Heat management strategies for solid-state NMR of functional proteins

► Heating tests on a sacrificial sample enable efficient NMR of functional proteins. ► Sm2Sn2O7 chemical shift thermometer does not alter freezing point or ionic strength. ► Complete freezing of high salt samples minimizes heating. ► Simple tests for thawing during pulsing are described. ► Increased cooling efficiency is an untapped method for effective heat management.