When it comes to setting up and running a lab, there are a number of different things that you need to think about, equipment being one of the most important considerations. Depending on the type of lab that you are running and the work that you do, you will need different equipment that will perform different functions. Most labs, however, will need some kind of laboratory oven for even the most basic of applications, such as sterilizing and drying equipment. However, with so many different types of laboratory oven to choose from, there can be some confusion as to which option may be the best one for you. This guide is a bit different to our normal guides, as we focus on two different types of laboratory oven and guide you through why both options may suit you better. So, take a read and we hope that this article helps you to decide on the laboratory oven that suits you best.

CONS

The Across International AccuTemp Vacuum Oven is very heavy, so it can be difficult to install without professional help and moving.

The temperature is not always accurate to the reading so this oven needs some testing in order to get used to any discrepancy, which is not ideal.

The glass of the oven is very fragile and can break easily if there are any bumps to the glass door.

PROS

The stainless-steel body is incredibly durable and very easy to clean and maintain.

The range for the timer is much larger than other models, allowing this product to perform longer experiments.

The stability of the oven, mixed with the easy to install dimensions make the Across International AccuTemp Vacuum Oven perfect for any laboratory.

5 shelves give you plenty of room to work in so that you can perform larger experiments or several experiments at once.

The oil-filled gauge increases the accuracy of every reading so that you have full control over your experiments.

The password and memory function allows you to protect your experiments and give you option to protect your experiments and repeat regular functions without having to program the oven each time.

With everything that you need to get started, you can begin using the Across International AccuTemp Vacuum Oven as soon as possible.

CONS

Some areas can run hotter than others and this can cause an uneven temperature and result from the experiments if not carefully monitored.

The open and close valve can become loose, as well as some other features on the machine, if it is not carefully maintained.

This machine is slightly smaller than other options, which can make it difficult to fit experiments on the larger size into the machine in order to get an accurate reading and result.

The light weight of the Across International AT09.11 can make it less stable on the counter top, as it does not have the weight behind it to keep it from tilting if there is heavy pressure against the machine.

The vacuum line attachment does not come with the product and needs to be ordered separately at an extra cost.

PROS

The stainless steel body protects the vacuum oven from any potential damage and allows you to clean and maintain the oven very easily.

The large capacity is perfect for larger containers for experimentation and removable shelves allow you to test many samples at once.

The unique 5 sided padding system allows the oven to heat much faster and maintain the heat throughout use.

The Across International AT09.110 is much lighter than other products, so is easier to move around and install if need be.

The thicker glass protects the window from any damage and keeps the seal strong.

The unique testing system that all Across International ovens go through ensure the highest quality and sealing for the best results.

The highly accurate thermometer allows you to monitor the vacuum oven throughout the experimentation without the need for separate or more temperature gauges for accuracy.

CONS

The Binder Vacuum 1219B05EA is much heavier than other machines and this can make it difficult to move once it has been installed, which is difficult for those who work in a smaller lab or office.

The materials of the Binder Vacuum 1219B05EA can bend and scuff easily if the machine suffers damage, so you must be careful when using the vacuum oven in busy labs.

The timing and setting of the vacuum oven is not as easy to use and set as other options on the market, so it can be difficult for beginners to get used to.

The instruction manual with the Binder Vacuum 1219B05EA is not as detailed or as helpful as others and this can make it hard to get used to the vacuum oven when first using it.

PROS

The Binder Vacuum 1219B05EA ensures that there is even distribution of temperature throughout the body and shelves of the oven to ensure that there are no cooler spots and that everything dries at an even rate for the best results.

The vacuum oven heats up much faster than other options to reduce the amount of energy it uses and allow you to get started sooner than other products.

The shelves are moveable so that you can make more room for larger experiments or more room for a larger amount of smaller samples to give you all of the room you need for your experiments.

The superior safety features make sure that the Binder Vacuum 1219B05EA meets all health and safety standards and will keep your lab as safe as possible.

The sturdy design and weight keeps the oven as stable as possible but still easy to move if needed.

CONS

The Lab Companion AAH12156U Forced Convection Oven can take a while to reach the desired temperature, which can slow down the overall use of the machine as you will need to wait for the temperature to be reached.

