If you are running a dental practice, you know the importance of sterilizing your equipment. Dental offices are normally low on space so tabletop autoclaves are a great way to maximize your space without risking your patients health and safety.


An autoclave is a pressure chamber used to carry out industrial processes requiring a high temperature and pressure of air or steam to kill certain types of bacteria, that could be spread.  They are crucial to ensure you are using proper hygiene and killing any unwanted bacteria that may be lurking in your dental office on your dental equipment. 


Keeping your dental instruments and lab equipment sterile is important to run a safe dental practice. Autoclaves are a great and fast way to keep your patients safe. The sterilization process when using one typically ranges from six to thirty minutes. We have talked to our top dentist and reviewed their autoclaves.


Summary of the Top 10 Best Autoclaves for Dental Offices in 2019:

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Top 10 Best Autoclaves For 2020

Best Starter Model

Ocean Aquarius Mini Lab Equipment Autoclave Vacuum Steam Sterilizer 18L 110V

 The Ocean Aquarius autoclave contains a safety valve to prevent accidental overheating. When the inner temperature overheats, the power breaks the electric current automatically. In addition, this autoclave is made of stainless steel, ideal for maintaining the perfect temperature. The operation pressure is 0.21Mpa and the autoclave also includes a pressure adjustment, allowing the user to adjust the inter pressure if it is over the standard value automatic vent. 

Pros

  • Cost - This autoclave is one of the most affordable options on our list.
  • Compact Design- The compact design of the Ocean Aquarius autoclave is ideal for small offices and laboratories

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Larger Instruments - Because of its compact size, this autoclave is not ideal for sterilizing larger instrument

Best Budget Autoclave

BoNew 24L High Pressure Stainless Steel Steam Autoclave Sterilizer BN-24

The BoNew Autoclave Sterilizer is one of the best autoclaves on the market. It is an easy to operate device that is automatically controlled by a computer. Capable of reaching temperatures up to 134 degrees celsius, it is ideal for an average of 5 minutes rapid sterilization. This device is made of a fully stainless steel structure and comes with an over-temperature and overpressure auto-protect device.

Pros

  • ​Automatic - The BoNew autoclave is controlled by a computer and easy to operate.
  • Rapid Sterilization- This autoclave can reach temperatures up to 134 degrees celsius and can rapidly sterilize in just 4-6 minutes.
  • Cost- This is the most affordable autoclave on our list.

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Larger Instruments - Because of its compact size, this autoclave is not ideal for sterilizing larger instruments.

Best Space Saver Autoclave

​Aries Outlets 18L Lab Autoclave Sterilizer Vacuum Steam Class N Mini Thermal

The Aries Outlet’s Lab Autoclave sterilizes at a temperature of 122 and132 degrees celsius and is made out of stainless steel. It has a heater reaching 1000W and the sterilize pressure is 0.12Mpa and 0.23Mpa. In addition, the Aries autoclave contains a boiler chamber surface with burnish.

Pros

  • Stainless Steel - stainless steel design of the Aries Outlets autoclave is ideal for maintaining the perfect temperature.
  • Ideal for Porous Items- Vacuum Autoclaves are ideal for sterilizing porous equipment in the lab

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Non-Porous Items - Gravity autoclaves are generally better for sterilizing non-porous lab equipment. 

Best Manual Steam Autoclave

Autoclave, Tuttnauer Classic, Model 2540M, Chamber 10 x 18-7/10"

 The Tuttnauer autoclave is a manual autoclave is a reliable and durable option for a steam sterilizer. It offers analog controls and gauges for simple operation. Other features include a 60-min timer, temperature selection from 100 to 134° C, and fast and slow exhaust for sterilization of solids. This autoclave automatically shuts off at the end of both the sterilization and dry cycles.


Pros

  • Simple Operation - This autoclave offers analog controls for a simple and seamless sterilization process.
  •  Automatic Shut-Off  - The Tuttnauer autoclave will automatically shut off at the end of both the sterilization and dry cycles.

Cons

  • Manual Autoclave - This autoclave is a manual device and less convenient than automatic alternatives.  

Best Large Compartment Autoclave

​MIDMARK RITTER M11 ULTRACLAVE® AUTOMATIC STERILIZER

The Midmark Ritter Ultraclave is ideal for the sterilization larger packs and instruments because of its uniquely large chamber. This autoclave has an automatic-opening door for ease of use and a quick drying time. Pre-programed controls are also available for convenience and repeat use.

