At Exapro, we connect buyers with a wide range of high-quality used lyophilizers and used freeze dryers, essential for preserving and stabilizing sensitive biological and chemical products. Whether you need a laboratory unit, a pilot-scale model, or a full production system, our marketplace features listings from leading brands such as VirTis, SP Scientific, Telstar, and GEA Group. Choosing a used freeze dryer allows you to achieve the same reliability and precision as new equipment while keeping costs under control.

With prices typically ranging from €20,000 to €150,000, these machines are ideal for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food processing industries where product integrity and extended shelf life are critical. Buying second-hand doesn’t mean compromising on performance — many used lyophilizers deliver the same efficiency, consistency, and compliance as new models.

Explore our range of used lyophilizers and freeze dryers today!

For clinical trials, pilot, and small or large scale industrial drying processes. Designed and engineered modularly to create a range of standard models and in-factory options. butterfly valve to isolate the condenser and chamber cylindrical or rectangular chamber, manufactured in AISI 316 L stainless steel horizontal or vertical cylindrical condenser manufactured in AISI 316L stainless steel door in AISI 316L, with a sight-glass in the centre to observe the product during the cycle PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS Designed for freeze drying products like Vaccines Biologicals Antibiotics Active ingredients Reactives ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS Voltage: 230 Volts Frequency: 50 Hertz Phases: 3 Current: 13 KW DIMENSIONS Weight: 5,500 kgs (ca)
Chamber volume -6 L
Freeze trap capacity 90 L
Nbr of trays 6
Tray surface 1 m²
Minimal T° 60 °C
Tray surface 0.25 m²
Minimal T° 53.3 °C
Freeze trap capacity 8 L
Chamber volume 202 L
Freeze trap capacity 35 L
Nbr of trays 6
Tray surface 1.03 m²
Minimal T° -75 °C
Chamber volume 683 L
Minimal T° -65 °C
Tray surface 1.02 m²
Nbr of trays 4

60,000 €

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Tray surface 0.3 m²
Chamber volume 20 L
Freeze trap capacity 5 L
Nbr of trays 2
Tray surface 0.2 m²
Minimal T° 40 °C

4,510 €

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Technical parameters: (a) Chamber material: stainless steel. 304, Ra < 0.8 (b) Raw product loading: equivalent to a 40 kg freezer. (c) Shelf area: 4 m2 (d) Heat transfer method: radiation (e) Shelf heating medium: electricity (f) Trays: GN 1/1 20 mm, 44 pcs. (g) Minimum freezer temp: -50 deg C (h) Shelf temperature setting: from ambient to 90 deg C. (i) Demand. Electricity requirements: 6 KW, 3x400VAC (j) Dimensions: 2.1m x 0.8m x 1.7 - L x W x H. Accessories: (a) Bitzer industrial refrigeration compressor with increased capacity. (b) Inverter control of the refrigeration compressor (c) Electronic expansion valve (d) Hot gas defrost function of the defroster (e) Product vacuum defrost function
We would like to list for sale two Telstar lyophilizers (model LYOBETA 6PL) that are currently in our possession. The units are in excellent condition, stored indoors, and we have followed the necessary steps for preparation as per your listing requirements. Attached you will find several photos of both machines, including external views, nameplates, and control panels.
Two pieces Telstar lyophilizers (model LYOBETA 6PL) The units are in excellent condition, stored indoors
Chamber volume 2000 L
Freeze trap capacity 100 L
Nbr of trays 15
Tray surface 1.08 m²
Minimal T° -75 °C
Chamber volume 645 L
Freeze trap capacity 2.2 L
Nbr of trays 6
Tray surface 0.36 m²
Minimal T° -80 °C
TYPE OF MACHINERY: Small freeze dryer for the preparation of freeze-dried products. FIELD OF USE: Pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, food, dietary, medical devices, manufacturing. SPECIAL FEATURES: This freeze dryer is designed in accordance with the latest international standards (GAMP) and is able to pass validation processes, such as those required by the FDA. The chambers and condensers are constructed to minimize vapor pressure, ensuring effective distribution and sublimation of water. The compartment shelves, developed by Terruzzi, ensure perfect flatness for optimal heat transfer. The machine is equipped with a PLC for automatic control of all process stages and offers a wide range of features, including direct pre-freezing, regulated vacuum sublimation, and sterilization. A CIP system and a SIP system are included to ensure hygiene and safety during operation. YEAR: 1997 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Voltage: 380 Volts Power: 10.6 kW Dimensions (WxDxH) mm: 2550 x 1000 x 2680 h Weight: 1200 kg Vacuum seal: E-mbar l/s 1×10 Condenser capacity: Kg ICE 3.5-5 Water consumption: m3/h 0.4
Chamber volume 590 L
Tray surface 0.33 m²
Nbr of trays 6
Minimal T° -50 °C
DESCRIPTION: The GT 2 is one of the leading laboratory freeze-drying units with chloride-free refrigerant. Laboratory freeze-dryers are usually used in the areas of pharmacy, biotechnology and medicine. Used for the conservation of temperature-sensitive products. Suitable for the freeze-drying of products in flasks, ampoules, vials or trays. SECTORS OF USE: Pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetics, food, dietary, medical devices, manufacturing. MAIN FEATURES: The basic freeze-dryer is a table-top unit housing an air-cooled compressor and a condenser made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. It is equipped with a microprocessor-controlled operating module. The two-chamber design permits carrying out pressure rise measurements in the drying chamber to determine the end of the drying process. The design also permits carrying out barometric temperature measurements. Cryostat Thermo Haake type C75P. Vacuum pump Trivac 8m3/h. Year: 2001 TECHNICAL DATA Dimensions freeze dryer mm 740 x 530 x 1040 Dimensions cryostat mm 600 x 400 x 760 Dimensions vacuum pump mm 450 x 200 x 220 Total weight Kg 150 Frequency Hz 50 Voltage Volt 230 PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS Chamber diameter 300 mm Trays 2 Final condenser temperature -53 °C Working temperature -75 +100°C Bath volume 4,5 L
CHRIST (GERMANY) Alpha 1-2 LDplus Laboratory freeze-dryer Machine is like new condition Maximum temperature : 120 C Maximum pressure : 25 bar Filling 36g/6 g Refrigerant: R1270/R170