The body of the Lab Companion AAH12156U Forced Convection Oven is rather heavy, and this can make it very difficult to install without help, although it does help to stabilize the machine.

The temperature of the convection oven is capped at 250 degrees and many oven processes need temperatures higher than this, so if you do not want to be restricted by the temperatures of the ab Companion AAH12156U Forced Convection Oven you may need an oven that can reach higher temperatures.

The convection oven weighs around 140 pounds, which can make it less stable on a counter top or table, restricting it to the floor.

PROS

The sirocco fan is powerful enough to keep cool spots to a minimum, but also noise free so that you can keep a working environment quiet to keep up concentration.

The three capacities that you can choose from give you plenty of choice when selecting your model and ensures that you can find a size and capacity that will suit your needs.

The innovative control panel is highly convenient when calibrating your convection oven, and you can even set three different preset functions to increase convenience even more.

The open door alert and high temperature limit allow you to keep the convection oven working within safe boundaries and keep the lab as safe as possible for you and your coworkers.

The bright display makes the set-up of the convection oven easy to see and easy to do.

CONS

The Quincy 10AF Bi-Metal Force Laboratory Oven does not reach the high temperatures that other models available are capable of and this can slightly restrict labs that need higher temperatures than usual.

The starting temperature is not as low as other models and this can reduce the amount of tests and applications that you can perform with this convection oven.

The lightweight design of the Quincy 10AF Bi-Metal Force Laboratory Oven means that it is much less sturdy and stable than other convection ovens of a heavier weight, so it may need to be carefully installed and weighed down if on a counter top.

The Eleoption Scilogex D1008E Centrifuge can be difficult to get used to and the instruction manual is not as extensive as other options, so it may take some trial and error in order to get used to the centrifuge and its programs.

The shelves are set in place within the oven and cannot be moved. This can cause issues for those who would prefer to customize the interior space of the oven for different sizes of application.

PROS

With a wide temperature range, you will not likely be restricted by the Quincy 10AF Bi-Metal Force Laboratory Oven, as it offers most temperatures that you will need.

The powerful oven and machinery ensures and even temperature and helps to boost the temperature of the oven much faster than other models to reduce set up time.

The oven also works at a low enough wattage to reduce energy wastage.

The double-walling insulation keeps the oven at a constant temperature and helps to get the oven up to the specified temperature much faster.

With a bi-metal thermostat and easy to use user interface, the Quincy 10AF Bi-Metal Force Laboratory Oven is one of the easiest convection ovens to use.

Illumination on the control panel means that you can check that the oven is off before closing the lab to ensure health and safety.

The exterior of the oven is a metal, scratch resistant material to keep the oven durable and looking newer for longer.

CONS

There is no viewing window on the door of the Quincy Hydraulic Gravity Convection Oven, so you cannot check on your application without opening the door and this can cause heat loss.

The temperature range in this product is not as wide as other products available and this can restrict the number of applications you are able to perform with this convection oven.

There are two holes at the top of the Quincy Hydraulic Gravity Convection Oven for ventilation, but these can also cause heat loss if not plugged. However, there are no plugs provided with the oven and they need to be purchased separately at extra cost.

The thermometer is made from glass and can shatter easily if care is not taken so shut the door gently and ensure that the contents of the oven are balanced.

PROS

The wide temperature range of the Quincy Hydraulic Gravity Convection Oven reduces the likelihood that you will be restricted by this convection oven.

The wattage is high enough to ensure powerful use, but low enough to reduce energy usage and keep the oven as efficient as possible.

The weight of the Quincy Hydraulic Gravity Convection Oven is high enough to keep it stable, but light enough to make the installation of the oven simple.

The large interior capacity gives you enough room for a range of applications without restricting you.

The illuminated controls make the Quincy Hydraulic Gravity Convection Oven very user friendly.

The exterior hydraulic thermometer is much more accurate and does not need the door to be opened in order to view.

Quincy is an excellent brand and offers long warranty to ensure customer satisfaction and make sure that you will be covered and protected in case of any manufacturing issues.

