IKA RC 2 GREEN basic Circulation Cooler, R290, 800 W Cooling Capacity, Down to -30 °C, 0025004186
€3,452.25
% Manufacturer's RRP: €4,603.00 25% below manufacturer's RRP
- Circulating cooler with a cooling capacity of up to 800 W at 20 °C
- Natural refrigerant R290, 69 g charge
- Successor to the RC 2 basic, which is being phased out on 31.07.2026
- Operating temperature range down to minus 30 °C
- Pressure/suction pump with a flow rate of up to 21 l/min
- Temperature stability ±0.15 K in accordance with DIN 12876
- RS232 and Micro-USB interfaces
Product information "IKA RC 2 GREEN basic Circulation Cooler, R290, 800 W Cooling Capacity, Down to -30 °C, 0025004186"
If you have been searching for the IKA RC 2 basic recirculating chiller and have been redirected here: the previous model was discontinued on 31 July 2026; the IKA RC 2 GREEN basic recirculating chiller is the successor model designated by IKA. It delivers up to 800 watts of cooling capacity at 20 degrees Celsius and uses the natural refrigerant R290 instead of the previous R134a. As an external, closed-circuit cooling source, it cools rotary evaporators, laboratory reactors and other equipment with heat exchangers, regardless of the season or water pressure in the laboratory.
Successor to the IKA RC 2 basic: what’s changing
IKA has discontinued production of the RC 2 basic as of 31 July 2026 as part of the portfolio transition to natural refrigerants. IKA guarantees the availability of spare parts and repair services for all discontinued units in this series for at least 10 years. The RC 2 GREEN basic retains the design and connection dimensions virtually unchanged and is the direct successor. Compared with its predecessor, the refrigerant, cooling capacity and pump capacity have changed; in terms of temperature stability, the specified value for the successor is numerically higher than that of its predecessor. The following table compares both series with their respective documented values:
| Feature | RC 2 basic (predecessor) | RC 2 GREEN basic (this product) |
| Refrigerant | R134a | R290 |
| Cooling capacity at 20 °C | 400 W | 800 W |
| Max. pump pressure | 0.3 bar | 0.5 bar |
| Max. flow rate | 18 l/min | 21 l/min |
| Temperature stability (DIN 12876) | ±0.1 K | ±0.15 K |
| Weight | 28.0 kg | 25.5 kg |
The RC 2 basic can still be used by existing customers; there is no ban on its operation and no expiry date for its use. Anyone still requiring a unit with the non-flammable refrigerant R134a will find the IKA RC 2 basic (item no. 0004171000) to be a suitable alternative from our remaining stock.
Cooling capacity from room temperature down to minus 30 degrees Celsius
As expected, the cooling capacity of the RC 2 GREEN basic decreases as the target temperature falls: 800 watts at 20 degrees Celsius, 700 watts at 10 degrees, 500 watts at 0 degrees, 400 watts at minus 10 degrees, 200 watts at minus 20 degrees and 90 watts at minus 30 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature range thus extends from minus 30 degrees Celsius to room temperature; with an external heater, the bath can also be operated at temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius. Control is via a PT100 sensor with an LED display; the display resolution and setting accuracy of the setpoint temperature are both 0.1 Kelvin.
R290 refrigerant: Safety group A3 and installation instructions
The RC 2 GREEN basic operates with 69 grams of the natural refrigerant R290 (propane) at a maximum permissible pressure of 21 bar. According to DIN EN 378-1, R290 is classified as safety group A3 and is therefore flammable. According to the operating instructions, a minimum room volume of 9 cubic metres and a clearance of at least 20 centimetres in front of and behind the unit are required for safe operation: These values ensure that, even if the entire refrigerant charge were to escape, no flammable refrigerant-air mixture can form (R290: max. 8 g per cubic metre of room air). Practical note: As is standard for laboratory equipment using flammable refrigerants, it is recommended that the unit be installed in a well-ventilated area with no open ignition sources in the immediate vicinity.
Display, warning functions and calibration
The RC 2 GREEN basic displays the operating and safety temperatures on an LED display and features visual and audible warning functions in the event of overheating, as well as low- and high-level protection for the bath vessel. The internal temperature measurement can be calibrated. DIN 12876 specifies a temperature stability of ±0.15 Kelvin; the comparative value for the predecessor model can be found in the table in the section on the successor model above.
Selection guide: RC 2 GREEN basic or RC 2 GREEN control
The RC 2 GREEN basic and RC 2 GREEN control share the same refrigeration circuit, cooling capacity and pump, but differ in terms of control and operation:
| Feature | RC 2 GREEN basic (this product) | RC 2 GREEN control |
| Cooling capacity at 20 °C | 800 W | 800 W |
| Temperature control | PT100 sensor, LED display | PID controller, TFT display |
| Display resolution | 0.1 K | 0.01 K |
| External PT100 connection (LEMO) | No | Yes |
| WiCo wireless controller with programmes | No | yes |
| Weight | 25.5 kg | 26.5 kg |
If you only need to read and set the target temperature directly on the unit, the RC 2 GREEN basic is the right choice for you. If you also wish to connect an external temperature probe, programme temperature profiles or monitor the unit wirelessly, the IKA RC 2 GREEN control is the model for you.
