Climatic Chamber Configurator
Discover the Climatic Chamber Configurator
Our guide to choosing the climate chamber best suited to your needs.
How much does a climatic chamber cost? In 2026, indicative price ranges range from €8,000 for the simplest versions to over €45,000 for configurations with extended ranges or stringent regulatory requirements. The exact price depends on the configuration and, above all, the test the chamber is designed to perform: there is no one-size-fits-all price list.
Below you will find the price ranges by type, the technical factors that move the cost up or down, and the criteria for understanding when a used chamber makes sense instead of a new one.
Climatic chamber: indicative price by type (2026)
The ranges below are indicative: the price depends on the configuration and the test to be performed, not on a fixed price list. They are intended to provide guidance before requesting a custom configuration.
| Chamber type | Indicative price range |
|---|---|
| Thermostatic chamber (temperature only, benchtop or cabinet) | 8.000 – 20.000 € |
| Standard climate chamber (temperature + humidity, 130-1,800 L) | 10.000 – 25.000 € |
| Benchtop / compact climate chamber (25-50 L) | 12.000 – 20.000 € |
| Environmental simulation chamber, extended range (-40/-70 → +180 °C) | 18.000 – 45.000 € |
| Custom chamber / walk-in / special configurations | on specification, typically beyond the standard ranges |
Two chambers in the same volume range can cost significantly different amounts. One requires -70°C, the other stops at -25°C. One must pass a documented IQ/OQ qualification, the other does not. And the price fluctuates accordingly.
Factors that make the price go up (or down)
The cost of a climate chamber doesn't depend on a single parameter, but on a combination of six factors. Knowing these factors helps understand why two quotes for the "same" product can differ by up to 50%.
Temperature and humidity range
The wider the required range, the more powerful the refrigeration system must be. Going below -40°C requires cascade compressors instead of a single refrigerant circuit, which directly impacts costs. Humidity control adds a steam generation and dehumidification system that a thermostatically-only chamber lacks.
Chamber volume
A 25 L chamber and a 1,800 L chamber do not share the same structure: they differ in insulation, refrigeration and heating power, number of shelves, and air distribution logic. Usable volume is almost always the primary criterion for a laboratory's sizing requirements.
Be careful not to oversize, however: a larger-than-necessary volume not only increases the purchase price, but also energy consumption and stabilization times for each cycle. The correct volume is one that holds the samples with a reasonable margin, not the "safety" one.
Rate of change (K/min)
Some protocols, such as IEC 60068-2-14 for thermal shock, require rapid ramp rates (several degrees Celsius per minute). Reaching that rate requires oversized compressors and more aggressive air exchange—two factors that impact the price more than the sheer range.
Regulatory compliance and documentation
A pharmaceutical stability test according to ICH Q1A/B or a GMP-compliant environment requires IQ/OQ (Installation and Operational Qualification) documentation, traceable calibration certificates, and often specific materials and finishes. This part of the project isn't visible to the naked eye, but it directly impacts the quote.
Optional and instrumentation
Portholes for sample observation, cable ports for external instrumentation, data logging systems, and controllers such as revoFACE or stillFACE enhance the chamber's functionality, but also its cost. These should be chosen based on the test protocol, not added out of habit.
Installation, testing and assistance
Transportation, on-site installation, testing (FAT/SAT), and staff training are often excluded from competitors' list prices, only to appear on the invoice. A proper quote should include these costs from the outset.
Because the right price depends on the test, not the model
The most common way to make a bad purchase is to start with the catalog: you choose a model that seems suitable and hope it meets the requirements in the test. The result is almost always one of two extremes: you pay for capacity you'll never need, or you discover during the qualification process that the chamber doesn't support the required ramp.
At FDM, we start with the protocol: temperature and humidity range, rate of change, usable volume, number of cycles, and reference standard. Only then do we size the laboratory climate chamber around the test, not the other way around. This is an additional step compared to choosing a standard size, but it's what avoids surprises during the qualification phase.
A recurring example: two laboratories both request a 400 L "standard climate chamber." The first performs thermal shock cycles at 5 K/min for electronic components, the second performs an ICH Q1A stability test with slow ramps. The same volume, but the quote is also very different, because the compressor, sensors, and required documentation are not the same.
New or used climate chamber?
A used chamber costs less to purchase, but it brings with it uncertainties regarding compressor usage hours, seal condition, and spare parts availability for a model that may be out of production. For an internal test without stringent regulatory constraints, it may be a reasonable choice. For a regulated test (ICH, GMP, documented qualification), the risk of non-compliance due to a worn component outweighs the initial savings.
We've dedicated an entire article to this topic: read the pros and cons of a used climatic chamber to help you decide which option is best for you, case by case.
When a custom configuration is needed
Non-standard volumes, walk-in access, integration with production lines, or temperature ranges not covered by the catalog models fall outside the ranges indicated above and require a dedicated project. In these cases, the price is determined together with the customer based on the test specifications, not on a pre-existing model: these are custom solutions , designed for those who cannot find their needs in a standard catalog.
Frequently asked questions about the price of a climate chamber
How much does a climate chamber cost?
Typically, prices range from €8,000 for a compact thermostatic chamber to over €45,000 for a chamber with extended ranges (-40/-70 → +180 °C). The exact price depends on the configuration and the test to be performed, not on a fixed price list.
What increases the price of a climate chamber?
The main factors are the required temperature and humidity range, the useful volume, the rate of change in K/min, compliance with standards such as ICH Q1A or GMP with related IQ/OQ documentation, and optional features such as inspection windows, data logging or dedicated controllers.
Is it better to buy a new or used climate chamber?
It depends on the test. For internal tests without regulatory constraints, a used chamber may suffice; for regulated tests (ICH, GMP, documented qualifications), a new chamber reduces the risk of non-compliance related to a worn component. A complete comparison is available in the article dedicated to used chambers.
How much does it cost to maintain a climate chamber?
Maintenance varies based on hours of use, test severity, and required calibration frequency. FDM Care, the FDM service program, covers scheduled maintenance, calibrations, and technical interventions with contracts tailored to the actual use of the chamber.
What warranty and support are included with the purchase?
Every FDM climate chamber is covered by a factory warranty and direct technical support from the design team, without intermediaries. Those wishing to extend coverage beyond the standard warranty can activate FDM Care.
The most reliable way to get a real figure, not a range, is to describe the test to be performed. Learn more about the laboratory climate chamber or use the contact form below to receive a quote based on your configuration.
Speak directly with our engineers
Do you need to pass a regulatory test or are you looking for a chamber designed to your test protocol? Tell us your needs: the FDM technical team will respond to you, without intermediaries.
