7 Best Rated Autoclaves – Sterilization is Important to Keep Patients Safe

T he need for proper sterilization in dental offices is imperative as the instruments and tools used by doctors during extractions and other procedures need to be thoroughly cleaned when changing patients. Otherwise, infections, dangerous germs, and health issues are transferred from patient to patient. In old times when disinfection of dental instruments was not up to standards diseases like HIV and Hepatitis spreading rapidly as a result of this poor practice at the dentists’ office. However, with modern sterilization chambers, this is not a peril for patients anymore as in a matter of minutes all of the tools that have been used are cleaned to perfection.

Top 7 Autoclaves Compared

Photo	Product Name	Power	Maximum Instrument Size	Maximum Working Temperature	Chamber	Trays	Automatic Shut-Off	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Tuttnauer EZ11 Plus	1400W	11”	270°F	Size: 11” x 19.8” Volume: 7.5 gal.	Amount: 5 Size: 16.3” x 6.7” x 0.6”		2 years, 10 years	Check Price
Best for Dental Office	2. Midmark Ritter M11	1500W	11”	270°F	Size: 11” x 18” Volume: 6.5 gal.	Amount: 4 Size: 15” x 9” x 1.1”; 15” x 6.6” x 1.1”		6 months	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. SciCan Statim G4 5000	1450W	11”	270°F	Size: N/A Volume: 1 gal.	Amount: 1 Size: 15” x 7” x 3”		N/A	Check Price
Best for Tattoo Shop	4. Tuttnauer 1730 Valueklave	1350W	11.5”	273°F	Size: 7″ x 13″ Volume: 2 gal.	Amount: 3 Size: 11.6” x 4.7” x 0.8”		1 year	Check Price
Best for Nail Salon	5. Prestige Classic 2100 Electric Sterilizer	1500W	9”	255.2°F	Size: 8.3” x 9.3” Volume: 6.6 gal.	Amount: 2 Size: N/A		2 year	Check Price
	6. Zgood ZG-8L250	900W	10”	273.2°F	Size: 9.85” x 13.8” Volume: 2.1 gal.	Amount: 3 Size: N/A		1 year	Check Price
	7. Aphrodite 24851	N/A	11”	273.2°F	Size: 10.6” x 16.1” Volume: 6.4 gal.	Amount: 3 Size: 13.4” x 7.9” x 1.2”		N/A	Check Price

1. Tuttnauer EZ11 Plus

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The Tuttnauer EZ11 Plus is just what any dentist needs in his/her office as it provides a quick and effective manner to sterilize instruments. It is a fully automatic sterilizer that uses the Dynamic Air-Removal Technology and an HEPA-filtered air drying system to keep a sterile environment in the chamber where the instruments are placed. It is even able to dry packs and pouches, so it is one of the more versatile models on the market.

It provides 4 FDA-cleared sterilization programs to pick between, 2 customizable sterilization programs that you can opt for, and a Chamber Brite program that simplifies maintenance when you use the specialty powdered autoclave cleaner:

• For unwrapped instruments: Temperature – 270°F; Sterilization time – 3 minutes; Drying time – 1 minute; Cycle time without drying – 27 minutes; Cycle time with drying – 28 minutes;
• For wrapped instruments: Temperature – 270°F; Sterilization time – 4 minutes; Drying time – 30 minutes; Cycle time without drying – 25 minutes; Cycle time with drying – 55 minutes;
• For handpieces: Temperature – 270°F; Sterilization time – 4 minutes; Drying time – 30 minutes; Cycle time without drying – 30 minutes; Cycle time with drying – 60 minutes;
• For unwrapped delicate instruments: Temperature – 250°F; Sterilization time – 4 minutes; Drying time – 1 minute; Cycle time without drying – 49 minutes; Cycle time with drying – 50 minutes;
• Chamber Brite cleaning: Temperature – 270F; Sterilization time – 3 minutes; Cycle time without drying – 23 minutes;
• Custom program #1: Temperature – 270F; Sterilization time – 4 minutes; Drying time – 30 minutes; Cycle time without drying – 26 minutes; Cycle time with drying – 56 minutes;
• Custom program #2: Temperature – 250F; Sterilization time – 30 minutes; Drying time – 1 minute; Cycle time without drying – 46 minutes; Cycle time with drying – 47 minutes;

It measures 24.8” in depth by 20.9” in width by 17.3” in height to not occupy a lot of space, and weighs 122 pounds which might be a bit heavy, but it’s an easy 2-person job to relocate it if ever needed. The sterilization chamber measures 11” by 19.8”, boasts a 7.5-gallon volume, and is able to hold up to 5 trays that measure 16.3” by 6.7” by 0.6” on which you place the tools and instruments you want to clean.

