An electrically-powered receptacle for water designed to immerse and keep objects or products at a hot, or less frequently, cold temperature; typically the temperature can be controlled from a few degrees below or above ambient temperature to close to 100° Celsius (212° Fahrenheit). It typically consists of a corrosion-resistant (e.g., stainless steel) water container, heating elements, sensors, thermostats, and controls; some types incorporate refrigerating and/or stirring/agitating capabilities. It is used in various clinical laboratory procedures (e.g., paraffin wax-embedded tissue specimen flotation) and may supply tempered water to lab equipment via a pump.