Pros

  • Self Program Controls - The Midmark Ritter Ultraclave has self program controls that enable the user to create different cycle parameters to meet specific instrument processing needs.
  • Steam- Flush The steam-flush pressure pulse air removal system ensures proper steam penetration
  • Large Chamber - The midmark autoclave has a larger chamber than many others on the market allowing for the sterilization of large pieces of lab equipment

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Non-Porous Items - Gravity autoclaves are generally better for sterilizing non-porous lab equipment.

Best Overall Autoclave

Tuttnauer EZ11 PLUS Fully Automatic Autoclave Sterilizer

The Tuttnauer Automatic autoclave is a professional grade sterilizer and is perfect for general medical, dental, laboratory, health, manicure, cosmetic and other applications. This is a fully automatic autoclave that features a contemporary design with an easy to read display panel.

Pros

  • Warranty - Tuttnauer EZ autoclaves are backed by a two-year parts and labor warranty.
  • Automatic- The Tuttnauer autoclave is fully automatic and will fill, sterilize, exhaust and dry at the touch of a button
  • Easy Set-Up- Many customers are loving how easy it is to set up this particular autoclave

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Non-Porous Items - Gravity autoclaves are generally better for sterilizing non-porous lab equipment.

Best Manual Power Autoclave

​Tuttnauer Valueklave 1730M Manual Autoclave 1730M

The Tuttnauer Valueklave is a more compact autoclave option, making it perfect for small offices and laboratories. The cycle time for this autoclave is 11-16 minutes and is a manually-operated device. Making it one of the faster models on the market.

Pros

  • Economical - The Tuttnauer Valueklave costs significantly less than many others in the market.
  •  3 - Trays- The chamber of the medical Sterilizer contains three trays, perfect for sterilizing multiple items at once. 

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Larger Instruments - Because of its compact size, this autoclave is not ideal for sterilizing larger instruments.
  •  Manually Operated - Unlike similar autoclaves on the market, the Tuttnauer Valueklave is not automatic

Best Quality For The Price

Zgood 18L Lab Autoclave Sterilizer Vacuum Steam Mini Thermal TR250N

The Zgood Lab Autoclave Sterilizer is a high temperature, stainless steel autoclave that contains a safety valve to protect against overheating. In addition, it contains an automatic water supply and automatic drainage system along with a temperature control and sterilization time of 25 min/ 6 min.

Pros

  • Ideal for Porous Items - Vacuum autoclaves are ideal for sterilizing porous equipment in the lab.
  •  Automatic Water Supply - An automatic water supply and automatic drainage system prevents the user from having to refill the water after each use

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Non-Porous Items - Gravity autoclaves are generally better for sterilizing non-porous lab equipment.

Best Mid-Range Option

Fairywill Electric Toothbrush

The Heidolph Tuttnauer autoclave is a 19 L/5 gallon electric benchtop autoclave ideal for steam sterilizing liquids, instruments, glassware and other laboratory items. It contains a temperature selection from 105 to 136 degrees celsius with sterilization times of up to 59 minutes. In addition, it has a built-in printer with paper for documenting and includes three stainless steel trays for holding labware and maximizing space in the chamber.

Pros

  • Digital Display - The Heidolph Tuttnauer autoclave continuously shows temperature, pressure and running time. In addition, every stage of the cycle is automatic and microprocessor controlled from water-fill, to sterilization, exhaust and drying.
  •  Low-Water Alarm- This autoclave also includes a low water alarm for notifying users when the reservoir needs to be refilled
  • Double-Locking Door- A heat insulated, double-locking door helps protect users from accidental burns and prevents the chamber from being opened during the sterilization cycle

Cons

  • Cost - Because it includes additional features and accessories, the Heidolph Tuttnauer autoclave is significantly more expensive than other competitors on the market. 

Best High-End Model

Market Forge 95-2903 Analog Sterilmatic Sterilizer, Autoclave, Export Adjustable Temperature, 220/380V, 50Hz

The Market Forge autoclave is perfect for laboratories, vet clinics, processing plants and more. This autoclave has the ability to sterilize everything from simple glassware and rubber gloves to flasked solutions up to two liters in volume. 

Pros

  • Automatic Temperature Control - The Market Forge autoclave is built with a temperature control to find the perfect sterilization range.
  •  Safety Valve- This autoclave also contains a safety valve to prevent overheating

Cons

  • Cost - This autoclave is significantly more expensive than other competitors on the market. 

