Lab Ice Trays & Ice Pans: Capacity, Insulation & Lid Options
Lab Ice Trays & Ice Pans: Capacity, Insulation & Lid Options
By the LabSupplies.com Technical Team
Lab ice trays—also called ice pans—keep samples, reagents, and enzymes cold at the bench during prep, without tying up a cold room or shuttling racks to the freezer. Choosing the right one comes down to three things: the capacity you need for your workflow, whether an insulated lid matters for your run times, and whether the material handles the cold sources you use. This guide walks through each, then compares the polyurethane foam ice pans LabSupplies.com stocks. Everything below ships from US inventory.
What a Lab Ice Pan Actually Does
An ice pan is an insulated benchtop container that holds crushed ice, wet ice, or dry ice to keep temperature-sensitive materials chilled while you work. Molded polyurethane foam is the standard because it insulates far better than rigid plastic, resists impact, and wipes clean between uses. The better the insulation, the longer your ice lasts—which means fewer trips to the ice machine and more stable sample temperatures during long protocols. For cold storage beyond the bench, pair an ice pan with proper sample storage.
Step 1: Choose Your Capacity
Capacity is the first decision, and it maps directly to how many people and how many samples share the pan:
- 1 L — single-user microtube and reagent work; fits in tight bench space and beside a balance or hood.
- 4 L — the everyday workhorse; enough ice for a full prep session with tube racks and bottles.
- 9 L — shared benches, high-throughput prep, or holding larger vessels and multiple racks at once.
When in doubt, size up: a pan that's too small forces mid-protocol ice refills, while extra capacity simply extends how long your ice lasts.
Step 2: Open or Lidded?
Every capacity comes in an open version and a lidded version. A sealed, insulated lid slows melt significantly, keeps ice usable across longer experiments, and reduces splash and contamination when the pan sits idle. Open pans give faster access and are ideal for active, high-touch prep where you're reaching in constantly. The rule of thumb: lidded for retention and storage, open for speed.
Step 3: Match the Material to Your Cold Source
All of the ice pans in this collection are molded polyurethane foam and rated cryogenic-safe, so they handle wet ice, crushed ice, and dry ice. That matters if you run dry-ice/solvent cooling baths or transport frozen samples. One safety note when using dry ice: it sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which displaces air in enclosed spaces—always work in a ventilated area and never seal dry ice in an airtight container (NIH PMC: dry-ice asphyxiation case study). For sub-zero sample handling, our Cryogenic Vial Selection guide covers vials rated for the same conditions.
Lab Ice Pans Compared: What LabSupplies.com Stocks
| Capacity | Configuration | Series |
|---|---|---|
| 1 L | Open ice tray | 455020 |
| 1 L | Ice tray with lid | 455021 |
| 4 L | Open ice tray | 455022 |
| 4 L | Ice tray with lid | 455023 |
| 9 L | Open ice tray | 455024 |
| 9 L | Ice tray with lid | 455025 |
All six are Globe Scientific polyurethane foam, cryogenic-safe. Browse the full Lab Trays collection to pick your capacity and configuration, in stock and shipping from the US.
Care & Longevity
Polyurethane foam pans last for years with basic care: empty and dry between uses to prevent standing water, wipe with a mild lab detergent, and avoid sharp tools that can gouge the foam. Store lidded pans with the lid off when not in use so the interior dries fully. For a broader view of cold-chain and storage compliance, see our Lab Storage & Safety guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size ice pan do I need?
Match capacity to users and sample load: 1 L for single-user microtube work, 4 L for a full prep session, and 9 L for shared benches or high-throughput runs. Sizing up extends how long your ice lasts.
Do I need a lid?
A lid slows ice melt, keeps samples cold longer during extended protocols, and reduces splash when the pan is idle. Choose open pans for fast, high-touch prep.
Can these ice pans hold dry ice?
Yes—all six are rated cryogenic-safe and handle wet ice, crushed ice, and dry ice. Use dry ice only in a ventilated space and never in a sealed container.
What are lab ice pans made of?
Molded polyurethane foam, which insulates better than rigid plastic, resists impact, and wipes clean between uses.
Do you offer volume pricing on ice pans?
Yes. We offer tiered quantity pricing for labs outfitting multiple benches. Contact support@labsupplies.com for a volume quote.
Order the Right Ice Pan, Shipped From US Stock
As an authorized US distributor, LabSupplies.com stocks 1 L, 4 L, and 9 L ice pans in open and lidded configurations, ready to ship from domestic inventory. Shop the Lab Trays collection or reach our technical team at support@labsupplies.com to match a pan to your workflow. Setting up a full bench? Start with our New Lab Setup guide.