A combination sample holder/heater that can be used for variable temperature infrared spectroscopic studies of solids is described. The ceramic sample holder/heater is durable and can be used to heat samples to temperatures as high as 1000 C under vacuum or in inert, reductive, or oxidative atmospheres. The design and properties of the ceramic heater are described and compared to those for a stainless steel sample holder containing a cartridge heater. Results from variable temperature infrared analysis of a sulfated zirconia solid acid catalyst obtained by using the ceramic heater are presented to illustrate the advantages of this sample holder/heater design.