An electrically-powered device intended to be used to thaw, in a controlled manner, frozen units of whole blood, blood components (e.g., blood cells, plasma), and/or other biological tissues contained in storage cryobags. The device is typically programmable and can use a number of heating methods to achieve thawing (e.g., dry heat, microwave oven, water bath); it may provide agitation and be able to detect when thawing has been completed.