The accuracy and precision of a Setaram DSC 121 for the measurement of heat capacities of solids in the continuous mode was tested using sapphire and benzoic acid. The influence of the heating rate, mass of sample, and position of the crucible in the measuring tube on the obtained results is discussed. In the temperature range studied (320-440 K for sapphire and 320-370 K for benzoic acid) the accuracy and precision of the determination, based on the average results of three independent experiments, are better than 1% provided that adequate experimental conditions (large sample masses and low heating rates) and data handling procedures are used.