14,500 €

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Usable shelf area: 8.9 m2 (8 usable shelves of 914 mm x 1219 mm) Shelf spacing 105 mm These 2 elements should allow you to calculate the number of vials and the type of vials (>100 mm). Condenser capacity : 150 kg of ice Shelf cooling: 1.75°c/min with maximum attained at -53°c Heating shelves: 2°c/min, max T°c shelves 65°c ATM pressure at 0.1 mbar in 30 minutes Maximum vacuum reached: 0.003 mbar Pressure increase rate: 0.005 mb x l/s
Tray surface 0.5 m²
Nbr of trays 2

Lyophilizers and Freeze Dryers on Exapro

Precision preservation at industrial scale

Lyophilization ensures product stability, potency, and long shelf life by removing moisture through sublimation without compromising structure. On Exapro, buyers can find high-quality used lyophilizers suitable for pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries — from laboratory R&D to full GMP production. Purchasing pre-owned equipment allows you to access reliable performance immediately, without the delays and high costs of new machines.

Verified listings and documentation

Each used freeze dryer on Exapro is listed with key specifications such as shelf area, condenser capacity, and vacuum system details. Many include maintenance records, manuals, and validation files, helping buyers meet regulatory expectations with reduced commissioning risks. This transparency simplifies your purchasing decision while ensuring compliance readiness.

Expert support and logistics

Exapro’s team provides personalized assistance at every step — from comparing listings to coordinating inspections, transport, and installation. We help you select machines suited to your batch sizes, product types, and facility constraints so that your investment delivers maximum productivity and reliability.

Advantages of Buying Used Lyophilizers and Freeze Dryers

Freeze dryers are crucial for preserving sensitive products such as vaccines, biologics, and premium food ingredients. Investing in a used lyophilizer through Exapro combines technical reliability with substantial savings, providing a cost-effective path to scale up your production capacity.

Lower investment cost

Used lyophilizers typically cost 60–70% less than new models while maintaining top-tier performance. This reduced capital expenditure accelerates ROI and leaves room for complementary investments such as utilities, validation tools, or automation upgrades.

Extended shelf life and reliability

Freeze drying preserves the molecular structure and stability of sensitive materials, ensuring long-term product quality. Many used units have operated under GMP environments and include maintenance logs, reducing qualification time and operational risks.

Scalability and compliance

Exapro offers a full range — from laboratory-scale lyophilizers for research to industrial production systems meeting FDA and EMA requirements. These systems are built for repeatability, process control, and audit readiness.

Sustainability

Choosing pre-owned freeze dryers supports circular economy principles by extending equipment lifespan and minimizing waste. You also benefit from shorter lead times and reduced environmental impact compared to manufacturing new machinery.

Main Technical Features of Used Lyophilizers / Freeze Dryers

When evaluating a used lyophilizer, it’s essential to assess technical parameters that influence cycle efficiency, temperature control, and vacuum performance. These features directly impact product quality and regulatory compliance.

Capacity and shelf area

Determine the chamber volume and shelf area based on your batch size. Consider vial configurations, tray dimensions, and loading ergonomics to ensure even heat transfer and reproducible results.

