Memmert CO2 incubator ICO50 NextGen, 56 L, 6.86-inch touch display

Pre-order: The ICO50 is part of the new ICO NextGen generation. It is available as a pre-order.

The Memmert ICO50 NextGen CO₂ incubator offers an internal volume of 56 litres within a compact footprint. This makes it the entry point into the new NextGen platform for laboratories that regularly incubate cell cultures without sacrificing too much floor space. The series completely replaces the previous ICO generation from 2012, featuring a new operating concept and updated model sizes.

One touchscreen instead of two displays

Whereas the previous generation featured two separate TFT displays, the ICO50 NextGen combines actual and target values, as well as parameter trends, on a single 6.86-inch IPS touchscreen with multi-touch functionality (480 x 1280 pixels). Temperature, CO₂ and the optional humidity and O₂ readings are thus displayed on a single screen rather than two.

Temperature and CO₂ control

The temperature can be set from +20 to +50 °C; the operating range extends from at least 5 °C above room temperature up to +50 °C, with a setting accuracy of 0.1 °C. At 37 °C, the temporal temperature fluctuation is ±0.1 K, and the spatial fluctuation is ±0.3 K. CO₂ control covers 0 to 20 % CO₂ as standard, with a setting accuracy of 0.1 % and a temporal fluctuation of ±0.2 % CO₂. Temperature and CO₂ are the two parameters that can be controlled as standard on the ICO50.

Humidity and O₂ as an extension

The scope of delivery includes a stainless-steel water tray. Users wishing to actively control relative humidity can upgrade with Option K7 to a range of 40 to 98 % rh, including a rh cut-off function, with a setting accuracy of 0.1 % rh. Humidification is handled by a self-priming micro-dosing pump with a hot steam generator, whilst dehumidification is managed by a diaphragm pump; the unit also features an integrated self-diagnostic system with audible and visual fault indicators. For hypoxic applications, Option T6 (requires Option K7) controls the oxygen concentration via nitrogen injection within the range of 1 to 20 % O₂, with an accuracy of 0.1 %.

Sterilisation without removing sensors

A pre-programmed cycle sterilises the interior in 60 minutes at +180 °C without the need to remove the sensors beforehand. This saves time in day-to-day laboratory work between two different culture batches.

Inner chamber, door and shelves

The deep-drawn interior is made of stainless steel grade 1.4301 (ASTM 304). The fully insulated stainless steel door closes with a 2-point compression lock and features an internal glass door. A stainless steel perforated shelf is supplied as standard; up to 4 shelves can be fitted, with a maximum load of 15 kg per shelf and 50 kg per unit. According to the manufacturer, a glass door option (K4) is not available for the ICO50, unlike the larger models ICO105, ICO180 and ICO240.

Interfaces and software

The ICO50 NextGen features USB-C and Ethernet LAN. The chargeable software application myChamber LIMS is available for connection to a LIMS or other data management system, whilst the connectivity package for the myChamber Monitoring App is available for permanent remote monitoring. Users requiring electronic signatures according to 21 CFR Part 11 of the US FDA can add the FDAQ1 basic licence for AtmoCONTROL FDA and myChamber Control FDA. None of the three software options are included as standard.

Operation and connected load specifications

The ICO50 NextGen is rated for 230 V, 50/60 Hz; Option X2 converts it to 115 V at no extra cost. Power consumption is approximately 1,200 W. The textured stainless steel housing measures 548 x 628 x 519 mm (width x height x depth), plus an additional 50 mm for the door handle. The internal dimensions are 400 x 425 x 330 mm. The net weight is 53 kg; when packed, it weighs 66 kg.

Other sizes in the ICO NextGen series

In addition to the ICO50 (56 litres), we offer the ICO105 (108 litres), the ICO180 (177 litres, successor to the previous ICO150) and the ICO240 (243 litres), each featuring the same operating concept and the same control parameters.

Typical applications

With controlled temperature and CO₂ concentration, the ICO50 NextGen is suitable for:

• Routine incubation of cell cultures at individual workstations or in smaller laboratories
• Microbiological and cell biology research where space is limited
• Laboratory operations involving frequent changes of culture batches, thanks to the built-in sterilisation function
• Getting started with active humidity or O₂ control via the K7 and T6 options

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1x Memmert ICO50 NextGen CO₂ incubator (basic unit)
• 1x stainless steel perforated shelf
• 1x stainless steel water tray
• 1x CO₂ connection set (hose with connector and hose clamp)
• 1x factory calibration certificate (+37 °C, 5 % CO₂)

Not included in the scope of delivery: active humidity control (Option K7), O₂ control (Option T6) and the water canister with connection hose (only when Option K7 is ordered) are additional options, as are the software licences for myChamber LIMS, the Monitoring App and FDAQ1.

Regulatory information

Manufacturer’s WEEE registration number (Memmert GmbH + Co. KG, Stiftung EAR): DE 66812464. The ICO50 NextGen is not a medical device. Memmert is discontinuing the separate, previous ICOmed medical device series (last order 6 November 2026); according to Memmert, the ICO NextGen is currently undergoing testing and qualification to also meet the requirements for medical applications; this is an announcement, not an approval that has already been granted.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Memmert units bought from us are covered for three years from delivery: the first 12 months are followed by a 24-month warranty under Memmert’s terms, handled through us. Your statutory rights remain unaffected. Our procurement service is available to assist you with additional stainless steel perforated shelves, the K7 (active humidity control) or T6 (O₂ control) options, a stacking kit for two ICO50 units of the same size, or a bespoke calibration.