Labcold vs Lec: which pharmacy fridge?
Labcold and Lec are two of the best-known names in UK medical refrigeration, and we sell both. Each makes purpose-built fridges for vaccines and medicines. The right one depends on how you want to monitor temperatures, how much space you have and the features you need.
Side by side
The short answer
- Both brands make purpose-built pharmacy and vaccine fridges for storing stock at +2°C to +8°C.
- Choose Labcold if you want a touchscreen controller with built-in temperature logging and a second “wandering” probe.
- Choose Lec if you want Bluetooth temperature monitoring through an app, or a compact countertop fridge.
- Both offer solid or glass doors and digital lock options on selected models.
Labcold vs Lec compared
| Labcold | Lec | |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | IntelliCold® flat touchscreen, easy to wipe clean | External digital controller and display; Bluetooth on selected models |
| Temperature probes | Main probe plus a secondary “wandering” probe you can place anywhere in the fridge | Dual probe system (air and product) on Bluetooth models |
| Data logging | Logs temperatures for both probes at minute intervals, with min/max recording | Bluetooth temperature monitoring via a compatible app on selected models |
| Alarms | Shows and records min/max for both probes | Audible and visual temperature alarms; power failure alarm on Bluetooth models |
| Security | Lock, or factory-fitted digital lock on selected models | Lock and keys, or digital lock on selected models |
| Doors | Solid (RLDF models) or glass (RLDG models) | Solid or glass depending on model |
| Sizes we stock | From 36 L countertop to 543 L freestanding | From 47 L countertop to 400 L freestanding |
| Extras | SD card data download, pre-despatch calibration, left-hand hinging, collection and disposal | Premium delivery with old fridge collection and disposal |
Which should you choose?
Choose Labcold if…
- You want temperature logging built into the fridge itself
- A second wandering probe would help you monitor stock temperature
- You prefer a wipe-clean touchscreen
- You need a very small (36 L) or very large (543 L) fridge
Choose Lec if…
- You want to check temperatures on your phone via Bluetooth
- You want dual air and product probes with a power failure alarm
- You need a compact countertop fridge for one room
- You want a choice of standard, Bluetooth or digital lock versions
Free download: Our vaccine fridge temperature log and cold chain breach guide are in our free GP resources library. You can also read our vaccine cold chain guide. Get it free from our GP resources library.
Ready to order?
Common questions
Is Labcold or Lec better?
Neither is better for everyone. Both make purpose-built pharmacy fridges. Labcold is a good fit if you want touchscreen control and built-in logging; Lec suits you if you want Bluetooth app monitoring or a compact countertop model.
Do both brands keep vaccines at the right temperature?
Both are designed to store vaccines and medicines at +2°C to +8°C. Always monitor and record temperatures in line with your cold chain policy.
Can you take away our old fridge?
We offer collection and disposal on selected Labcold and Lec fridges. Ask us when you order.
Which size do we need?
Our medical fridge buying guide compares every model we sell by size and style.
Related buying guides
Still not sure?
Call 020 3301 6500 or email help@medical-supermarket.com and we’ll help you choose.
