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When Smaller is Better
Industrial chillers come in a variety of sizes. How small can chillers get?
All sizes of Cold
Chillers are an essential part of any workplace where temperature control is concerned. They come in all shapes and sizes, usually specific for the cooling task they were built for.
The Little Chiller that Could
While some chillers are built to handle literal tons of heat, some only have a small job to do. These are often referred to as benchtop chillers. These miniature cooling units are the George Foreman Grills of cold: small, portable and efficient.
Benchtop chillers can be used while sitting on top of a work desk. Their size makes them ideal for keeping small amounts of material cold while still providing an industrial-grade of chill.
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Want to learn more about chillers? You’re at the right place: North Slope Chillers is the world’s best expert in keeping things cold. Check out our chiller guide to determine what size of chiller will fit your needs, or call 866) 826-2993 to talk to one of our chilling experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a benchtop chiller?+
A benchtop chiller is a compact recirculating chiller designed to fit on a laboratory bench or shelf. It provides precise temperature control for small-scale applications like rotary evaporators, reaction vessels, analytical instruments, and sample cooling — typically in the 1/4-ton to 1-ton capacity range.
Can a benchtop chiller replace an ice bath in a lab?+
Yes, a benchtop chiller provides more consistent and precise temperature control than an ice bath, eliminates the need for ice procurement and cleanup, maintains the set temperature indefinitely, and frees up lab staff time. It is a worthwhile upgrade for any lab running ice baths regularly.
What temperature range do benchtop chillers cover?+
Standard benchtop chillers cover 40°F to ambient, while low-temperature models reach -4°F to -20°F. For most laboratory applications — rotary evaporation, reaction cooling, and instrument cooling — a standard range is sufficient. Ultra-low models are needed for cold traps and cryogenic sample preparation.
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Keep exploring: Chiller Basics
This article is part of our Chiller Basics resource collection. Browse all the guides in this topic.