Laboratory oven definition: what is this equipment used for?
A laboratory oven is a thermal equipment used to heat, dry or condition samples at precise temperatures. It allows a constant temperature to be maintained, generally between room temperature and 300 °C, depending on the model. The oven is widely used in the fields of chemistry , biology , pharmaceuticals and materials science .
Common applications include drying glassware, dehydrating chemicals, heat treating samples, storing at constant temperature, and performing accelerated aging tests. Laboratory ovens often have an electronic thermostat , fine temperature control, and sometimes a programmer to manage customized cycles.
How an oven works
Operation is based on hot air convection : the heated air is distributed inside the chamber by natural or forced ventilation. Some high-end models use PID regulation to ensure a uniform temperature. The heat is generated by electrical resistors located at the bottom or wall, and controlled via a thermostat or an integrated temperature sensor . The interior is generally made of stainless steel , for good thermal inertia and resistance to corrosion.
Oven vs. Lab Incubator
It is important not to confuse a laboratory drying oven with a laboratory incubator . An oven heats to dry or sterilize, while an incubator maintains a lower, constant temperature (often 37°C) to promote cell or bacterial growth. The two devices therefore meet different needs, although their appearance is sometimes similar.
Cheap laboratory oven: is it possible without sacrificing quality?
Good news: it's entirely possible to buy a cheap laboratory oven without compromising on safety or precision. At Rewake, we offer reconditioned ovens that have been tested, cleaned, and inspected by specialized technicians. Each unit is inspected to ensure reliable temperature regulation , proper sealing, and even heat distribution.
Refurbished ovens allow you to make significant savings (up to 50% off the new price), while still benefiting from professional equipment. Our models include options such as adjustable temperature range, digital display, built-in fan, timer, and overheat protection. Some ovens are compatible with a temperature recorder or external alarm system.
Why choose a reconditioned oven?
- 🧪 Device checked and ready to use
- 💸 Significant investment savings
- ♻️ Eco-responsible approach
- 📦 Fast delivery throughout France
- 🔧 Warranty included on each piece of equipment
How to choose the right used laboratory oven?
Choosing a laboratory oven depends on several criteria, which must be analyzed before any purchase. Here are the main characteristics to consider:
1. The temperature range
This is the first criterion to consider. For drying or heat treatment purposes, an oven capable of reaching 250–300°C is recommended. On the other hand, for gentler uses (low temperature drying, preheating), an oven of up to 150°C may be sufficient.
2. The type of convection
There are two main types of laboratory ovens : natural convection and forced convection. Natural convection is more economical, but the heat is less uniform. Forced convection, with a built-in fan, ensures a uniform temperature and faster cycles, ideal for demanding applications.
3. The useful volume
Depending on the quantity of products to be dried or the type of samples, you will need to adapt the capacity of your drying oven. Compact 30 L models are available, as are XXL 500 L models for large laboratories or industrial uses.
4. The regulation system
A good control system is essential for safety and accuracy. Look for models with a programmable electronic thermostat , a digital display, and an overheat protection feature. Some ovens also have a PID controller for constant temperature control.
5. Building materials
The interior of a laboratory oven must be made of stainless steel for its robustness and resistance to corrosion. The shelves must be adjustable, and the door seal must be perfectly watertight. The exterior, often made of epoxy, must be resistant to splashes and ambient humidity.
Concrete applications of the oven in the laboratory
Laboratory ovens are used in many scientific protocols:
- Drying glassware after washing
- Evaporation of volatile solvents
- Preparation of biological samples
- Accelerated aging of materials
- Dehumidification of powders or granules
- Low temperature heat treatment
They are found in university research laboratories as well as in the pharmaceutical , cosmetic , food and chemical industries. Thanks to their great versatility, they are part of the basic laboratory equipment in any scientific structure.
Laboratory oven price: how much should you budget?
The price of a laboratory oven can vary considerably depending on several factors: usable volume, control precision, convection type, programmability, and the presence of options such as an alarm or a recorder. A new standard oven can cost between €1,200 and more than €5,000. At Rewake, we offer reconditioned laboratory ovens starting at €600, fully functional and guaranteed, allowing you to benefit from professional equipment at a lower cost.
Laboratory heating oven: what are the specific features?
A laboratory heating oven is designed to ensure a rapid and uniform temperature rise, often up to 300°C. It allows for accelerated drying, heat treatment or efficient dehumidification. These models are often used for protocols requiring constant heating , such as polymerization, curing or material preparation. Thanks to forced convection and good temperature control , heating ovens ensure reproducible and accurate results.
