Laboratory Oven: Uses and How to Use It
Laboratory Oven: Uses and How to Use It
A laboratory oven is an electrically heated cabinet with controlled temperature, typically from ambient +10 °C up to about 250–300 °C, used to dry glassware and samples, determine moisture content and sterilise by dry heat. Air circulates naturally (gravity convection) or with a fan (forced convection).
What is a laboratory oven used for?
- Drying washed glassware (not volumetric ware).
- Determining moisture content by drying to constant mass, e.g. at 105 °C.
- Dry-heat sterilisation of glass and metal (e.g. 160–170 °C for 2 hours).
- Drying and heating material samples, e.g. precursors before they go into a glovebox.
Parts of a laboratory oven
- 1Control panel – sets temperature and time
- 2Insulated door – with or without a window
- 3Perforated shelves – let hot air flow around the load
- 4Air vent – lets moisture out of the chamber
How to use a laboratory oven
Set the temperature and let it stabilise
Set the required temperature on the panel (1) and wait until it is stable before loading. Open the vent a little when drying wet samples.
Use heat-proof containers with space around them
Place samples in labelled heat-proof containers on the shelves (1), away from the walls, with space between them so air circulates evenly. Do not seal containers.
Never put flammable solvents inside
Organic solvent vapour can be ignited by the heater and explode. Evaporate solvents first in a fume hood, or use a vacuum oven or explosion-proof oven designed for it.
Remove with heat-resistant gloves
Turn the temperature down or off, open the door slowly and remove containers with heat-resistant gloves or tongs (1). Cool samples for weighing in a desiccator.
Common mistakes
- Drying volumetric flasks, pipettes or burettes in a hot oven: their calibration can change.
- Using the same oven for samples and glassware: risk of cross-contamination.
Care and safety
- Clean the chamber and shelves when cool; remove sample residue.
- Label the door of ovens reserved for glassware and those reserved for samples.
SOP for using a laboratory oven
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a laboratory oven that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
- Heat-resistant gloves or tongs.
- A mask when heating samples that are toxic if inhaled.
2Before use
- Make sure you use the right oven (sample oven or glassware oven).
- The temperature does not exceed the oven's limit or what the container and sample can take.
- The load contains no flammable solvents or explosive materials.
- Samples are labelled and in containers.
3Procedure
4After use
- Do not remove samples while still very hot; wait (e.g. below 50 °C) or use heat-resistant gloves.
- Cool samples for weighing in a desiccator.
- Switch off when no longer needed and record use in the log.
5Verification & calibration
- Check the chamber temperature with a calibrated thermometer or logger, including uniformity at several shelf positions.
- Periodic service and electrical safety test by a technician as the manufacturer recommends (usually once a year).
6Emergencies
- Smoke or fire inside: switch off and unplug, keep the door closed to starve the fire and use an extinguisher if needed.
- Burn from hot glass: cool under running water for 10–20 minutes; do not apply toothpaste or butter.
- Smoke, burning smell or electric shock: switch off at the socket if safe, never use water, use a CO₂ extinguisher and report it.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Gravity-convection ovens (natural circulation, good for light powders), forced-convection ovens with a fan (more even, faster), vacuum ovens for low-temperature or oxygen-sensitive drying, and furnaces for temperatures above 300 °C.
Laboratory Oven at AMI Scientific
Examples of laboratory oven available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Oven Laboratorium Konveksi Ganda Infitek Seri DOF-HFrom Rp15.720.138
Oven Laboratorium Udara Paksa Infitek DOV-640From Rp83.474.000
YJ Three-layer single-door vacuum ovenFrom Rp191.178.900
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an oven and an incubator?
An oven heats to hundreds of degrees for drying and sterilising. An incubator holds a low, stable temperature (e.g. 37 °C) for growing microbes or cells.
What temperature dries glassware?
Usually 100–110 °C. Volumetric ware is not oven-dried; let it dry at room temperature.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a laboratory oven for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Oven Laboratorium Konveksi Ganda Infitek Seri DOF-H
From Rp15.720.138