Laboratory Equipment
The Ultimate Guide to Memmert Ovens & Incubators: Which Model Suits Your Lab?
Choosing between a Memmert oven and a Memmert incubator comes down to the thermal environment your samples need. Universal Ovens (U series) are designed for higher-temperature tasks such as drying, tempering, ageing, and sterilising inert materials, while Incubators (I series) provide the stable, controlled conditions needed for biological samples, microbiology work, and other temperature-sensitive applications.
Quick Selection Tip: If your workflow involves inert materials such as glassware, powders, or metal parts at elevated temperatures, a Memmert oven is usually the right choice. If your work depends on stable warming of cultures, media, or sensitive samples near ambient conditions, a Memmert incubator is generally the better fit.
What Is the Difference Between a Memmert Oven and Incubator?
The main difference is application focus. A Memmert oven is built for higher-temperature thermal processing where fast heating, drying, and dependable chamber performance matter. A Memmert incubator is intended for gentler temperature control, where sample stability and uniform conditions are more important than maximum heat.
This distinction becomes important when comparing airflow type, chamber loading, recovery time, and the kind of material inside the chamber. Choosing the correct unit from the start helps improve sample protection, repeatability, and day-to-day usability in the lab.
Matching the Range to Your Application
Memmert offers a specialised range designed for different laboratory tasks, from routine drying and ageing through to validated sterilisation, vacuum drying, and stable biological incubation. Below is a practical guide to where each series fits best.
1. Universal Ovens (UN / UF)
These are the general-purpose workhorses of the range, built for drying, tempering, heating, and ageing. A model such as the Memmert UF110 is well suited to laboratories that need fast temperature recovery and dependable forced-air performance.
2. Hot Air Sterilisers (S)
For laboratories that require dry heat sterilisation, the Memmert SF110plus Steriliser is designed for validated temperature holding and controlled sterilisation workflows. This range is typically chosen where process assurance and documentation are especially important.
3. Vacuum Ovens (VO)
The Memmert VO29 is intended for heat-sensitive or oxygen-sensitive samples. Drying under reduced pressure allows laboratories to work at lower temperatures, which is useful for powders, electronics, and other materials that may degrade under standard atmospheric heating.
4. Incubators (IN / IF / IPPeco)
For microbiology, food testing, and other temperature-sensitive workflows, Memmert incubators provide the controlled conditions required for dependable sample handling. The IN55 Natural Convection Incubator suits standard incubation work, while the IPP110eco Peltier-Cooled Incubator is ideal for quieter, low-vibration incubation at or below ambient temperature.
At-a-Glance Selection Table
| Category | Model Example | Temperature | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Oven | UF110 | Up to +300°C | Drying, Ageing, Hardening |
| Steriliser | SF110plus | Up to +250°C | Medical Device Sterilisation |
| Vacuum Oven | VO29 | Up to +200°C | Oxygen-free / Solvent Drying |
| Standard Incubator | IN55 | Up to +80°C | Microbiology, Cell Cultures |
Expert Highlight: We recently encountered Memmert units from 1977 and 1979 that are still performing in daily laboratory operation. Nearly 50 years on, they remain a strong example of Memmert’s reputation for robust engineering, repairability, and long-term value. Learn more in our blog, Memmert Units from 1977 and 1979 Still Going Strong.
Unique Memmert Technologies
Memmert systems are often selected not only for their chamber performance, but also for the control features and engineering details that support more consistent laboratory workflows.
ControlCOCKPIT
Whether you choose SingleDISPLAY for standard work or TwinDISPLAY for more advanced programming, the interface is designed to make parameter setting and process control more straightforward.
HeatBALANCE
Available on selected TwinDISPLAY models, HeatBALANCE allows adjustment of heating distribution within the chamber to help optimise homogeneity for specific loads and workflows.
SetpointWAIT
For sterilisation-oriented applications, SetpointWAIT helps ensure the hold period only begins once the target temperature has been reached within the chamber.
Peltier Cooling
Peltier-cooled incubators provide a quiet, low-vibration solution for laboratories needing incubation below ambient temperature with stable conditions for sensitive work.
FAQs: Selecting Your Unit
Which convection type do I need?
Natural Convection (N) is generally best for delicate samples such as powders or cultures that may be disturbed by stronger airflow. Forced Convection (F) is better suited to faster drying, larger loads, and applications where stronger chamber uniformity is needed.
Can I monitor my processes remotely?
Selected Memmert models support process programming, logging, and documentation through Ethernet connectivity and software tools such as AtmoCONTROL, making them suitable for documentation-focused workflows.
When should I choose a vacuum oven?
A vacuum oven is usually the better choice when you need to dry heat-sensitive, oxygen-sensitive, or solvent-containing materials at lower effective temperatures than conventional oven drying would allow.
Conclusion
The right Memmert unit depends on your sample type, temperature range, airflow requirement, and process expectations. A well-matched oven or incubator will help improve sample protection, chamber consistency, and workflow reliability.
If you are reviewing options for your lab, the Memmert range at John Morris Group covers universal ovens, sterilisers, vacuum ovens, and incubators for a wide range of applications.
John Morris Group
Australia & New Zealand's trusted partner for scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and technical solutions since 1952.
