Memmert IN55 incubator, spacious incubator with natural convection, 53 litres, up to 80 °C

With an internal volume of 53 litres, the Memmert IN55 incubator offers significantly more capacity than the compact IN30, whilst retaining the same natural convection and the same temperature range of 20 to 80 °C. For laboratories that need to incubate more culture dishes, test tubes or sample containers simultaneously – for example, in food analysis with larger sample batches or in routine microbiological work with several parallel batches – the IN55 provides the necessary space without compromising on the quiet, vibration-free heat distribution of the IN series.

Natural convection for more culture vessels

The Memmert IN55 incubator also operates without an air turbine or a forced-air motor. Heat rises within the chamber purely by convection; open Petri dishes or culture media are not affected by forced air movement. The operating temperature range extends from at least 5 °C above room temperature up to 80 °C. A DIN Class A Pt100 temperature sensor with 4-wire measurement ensures a setting accuracy of 0.1 °C across the entire operating range; even with the IN55’s four possible shelf positions, the control accuracy remains unchanged compared with the smaller IN30.

ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY and data acquisition

The IN55 is controlled via the ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY, an adaptive, multifunctional digital PID microprocessor controller with a high-resolution TFT colour graphic display. The temperature can be set in Celsius or Fahrenheit, as well as the position of the exhaust air flap, programme duration, time zone and summer/winter time. A digital countdown timer with target time can be set from 1 minute to 99 days; the SetpointWait function only starts the incubation time once the setpoint temperature has been reached, ensuring comparable incubation conditions when several batches are running in parallel. The data logger can be read out and managed via the Ethernet interface; a time-limited trial version of the AtmoCONTROL software is available for download.

Capacity and dimensions of the Memmert IN55 incubator

The interior measures 400 x 400 x 330 mm, whilst the external dimensions are 585 x 784 x 514 mm. An electropolished stainless steel wire rack is included; the incubator can accommodate up to 4 shelves in total – one more than the IN30. The maximum load capacity is 80 kg for the entire unit and 20 kg per shelf. The interior consists of easy-to-clean stainless steel, reinforced by deep-drawn ribbing, with protected, integrated 4-sided heating; the housing is made of textured stainless steel with a fully galvanised sheet steel rear panel. The IN55 is connected to 230 V (approx. 1,000 W) or 115 V (approx. 900 W), in both cases at 50/60 Hz.

Selection guide: choosing the right incubator size

In addition to the two natural convection models, the IN30 and IN55, LT Laborhandel also stocks the IF30plus, a forced-air variant with TwinDISPLAY, which is a factor to consider when making a selection depending on requirements for temperature distribution and interior hygiene.

If the 32-litre capacity of the Memmert IN30 incubator is no longer sufficient, the IN55 – with a 53-litre capacity and an additional shelf – is the obvious next step, whilst taking up only slightly more floor space. If, on the other hand, you require active air circulation and an integrated sterilisation programme, you will find these functions in the Memmert IF30plus incubator. The full range can be found under Climate Chambers & Incubators.

Distinction: Incubator versus heating cabinet, IN versus IF

Unlike the UN55 heating and drying cabinet, which is identical in size, the IN55 is designed for incubation temperatures up to 80 °C and comes as standard with an internal glass door for visual inspection without opening the outer door. Within the incubator range, the key purchasing decision remains whether to choose natural convection (IN series) or forced air circulation (IF series): the forced-air variant, the IF30plus, features an air turbine, two Pt100 sensors for mutual monitoring, TwinDISPLAY and an integrated sterilisation programme, albeit with a smaller internal volume of 32 litres instead of 53 litres. Those wishing to combine the greater capacity of the IN55 with quiet, vibration-free incubation should stick with the IN series; those who switch between sample types and wish to decontaminate the interior from time to time should consider the IF30plus.

Safety in accordance with DIN 12880

The IN55 features adjustable electronic temperature monitoring and a mechanical temperature limiter of protection class 1 in accordance with DIN 12880, which switches off the heating when the temperature reaches approximately 20 °C above the maximum cabinet temperature – an important feature for incubation runs lasting several days with multiple parallel batches. A self-diagnostic system assists with fault-finding, and three freely selectable temperature values can be calibrated. The unit bears CE and EAC markings as well as a UL test mark.

