Get the Best Lab Oven for Your Research [Updated 2024]

The lab oven plays a crucial role in various research fields, from automotive testing to biotechnology and materials science. These versatile pieces of equipment provide precise temperature control and uniform heating, making them indispensable for numerous applications. But with a wide array of lab ovens available in the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of lab ovens, their features, and their applications. We will also discuss what to look for when choosing a lab oven and provide some guidance on popular brands and accessories. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of lab ovens and how to select the best one for your research.

Key Takeaways

Lab ovens come in four main varieties, each with their own distinct benefits and applications.
Select a lab oven based on temperature range, capacity, and programmability to meet specific requirements.
Ensure safe operation by selecting an appropriate safety feature equipped model and adhering to proper ventilation protocols during use.

Types of Ovens for Lab

There are four main types of lab ovens:

Drying ovens
Vacuum ovens
Inert gas ovens
Convection ovens

Each type offers unique benefits and suits specific applications, ranging from drying, baking, and sterilizing to heat-treating, evaporating, annealing, and testing.

We will now examine each type along with their unique features.

Drying Ovens

Drying ovens are designed to remove moisture and control humidity from samples by providing optimum airflow and temperature control for uniform moisture removal. Many models come with HEPA filtration, NFPA 86 Class B, and inert atmosphere features, making them ideal for meeting the highest industry requirements and safety standards.

Drying ovens are commonly used in automotive testing, biotech, and materials science.

Vacuum Ovens

Vacuum ovens are employed for various applications, including:

Burn-in and performance qualification testing of down-hole electronic logging equipment
Thermal evaluation of electrical insulation materials
Laboratory testing of paint finishes used in automotive and other high volume applications

The use of a vacuum oven results in reduced oxidation and improved drying efficiency.

TPS and Despatch are among the most popular vacuum oven brands.

Inert Gas Ovens

Inert gas ovens utilize inert gases, such as nitrogen or argon, to create an oxygen-free atmosphere. These ovens offer advantages for delicate materials or reactive samples.

TPS, a leading manufacturer of lab ovens, is known for its:

Custom ovens and sterilizers that can fulfill specific processing requirements
Extreme uniformity
Dry heat sterilization
Customization options

Convection Ovens

Convection ovens offer the following benefits:

Uniform heating and temperature distribution
Utilization of a fan and exhaust system to circulate hot air around the cavity
Reduction of hot and cool spots
Ensuring more even cooking

The primary advantage of utilizing convection ovens is their ability to maintain consistent temperature throughout the convection oven, making them ideal for a variety of applications.

Key Features to Consider

Key features to consider when choosing a laboratory oven include:

Temperature range: Ensure the oven can reach and sustain the required temperature for your application.
Capacity: Make sure the oven can accommodate your sample volume and fit within your workspace constraints.
Programmability: Look for ovens that offer precise control and customization of temperature settings.

These key features will help you select the right laboratory oven for your needs.

We will now examine these features in detail.

Temperature Range

Optimal performance can be guaranteed by selecting a lab oven with a temperature range appropriate for your application. Temperature ranges vary depending on the application, from baking (150°F to 500°F) and drying (100°F to 350°F) to sterilizing (250°F to 350°F).

Evaluating the necessary temperature range for your application and choosing an oven that can achieve and maintain it will ensure the success of your experiments.

Capacity

For efficient and practical use of your laboratory oven, the right oven size should be determined based on sample volume and workspace constraints. Ensure the test oven is large enough to accommodate your sample volume without overcrowding and can fit comfortably within your available workspace.

Programmability

Programmable ovens offer numerous advantages, such as the ability to customize temperature profiles, implement timed operations, and conserve energy by only activating when necessary.

Custom temperature profiles allow for precise regulation of oven temperature, while timed operations ensure experiments are carried out at the desired time and conserve energy.

Popular Lab Oven Brands

Several leading laboratory oven manufacturers offer a diverse range of products with various features and capabilities. Some popular brands include:

Despatch Industrial Ovens
Grieve
Quincy Lab
Sheldon Manufacturing
Yamato Scientific America
Thermo Scientific

We will now examine two of these popular brands: TPS and Despatch.

TPS

TPS is a manufacturer of industrial ovens, furnaces, pharmaceutical sterilizers, and laboratory ovens, known for their temperature range, capacity, and programmability. It offers a range of products, including composite curing ovens, epoxy curing ovens, and various custom ovens, furnaces, and sterilizers.

These ovens are rigorously tested to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Despatch

Despatch Industrial Ovens is a well-known provider of industrial ovens and furnaces with a wide selection of products, such as drying chambers, ovens, vacuum ovens, inert gas ovens, and convection ovens.

Their lab oven models are known for:

Accurate temperature regulation
Energy efficiency
Reliable operation
Advanced safety measures
Constructed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Laboratory Oven Applications

Laboratory ovens find applications in a range of industries and research areas, including automotive testing, biotech, and materials science.

