In microbiology, an incubator is a device for controlling the temperature, humidity, and other conditions in which a microbiological culture is being grown. The simplest incubators are insulated boxes with an adjustable heater, typically going up to 60-65°C (140-149°F), though some can go slightly higher (generally to no more than 100°C). More elaborate incubators can also include the ability to lower the temperature (via refrigeration), or the ability to control humidity or CO2 levels. A microbiological culture is a way to determine the cause of infectious disease by letting the agent multiply (reproduce) in predetermined media. ... Carbon dioxide is an atmospheric gas composed of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. ...

Most incubators include a timer; some can also be programmed to cycle through different temperatures, humidity levels, etc.