We currently have an SP Thermo Electron Cryo Fridge brand Freezer and we have had nothing but problems with the alarm. Our weekly alarm checks are failing even after having parts replaced and wired messed with etc. etc. We have been doing manual temperature checks every 4 hours for FAR too long and need suggestions for a reliable replacement freezer.

Could anyone share pros/cons about the freezer you currently use? We store 20 O FFP, 20 A FFP, 10 B FFP, 12 AB FFP, and 8 Pooled Cryoprecipiate units in our freezers. We currently have one with 7 drawers.

Thanks for any advice/feedback anyone could offer!

We got a Helmer a year and a half ago. It has worked well so far and I have had good luck with Helmer equipment in the past. They did ship it without the chart recorder we ordered with it, but they promptly made that right by shipping us one that could be installed.

We have 4 Helmer freezers. The charts function properly, alarms sound at appropriate times. The issues that we do have with the freezers are that they are in a small room with extreme heat and poor ventilation (Opening them to rotate stock can force them into defrost quickly). In the winter, the freezers are fine. Hope this helps!

go with Helmer, they are the best money can buy, well maybe Sanyo is better, but for real people go with Helmer.

In the mean time, until you get the new freezer, you can use an external chart recorder with a probe into your freezer to save yourselves the drudgery of taking temps every 4 hours. We got one for under $500, NIST certificate included. My ultralow freezer alarm also failed (REVCO - 2 thumbs down on that brand) and cannot be forced to work. A new freezer is not in the budget at this time. We ordered an external recorder with alarm and placed the probe into the big tub our tissues are stored in (keeps the probe from being inadvertantly bumped out of the freezer), verified it with a NIST traceable probe placed in the same place and the freezer's readout. If the freezer goes down or needs maintenance, the recorder/alarm can be moved along with the tissues and plasma to our sendout ultralowfreezer (Sanyo - we like it) for safe, monitored storage.

We always get Helmer

Helmer. We got some GEM's in another department, and when the compressor failed it had to be shipped from Germany.

We have had one Helmer freezer and two Helmer fridges since 2009, all are the i-series. Our problems

1) Freezer had to have a new compressor put in.

2) Each take 6 D batteries (battery backup for the alarm in case of power failure), which can be a little touchy to change, they are on top and have to have at least a 3 or 4 step ladder to get to. Also after changing them you need to make sure to unplug the unit to test the alarm to see if the batteries are seated well. We have had to change out the battery case on one due to it failing.

Helmer. Good products, good company to deal with.

We have also had good luck with Helmer products.

I use Helmer products . . . think they are the best buy on the market today.

We have a Sanyo for several years, no issues.

Remember to check out the power requirements for any units you look at. Helmer requires 220v on most of their freezer units, that might require some electrical adjustments in your facility.

Not really...I have a freezer & double door referigerator which are 110 not 220....

I wish I would have stood up to management's cheap ways and gotten a Helmer. Our other Helmer products are great. We have a NorLake freezer and its terrible. The last time I had to call their "customer service" it was terrible also.

I agree, go with Helmer. Our "brand new" Thermo Blast freezer has been nothing but trouble for us since day 1.

I sent justification to our management on why i wanted helmer over other brands (GEM, REVCO, THERMOFISHER). I did not consider Sanyo at all. After our validation was completed, one technician from our bio-med recommended Norlake.

i do not get their in put in buying bb equipment except checking for voltage, amps & specs(to make sure it will go through my door).

So far I had good luck in purchasinh Helmer products.

they are little expensive but they do have certain enhancements which I use in my justification(eg. 2 probes, automatic alarm activation etc.)

Then keep the phone number of your service people for freezers close by. Our Maintenance and Biomed folks don't actually fix the freezer, just tell us its broke, like we didn't know. Mine is less than 5 years old and has numerous visits from the Carrier people here.

Same question for a refrigerator? Helmer for this as well?

Same question for a refrigerator? Helmer for this as well?

Yes, I also have Helmer refrigerators and they are excellent.

I vote for Thermo scientific Freezers,They are really wonderful freezers.

NOT Norlake, had to return ours after nothing but trouble, couldn't even rotate stock without the temp dropping for hours and having to deal with the alarm... replaced with Thermo and has been fine.