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Cole-Parmer® SamplePrep CG-400 Freezer/Mill® Large Cryogenic Grinder


Part Number: 6875

The CG-400 Freezer/Mill® is designed to quickly and effectively grind challenging materials by cooling them to cryogenic temperatures and pulverizing them into a fine powder—without heat damage or cross-contamination. Whether you’re working with biological, pharmaceutical, or food samples, this powerful mill ensures sample integrity for accurate, repeatable results. The large cryogenic mill accommodates sample sizes ranging from 0.1 to 50 grams.

Typical applications include: DNA/RNA extraction, forensic/drug testing, RoHS/WEEE, consumer product testing, food safety, materials research & medical research.

Typical samples include: animal tissue, plastic and polymers, yeast, pharmaceuticals, food products, electronic components, textiles, hair, teeth, bones, plant tissue such as cannabis, seeds, leaves and roots.

Before and After - Bottle Caps
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  • Reach cryogenic temperatures in minutes.
  • Equipped with liquid nitrogen (LN) level sensor that shuts shuts down the mill if LN level is too low. Liquid nitrogen required for operation.
  • Lid safety interlock for operator protection prevents mill from running if lid is not latched shut.
  • Grinding chamber holds one large grinding vial, one mid-size vial, four standard grinding vials, or four microvial sets.
  • Auto-fill system available for automated filling with liquid nitrogen (order model 6875A Freezer/Mill).
  • Touchscreen stores up to 20 user-defined grinding programs for quick and easy recall, includes run history, training videos, and manuals.
  • Maintenance-free design with only one moving part.
  • 1 year warranty.


The Cole-Parmer® SamplePrep CG-400 Freezer/Mill preserves sample integrity by maintaining cryogenic temperatures with continuous liquid nitrogen immersion, preventing degradation of heat-sensitive compounds like metabolites and isomers. Since the vial is securely closed the integrity of its contents is maintained, hazardous or critical samples are easily controlled, and cross-sample contamination is eliminated.

The Freezer/Mill accommodates samples ranging from 0.1 to 50 grams with multiple vial options for different sample sizes, and works with various vial materials including polycarbonate, stainless steel, and low-chrome steel.

Our proven technology uses a dual electromagnetic grinding chamber that rapidly drives a steel impactor back and forth against the two end plugs of the sample vial and pre-cools and pulverizes samples in one seamless step. An optional auto-fill system is available to automate liquid nitrogen refills for added convenience.

The CG-400 is built for safety and longevity. The liquid nitrogen sensor prevents damage by ensuring proper cooling during operation, shutting down the mill if the liquid nitrogen level is too low. The Cole-Parmer SamplePrep Freezer/Mill is designed for use in an open, well-ventilated workspace to avoid condensation-related issues. Cryogenic gloves and safety gear are recommended for safe handling.

Model Number CG-400
Type of Mill Cryogenic impact mill
Grinding Vials One large vial (6801), one mid-size vial (6871, 6881, 9885), one to four small vials (6751, 6761, 6771, 6781S), or one to four microvial set (6757)
Typical Vial Capacity Small Vials: actual volume with impactor, approximately 25 ml. Typical sample weight: 2 grams for biological samples, 1 gram for polymers. 

6757 Microvial Set: 100-500 mg per individual 6757V microvial, depending on sample. 

Mid-Size Vials: up to 5 times the sample capacity of small vials. 

Large Vials: approximately twice the sample capacity of mid-size vials, or up to 10 times that of small vials. 

Actual performance of any vial/sample combination depends on sample properties, cooling time, grinding time, desired outcome, etc. Effective capacity for a given sample is determined by experiment. Overfilling a vial greatly reduces its efficiency.
Display Touchscreen
Grinding Mechanism Steel impactor driven by dual electromagnets
Data Transfer Dual USB ports (back of controller)
Coolant Liquid nitrogen (LN)

Typical liquid nitrogen volume needed is 10-15 liters for initial cool-down and filling of the tub. Liquid nitrogen consumption is 4-6 liters for each hour or operation.

Actual liquid nitrogen consumption can vary.
Circuit Breaker Same of on/off switch
Voltage 115 V/60 Hz or 230 V/50 Hz
Power Cord 115 V/60 Hz model: 3-prong grounded plug supplied
230 V/50 Hz model: 2-prong European plug supplied
Dimensions (L x W x H) 52 x 55 x 46 cm (20.5 x 21.5 x 18.0 in.)
Net Weight 20 kg (44 lb) empty, without vial or coolant
CE Approved Yes
Warranty 1 year