How Does Cremation Work?

March 15, 2017

Cremation is becoming more and more popular as an interment option.  It can be much more affordable than a burial and offers more flexibility in memorializing the remains. But how does cremation work? The process involves… and takes up to three hours.

The Cremation Process

The Cremator. Crematories can be found in a variety of different places. Sometimes they are a part of a funeral home and sometimes they are a standalone building and service. Inside a crematory you will find a “cremator”, which is the space where the body is cremated. Cremators are made up of two chambers, one where the body is placed and the other that circulates the gasses to produce the intense heat that cremates the body.

Cremains . The body is placed in a combustible container, and is then placed in the cremator. It is “cremated”, vaporized by intense heat, generally between 1800 and 2000 degrees. The process produces what is called “cremated remains”. Many people call these the “ashes,” but actually they are vaporized remains – and we call them “Cremains.”

Generally, only one body can be cremated at a time due to legal regulations. Cremation usually takes between one and three hours , depending a number of factors. Some crematories allow the family to be a present in the room during part of the process.
Cremation
Permanent Placement . After the the body is fully cremated, any metal is removed using a magnet. Then, the remainder is pulverized to form a fine powder which is then given to the family of the deceased in a cremation urn or other container. Families can then choose to bury or spread the remains, or many families choose to showcase the urn in their home.

What are the Benefits of Cremation ?

Cremation offers a number of benefits in addition to affordability. Flexibility is a big factor because you can choose where to scatter the remains. If your loved one was an avid sailor, you can scatter them at sea. If they had a favorite spot in the woods that they liked to retreat to, you could scatter them there. There are a few regulations governing the scattering of cremated remains , so just be sure to check before you make your decision.

Interested in learning more? Many crematoriums offer tours so you can see for yourself what it’s like and the process that is used.

March 31, 2026
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
By Missy Hardenburg February 9, 2026
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