Laboratory ovens are commony used in research and development (R&D) institutions, including universities. Many universities and R&D institutions use laboratory ovens in their most basic function – to sterilize lab equipment and glassware – but the ovens are also used for a wide range of applications. What are Lab Ovens Use For? Environmental laboratories, for example, may use them to determine the moisture content of specimens by weighing the specimens before and after drying. Often referred to as drying ovens or moisture extraction ovens, these lab ovens are an important tool for learning at universities. They offer a hands-on approach