Installation, operation and disposal

For operation, a minimum distance of 15 cm from the wall and a maximum distance of 20 cm from the ceiling must be maintained; a minimum of 5 cm is sufficient on either side in relation to a wall or neighbouring unit. The unit may be installed at altitudes of up to 2,000 m above sea level at an ambient temperature of 5 °C to 40 °C and a relative humidity of no more than 80 per cent, non-condensing. Electrically, the IN55 is designed for overvoltage category II and pollution degree 2; it must only be transported in an upright position. The interior and the inner glass door can be cleaned using standard laboratory cleaning and disinfectant products. As an electrical appliance, the IN55 is subject to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act at the end of its useful life and must not be disposed of with household waste.

Typical applications

With an internal volume of 53 litres and up to 4 shelves, the Memmert IN55 incubator is suitable for microbiological and food technology applications involving a higher sample throughput than the compact IN30.

• Incubation of several parallel series of culture media in routine microbiological work
• Bacterial count determination and shelf-life testing with a higher sample volume
• Incubation in the pharmaceutical industry and research involving several batches running simultaneously
• Visual inspection of ongoing cultures without temperature loss thanks to the internal glass door
• As a secondary unit alongside an IN30 when the sample volume increases

Reason for investment: Equipment for higher sample throughput

The IN55 is supplied as standard with 1 electropolished stainless steel wire rack and the internal glass door; the cabinet is designed to accommodate up to 4 racks. Users who regularly utilise all levels should order additional wire racks accordingly. For process documentation, a permanent AtmoCONTROL software licence is recommended instead of the time-limited trial version, supplemented by a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. Those wishing to secure access can configure a lockable door with a security lock; for enhanced safety, an additional Pt100 sensor with over-temperature protection is available. For pharmaceutical or standards-compliant applications, we arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, including those accredited by DAkkS. For confined spaces, a stacking kit is also available, allowing two incubators to be stacked on top of each other to save space – for example, when the IN55 and IN30 are in use simultaneously in the same laboratory.

Frequently asked questions before purchase

How does the IN55 differ from the smaller IN30?
Both operate using natural convection and feature the same ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY; however, the IN55 offers greater capacity – 53 litres instead of 32, and 4 shelves instead of 3 – whilst taking up only slightly more floor space.

What is the inner glass door for?
It allows visual inspection of the cultures without having to open the fully insulated outer door, which reduces temperature fluctuations inside the chamber.

How many samples can fit into the IN55 at once?
One wire rack is included as standard; up to 4 shelves, each with a maximum load of 20 kg, are possible, giving a total load capacity of up to 80 kg.

Up to what temperature does the IN55 operate?
The adjustable temperature range is from 20 to 80 °C; the operating temperature range starts at a minimum of 5 °C above room temperature.

Is the IN55 a medical device?
No, according to Memmert’s own MDR classification table, the IN55 is not a medical device; this applies only to the separate m and mplus variants.

Is there a version with active air circulation?
Yes, the Memmert IF30plus incubator features forced air circulation, TwinDISPLAY and an integrated sterilisation programme, although it has a capacity of 32 litres rather than 53 litres.

Is the IN55 suitable for continuous operation over several days?
The mechanical temperature limiter, which complies with protection class 1 according to DIN 12880, switches off the heater if the temperature exceeds the set point by approximately 20 °C and is designed for unattended operation.

Can I stack several IN55 units on top of one another?
A stacking kit is one of the standard accessory categories for the IN55 and allows several units to be stacked on top of one another to save space, provided the surface can safely support the additional load.

How loud is the IN55 when in operation?
The data sheet does not specify a separate sound pressure level. As the IN55 operates without a fan, there is at least no fan noise, which is audible during operation in recirculating units such as the IF30plus.

Technical details

Contents of supply

• 1x Memmert IN55 incubator
• Factory calibration certificate (calibrated at 37 °C)
• Fully insulated stainless steel door with 2-point locking mechanism (compression door seal)
• Inner glass door
• 1x stainless steel wire mesh shelf, electropolished

Regulatory information

The Memmert IN55 incubator is registered with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (Stiftung EAR) under WEEE registration number DE 66812464.

Customised requirements & procurement service

Options available for the IN55 include interior lighting and a power socket, a lockable door with a security lock, an additional Pt100 sensor with overtemperature protection, and a wall bracket or stacking kit. A USB-to-Ethernet adapter and AtmoCONTROL software licences are available for data acquisition. In addition, we arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, including those accredited by DAkkS. Do you require any of these accessories or assistance in selecting the right incubator for your application? Through our procurement service, LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.