A Bacteriological Incubator is a thermostatically controlled laboratory device designed to maintain a constant and controlled temperature environment to promote the growth and development of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microbial cultures. It is an essential piece of equipment in microbiology, biotechnology, pathology, pharmaceutical research, and clinical laboratories, where studying and cultivating microorganisms under optimal growth conditions is necessary.

These incubators simulate biological environmental conditions, particularly body temperature (around 37°C), which is ideal for the growth of most non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria. The purpose of a bacteriological incubator is to provide a contamination-free, stable thermal environment where microorganisms can multiply on nutrient media (agar, broth, etc.) placed in petri dishes, test tubes, or culture flasks.

The bacteriological incubator works on the principle of thermal conduction and convection to maintain a stable internal temperature. Once the desired temperature is set using a thermostat or digital temperature controller, the heating element warms the air inside the chamber. The heated air then circulates — either naturally (gravity convection) or with the help of a fan (forced convection) — to maintain uniform temperature distribution throughout the chamber.