As it features USB connectivity, you can store and transfer approximately 100 cycles of data to keep track of the procedures. It includes a special rack for packs/pouches, so you don’t need to make any additional investment when it comes to the racks you place items on. Furthermore, the manufacturer backs it for 2 years on parts and labor, and provides a 10-year warranty for the chamber.

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2. Midmark Ritter M11

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The largest entry Midmark has to offer up to this point, the Midmark Ritter M11 is specifically designed for large packs of instruments, so it makes for a smart option for large dental practices. Probably its main highlight performance-wise stands in the fact that cycle parameters can be customized to your specific preference so that you meet the needs of the instrument sterilization procedure you undergo at that moment.

For added convenience, it even features pre-programmed controls that you can select if these suit the situation at hand. Its operational effectiveness is granted by the steam-flush pressure pulse air removal system it uses, so efficiency in cleaning the tools you work with isn’t an issue of concern as results exceed expectations.

Its LCD display provides you easy viewing of indicators to ensure intuitive use throughout. Moreover, it features an automatic opening door that enhances ease of use and helps quickly dissipate steam to dry out the instruments.

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3. SciCan Statim G4 5000

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Fast in its operation and quite revolutionary due to its cassette design, this model is bound to meet the needs of all size practices. The machine measures 23.6” by 16.1” by 7.5”, so you needn’t worry that it might take up too much space in your otherwise crowded cabinet or office. The internal dimensions are 15” by 7” by 3”, while the reservoir boasts a 4-liter capacity, stats that prove you can load a hefty amount of instruments at a time for sterilization.

There are two cycle durations, both quite quick compared to most machines in its niche – the unwrapped cycle that takes only 9 minutes, and the wrapped cycle that takes 17.5 minutes to finish. Moreover, the SciCan Statim G4 5000 uses the innovative Dri-Tec drying technology that ensures your instruments dry at an accelerated pace, the process lasting approximately 15 minutes.

It takes such a small amount of time for the drying process to take place as heat from the drying plates is transferred directly to the instruments inside the chamber. Aseptic transport is granted by the fully removable chamber design, thus allowing you to transport the freshly sterilized instruments to the procedure area without fearing they might get into contact with impure air at any point. Furthermore, it features a one-touch keypad that helps you easily pick between the sterilization programs and settings.

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4. Tuttnauer 1730 Valueklave

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As it measures 17.9 inches by 17.4 inches by 12 inches, you can rest assured knowing that all of your instruments will fit inside it perfectly. When empty, it weighs 55 pounds, so you won’t have trouble relocating it when needed. The maximum size of instruments you can place inside it is 11.5 inches in length, which is a lot more than what most machines on the market offer.

As it boasts a power rating of 1350 watts, it won’t raise the bills excessively. It boasts a quiet operation that ensures that you can be in the same room with it, taking care of patients without being bothered by it. Another mention-worthy aspect is the fact that a 1-year warranty is provided by the manufacturing company.

Cycles

What we can assure you of is that not a lot of time is lost on the operation of the machine when it is sterilizing the tools you place inside it, regardless of what operating mode you select. There are two basic sterilizing cycles put at your disposal, a hot one, and a cold one. The cold cycle lasts approximately 25 minutes, while the hot one lasts 11 minutes.

Trays and Chamber

It features 3 trays where you can conveniently place your instruments, trays that are made with 304 stainless steel to ensure a clean and safe surface for your tools to sit on. Each tool measures 11.6 inches by 4.7 inches by 0.8 inches, so room won’t be an issue to worry about. When it comes to the chamber, know that it has a 2-gallon volume that is pretty standard with these machines, and it measures 7 inches by 13 inches.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• Front drain valve ensures a quick and easy method of disposing of the water in the reservoir.
• As the chamber and the door are made with 316L grade stainless steel with electro-polish finish, a long lifespan for the tool is ensured.
• Backed by international certifications that ensures this is a qualitative, safe medical tool.

Safety Considerations

Safety in use is primordial with any medical tool, and the fact that it comes with everything needed to ensure safety in use and the protection of the machine in the long run, it makes for a smart acquisition. It features a double safety locking device that ensures the door will never open when the chamber is pressurized. At the end of the sterilization and dry cycles, it turns off on its own.