A laboratory oven is an oven that can reach much higher temperatures then a normal, home-based oven. These ovens provide high temperatures, a much more even temperature throughout the body of the oven and they can perform a number of different applications within a lab.

There are a huge number of uses for laboratory ovens in a lab, such as drying, annealing, polyimide making and sterilizing equipment. Most laboratory ovens will range in maximum temperatures between 200 degrees Celsius and 340 degrees Celsius, so your choice will depend on the applications that you will be running with your laboratory oven.

Although the lab you are running may not need to perform some of the more complex applications that you can run with a laboratory oven, the basic functions, such as sterilizing and drying, are essential to any lab, as they clean and dry equipment to a much higher standard than basic cleaning and air drying. This is essential in a laboratory in order to minimize contamination and keep all experiments and tests as accurate as possible.

This guide focuses on the two main types of laboratory oven, vacuum and convectional, and the processes that they can perform, as each will perform the basics but each has specific applications that it is best for. We will help to guide you through each type and their functions, as well as the extra features that separate the good products from the not so good products. This should help you to discover which type of laboratory oven will suit you the best and fit into your lab seamlessly and give you the best value for money. We have three recommended products from both categories and we are sure we have an option to suit the needs and preferences every laboratory.

Vacuum vs Convectional

This seems like a very obvious consideration, but finding the right type of oven is important so that the laboratory that you buy will suit the needs and functions of your laboratory and the work of you and your coworkers. Below are the  different specifications of both kinds of oven and the functions that they are best at performing so that you can get a better understanding of what kind of oven you may need. This will help you to find the right type and buy the right one and get everything that you need from your laboratory oven.

• Vacuum

A vacuum laboratory oven creates a vacuum in the body of the oven throughout the drying or heating process so that there is no air flow within the oven. It does this by pumping the air out of the oven before heating the contents so that there is no air particles left in the oven, only the contents of the application. This keeps the particles in the body of the vacuum oven still and prevents any movement which can disrupt the test and cause the results to be skewed, keeping your tests as accurate as possible.

• Best For

Vacuum laboratory ovens are the best for more delicate functions in the lab, such as drying tiny parts and removing flammable solvents within a mixture. They are also best for gas analysis and working with powders, due to the of lack outside air flow and are much safer than convectional laboratory ovens, as they seal lock shut to maintain the vacuum.

Vacuum ovens are also excellent at drying and sanitizing materials, as they don’t leave any particles on the surface of materials and can reach higher heats than most sterilizing equipment is able to, keeping materials clean and sanitary.

• Convectional

Convectional ovens, or forced convectional ovens are ovens that use fans in order to pull air into the body of the oven and create a circulation of air flow in the body of the oven. This usually allows for a much faster heating oven and gives the oven a reduced risk of producing cooler areas or ‘cold spots’ in the oven, giving you a more even result throughout the entire drying process or application and a faster start up time. Convectional ovens are also often able to run at higher temperatures, so are better for some specific applications in different kinds of labs.

• Best For

Convectional ovens are best for ovens that need to run at hotter temperatures and that work with enclosed applications such as test tubes, so that they won’t be affected by the flow of air. The air flow within the oven also gives the test a much more even environment, which is better for comparing samples and testing or using heat resistant materials.

As with the vacuum ovens, convectional ovens are also capable of performing the basic functions such as drying and sterilizing, but only with standard sized equipment. Smaller pieces will be blown and may become damaged.

Capacity

The capacity of your oven will govern how big a test or cycle you can run at one time, and the quantity of samples you can run at a single time. The larger the capacity, the more you will have to work with. Some models will offer additional and moveable shelves with their ovens, which is perfect for a large number of smaller applications. Ensure that you are aware of the size and scale of your applications are so that you can look for the right option.

Accessibility and Convenience

Some ovens will offer LED digital displays and presets, others will offer simple control dials. If you will be performing the same application quite frequently, then it may be a good idea to choose an oven with this feature so that you can save time. However, if you will be using the oven for simple functions, then you will not need this feature and this will save money. An alarm function and timer is always helpful, as this means you can focus on other work whilst the cycle is completing, rather than having to monitor the oven.

