Bench top laboratory ovens can be located on a bench or on top of shelving. The typical oven applications are general heating, drying, stability testing, hardening, and sterilizing.

The only difference between laboratory and industrial ovens is that lab ovens have a cleaner outside finish. Their sizes range from 0.5 cu ft to over 50 cu ft. The most popular sizes are in the 15 to 27 cu ft range. Temperatures range from 200 C to 400 C with some high temp exceptions. The temperature controller may be a simple hydraulic bulb, analog electronic or digital microprocessor.

Oven styles are natural air convection and forced or circulating air. Natural convection, also called gravity convection, ovens have an opening at the top to allow the expanding air to escape. Since hot air rises, there will be a slow air flow through a gravity oven. In forced air ovens, the fan is located in the back of the unit with baffles directing the air flow vertically or horizontally through the oven.

Stainless steel interiors and two shelves are standard with all models.