Overheating is an occurrence you never need to worry about as it automatically turns off when there is insufficient water in the chamber to prevent this from happening. Additionally, there’s a dual safety thermostat set in place which helps prevent overheating as well.

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5. Prestige Classic 2100 Electric Sterilizer

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As the Classic 2100 allows you to place instruments that measure up to 9 inches in length inside it, you can basically sterilize your entire collection of tools that you use on your patients with it. Due to the fact that it measures 13.2 inches by 13.4 inches, it does not take up a lot of space in your cabinet, and it provides more than enough room for autoclavable items due to the 8.3 inch in diameter by 9.3 inch in length size of the chamber.

It provides you with a 25-minute cold cycle and a fast 11-minute hot cycle that you can opt for when you are in a hurry and do not want to waste time between procedures. The peak temperature it can reach is 255.2°F, so all existing bacteria and germs are bound to be destroyed during the cycle.

The manufacturing company backs it with a 2-year warranty which exceeds industry standard. It boasts a simple 1-step operation that ensures you will easily use it regardless of your prior skill level of operating steam sterilizers. Furthermore, it delivers an intuitive and convenient top-loading design that makes it easy for you to insert the items you want to sterilize.

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6. Zgood ZG-8L250

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Although it does not boast the best power rating out there, this steam sterilizing machine does a more than fantastic job at killing off bacteria, viruses, germs, and all microorganisms lying on the instruments you place inside it. What gives the machine this high efficiency is the 273.2F maximum working temperature it can reach, as well as the 31.9 PSI maximum working pressure.

It comes with two trays made with durable 304 stainless steel on which you can place the instruments. The chamber measures 9.85 inches in diameter and 13.8 inches in length, and its volume is a generous 2.1 gallons. At the end of the sterilizing cycle, it automatically shuts off, so there is no need to worry about useless power consumption.

For enhanced safety in use and to ensure a long-lasting durability of the machine, it features overheating protection and a convenient safety valve. Furthermore, it can fit items and instruments that measure up to 10 inches in length, so you are not limited when it comes to what you can place inside it.

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7. Aphrodite 24851

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The Aphrodite 24851 steam machine makes for the best option for those who are on a limited budget due to its low asking price. Although it is cheap, do not think that it sacrifices much in terms of performance quality. The best proof for this statement is the 273.2F maximum working temperature it can reach, as well as the more than generous 6.3-gallon capacity of its instrument chamber.

It comes with 3 trays that measure 13.4 inches in depth, 7.9 inches in width, and 1.2 inches in height, and that are made with stainless steel. The maximum operating pressure it boasts is 34 PSI, and it features a convenient 60-minute timer that allows you to set the precise operating time you want it to follow.

In terms of speed, it makes for a great option as the cold cycle lasts approximately 25 minutes, while the hot cycle lasts 6 minutes. Additionally, it measures 22.05 inches by 13.8 inches by 19.7 inche, which ensures it will not occupy too much space in your cabinet.

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What You Need for Your Dental Practice

If you are here and interested in purchasing a steam sterilizer, chances are that your field of work is dentistry. Before we dive into the subject any further, there is a discussion that must first take place, more precisely the description of the three different types of machines you will encounter, class N, B, and S, and in the following, we will explain in detail what characterizes each type to help you make an informed choice.

• Class N: These machines boast a compact design which makes them perfect for labs and cabinets where space is of the essence. However, this design comes at a cost, class N sterilizers being quite limited in their operation as they can be used for autoclaving only simple materials, which do not include the likes of textiles, hollow items, or porous loads. Another downfall in terms of design is the fact that steam penetration is not always guaranteed. Fun fact, the letter in the name stands for naked solid products.
• Class B: These machines might be compact, but do not let their convenient design trick you as they are very similar in operation to large steam sterilizing machines found in hospitals. The letter in their name stands for big small sterilizers, being a perfect description of their capabilities as, despite the small size, they can basically provide the same performance as big, industrial machines. You can sterilize any type of instrument or item with a class B machine, so there are no limitations from this point of view, and in terms of safety in use, it is by far the best option to go with.
• Class S: It is an intermediate machine that is actually quite tricky to characterize. To check if the unit is class S or not, you have to check the spec sheet provided by the manufacturing company as only there will you be provided with an adequate answer to this question.

As it offers the best flexibility and it is suitable for the widest range of applications, we recommend you opt for a class B machine. Sure, it will most likely be smaller than other products are, but the high safety standards, the ergonomic design which endorses easy handling, and the high efficiency recommend it despite the minor flaws.