Autoclaves

Now that we’ve reviewed the best Autoclaves on the market. Let's talk a little bit more about them. How do they work and why they are important for you and your practice. You know that using autoclaves are important, but why is using an autoclave the best form of sterilizing your equipment. 


Also we will discuss the different methods of using autoclaves and how you can use them more efficiently and save time and money. We will share some insider tips on how to use your autoclave for your advantage.  


How Does The Autoclave Work?

First let's talk about how autoclaves actually work. An autoclave is a special chamber system that sterilizes equipment and supplies by exposing them to high temperature steam that reaches temperatures up to 132 degrees Celsius or 270 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It is a tightly sealed system, which allows the steam to build pressure and reach temperatures that it would normally not be able to reach under a non- pressured system.

It is similar to a pressure cooker where it allows the items inside reach certain temperatures with out outside elements affecting it, but the power in the steam is used to kill bacteria, spores and germs rather than cook food.


What Makes Autoclaves Important?

Autoclaves are not only essential to insure proper hygiene and sterilizing, but they also play a key component for disinfecting dental equipment. They also play a major role in hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, tattoo parlors and nail salons, just to name a few.  

Proper sterilization is crucial for any equipment being used that is designed to be used more than once. This includes probes, periodontal scalers, curettes, forceps, excavators, dental drill, etc... 
Autoclaves are the only way that you can ensure to reuse this equipment on other patients without the risk of spreading infection or disease. 

Even if you do not plan on reusing your equipment, it is in good practice to sterilize your equipment before disposing of it, to unsure no disease can be spread accidentally after disposal. Autoclaves have become more popular over the years, as it is environmentally friendly.


Why Is Autoclaving The Best Method For Sterilization?


The only way to achieve proper sterilization is through heat that is high enough in temperature to kill microbes spores that may survive and grow that are blind to the naked eye. Using a moist heat has been proven better to kill this bacteria than a dry heat. But to reach these temperatures you need to have an air-locked system that can handle the pressure from the steam for a duration of time to ensure everything is killed off and no bacteria will survive.

When reusing dental or medical equipment, autoclaves are the only devices that can ensure you can reuse your utensils safely. To ensure you are practicing safe medical procedures your dental office must have a proper sterilization system. Autoclaves are the best bet for your office, as they are able to reach high pressure steam heats and sit comfortably in your dental office without taking up too much room. 


Why Is Sterilization Necessary?

 Sterilization techniques are essential when working and owning your own dental practice, and neglecting this could cause to severe consequences through the spread of disease and even death. Practicing good dental hygiene includes keeping your dental equipment sterilized with an autoclave.


After your dental instruments have been cleaned and placed through an autoclave, they are able to stay sterile for up to 12 months in a sealed pouch without any risk of new bacteria growing on it. 



What Are The Methods Of Sterilization?

Sterilization can be achieved by a combination of different methods which can include high pressure steam, dry heat, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, irradiation, gas vapors sterilants, chlorine dioxide gas just to mention a few. Let's review some of the different kinds of sterilization that are being used today. 


  • Heat - Heat is the most common method of sterilization being used today. Probably because it is the most environmentally friendly and cost efficient way to sterilize. Heat is used to kill off microbes in the substance. There are two kinds of heat that can be used dry or wet heat. 
    • Wet Heat Steam and high temperature water is used to kill off bacteria 
    • Dry Heat Specimens are exposed to high temperatures by either flames, incineration or hot oven heat.

Do Autoclaves Kill All Bacteria

Yes, when they are properly used. Well, at least bacteria that you need to be considered about. That is the main reason they are so important. They kill all bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores that could be living on dental equipment. However, autoclaves are unable to kill prions which are known to be associated with Creutzfelt-Jakob disease.


Also archaea species is also known to survive in autoclaves and even reproduce, but none of them are known to be infectious or pose a health risk to humans. Autoclaves do kill most bacteria that is unwelcome in your dental practice.  

Summary 

Purchasing an autoclave can be a big investment, so you want to make sure you do your homework before you purchase one. It is a good idea to look over several factors to ensure that the autoclave you are purchasing is going to be the right fit for your business and all of your needs.


You want to ensure that you look at things like the autoclave's capacity, space requirements, installation and maintenance cost over the next several years. You want to make sure you consider not only the price tag on the autoclave, but also you need to think about the long term cost of upkeep on the autoclave you will be purchasing.


Since they are a big investment, you want to ensure you are able to pay for the maintenance and replacement of parts to ensure your autoclave will get the most years it is able to get and you will get your money's worth.