Temperature and condenser performance

Low shelf and condenser temperatures are critical for drying heat-sensitive formulations. Adequate condenser capacity prevents vapor overload and improves drying speed, ensuring consistent cycle times.

Vacuum system integrity

A tight vacuum system minimizes leaks and improves energy efficiency. Verify pump type (oil or dry), door sealing, and valve condition to ensure stable low-pressure operation throughout the cycle.

Automation and data control

Modern systems feature PLC/HMI interfaces with recipe management, alarms, and monitoring tools. Verify support for 21 CFR Part 11, audit trails, and secure data storage for compliant manufacturing.

CIP and SIP design

Integrated Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilize-in-Place (SIP) systems simplify maintenance and improve aseptic assurance. Chambers and shelves made of stainless steel with polished finishes guarantee hygiene and durability.

System types and scale

Depending on your needs, select between lab-scale units for R&D, pilot systems for scale-up, and production-scale lyophilizers for commercial manufacturing. Industrial food-grade dryers handle large volumes for continuous operations.

Top Brands and Models

Exapro lists lyophilizers from leading manufacturers recognized for engineering quality and regulatory compliance. These brands deliver durable, validated solutions for laboratories and production plants worldwide:

  • VirTis (SP Scientific) – Precise control and documentation for laboratory and pilot systems.
  • Telstar – Advanced GMP-compliant freeze dryers designed for pharma production.
  • GEA Group – Robust pilot and production systems with excellent refrigeration performance.
  • Martin Christ – High-performance R&D and commercial freeze dryers.
  • IMA Life – Large-scale lyophilizers integrated with aseptic processing lines.
  • HOF Sonderanlagenbau – Custom systems engineered for heavy-duty, high-capacity operations.
  • Harvest Right – Reliable food-grade freeze dryers for industrial dehydration processes.
  • Labconco, Millrock, Cuddon – Widely used for laboratory, pilot, and industrial-scale applications.

Industries and Applications

Lyophilization technology supports diverse sectors that require moisture removal and product preservation under strict process control. Here are the most common applications:

  • Pharmaceuticals – Production of vaccines, antibiotics, injectables, and biologicals with extended stability.
  • Biotechnology – Cell preservation, protein stabilization, and clinical batch preparation.
  • Food industry – Premium dehydration of fruits, vegetables, coffee, and ready meals without loss of flavor or texture.
  • Chemicals and materials – Drying of specialty chemicals, catalysts, and advanced materials.
  • Medical and diagnostics – Preservation of diagnostic reagents and test kits for long-term storage.

Pricing and Cost Factors

Used lyophilizers on Exapro generally range from €20,000 to €150,000. Several key variables influence pricing, from technical capacity to compliance features and documentation availability.

  • Brand and model – Premium brands such as VirTis, Telstar, GEA, Martin Christ, IMA Life, and HOF command higher value due to performance and support.
  • Capacity and performance – Larger chambers, greater shelf area, and stronger condensers increase productivity and value.
  • Vacuum and efficiency – Advanced pumps and leak-tight systems shorten cycles and lower operating costs.
  • Automation and compliance – Systems with CIP/SIP, 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, and audit logs offer faster validation.
  • Condition and history – Documented maintenance and calibration records significantly boost resale value.
  • Valorexo benchmarking – Compare prices with Exapro’s Valorexo tool to validate market fairness before purchase.

How to Select the Right Used Lyophilizer

Selecting the right freeze dryer involves balancing technical needs, compliance requirements, and facility capabilities. Follow these steps to secure a system aligned with your production goals:

Define production needs

Clarify target batch sizes, vial types, and throughput goals. Whether for R&D or full-scale manufacturing, ensure shelf area and condenser capacity meet your product’s thermal sensitivity and expected cycle duration.

Check compliance

Confirm that the unit follows GMP guidelines and supports FDA/EMA standards. Availability of validation protocols, user access controls, and audit trails will streamline qualification.

Assess configuration and capacity

Review shelf arrangement, loading mechanisms, and tray formats to ensure even temperature distribution and scalability. Flexible design allows adaptation to multiple product types.

Inspect condition

Always verify vacuum integrity, compressor performance, and system cleanliness. Request test cycles or inspection videos to evaluate the unit’s operational state before purchase.

Plan utilities and installation

Check your site’s power, water, cooling, and ventilation compatibility. Proper planning prevents downtime and ensures safe, efficient commissioning.

Consult Exapro experts

Exapro specialists can help you compare listings, arrange on-site inspections, and manage transport and installation logistics to ensure a smooth acquisition process.

Find Your Used Freeze Dryer on Exapro

Browse our latest listings of used lyophilizers and freeze dryers and connect with verified global sellers. Exapro offers technical guidance, inspection assistance, and full logistics coordination — making it easier than ever to upgrade your production line with confidence.