Positioning within the IKA recirculating chiller range
Within the IKA temperature control unit range, the RC 2 GREEN basic sits between two neighbouring series. Those looking for a more compact entry-level solution with lower cooling capacity will find what they need in the IKA RC 2 lite, which delivers up to 400 watts at 20 degrees Celsius and operates down to minus 10 degrees Celsius. Those who need to actively heat as well as cool will find what they are looking for in the IKA HRC 2 GREEN basic or, with an additional WiCo wireless controller, in the IKA HRC 2 GREEN control; both are identical in design to the RC 2 GREEN series but feature an additional heating function.
Typical applications
As an external closed-circuit cooling source, the RC 2 GREEN basic is suitable for, amongst other things:
- Cooling rotary evaporators, such as the IKA RV 10 digital V-C or the IKA RV 3 V-C
- Cooling reflux condensers during syntheses and extractions
- As a cooling source for laboratory reactors, double-walled vessels and other equipment with heat exchangers
- Applications with higher cooling requirements due to higher solvent flow rates or lower target temperatures than with the RC 2 lite
Connection, installation and ongoing operation
The integrated pressure/suction pump achieves a maximum flow rate of 21 l per minute at a maximum pump pressure of 0.5 bar on the pressure side and 0.25 bar on the suction side, connected via M16x1 threaded connections. The internal bath has a capacity of between 1.4 and 4.0 l. RS232 and Micro-USB interfaces are available for connection to a PC or process control system. The permissible ambient temperature range is 5 to 32 degrees Celsius with a maximum relative humidity of 80 per cent; the housing is protected to IP 21 in accordance with DIN EN 60529.
Technical details
| Device type | Refrigerated circulating bath |
| Operating temperature range | -30 °C to room temperature (up to 70 °C with external heating) |
| Temperature stability (DIN 12876, at -10 °C) | ±0.15 K |
| Temperature sensor | PT100 |
| Display resolution / setting accuracy | 0.1 K |
| Cooling capacity at 20 / 10 / 0 / -10 / -20 / -30 °C | 800 / 700 / 500 / 400 / 200 / 90 W |
| Refrigerant | R290, 69 g, max. 21 bar |
| Pump type | Pressure/suction pump |
| Max. pump pressure (discharge / suction side) | 0.5 bar / 0.25 bar |
| Max. flow rate (0 bar back pressure) | 21 l/min |
| Pump connections | M16x1 |
| Filling volume | 1.4 to 4.0 l |
| Warning functions | visual and audible, overtemperature; low and high level protection |
| Calibration options | yes |
| Noise level | 61 dB(A) |
| Interfaces | RS232, Micro-USB |
| Protection class according to DIN EN 60529 | IP 21 |
| Permissible ambient temperature | 5 to 32 °C |
| Permissible relative humidity | max. 80 % |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 220 x 475 x 525 mm |
| Weight | 25.5 kg |
| Voltage / Frequency / Power consumption | 230 V, 50/60 Hz, 350 W (other variants available: 115 V / 100 V) |
Scope of delivery
- 1 x IKA RC 2 GREEN basic recirculating cooler (ID no. 0025004186)
- 2 x hose connectors for DN 8 hoses
- 2 x connectors for DN 12 hoses
- 1 x USB cable (USB A to Micro-B), 2 m
Regulatory information
As an electrical appliance, the RC 2 GREEN basic is subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) and is registered with the EAR Foundation under WEEE registration number DE 66784213. At the end of its service life, the appliance must not be disposed of with household waste, but must be taken to a separate collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The R290 refrigerant contained in the refrigeration circuit must be professionally recovered by an authorised refrigerant recovery company prior to disposal.
Frequently asked questions about the RC 2 GREEN basic
Is the RC 2 GREEN basic the successor to the RC 2 basic?
Yes. IKA ceased production of the RC 2 basic on 31 July 2026; its successor is the RC 2 GREEN basic, which uses the natural refrigerant R290 and, according to IKA, offers approximately double the cooling capacity compared to the previous generation of units.
Can I still get spare parts for the discontinued RC 2 basic?
Yes; according to the manufacturer, IKA guarantees the availability of spare parts and repair services for all discontinued units in this series for at least 10 years.
Is the R290 refrigerant flammable?
Yes, R290 (propane) is classified as safety group A3 according to DIN EN 378-1. According to the operating instructions, a minimum room volume of 9 cubic metres and a clearance of at least 20 centimetres in front of and behind the unit are required for operation.
How does the RC 2 GREEN basic differ from the RC 2 GREEN control?
Both share the same refrigeration circuit, cooling capacity and pump. The RC 2 GREEN control also features a PID controller with a TFT display, a connection for an external PT100 sensor and a WiCo wireless controller with programmable temperature profiles.
Is there still an alternative using the R134a refrigerant?
Yes, the IKA RC 2 basic is still available from our stock whilst supplies last. It operates with R134a, which is classified in safety group A1 (non-flammable), with a cooling capacity of up to 400 watts.
Which hoses are compatible with the RC 2 GREEN basic?
The pump connections are M16x1 threaded; the Scope of delivery includes two hose fittings each for DN 8 and DN 12 hoses.
Individual requirements and procurement service
Our procurement service is here to assist you with suitable connection hoses, additional valves, adaptors or connections to existing laboratory reactors and rotary evaporators. Please also feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding certificates and approvals, or if you wish to compare the RC 2 basic or the HRC-2-GREEN series.