Understanding the specific requirements of your research field and the capabilities of the different types of lab ovens will help you select the most suitable oven for your needs.

Automotive Testing

Automotive testing environments use laboratory ovens for processes like paint curing and component testing to ensure optimal performance. For instance, burn-in ovens stress and exercise electronic devices at elevated temperatures, forcing early failures and enhancing the reliability of the finished product.

The PRVO oven assesses paints, such as flammable solvent-based paints, for temperature, ramp rates, and curing time.

Biotech

Laboratory ovens play a vital role in biotech research, where they are used for sterilization and sample preparation. Sterilization eliminates or extracts all living organisms from a sample, while sample preparation modifies a sample to make it suitable for analysis.

Laboratory ovens are employed to heat samples to high temperatures, which can be used for sterilization or further examination.

Materials Science

In materials science, laboratory ovens are used for various applications like annealing, thermal testing, and curing. Popular laboratory ovens in materials science include drying ovens, vacuum ovens, inert gas ovens, and convection ovens.

When selecting a lab oven for materials science, it’s crucial to consider factors such as temperature range, capacity, and programmability.

Laboratory Oven Accessories

Considering various accessories such as shelves, trays, and temperature sensors is crucial in order to enhance the functionality of your laboratory oven chamber. These accessories can optimize the performance of your lab oven and ensure a more organized and efficient workspace.

We will now investigate the significance of shelves, trays, and temperature sensors.

Shelves and Trays

For efficient use of oven chamber space, it’s important to select appropriate shelving and trays for your lab oven chambers. Shelves and trays enable organization and accessibility while also protecting items from heat damage.

Various types of shelves and trays are available, such as wire shelves, height adjustable shelves, stackable shelves, plastic trays, metal trays, and mesh trays.

Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and consistent heating within the oven. These sensors detect and measure hotness or coolness and transform it into an electrical signal, providing precise and reliable temperature readings.

Available temperature sensors include thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, and infrared sensors.

Safety Tips for Laboratory Oven Use

For user protection and accident prevention, adherence to safety protocols when using a laboratory oven is vital. Safety features to consider when selecting a lab oven include temperature control, overheat protection, and automatic shut-off.

We will now offer guidance on safe operation and maintenance practices for lab ovens.

Proper Ventilation

To prevent overheating and maintain air quality, adequate ventilation is vital for lab ovens. To ensure proper ventilation, make sure the oven is situated in an area with an access to good airflow and that the exhaust fan is functioning correctly.

Insufficient air and ventilation can lead to overheating, compromised air quality, and associated safety risks.

Routine Maintenance

For optimal performance and safety of your laboratory oven, regular cleaning and inspection are vital. Maintenance tasks such as:

Cleaning
Lubrication
Inspection
Testing

should be performed periodically to identify and address any potential issues before they lead to equipment failure or operational disruptions.

When using a lab oven, always wear protective clothing and adhere to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

Summary

In this blog post, we have explored the different types of laboratory ovens, their features, applications, and essential accessories. We have also provided guidance on selecting the best lab oven for your needs, taking into consideration key features such as temperature range, capacity, and programmability. Additionally, we have highlighted safety tips and maintenance practices to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your lab oven.

As you venture into the world of research and experimentation, a suitable laboratory oven will be an indispensable tool in your arsenal. By considering the information provided in this blog post, you can make an informed decision and select the ideal lab oven that will cater to your specific requirements and ensure the success of your experiments.

Certified MTP has the largest selection of Lab Ovens, Grieve Ovens Large Capacity Industrial Bench Ovens, Convection Ovens and Benchtop Ovens, Vacuum Ovens, Industrial Furnace Ovens, and Despatch Ovens

For curing concrete in the field, we recommend the Concrete Curing Box (165qt. Heat Only)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chemistry oven called?

A chemistry oven, also known as a laboratory or ventilated oven, serves essential functions in clinical, forensic, electronics, material processing, and research laboratories. Found in most labs, this high-temperature oven heats, bakes, evaporates, sterilizes, and performs other industrial laboratory tasks. It provides a controlled environment for heating samples, evaporating solvents, and sterilizing equipment.

How accurate is laboratory oven?

Laboratory ovens are highly accurate and reliable due to their precise temperature controls, making them ideal for a variety of scientific experiments.

Can you cook in a lab oven?

No, laboratory ovens are not designed for cooking. They are used mainly for testing, processing, drying, experiment management, and sterilization.

What is the maximum temperature of a laboratory oven?

The maximum temperature of a laboratory oven is 300°C (572°F), as offered by Esco’s Isotherm® product range.

How do you test an oven?

Test your oven by placing six slices of plain white bread on each rack, preheating to 350 degrees, and checking the bread pieces at 12, 18, and 20 minutes.