Cryogenic and freezer boxes, available in either polycarbonate or water repellent fiberboard, are used to store materials in ultra-low or cryogenic freezers. Typically made from cold-resistant fiberboard or plastic resins, they usually have drainage holes to facilitate removal of melted ice or liquid nitrogen.

Fiberboard freezer boxes can be fitted with dividers that are designed to fit various sizes of tubes ranging from PCR vials to 50-mL centrifuge tubes. Most fiberboard boxes are about 5 inches square with heights (including lids) from 2 to 5 inches.

Polycarbonate cryogenic vial storage boxes can be configured with clear covers for easy sample identification. Plastic cryogenic freezer boxes may have clear covers for easier sample identification. Open or clear bottoms allow for bar code scanning. Lids are also sometimes printed with a grid design and space to note information about the samples in specific positions. Plastic storage boxes may have separate or attached (hinged) lids for convenience.

Cryogenic and freezer boxes are available in assorted colors.

Alternatives to boxes include aluminum storage canes for cryostorage tubes and cell freezing containers for controlled freezing of cell samples.