Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing objects by thermal shock in a closed apparatus, comprising the following, preferably repeated steps:a) introducing the object to be tested into the apparatus,b) cooling the object by immersion in a liquid cold bath,c) drying the object above at least one cold trap or in at least one drying chamber,d) heating the object by immersion in a liquid hot bath ande) drying the object above at least one cold trap or in at least one drying chamber,the temperature difference between the hot bath and cold bath being 50 to 500 K., the temperature of the cold trap being 5-30 K. lower than the temperature of the cold bath and the temperature of the drying chamber being 10 to 50.degree. C. higher than the temperature of the hot bath, and the steps b) to e) being carried out in mutually separated parts of the apparatus, which are connected to one another via closable openings. The invention also relates to a device for testing objects by thermal shock.