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Safety and Operation Considerations

As the sterilizing machines use high pressure and high temperatures to kill all microorganisms and potential bio-hazardous contaminants lurking on the tools, items, and instruments placed inside them, they present the best solution for a thorough, in-depth cleansing. However, as their operation is as effective as it gets, the danger levels of improper use raise even further. In the following, we will present you with detailed safety and operational considerations you must keep in mind to ensure your well-being while using the autoclave, as well as the proper functioning and safety of the machine and instruments placed inside it.
Safety Considerations
Injury prevention guidelines you must always follow:

• Wear the appropriate protective equipment when loading and unloading the machine – eye protection, lab coat, and heat resistant gloves;
• Avoid superheating liquids at all costs as it could result in them boiling or exploding out of their containers – this is a condition where liquids do not appear to be boiling, yet they are actually at a temperature above their boiling point;
• Do not seal containers as they could explode under pressure;
• Open the door of the machine when the pressure reaches 0 and the temperature is under 249,8 degrees Fahrenheit;
• If water runs out the bottom of the machine, do not open the door until you remove the liquid.

Items you should never try and sterilize with the machine:

• Pathological waste – human tissues, human organs, animal tissues, animal organs, animal carcasses;
• Low molecular weight prions and biotoxins;
• Hazardous chemicals – flammable chemicals, corrosive chemicals, ortoxic chemical, reactive chemicals;
• Radioactive materials;
• Discarded sharp materials – microscope slides, microscope coverslips, used/unused syringes, used/unused needles, contaminated broken glass;
• Dried bleach and bleach-associated materials;
• Nitrocellulose.

Material Preparation Procedure

• Pack solids loosely;
• Do not compact waste;
• Do not overfill biohazardous waste bags;
• Use stainless steel pans or plastics;
• Open the containers prior to the sterilization process;
• Leave enough room between the trays when you insert more than one in the machine;
• Check glass items for cracks;
• Do not fill containers to the top;
• Loosely screw the caps of bottles.

Basic Instructions for Safe Operating
While we encourage you to follow the advice given below, make sure that you check the instructions manual accompanying the steam sterilizer as well and take into consideration the operational tips given in it. Some machines do have their own, unique characteristics, so it is imperative for you to check the manual to ensure complete safety.

• Place the items inside the chamber;
• Check that the drain screen is not obstructed or plugged;
• If the situations asks for it, check the deiozined water reservoir and fill it until the top line is reached;
• Properly close the machine’s door;
• Select the load type, sterilization time, sterilization temperature, and the dry cycle, or simple select a pre-programmed cycle;
• Run the machine’s cycle;
• Put on your safety gear when the cycle is finished;
• Slightly open the door and let the steam get out;
• Let the items/instruments cool for approximately 10 minutes;
• Fully open the door and take the instruments out.

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Autoclavable Items

As a doctor, regardless of your line of work, in order to avoid the transmission of any infection, you must sterilize the instruments, clothes, and implanted devices that have made contact with body tissues or fluids. However, not all items are autoclavable, and we will immediately list the ones that you can insert in the machine for the sterilization procedure as they do not present any risks in the high pressure and high-temperature environment.

List of autoclavable materials:

• Borosilicate glass items – The silica and boron trioxide composition of these glassware types makes them safe for the steam sterilization procedure as they are resistant to thermal shock due to their low coefficient of thermal expansion.
• Stainless steel items – The composition of stainless steel, which is steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content, makes it corrosion resistant and capable of dealing with high temperatures.
• Pipette tips – Commonly found in medical labs and establishments, pipette tips are heat and steam resistant, which is good news as you can reuse them instead of having to discard the tips after each use.
• Polypropylene items – This thermoplastic polymer, as the “thermo” part of the description suggests, does indeed resist high-temperature environmental conditions. Thus, all instruments made with polypropylene are autoclavable.
• Gloves – We must warn you from the get-go that if you do not wrap the gloves in a container, their material might melt. However, this depends on the specific material they are made from. We recommend you check this aspect before you try to sterilize them.
• Tissue culture flasks – These flasks are made with thermal resistant materials so that sterilization can be applied to them and they can be reused, thus saving a lot of money for doctors in all fields and domains.
• Surgical instruments – They are made of a qualitative stainless steel, 316 steel to be more precise, which is known as surgical steel as well. This material makes them stronger not only against corrosion but against high temperatures as well.

