A new design for an infrared cell useful for studies of the spectrum of surface species on high area solids is presented. The cell is well suited over a wide temperature range (100–1000 K). Other demonstrated features of the cell include ultrahigh‐vacuum operation, temperature control to ±1 K, linear and rapid temperature programmability and low‐temperature gradients across the powdered sample. The method of sample preparation and support minimizes both heat and mass transport effects. A detailed literature search of previous infrared cell designs is included. Results of the application of the new cell design to the high‐temperature dehydroxylation of Al2O3are given as an example of the performance.