Compare LABORATORY VACUUM OVENS. A lab vacuum oven is a laboratory size oven that heats a sample in vacuum. Heating in vacuum ovens is done to prevent oxidation and to allow the use of higher temperatures without boiling of the medium. Laboratory vacuum ovens are known for uniform heating and low contamination because they heat at low atmospheric pressures. Vacuum ovens are used for drying, heat treating, plastic processing, brazing, and hardening metals.

Vacuum ovens operate at either low vacuum or medium vacuum.. Low vacuum is the range of pressures from one Torr up to 760 Torr. Sea level air pressure is 760 Torr. Medium vacuum is the range from 0.001 Torr up to one Torr. Ovens that operate at lower than medium vacuum require special design. Laboratory vacuum ovens are not designed for use at pressures above 760 Torr, also know as positive pressure.

The low atmospheric pressure in laboratory vacuum ovens is achieved by use of a vacuum pump. Laboratory vacuum ovens are built to withstand the pressure differential caused by reducing the pressure and not leak air. The oven itself is welded to prevent leaks. The glass in the door has silicone gaskets to prevent air from leaking into the oven. There is insulation between the inner and outer shells of the oven to keep the exterior cool and retain heat. The overall construction of laboratory vacuum ovens is a stainless steel interior and exterior. They also have aluminum shelves. Most laboratory vacuum ovens do not have an integral vacuum pump; it is usually a separate item