Autoclave for your particular needs and budget

Comparison, discussion and information on various autoclaves and sterilizers

Table-Top autoclave models Tuttnauer 1730, 2340m, 2540m, 2540mk, 3870m, EZ9, EZ10, EZ10K, 3870EA

Midmark autoclave - M-7 speedclave, M-9 ultraclave and M-11 ultraclave

Pelton and Crane autoclave Delta XL8 and Delta XL10 and Magnaclave

Introduction:The autoclave is a table-top device that autoclaves with the pressure controlled automatically. It is especially designed to meet the needs of effective and safe sterilization in all kinds of dental and medical clinics, surgery centers, first aid rooms, veterinarian offices, small laboratories, tattoo parlors, permanent cosmetics and nail salons.

Autoclaves are electrically heated sterilizers of different dimensions, using steam as the sterilizing agent. They are easy to operate. The Operator can choose the required sterilization temperature range 212-273°F (100-134°C)The low temperature range 212-250°F (100-121°C) is designed to meet sterilization requirements when heat-sensitive material is sterilized.

Two of the smallest manual tabletop autoclaves on the market are the Ritter M-7 Speedclave and the Tuttnauer 1730 ValueKlave. These machines range in price between $1600.00 and $2200.00. Both are commonly used in small dental offices and small medical clinics and are also great for the Tattoo parlor, nail salon and permanent cosmetic industry. Both autoclave with great speed and efficiently. The Ritter M-7 has a slightly larger chamber size, slightly smaller footprint, slightly faster cycle time and is slightly more expensive than the Tuttnauer 1730 ValueKlave.

Larger manual tabletop autoclaves are still manufactured by Tuttnauer and include the models 2340m and the 2540m. Manual autoclaves require that you manually set the autoclave to the fill position and wait for the water to flow into the chamber. When the water reaches the mark at the bottom of the autoclave you then set the knob to sterilize. You then load the autoclave, shut the door and tighten the bolt and turn the thermostat knob to the desired sterilization temperature. Then set the sterilization time period according to the load and need. Then turn the knob to exhaust and dry and when the pressure gauge reaches 0 turn the main switch to stop. Open the door and remove the load and turn the knob to 0. Tuttnauer offers factory refurbished manual autoclaves.

Several manufacturer's produce fully automatic autoclaves including Midmark, Tuttnauer and Pelton and Crane. Pressing a key starts the sterilization process according to the selected program. Water flows automatically into the chamber, Heat and sterilization stages commence and the LED indicator lights up. On completion of the sterilization cycle the exhaust stage will automatically begin. Tuttnauer and Pelton Crane autoclaves will then begin the drying stage (if previously programmed). The drying cycle consist of heated air blowing that drys the instruments quickly and efficiently. The Midmark autoclave (depending on the model) opens the door at the end of the cycle allowing the steam to dissipate into the room. All of above mentioned autoclaves have optional printers available. Tuttnauer offers factory refurbished automatic autoclaves.

Another variation are the Tuttnauer Kwiklave autoclaves available in the EZ10K (fully automatic) and 2540MK (manual) autoclave. These machines are made to operate on 220 voltage and are much faster than their 110 voltage counterparts. Other than that they are exactly the same.

Larger autoclaves are the Pelton and Crane Magnaclave (manual), Tuttnauer 3870m (manual) and Tuttnauer 3870EA (fully automatic). All come with their own stand and operate on 220 voltage. The Tuttnauer units are self contained and do not require direct wiring or special plumbing. They function exactly like their smaller counterparts.

When purchasing an autoclave don't be misled by the actual chamber size. There is more to the puzzle namely take careful note of the size and number of trays the machine will hold. Your capacity will be determined by the tray size and not the chamber size. If autoclaving bottles you will need to know how much height taken up by autoclave rack and tray once positioned inside the autoclave chamber. See our specifications and a comparison charts for Tuttnauer, Midmark and Pelton and Crane.

Another point when purchasing an autoclave is to consider the warranty issues. Tuttnauer fully automatic machine come with a two year on site parts and labor warranty. The manual Tuttnauer machine has a one year on site parts and labor warranty. However, the warranty does have some limitations as to what Tuttnauer will pay for travel time and the actual repair performed. Tuttnauer factory refurbished automatic autoclaves are warranted for 1 year parts only and the factory refurbished manual autoclaves are warranted for 6 months parts only. Tuttnauer will cover labor on these machines only if you ship them back to the Tuttnauer factory for repair. Midmark/Ritter offers a one year warranty and Pelton Crane has a three year parts only warranty, however, during the first 6 months of ownership Pelton and Crane will replace the machine if a critical issue is involved. It will be up to you the owner to pay a technician to determine what is and is not a critical issue.

Booth Medical Equipment company has 20 years experience with autoclaves. We can answer most of your questions. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your autoclave purchase.