Choosing a Concrete Curing System: Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System vs. Cure Plus 3

When you’re doing concrete testing on active job sites, one of the biggest challenges is protecting concrete test specimens during the first 48 hours, when temperature, humidity, and evaporation can cause moisture loss and change how concrete gains strength. Deslauriers offers two high-quality options designed to support compliant, consistent results:

• Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System (also called the Cure Bag)
• Cure Plus 3

Both systems support the initial curing window (up to 48 hours) that is critical for reliable test results, and both reinforce Deslauriers’ reputation for dependable concrete testing equipment.

Concrete curing is the process of maintaining moisture and temperature in fresh concrete to allow for the full chemical reaction—known as hydration—that occurs as the concrete sets. Proper curing prevents rapid evaporation of bleed water, which can lead to cracking and a weaker final product.

For field cylinders, this matters because ASTM requires controlled initial curing so your compressive strength results reflect the properties of the mix rather than extreme jobsite conditions. If specimens lose moisture or swing too hot/cold, you can distort later lab breaks and end up questioning your specifications and consistency.

This is especially important when you’re sampling fresh concrete on real concrete construction sites, where cold nights, hot sun, wind, and low humidity can all accelerate evaporation and drive moisture loss.

Both the Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System and Cure Plus 3 help control temperature and moisture for ASTM compliance. However, they have several key differences. Keep reading to determine which option best fits your needs.

Concrete Cylinder Capacity:

Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System (Cure Bag):

• (8) 6x12" cylinders
• (16) 4x8" cylinders

Cure Plus 3:

• (12 to 14) 6x12" cylinders
• (28) 4x8" cylinders

ASTM compliance:

ASTM C31 states that concrete test cylinders must remain within a temperature range of 60°F-80°F for 48 hours and be in an environment that prevents a loss of moisture from the specimens. This strict guideline allows test specimens to represent the mix's true performance rather than the effects of the weather they were cured in.

Both products are built to ensure adherence to these guidelines when used properly.

Temperature control features:

The Econ-O-Cure is an insulated bag that uses advanced polymers to maintain a test sample's temperature. It can be used in conjunction with a heater when dealing with extreme temperatures.

The Cure Plus 3 plugs into a standard outlet and features an adjustable thermostat on the outside of the unit.

Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System (Cure Bag) is ideal for:

• Crews that need a portable, effective curing method for routine concrete testing workflows.
• Situations where you can manage extremes with good handling practices (shade, wind protection, controlled truck storage, etc.).

Cure Plus 3 is ideal for:

• Projects with frequent temperature swings, especially overnight cold weather.
• Teams that want confidence from active temperature control and an outside controller to verify the curing environment stayed in range.

Use this workflow after you’ve sampled fresh concrete and made your concrete cylinder specimens. The goal is the same for both systems: protect concrete test specimens during initial curing so the concrete cures properly, hydration continues, and your later compressive strength results reflect the mix, not jobsite temperature swings or moisture loss.

Step 1: Cast, consolidate, and label your test specimens

• Collect a representative sample of fresh concrete and perform your required field testing.
• Make cylinders following your procedure so the specimen shape is consistent and not affected by excess water or poor consolidation (important for specialty mixes like self-consolidating concrete).
• Label each concrete cylinder clearly for the lab and project specifications.

Step 2: Move specimens into a protected curing environment immediately

• Place test cylinders upright into Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System or Cure Plus 3, using a transport rack if necessary.
• If using Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System (Cure Bag): Position the bag in a sheltered spot out of direct sun and off cold ground to keep the temperature more stable.
• If using Cure Plus 3: Use the outside controller to set the desired temperature. This unit keeps conditions consistent without water curing.

Step 3: Leave specimens undisturbed through the initial curing period

• Keeping temperature and moisture steady during initial curing supports durability and reduces the risk of issues related to improper handling of specimens.
• Both the Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System and Cure Plus 3 are designed around the initial curing window (up to 48 hours) before transporting to the lab.

Step 4: Transport to the lab for standard curing and strength testing

• After initial curing, transport cylinders carefully to avoid damage.
• The lab will continue curing and break specimens according to the schedule in the project specifications to measure compressive strength (and sometimes flexural strength).

• Choose Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System (Cure Bag) if you value portability while still adhering to ASTM C31 guidelines regarding concrete temperature and moisture.
• Choose Cure Plus 3 if your biggest challenge is temperature variability and you want active temperature control with an outside controller to maintain the 60°F–80°F range.

Either way, you’re choosing high-quality concrete testing equipment designed to support compliant, repeatable results across real-world concrete construction conditions.

In the end, choosing between the Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System (Cure Bag) and the Cure Plus 3 comes down to how much control you need during initial curing and what conditions your crew faces when handling fresh concrete on real jobsites.

If your priority is a lightweight, portable system that protects concrete test specimens from wind, rapid evaporation, and moisture loss while keeping your cylinder workflow simple and consistent, the Econ-O-Cure Field Curing System is an excellent, proven option for day-to-day concrete testing.

If you routinely battle cold weather, big day/night swings in concrete temperature, or you want more confidence that your cylinders stayed within the required range, the Cure Plus 3 adds the benefit of thermostatic temperature control with an easy-to-monitor outside controller.

Either way, both systems support better testing consistency by helping concrete cure properly so hydration can continue and your lab results reflect the true performance of the mix rather than jobsite variables. That’s exactly what good concrete testing equipment should do: protect accuracy, support compliance, and help teams make smarter decisions about concrete quality in everything from slabs to critical concrete structures.

Still not sure which option is right for you? Contact our experts to dive deeper into what each concrete curing system can provide for you.