Binder KB 130 cooling incubator, 127 l usable volume, temperature range 0 to 70 °C, 9020-0472

The Binder KB 130 is a cooling incubator with a usable volume of 127 litres and a temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C; it is large enough to accommodate a substantial set of samples, yet compact enough to fit as a freestanding unit in the laboratory. Whether for routine microbiological quality control or as additional incubation capacity alongside a larger cabinet, the KB 130 delivers precise, reproducible temperature conditions whilst taking up a manageable amount of space.

Precise cooling with natural R-600a refrigerant

The KB 130 operates with a modern inverter-driven refrigeration unit and the natural refrigerant R-600a. According to the manufacturer, the unit saves up to 40 % energy compared with the previous model. At 37 °C, the spatial temperature deviation is ±0.2 K, whilst the temporal deviation is ±0.1 K. The patented APT.line preheating chamber technology ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire interior; as air is fed in from both sides via the chamber walls, temperature distribution remains consistent even when the grid shelves are densely loaded.

Typical applications

Cooling incubators such as the KB 130 are used wherever samples or cultures need to be maintained at a reproducible temperature below or close to room temperature. Typical applications:

• Microbiological incubation of bacterial, yeast and fungal cultures in routine operations
• Sterility tests and bacterial count determination in food analysis
• Environmental monitoring and water analysis in pharmaceutical quality control
• Sample storage as a programmable ‘weekend fridge’ for periods when the facility is unattended
• Additional incubation capacity in research laboratories with fluctuating sample volumes

Features and operation in everyday laboratory use

The interior of the KB 130 is made entirely of stainless steel; the inner door is made of metal oxide-coated safety glass and allows visual inspection of samples without opening the door. A door heater prevents condensation. Two stainless steel grid shelves are included as standard; a 30 mm diameter feed-through with a silicone plug allows external sensor or measurement cables to be fed through, and the unit is also stackable. To ensure process reliability, an independent Class 3.3 adjustable temperature monitor according to DIN 12880, featuring visual and audible alarms, is integrated. An internal data logger records the measured values and can be read out via USB; an Ethernet interface is also available. A device self-test enables a comprehensive status analysis, and thanks to the simple programming of a second temperature setpoint, the KB 130 can be automatically switched to a lower holding temperature. A hot-air disinfection routine also supports the cleaning of the interior between test runs.

Selection guide: choosing the right model size

The KB series offers a choice of six sizes ranging from 63 to 1,070 litres. The following table compares the usable volume with the external dimensions of each size.

With a capacity of 127 litres, the KB 130 sits between the compact Binder KB 065 cooling incubator and the significantly larger 260 series. It is suitable for laboratories that incubate more than just a few samples, but do not yet require a freestanding unit with a height of almost 1,400 mm.

Differences from the neighbouring series

If a wider temperature range is required, for example for experiments below freezing point or above 70 °C, the KB PRO series, which uses the same compressor principle but the R-290 refrigerant, offers a range from minus 20 °C to plus 100 °C. The KBECO series, featuring Peltier technology, provides a refrigerant-free alternative within the same 0 to 70 °C range; however, its cooling capacity is limited to a maximum of 26 to 28 °C below ambient temperature. Those who also wish to cover heating applications above 70 °C but can make do with smaller volumes will find, in the KT series, such as the Binder KT 115 cooling incubator, a Peltier unit with a temperature range of +4 °C to +100 °C.

Frequently asked questions before purchase

Is the KB 130 stackable?
Yes, the unit is stackable and can therefore be expanded with a second unit even where floor space is limited.

What refrigerant does the KB 130 use?
The KB 130 operates using the natural refrigerant R-600a and, according to the manufacturer, saves up to 40 % energy compared with the previous model.

Can the temperature data recorded by the KB 130 be analysed?
An internal data logger records the measured values, which can be downloaded via USB; an Ethernet interface is also available for network connection.

How large is the feed-through for external sensors?
A 30 mm diameter feed-through with a silicone plug allows external sensor or measurement cables to be inserted without compromising the airtightness of the interior.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1x Binder KB 130 cooling incubator, 230 V (9020-0472)
• 2x stainless steel grid shelves
• Operating instructions

Individual requirements & procurement service

Original accessories are available for the KB 130, such as additional grid shelves, flexible silicone feed-throughs for external sensors, or the APT-COM management software for connection to a data network. Calibration certificates and maintenance contracts can also be added if required. Do you require additional accessories, a bespoke configuration or assistance in selecting the right cooling incubator for your application? Through our procurement service, we will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.