Safety and Security

Health and safety is vital in any laboratory environment, whether personal or professional. When looking at ovens, it is even more important. Vacuum ovens tend to have much more safety features, as they are sealed and locked to ensure that the vacuum is maintained properly. All ovens have a locking system to ensure that the proper safety regulations are met, but some options will offer more secure locking, outer insulation and many more safety features to give you that extra security for your laboratory. These safety and security features are always worth looking at if they are within your budget.

 Temperature

Different applications will need different temperatures, so when looking for a laboratory oven you need to be sure that the product you go for will suit your needs and reach your heat requirements. The best way to figure out what you need it to take the highest and lowest temperature of the applications that your lab runs and look for an oven that meets both of these requirements. The larger the range, the lower the chances you have of being restricted by the capabilities of your laboratory oven, so it is always worth looking a little outside of your budget

 Budget

As with all new investments, budget is a very important part of the products and features you will be looking at. Establishing a rough budget will allow you to see what features and specifications your laboratory oven may offer you, but it is also helpful to show you what differences are available if you spend more rather than less. It is always best to aim to spend around the higher end of your budget, as this will give you more features and a greater level of safety, but setting a budget helps to reduce the amount of research you need to do.

Across International

Across International is a New Jersey  based laboratory supplies company, which specializes in heat treatment for large buildings, such as research facilities, universities and labs. Having been established for over 20 years, Across International has developed an excellent reputation for quality and reliability with all of their products, and are trusted globally by companies such as Stanford University, NASA and Shell. If you are looking for a high quality product that is both durable and reliable, then Across International is one of the best companies to trust with buying your new laboratory oven.

Quincy

Quincy is another well-known brand in the laboratory supplies market, offering a range of products, both consumables and technologies, to laboratories on a global scale. Quincy focus on creating products that are as high quality as they are durable, and uses advanced designs and technologies in order to develop their products. Each oven is formed with a simple user interface to help you get used to the oven, and all products meet high health and safety standards. Quincy currently manufacture six different convection ovens, and two of them have made our list of recommended products, so you can be sure that Quincy is a top quality brand.

Lab Companion

Lab Companion is a Korean company that has developed products in all areas of the laboratory, providing labs with everything they need from mini centrifuges to sanitizing screen wipes and gloves. Due to their high quality and low pricing in comparison to other brands, Lab Companion has also become a popular brand with those looking to develop their scientific skills in a home environment or a home based lab. If you are just starting up your lab, or you are looking to expand your scientific knowledge and capability, then Lab Companion is the best place to go for technology and laboratory consumables.

Binder

Binder is a German company that has a customer basis in almost every country in Europe, and in many areas across the world and has developed a solid reputation in the scientific community. Binder is a particularly high tier brand, and is designed to meet the highest demanding laboratories in quality and safety, giving it a prestige above other brands on the market. For those who are looking to develop an advanced scientific laboratory, then Binder is an excellent brand to trust with your materials and consumables.

Thermo Fisher

Thermo Fisher are the only brand in this guide that focuses solely on products that use heat, either for scientific research or other heating purposes. Although they have expanded into consumables and other technology, their main focus is heating solutions and they have developed some of the leading technologies and advances in the field. This has given Thermo Fisher a renowned reputation in the scientific community, making them a brand that you can trust. If you are looking to buy truly specialized equipment for your lab, Thermo Fisher is definitely the brand to browse both convectional and vacuum ovens.

Type of Applications

The applications that you will be performing with your laboratory oven is important, as it will change what your needs are from the oven for a number of different reasons. Larger applications and the volume of samples per application will affect the capacity that you need, where the application itself will change the heat range that you need. Before looking at products, it is important that you know the specifications you will need the laboratory oven to meet before you go ahead with buying an oven, to make sure you get exactly what you need.

 Size of Materials

The size of your materials will change what type of oven that you need. Smaller materials will require a vacuum oven, as small parts can get displaced by the air flow and become lost or damaged in the body of the vacuum oven, so a convectional oven is not recommended.

Larger and more specific tests will need an even environment throughout the body of the even, so a convectional oven is preferred as it will reduce the risk of cold spots and give a more even temperature and environment throughout. Larger materials can also be used with a convectional oven, as it they are heavy enough to withstand the air flow.

