How Hot is a Cremation Oven?

But people frequently ask, “How hot is a cremation oven?” Although I should say that it’s normally only after we’ve spoken for awhile and they feel comfortable asking. It’s naturally hard to imagine how much heat it takes to legally, respectfully and efficiently cremate a human body.

Very hot.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association which is the largest industry association (founded in 1882), “The optimum temperature range is 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit for the cremation chamber.” aCremation’s Dallas cremation chambers (also called retorts) are typically kept at 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature is constantly monitored by the crematory operator to
ensure it is maintained between the required levels.

Are bodies exposed to open flames when cremated?

Yes. In order for the cremation to take place, the body is exposed to direct flame. But, it’s important to know that the deceased is in a container when it enters the cremation chamber. Although I can’t speak for all crematories but I know, firsthand, that the crematories aCremation works with take great care to treat each body with respect and make sure they are carefully placed in an appropriate container and kept covered prior to cremation.

The container going into the cremation chamber can be non-metal such as an unfinished wood box. The main thing is that it does not have any non-combustible materials. Typically these are made of fiberboard, pressed-wood, or composition materials.

If you are going to have a funeral service prior to the cremation, you may want to purchase a “cremation casket”. These caskets are specially manufactured to ensure they meet the requirements to go directly into the cremation chamber. If you purchase a metal casket, you may be charged an additional fee to dispose of the casket since most funeral homes will end up destroying them.

The best approach is to ask the funeral home or cremation service provider what options are available.