传统炮制工具包括铁锅、砂锅、蒸笼、煅炉、研钵、筛、刀与砧板等。不同流派对锅的材质、深度与厚薄有偏好。现代工业化生产引入转炉、蒸箱与温控设备，但手工环节仍保留对工具手感的依赖。
Traditional implements include iron and earthenware pans, steamers, calcining furnaces, mortars, sieves, knives and boards. Schools differ in preferred pan material, depth and thickness. Industrial production has introduced rotary ovens, steam chambers and temperature control, yet handcraft stages still rely on the feel of tools.
「文火」「武火」「中火」是传统对加热强度的分级。火候判断依赖药工的经验——看色、闻气、听声、计时。同一方法因火候不同可产生炒黄、炒焦、炒炭等不同终点。火候被视为炮制技艺的核心，也是最难标准化却最能体现师承的部分。
“Gentle fire”, “strong fire” and “medium fire” grade heating intensity. Judgment rests on the craftsman’s experience—colour, aroma, sound and timing. The same method can yield yellow, scorched or charred endpoints according to fire. Fire control is considered the heart of the craft and the hardest aspect to standardise, yet the clearest mark of transmission.