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Buying Guide

What Quantity Is Necessary for Your Loads?

To figure out the answer to this question and to know from the get-go what type of machine you have to look for, you have to think about the volume and size of your average loads. As you know the required quantity in terms of load size and volume, you can more easily eliminate options that would not have been suited for you anyway, as they would have been too big or too small for what you require.

How Fast It Can Sterilize the Instruments

Speed is of the essence in this line of work as you cannot afford to let customers waiting for too long before the tools you will use on their teeth and cavities are sterilized and free of any germs and bacteria. Thus, you have to ask yourself how fast it is before you ultimately take a decision as you could otherwise end up quite unpleasantly surprised. While most machines tend to take approximately 25 minutes to finish the procedure, high-end models provide you with a fast sterilization cycle that generally lasts from 6 to 11 minutes, which is a lot more appropriate.

Maximum Working Temperature

The maximum working temperature basically indicates how well it will handle sanitizing and sterilizing the materials, items, and instruments you place inside it. The higher this maximum temperature is the better, obviously. What we recommend is you opt for a sterilizing machine that can reach over 250 degrees Fahrenheit at tops.

Safety Measures

We cannot stress enough about the importance of safety in a medical environment. However, when we refer to the safe use of a sterilizing machine, we refer to the chances that you might directly get injured due to operating the machine as opposed to the patient, for example. It is ideal for the product you buy to have as many safety measures in check as possible to ensure no injuries occur when you are loading or unloading your instruments. Some of the important safety features to look for are a safe locking door and overheat cut-off.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

A sterilization tool is a necessity in places like the dental office, nail salon, or tattoo parlor as those working are obliged to work with clean tools so that their customers are not at risk of infection or greater health risks. Before we end, let’s go over your best options once more so that you have an easy time finding the sterilizer that best suits your needs.

Best Autoclave for Sale: Tuttnauer EZ11 Plus

The sterile environment the Tuttnauer EZ11 provides in unparalleled, which makes it the favorite of professional medical practitioners, as well as deluxe nail salons and tattoo parlors. It includes a total of 4 FDA-cleared sterilization programs, and you can even opt for one of the 2 customizable sterilization programs if adjustability of the cycle times or temperature is needed. It is a fully automatic machine that provides reliability unlike any other product as it uses a HEPA-filtered air drying system, as well as Dynamic Air-Removal technology. Furthermore, its 7.5-gallon volume and total of 5 trays provide plenty of space so that all of your tools fit together.

Editor’s Choice: SciCan Statim G4 5000

The maximum size of the instruments that you can sterilize in the G4 5000 is 11”, so regardless of the practice you own and the reasoning behind your need for the machine, it is sure to cater to cleaning the tools you work with. Depending on the cycle you opt for, it takes 9 or 17 and a half minutes to get the sterilization process done with. Even the drying process is performed at a rapid pace, taking only 15 minutes.

Best Autoclave for Dental Office: Midmark Ritter M11

With 4 cycles to select between when you sterilize your instruments, if you are a dental practitioner the Midmark M11 is the peak performance autoclave to have in your office. Moreover, you can even customize the duration and procedure used during the cycles as needed in accordance with the prior use of the instruments and the severity of the sterilization need. When it comes to design, seeing how it includes 4 stainless steel trays that aside from providing clean placement for the instruments, measure 15” by 9” by 1.1” and 15” by 6.6” by 1.1”, you can fit all of your tools in one go without issues.

Best Autoclave for Tattoo Shop: Tuttnauer 1730 Valueklave

Space is something you sorely need from a dental autoclave, so our ranking of the Tuttnauer 1730 comes as no surprise, this machine allowing you to insert instruments or tools as large as 11.5 inches in length inside of it. Furthermore, it provides you with the possibility to opt for a quick sterilizing cycle which lasts only 11 minutes, this being good news for any dentist, doctor, or tattooing artist as it means that the next patient or customer won’t have to wait for a long time before he/she is tended to. Of course, we must mention the numerous accompanying safety features of the machine as they ensure a smooth and trouble-free operation.

Best Autoclave for Nail Salon: Prestige Classic 2100 Electric Sterilizer

We chose the Prestige Classic 2100 not only due to its features and thorough performance which ensures no microorganisms will lay on the instruments you place inside it, but because of its top-loading design which makes it a lot more convenient to work with. Design-wise, on the other hand, it is built to cater to the needs of nail salons, ensuring the tools used on manicures and pedicures are sterilized and safe for use on clients.