Why Rewake is your ally in finding a laboratory oven
At Rewake, we select refurbished laboratory ovens for you, meeting the highest standards. Our devices are tested, cleaned, calibrated, and sold with a warranty. This way, you benefit from excellent value for money while adopting an eco-responsible approach.
Each incubator comes with its own technical data sheet, detailed specifications, and usage guidelines to maximize its lifespan. And if you need a complementary laboratory incubator, our teams can also guide you toward the right model.
Need a reliable laboratory oven , available quickly, and at a reasonable price? Trust Rewake to equip your laboratory with professional, durable, and certified equipment.
What is a laboratory incubator used for?
A laboratory incubator is a thermal device used to maintain controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, and sometimes CO₂. It is primarily used to promote the growth of microorganisms, animal, plant, or human cells under stable conditions. It is a basic tool in any biology, microbiology, or health research laboratory .
The areas of application are numerous: studies of bacterial strains, research on pathogens, drug trials, gene therapies, and even vaccine production. In both public and private research laboratories , the incubator is a pillar of scientific experimentation.
Best laboratory incubator: selection criteria
To identify the best laboratory incubator according to your needs, several criteria must be analyzed:
1. Temperature range
Most incubators maintain a temperature around 37°C, which is ideal for cell culture. However, some models allow settings ranging from 5°C to 70°C for more specific applications.
2. Humidity and CO₂ control
In some protocols, particularly in cell biology or pharmaceutical research , precise control of the atmosphere is essential. There are models equipped with CO₂ sensors, humidifiers, or even HEPA filters to maintain a sterile environment.
3. Useful volume
Capacities range from 20 to 300 liters depending on the model. For laboratories with modest needs, a compact enclosure may be sufficient. Large research units will opt for bulky models with multiple shelves.
4. Regulation and security
A good laboratory incubator should have reliable electronic controls, with a digital display, temperature alarms, and overheat protection. Some models even include data recovery or remote control.
Price of a laboratory incubator: what should you expect?
The price of a laboratory incubator depends on its features, volume, and expected level of precision. New models range from €1,000 for a basic model to over €7,000 for a large-capacity CO₂ incubator.
At Rewake, we offer refurbished models in excellent condition, starting at €600. Each device is cleaned, tested, calibrated, and guaranteed. An ideal option for laboratories looking to control their budget without compromising on quality.
Additionally, you can consult our selection of laboratory scales to complete your basic equipment.
The different types of laboratory incubators
There are several models of incubators adapted to specific uses. Each type of laboratory incubator meets a particular technical need:
1. Standard hot air incubator
Used for conventional microbial growth, this model regulates only ambient temperature. It is the most widely used in higher education and general research laboratories .
2. CO₂ Incubator
Perfect for cell culture, it replicates the atmosphere of the human body with a temperature around 37°C, high humidity and a CO₂ concentration set around 5%. Ideal for molecular biology and biotechnology .
3. Refrigerated incubator
Used for analyses requiring a temperature below ambient (e.g. bacterial storage, stability tests). Its range extends from +5 °C to +60 °C with an integrated cooling system.
4. Shaking (orbital) incubator
It allows incubation while stirring the medium thanks to an oscillating platform. Perfect for suspension cultures, yeasts or fermentation in shaker flasks.
Why buy a refurbished incubator from Rewake?
At Rewake, every refurbished laboratory incubator undergoes a rigorous process. Our technicians check temperature uniformity, test safety systems, replace worn parts, and carefully clean the interior.
- ✔️ Full calibration and functional test
- ✔️ Traceability and technical sheet provided
- ✔️ Fast delivery and minimum 3-month warranty
- ✔️ Support in choosing the right model
Whether you are a biotech startup , an engineering school , or a hospital laboratory, we help you find the laboratory incubator best suited to your budget and technical constraints.
Used incubator like new
The laboratory incubator is much more than a simple heating device. It is a pillar of experimental research in biology, health, microbiology, and pharmacy. Thanks to it, your cultures and samples evolve in optimal, reproducible, and secure conditions.
By choosing a refurbished Rewake model, you benefit from reliable, affordable, and responsible equipment. Our solutions allow all types of organizations—public and private—to equip themselves with quality equipment, without compromise.
Need help choosing your laboratory incubator? Contact our team; we'll be happy to advise you based on your protocols, volumes, and technical requirements.
