Memmert Units from 1977 and 1979 Still Going Strong

 

Equipment Spotlight

Built to Last: Memmert Units from 1977 and 1979 Still Going Strong

John Morris Group | Memmert GmbH + Co. KG | Australia & New Zealand
Vintage Memmert incubator unit circa 1977 still in active laboratory use

Some equipment earns its place in the lab not just through performance, but through decades of uninterrupted service. We've recently come across two remarkable examples that speak for themselves, a 1977 and a 1979 Memmert, both still in active operation today.

That's nearly half a century of reliable laboratory performance, a testament to the engineering philosophy that has defined Memmert since its founding. For the team at John Morris Group, encountering these units was a genuine reminder of why Memmert has remained one of the most trusted names in temperature control technology.

When equipment made in the 1970s is still earning its place in today's laboratory, that isn't just durabilityy, it's a design philosophy proven across generations.

The Units at a Glance

📅 1977 Memmert Unit

Approximately 48 years old and still in daily laboratory operation. A striking example of what precision German engineering looks like over the long run.

📅 1979 Memmert Unit

Approximately 46 years old and still performing reliably today. Another classic example of Memmert's enduring build quality in action.

What Makes Memmert Equipment Last?

Memmert's reputation for longevity isn't accidental. Since 1933, the German manufacturer has built its products around a philosophy of robustness, repairability, and precision — values that are increasingly rare in modern laboratory equipment. Several qualities define why Memmert units continue performing long after most alternatives have been retired.

🏭 German Engineering

Designed and manufactured in Schwabach, Germany, with an uncompromising focus on material quality and manufacturing precision.

🌡️ Consistent Temperature Control

Memmert's temperature uniformity and stability have been hallmarks of the brand across every generation of product.

🔧 Serviceability by Design

Units are built to be maintained and serviced, not simply replaced — a philosophy that extends product lifespans well beyond industry norms.

🔬 Broad Application Range

From incubators and ovens to humidity chambers, Memmert's range serves life science, industrial, and research laboratories worldwide.

Nearly 50 Years — In Perspective

Year Milestone
1933 Memmert GmbH + Co. KG founded in Germany
1977 First unit we encountered manufactured, still operating today
1979 Second unit manufactured,  still operating today
2025 Both units encountered in active laboratory use, 46 and 48 years on

The Modern Memmert Range

Today's Memmert portfolio carries that same philosophy forward with the addition of modern connectivity, digital interfaces, and advanced humidity and CO₂ control, all while retaining the build quality that keeps 1970s units in service. The current range includes universal ovens, incubators, climate chambers, water baths, and Peltier-cooled units, available through John Morris Group across Australia and New Zealand.

The Units Up Close

These photos capture the units as we found them — original controls, original hardware, original Memmert branding — decades on and still doing the job.

1977 Memmert incubator INC.FIVE MICRO-045 full unit view
The 1977 Memmert incubator (INC.FIVE / MICRO-045) — polished stainless steel, analogue controls, still running.
Memmert chrome door latch close-up with original branding
Original chrome Memmert door latch — the branding hasn't changed, and neither has the build quality.
1979 Memmert sterilising oven MICRO-061 running at 160C
The 1979 Memmert sterilising oven (MICRO-061), still routinely run at 160°C for sterilisation duties.
1979 Memmert oven side view showing original stainless steel construction
A second 1979-era Memmert unit — compact, robust, and still trusted in today's laboratory environment.

If you're still running a classic Memmert unit, or looking to invest in equipment that will serve your laboratory for decades, our team is here to help.

John Morris Group & Memmert

John Morris Group has been Australia and New Zealand's trusted partner for scientific instruments and laboratory equipment since 1962. We supply and support the full Memmert range, backed by local application expertise and after-sales service. Whether you're looking to invest in a new system or need support for an existing Memmert unit, our team is ready to assist.

To explore the Memmert range or speak with our team, get in touch today.

📞 1300 501 555

JM

John Morris Group

Australia & New Zealand's trusted partner for scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and technical solutions since 1962.

March 27, 2026

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