Fundamentals of Microbiology

Hot Air Oven

 Hot air oven is used to sterilize glassware, heat resistant material, oils, powders, waxes and other substances that cannot be sterilized by moist heat as they either get spoiled or are not sterilized effectively. Hot air oven sterilized by dry heat, which removes moisture. It is not as effective as moist heat. For effective sterilization items have to be exposed to 150⁰C- 180⁰C for 2-4 hours. It is made up of an insulated cabinet, in which heating is done by an electrical heating mechanism and a thermometer monitors temperature. The shelves are perforated so that there is proper circulation of hot air.