What is the typical temperature range for cremation?

Cremation typically occurs within the temperature range of 1300-1800°F. This high temperature is necessary to ensure that the body is completely incinerated and that the organic materials are completely consumed. The combustion process at these temperatures provides sufficient energy to break down the complex organic molecules found in human tissue, resulting in the transformation of the body into ashes, often referred to as cremains.

Cremation practices advocate for this specific temperature range to achieve both efficiency and safety. Temperatures lower than this range may not completely destroy the body and could leave behind residual material that would not be suitable for respectful handling post-cremation. A temperature range beyond this, while still capable of incineration, is generally not required and can lead to excessively high fuel costs and time commitments without any added benefit for the cremation process.