Abstract: A device for steam disinfecting products includes a treatment chamber. An evaporation pan is arranged in the chamber and heated. A liquid contained in the pan evaporates. A drying air flow is generated by a fan unit and directed onto the evaporation pan via a fan duct. A non-return element is arranged in the fan duct and prevents liquid vapor from getting from the evaporation pan to the fan unit. During an evaporation process, the fan unit is switched off and the fan duct is blocked by a non-return element. During a subsequent drying process, the fan unit is switched on and the non-return element of the fan duct is opened for the drying air flow. During operation of the fan unit, the evaporation pan is heated to a temperature above the specified minimum temperature using a heating device.