Glossary
Crematory
A crematory is a facility that performs cremations, housing the specialized furnace used to reduce a body to bone fragments. Some funeral homes operate their own crematory on site, while others send bodies to a separate licensed facility.
The cremation chamber, sometimes called a retort, reaches very high temperatures to carry out the process over a few hours. Afterward the remains are cooled and processed before being returned.
Whether a funeral home owns its crematory or uses a third party can affect cost and timing. Licensing and operating standards for crematories vary by state.
Related terms
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Common questions
- Does the funeral home do the cremation itself?
- Not always. Some funeral homes operate their own crematory on site, while others send the body to a separate licensed facility. Whether a home owns its crematory or uses a third party can affect cost and timing, so it is fair to ask.
- How long does the cremation process take?
- The cremation itself usually takes a few hours in the chamber, after which the remains are cooled and processed before being returned. The overall timeline is longer because of required authorizations and any waiting period.
- Are crematories regulated?
- Yes. Licensing and operating standards for crematories vary by state, covering how the facility runs and how remains are handled and identified. A provider can tell you how their crematory is licensed.
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.