Memmert UF55 Universal Oven, compact heating and drying oven with forced air circulation, 53 litres, up to 300 °C

The Memmert UF55 universal oven is the smallest model in the forced-air range: it offers an internal volume of 53 litres with a compact footprint, a temperature range of 20 to 300 °C, and an electronically controlled fan that ensures active, uniform heat distribution even in an oven of this size. For laboratories wishing to switch from a natural convection unit to shorter heating times without taking up more floor space, the UF55 is the obvious entry-level choice for the series’ forced-air technology. With space for up to 4 trays and a maximum total load of 80 kg, it is a compact workhorse for routine tasks.

Forced-air circulation in the smallest of spaces: shorter heating-up times

The UF55’s air turbine, which can be electronically controlled in 10 per cent increments, actively distributes the heat throughout the interior, rather than simply allowing it to rise, as is the case with a natural convection oven. As a result, the UF55 reaches its operating temperature range from as low as 10 °C above room temperature up to 300 °C, with shorter heating times than a comparable natural convection model such as the UN55, which, by contrast, starts at just 5 °C above room temperature and operates without any air movement inside the chamber. A DIN Class A Pt100 temperature sensor with 4-wire measurement ensures a setting accuracy of 0.1 °C up to 99.9 °C and 0.5 °C from 100 °C.

ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY and data acquisition

The UF55 is controlled via the ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY, an adaptive, multifunctional digital PID microprocessor controller with a high-resolution TFT colour graphics display. Settings include temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, the speed of the recirculation fan, the position of the exhaust air damper, the programme duration, as well as the 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 process time once the setpoint temperature has actually been reached. 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 UF55 universal chamber

The interior measures 400 x 400 x 330 mm; the external dimensions of the housing are 585 x 784 x 514 mm, and the net weight is approximately 57 kg. One electropolished stainless steel wire shelf is included as standard; up to four shelves can be fitted in total. The maximum total load is 80 kg, with a maximum of 20 kg per shelf. The interior consists of easy-to-clean stainless steel, reinforced by deep-drawn ribbing, with a protected, integrated 4-sided all-round heating system; the housing is made of textured stainless steel with a fully galvanised sheet steel rear panel. The UF55 can be connected either to 230 V (approx. 2,000 W) or 115 V (approx. 1,700 W), in each case at 50/60 Hz.

Selection guide: choosing the right size from the UF range

The Memmert UF range offers a choice of eight sizes, with internal volumes ranging from 53 to 1,060 litres. When making a selection, the footprint and the number of racks required are often more important than the volume alone.

The UF55 marks the entry-level model in this range. If you require more shelves whilst maintaining the same footprint, the Memmert UF75 universal cabinet (74 litres, 6 shelves instead of 4, same footprint, but taller) is the ideal choice. All sizes in this range can be found in the LT Laborhandel range of climate cabinets and incubators.

Key differences: forced air circulation versus natural convection, and TwinDISPLAY

Within the Memmert heating and drying cabinet range, the most important purchasing decision is between forced air circulation (UF series) and natural convection (UN series). Thanks to its air turbine, the UF55 achieves shorter heating-up times, but only starts operating from 10 °C above room temperature, rather than from 5 °C like the structurally identical Memmert UN55 universal cabinet. For samples sensitive to dust or air movement, natural convection remains the more suitable choice. For unattended runs with redundant temperature monitoring, the Memmert UF55plus universal oven is available, featuring TwinDISPLAY, two Pt100 sensors, HeatBALANCE and AutoSAFETY. Those requiring greater capacity whilst maintaining the same footprint will find it in the Memmert UF75 universal oven.

Safety in accordance with DIN 12880 for unattended operation

In addition to adjustable electronic temperature monitoring, the UF55 features 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. A self-diagnostic system assists with fault finding, and 3 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 relative to a wall or adjacent unit. Installation is permitted 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 UF55 is designed for overvoltage category II and pollution degree 2; it must only be transported in an upright position. The interior, made of easy-to-clean stainless steel, can be maintained using standard laboratory cleaning agents. As an electrical appliance, the UF55 is subject to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act at the end of its service life and must not be disposed of with household waste; see Regulatory Information below.

Typical applications

With an internal volume of 53 litres and active air circulation, the Memmert UF55 universal cabinet is suitable for compact laboratory workstations that still wish to benefit from shorter heating-up times.

• Drying of laboratory glassware and small batches of samples in routine operation
• Tempering, ageing and baking of material samples
• Testing and curing in quality assurance
• Preparation of samples within tight timeframes thanks to shorter heating times
• An entry-level unit for laboratories switching from natural convection to forced air circulation

Investment rationale: equipment tailored to the specific purpose

The UF55 is supplied with 1 electropolished stainless steel wire mesh tray; the cabinet is designed to accommodate up to 4 trays. Those who regularly run several batches in parallel should order additional wire mesh trays or perforated sheets. A fully transparent glass door is available as an option for visual inspection without opening the door, as are interior lighting and an internal socket for additional measuring equipment. Those wishing to use the data logger on a permanent basis should add an AtmoCONTROL software licence. For those wishing to run unattended cycles with redundant temperature monitoring, it is more worthwhile to opt for the Memmert UF55plus universal cabinet with TwinDISPLAY rather than purchasing it as a retrofit accessory for the SingleDISPLAY model. For pharmaceutical or standards-compliant applications, calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services are available, including those accredited by DAkkS.

Frequently asked questions before purchasing

How many samples can fit in the UF55 at one time?
One wire shelf 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.

Can I place the UF55 on a laboratory bench?
Yes, with a net weight of around 57 kg and a footprint of 585 x 514 mm, the UF55 is designed for use on a laboratory bench, provided that the bench can safely support the load.

What is the difference between this and the structurally identical UN55?
Both share the same housing and footprint. The UF55 actively distributes heat via an air turbine and heats up more quickly, whilst the Memmert UN55 universal cabinet operates with minimal vibration and dust using natural convection.

What is the accuracy of the temperature control?
The UF55 achieves a setting accuracy of 0.1 °C up to 99.9 °C and 0.5 °C from 100 °C, measured using a DIN Class A Pt100 sensor in a 4-wire configuration.

Can a glass door be retrofitted?
A fully transparent glass door is one of the standard options for the UF55 and can be selected when placing an order.

How does the UF55 differ from the larger UF75?
Both use the same recirculating air technology and SingleDISPLAY; the UF75 offers greater capacity – 74 litres instead of 53 and 6 shelves instead of 4 – whilst occupying the same floor space.

Is the UF55 suitable for continuous overnight operation?
The mechanical temperature limiter, which complies with Protection Class 1 as per DIN 12880, switches off the heating if the temperature rises by approximately 20 °C and is designed for unattended operation.

Technical details

Contents of delivery

• 1x Memmert UF55 universal cabinet
• Factory calibration certificate (calibration at 160 °C)
• Fully insulated stainless steel door with 2-point locking (compression door seal)
• 1x stainless steel grating, electropolished

Regulatory information

The Memmert UF55 universal cabinet is registered with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (Stiftung EAR) under WEEE registration number DE 66812464.

Customised requirements & procurement service

Options available for the UF55 include fully transparent glass doors, interior lighting and a power socket, reinforced grating and perforated panels, slide-in or floor-standing drip trays, as well as wall brackets, levelling feet and a 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, a gas-tight version, or assistance in selecting the right universal cabinet for your application? Through our procurement service, LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.