 Research Brands

With so many products and brands out there, it can be difficult to know which brand will offer you the most for your money, as well as the most options to get the right product. There are many brands out there to choose from, and that is why we have developed our guide with a best brands section to help you find a brand that will offer products for everyone, no matter what your needs or budget. The more research that you can do the better, but we have a list of the five best brands on the market to help make the decision a little bit easier.

 Heat Range

The heat range will change how high and low you can set your oven during an application, which will in turn change the applications that you can perform with your oven. You should take a note of the maximum and minimum temperatures are that you need the oven to reach, and then perhaps look at whether a larger range is available within your budget. The higher the range, the more applications you can perform with your oven and the less likely you are to be restricted.

 Accessibility

Accessibility is how easy your oven is to use. Some of the more basic models will use controls such as dials and a simple illuminated on/off switch, whereas more advanced models will offer LED screens, digital button controls and touch sensitive screens. These, more advanced, models are slightly more expensive that the basic models, but they offer a greater level of accessibility and ease of use with their user friendly interface. If you struggle to reading smaller dials and screens, an oven with a larger and brighter interface can make all the difference, just be aware that it will cost.

 TIPS, TRICKS AND ADVICE

There are many different things that you can do with your laboratory oven once you have purchased it, and there are several that you can keep your lab safe as well as your coworkers, which is especially important for busier labs and oven used frequently. Our guides aim to be as helpful as possible throughout the buying process and afterward you have bought the laboratory oven, so we have developed this part of our guide to give you some helpful tips and tricks so that you can stay safe, but also get the most use out of your laboratory oven.

Safety and Security

• Maintain the Blower

The blower of the oven is the most important part of the machinery and needs proper maintenance to make sure that it works properly and lasts longer. If the blower is a sleeve-bearing motor then it will need regular lubrication to ensure that the metal parts run smoothly and don’t jam. However, you need to be careful not to lubricate the mechanism too much as this can damage the motor. Ball bearing motors do not need re-oiling however, but both will need regular cleaning to clear it from dirt and dust.

• Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of anything will keep it in check and keep it working at optimum levels. Checking your laboratory oven will allow you to see if there are any blockages, build ups of dust and dirt and if there are any major issues that need addressing. It is recommended that you inspect your laboratory oven every month or so as this will keep you on top of any issues that may occur so that you can catch them early and make sure that they do not cause any long term issues for your laboratory oven.

• Cool Properly

If you are heating the oven to extreme heats then you will need to cool the machine properly to prevent any damage and speed up the cooling process. Depending on the heat that your oven reaches, there are a few ways that you can cool the oven in the most effective way to speed up the process. The most popular way to produce a cryogenic cooling effect is to install a CO2 or LN2 solenoid valve. These valves will blow the cold elements around the body of the oven to help it to cool down faster, but caution should be taken as these chemicals can be dangerous for both the oven and people working in the lab if used incorrectly.

The White Paper Control

When aging or drying materials in the laboratory oven, a white piece of paper can be a very handy control marker in the test itself, as it will allow you to see how fast the aging process is working. Simply place a piece of paper into the laboratory oven and use it as a sort of control measure as to how fast the aging process is taking place, but also the stage at which your materials have been aged. This is remarkably accurate and helps to save money as well.

Avoid Restricted Air Flow

Although it saves room to place a laboratory oven under a counter or against a wall, this is not the best place to put them for maximal use. The better the air flow behind the laboratory oven, the better your oven will work, the faster it will heat up, and the more consistently it will hold the temperature. Install your oven in a safe zone with enough room at the entry point of the air into the fan to make sure that you get the best air flow and a more sustainable temperature in the body of the oven.

Plug Unnecessary Heat Loss

Some ovens come with small holes in areas of the oven body. These holes are usually only present in convection ovens to help with ventilation, but can cause unnecessary heat loss. These holes should be plugged in order to reach the higher heat levels of the oven and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the oven. However, these holes are necessary for some processes so ensure to read the oven’s user manual to find out what processes these holes are needed for your oven and when you can plug them.