Climatic Chamber Configurator
Discover the Climatic Chamber Configurator
Our guide to choosing the climate chamber best suited to your needs.
In summary: A benchtop climatic chamber is a compact instrument for controlled environmental testing (temperature, humidity) with typical volumes between 25 and 200 liters, which can be placed directly on a laboratory surface. It offers the same technical performance as floor-standing chambers (range -70°C to +180°C, humidity 10-98% RH) in a smaller footprint, and is the preferred option for R&D, pharmaceutical laboratories, electronics, and small-scale components. FDM produces 25, 50, 140, and 200-liter benchtop chambers compliant with ICH Q1A/B, IEC 60068, and MIL-STD-810.
What is a Benchtop Climatic Chamber?
A benchtop environmental chamber (or benchtop environmental chamber) is a laboratory apparatus designed to simulate controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity within a compact volume, typically between 25 and 200 liters, with external dimensions such that it can be installed directly on the work surface.
This is in contrast to floor-standing climate chambers (cabinets ranging from 300 liters to several m³) and walk-in chambers accessible to the operator, which can contain entire vehicles or aerospace components.
The deciding factor in choosing a test is not the quality of the test, but the size of the sample: a benchtop chamber performs the same thermal and hygrometric profiles as a large chamber, without compromising on performance.
Typical Technical Features
| Parameter | Typical benchtop camera range |
|---|---|
| Internal volume | 25 – 200 liters |
| Temperature range | -70°C ÷ +180°C (high-end configuration) |
| Relative humidity range | 10% – 98% RH (at 10-95°C) |
| Thermal uniformity | ± 0.5 °C (ICH compliant) |
| Thermal stability | ± 0.3 °C |
| Ascent/descent ramp | 3 – 15 °C/min |
| Weight | 60 – 150 kg (transportable on wheels) |
| Diet | 230V single-phase (models <50 L) or 400V three-phase |
The most advanced models integrate touch screen programmers (revoFACE FDM), USB/Ethernet data logging, 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail , deviation alarms and multi-step programmable temperature profiles
What are the Countertop Cameras Used For?
Benchtop climatic chambers cover practically all the uses of larger chambers, limited by the sample volume:
- Pharmaceutical: ICH Q1A/B stability testing on small batches, pre-formulation, accelerated screening (40°C/75% RH)
- Electronics: burn-in, IEC 60068 stress test, automotive component qualification according to ISO 16750
- Cosmetics and food: shelf-life, simulation of storage and transport conditions
- Batteries and accumulators: thermal cycles for characterization according to UN 38.3 (in dedicated configurations, see FDM battery chambers)
- R&D and universities: materials testing, aging testing, basic scientific research
Advantages of the Benchtop Camera
1. Small footprint. Compact models fit on a laboratory benchtop (typical dimensions 70 cm high × 80-100 cm wide × 70 cm deep), freeing up valuable space. A 50 L benchtop chamber replaces a 500 L cabinet when the sample size allows.
2. Portability. Weighing under 100-150 kg, many benchtop chambers are wheeled and can be moved between departments. For companies with distributed laboratories, this is a truly shared investment.
3. Lower energy consumption. Smaller volume means reduced thermal load: a 25 L chamber typically consumes 5-8 times less than a 250 L cabinet at the same set point.
4. Simplified installation. Many models up to 50 L operate on a single-phase 230V power supply, eliminating the need for dedicated three-phase systems—a significant advantage in R&D laboratories.
5. No compromise on performance. The evolution of refrigeration and heating technology and compact exchangers has led to the latest-generation countertop chambers achieving performance equal to or superior to floor-standing models: fast ramps, extended ranges, and top-of-the-line uniformity.
When to Choose a Floor Camera
The choice of a floor chamber becomes obligatory when:
- The sample exceeds 40-50 cm in one dimension (e.g., panels, large battery modules, electronic racks)
- must be tested simultaneously for statistical purposes (e.g. 20+ samples)
- Test requires frequent operator access or bulky internal instrumentation
- Special configurations are required (combined vibration, altitude, controlled atmosphere)
For all other scenarios, the benchtop chamber is the most rationally efficient choice.
FDM Benchtop Climatic Chambers
FDM Environment Makers for over 70 years benchtop environmental chambers in a variety of configurations
- Model 25 L — compact chamber ideal for R&D and educational laboratories
- Model 50 L — the most popular for pharmaceutical and electronics testing
- 140 L / 200 L model — for larger batches while maintaining a large benchtop footprint
All FDM chambers integrate the revoFACE, multi-threshold alarms, GMP-compliant data recording, and are IQ/OQ/PQ according to ICH Q1A/B. For specific needs, FDM creates custom benchtop chambers with extended ranges and dedicated configurations.
Discover FDM Environmental Chambers or contact us for technical advice.
For cell cultures and CO₂ incubation tests, FDM develops CO₂ test chambers with internal atmosphere control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Benchtop Climatic Chamber
What is the minimum volume of a benchtop climate chamber?
The minimum commercial volume is 25 liters, sufficient for samples up to approximately 20x25x40 cm. Smaller models (8-15 L) exist, but with limited temperature ranges and without humidity control: they are closer to incubators than true climate chambers. For ICH Q1A/B or IEC 60068 tests with full T+RH, 25 L is the minimum sensible size.
Can a benchtop chamber do ICH Q1A/B testing?
Yes, as long as it meets the required tolerances: ±2°C for temperature and ±5% RH for humidity at ICH set points (25°C/60%, 30°C/65%, 40°C/75%). Benchtop FDM chambers achieve tighter tolerances (±0.5°C, ±2.5% RHqualified IQ/OQ/PQ. The only limit is the volume capacity for the product batches tested.
How much does a benchtop climate chamber cost?
Prices range from approximately €8,000-12,000 for a basic 25 L model (temperature only, range -20/+80°C) up to €25,000-40,000 for a 50-100 L model with humidity, extended range -70/+180°C, and an advanced programmer. Custom configurations (combined vibration, altitude, controlled atmosphere) start at €50,000. FDM provides personalized quotes via request for a quote.
Benchtop or incubator: what's the difference?
An incubator typically operates between +5°C and +60°C, with no or limited humidity control (upper range only). A benchtop climate chamber covers much wider ranges (often -40/+150°C), with humidity control from 10-95% RH and programmable multi-step ramps. For pharmaceutical stability tests, shelf life tests, and electronic stress tests, a true climate chamber is needed; for cell cultures or biological incubation, an incubator is sufficient.
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.