Wharton but maintained the brand because of its reputation. You'll see both names on equipment and documentation. The important points:
Same manufacturing standards and designs.
Parts and service compatibility maintained.
Warranty coverage continues normally.
The Taylor Wharton name still appears on equipment.
Whether the label says Taylor Wharton or IC Biomedical, you're getting the same reliable cryogenic storage that labs have trusted for decades.
How to plan for your Taylor Wharton investment
Space and access
Measure your doorways and elevator dimensions before ordering. The 10K fits through standard doors, but larger models might require special delivery arrangements. Consider ceiling height for opening the lid and removing racks.
LN2 supply logistics
Calculate your consumption based on tank specifications and add 20% buffer. Manual fill systems need reliable LN2 delivery schedules. Keep a backup dewar for emergencies.
Sample inventory management
Taylor Wharton tanks include racking systems, but you'll need a separate inventory tracking system. The narrow neck means you can't see samples without removing racks - plan accordingly.
Backup and redundancy
Even reliable equipment needs backup plans. Consider keeping critical samples in multiple tanks or having a service agreement for emergency LN2 delivery.
Making the investment decision
Taylor Wharton liquid nitrogen tanks cost less than premium alternatives while delivering equivalent storage performance. The savings come from:
Simpler design with fewer failure points.
Lower LN2 consumption through better insulation.
Minimal maintenance requirements.
Longer service life with proper care.
If you’re here, you know the Taylor Wharton reputation. Contact us for a quote today.
Frequently asked questions about Taylor Wharton cryo storage
Depends on the model and how often you access samples. Most users fill weekly or biweekly. The narrow neck design extends time between fills compared to other brands.
Yes, it's usually just a matter of maintaining lower LN2 levels and potentially adjusting rack positions. Consult the manual for your specific model.
In vapor phase, expect 10-30°C gradient from bottom to top. In liquid phase, temperature is uniform at -196°C wherever samples are submerged.
With proper maintenance, 15-20 years is common. Many labs have units still running after 25+ years. The simple design means fewer things to break.
Yes, but most users find manual filling more reliable and cost-effective. Autofill can be added but isn't necessary for proper operation.
Static holding time varies by model, but most Taylor Wharton tanks maintain safe temperatures for 2-4 weeks without refilling, depending on ambient conditions and how often you open them.
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