Insulated containers maintain a constant temperature to help protect temperature-sensitive materials during benchtop use, short- or long-term storage, or transport. Available in a variety of types, such as polyurethane boxes, chests, coolers, and mini-coolers, insulated containers can be used for enzymes, cells, reagents, and other solutions.

Specific applications include: protection from moderate and extreme ambient temperature exposure; short-term frozen or hot storage; and controlled rate freezing (approximately -1°C/minute) for cell preservation.

Insulated containers include:

• Benchtop coolers
• Dewar bottles or flasks
• Freezing containers
• Ice buckets and pans

Insulated containers are usually used for cold items, although they can also be used with cold or hot items.