A water bath is laboratory equipment made from a container filled with heated water. It is used to incubate samples in water at a constant temperature over a long period of time. Most water baths have a digital or an analogue interface to allow users to set a desired temperature, but some water baths have their temperature controlled by a current passing through a reader. Utilisations include warming of reagents, melting of substrates or incubation of cell cultures. It is also used to enable certain chemical reactions to occur at high temperature. Water baths are preferred heat sources for heating flammable chemicals, as their lack of open flame prevents ignition.^[1] Different types of water baths are used depending on application. For all water baths, it can be used up to 99.9 °C.^[2][3] When temperature is above 100 °C, alternative methods such as oil bath, silicone bath or sand bath may be used.^[4]

·         Use with caution.

·         It is not recommended to use water bath with moisture sensitive or pyrophoric reactions.^[5] Do not heat a bath fluid above its flash point.^[5][6]

·         Water level should be regularly monitored, and filled with distilled water only.^[7][8] This is required to prevent salts from depositing on the heater.^[8]

·         Disinfectants can be added to prevent growth of organisms.^[6][7]

·         Raise the temperature to 90 °C or higher to once a week for half an hour for the purpose of decontamination.^[6]

·         Markers tend to come off easily in water baths. Use water resistant ones.

·         If application involves liquids that give off fumes, it is recommended to operate water bath in fume hood or in a well ventilated area.^[9]

·         The cover is closed to prevent evaporation and to help reaching high temperatures.^[9]

·         Set up on a steady surface away from flammable materials.^[6]