Which oven is used to burn solids?

• A. Autoclave
• B. Muffle oven
• C. Commercial oven
• D. Gravity convection

Answer: (B)

Ovens designed to burn solids provide a controlled, high-temperature environment where organic material can be completely combusted while the sample is not exposed to direct flame. The muffle oven achieves this by using a heated, insulated chamber that surrounds the sample with hot air, effectively “muffling” the flame from contact with the material. This setup is ideal for ashing solids and removing organics in preparation for further analysis.

Autoclaves heat with steam under pressure, used for sterilization rather than burning solids. A commercial oven is intended for cooking or general heating, not precise ashing. Gravity convection ovens rely on natural air movement and are not specialized for the controlled combustion needed for ashing. Therefore, the muffle oven is the correct choice for burning solids.