Autoclaves
Autoclaves use saturated steam under pressure to sterilize equipment, materials, liquids and suitable laboratory waste. The right configuration depends on the load type, chamber capacity, available space and required cycle features.
LabSPX supplies laboratory autoclaves and steam sterilization systems throughout the Benelux. The range includes compact benchtop units, vertical autoclaves, high-capacity systems and specialized solutions.
What are the different types of autoclaves?
Autoclaves can be classified according to their size, chamber orientation and loading configuration. Benchtop autoclaves offer a compact solution for smaller loads, while vertical autoclaves provide greater capacity within a relatively limited footprint. Larger or multi-chamber systems support higher throughput and more demanding workflows.
Autoclaves can also include features such as prevacuum air removal, drying, fast cooling and pressure support. These are not separate physical autoclave types. They are cycle technologies selected according to the materials being processed.
Benchtop autoclaves are compact systems designed for laboratories with limited installation space or lower to moderate throughput. Depending on the model, they may use front-loading or top-loading access.
Their smaller chambers are suitable for routine processing of glassware, instruments, culture media, liquids and autoclavable laboratory materials. Available configurations range from straightforward units without drying to models with prevacuum and drying.
AHS-N Series
Front-loading benchtop autoclave without drying for a wide range of solid and liquid loads
Vertical autoclaves are floor-standing systems with a top-loading chamber. This construction provides considerable chamber capacity without requiring the width of a comparable horizontal system.
They are suitable for routine laboratory sterilization and are available with different cycle technologies. Options include drying, prevacuum, fast cooling and pressure support for specific load types.
AE-DRY Series
Vertical autoclaves with drying, designed for industrial, educational, and research facilities
Batch Effluent Decontamination Systems
Uses batch sterilization for treating high-throughput effluent
These systems are intended for laboratories requiring larger chambers, increased throughput or more than one sterilization chamber. Their construction helps process larger or more frequent loads than conventional benchtop systems.
Autoclaves with drying include an additional phase that removes residual moisture after sterilization. Depending on the system, drying may use vacuum, heat or a combination of technologies.
Drying is particularly useful for wrapped instruments, porous materials and textiles. Residual moisture can affect packaging integrity and make sterilized items unsuitable for immediate storage.
AE-DRY Series
Vertical autoclaves with drying, designed for industrial, educational, and research facilities
Autoclaves with prevacuum use a vacuum pump to remove air from the chamber before steam enters. This reduces the risk of trapped air preventing direct steam contact with the load.
Prevacuum is particularly important for porous materials, wrapped instruments and objects with complex geometries. These loads can retain air more easily than simple glassware or open containers.
How to choose an autoclave
The right autoclave depends primarily on the materials being sterilized, the required chamber capacity and the desired cycle performance. Liquids, wrapped instruments, porous materials and laboratory waste can require different air-removal, drying and cooling processes.
Important selection criteria include:
- Type and volume of the load
- Required chamber capacity
- Available laboratory and installation space
- Benchtop, vertical or front-loading access
- Need for prevacuum air removal
- Need for drying after sterilization
- Cooling requirements for liquid loads
- Required cycle documentation and traceability
- Available water, drainage, electricity and steam connections
- Expected daily throughput
A basic autoclave without drying may be sufficient for routine glassware, liquids and open instruments. Wrapped, porous or complex loads may require prevacuum and drying. Laboratories processing large liquid volumes may benefit from pressure support and fast cooling.
Not sure which autoclave fits your application?
Compare load type, chamber capacity, drying, air removal and installation requirements.