Autoclave 2

Autoclaves for Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories

An autoclave is a steam steriliser: a sealed pressure chamber that uses saturated steam at high temperature to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores on instruments, dressings, glassware, culture media and laboratory waste. It is the standard method of sterilisation for heat- and moisture-tolerant items in hospitals, CSSDs, dental and medical clinics, and microbiology laboratories.

This range includes cooker-type and portable autoclaves, vertical autoclaves with manual, digital or PID control, double drum hospital autoclaves and a tabletop model, in aluminium and stainless steel, from LifeX, Thymol, Purusharth, Daksh, United Surgical, Bio Techno Lab and other brands.

 

How an Autoclave Sterilises

Water in the chamber is heated until steam replaces the air. Under pressure, steam reaches temperatures above 100°C and transfers heat quickly into the load, destroying microorganisms. Common cycle parameters are:

Temperature	Approximate pressure	Typical use
121°C	About 15 psi (1.05 bar) above atmospheric	Standard cycle, commonly 15 to 30 minutes depending on the load; used for instruments, dressings, media and waste
134°C	About 30 psi (2.1 bar) above atmospheric	Faster cycle, often 3 to 18 minutes; common for wrapped instruments in clinics and dental practices

 

Exact times depend on the load, packaging and autoclave type, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions. For a detailed explanation of sterilisation methods and autoclave steps, read the science and technology behind autoclaves.

 

Types of Autoclaves

 

Cooker-Type and Portable Autoclaves

Cooker-type autoclaves work like a large pressure cooker, with a pressure gauge, safety valve and steam release valve, and are heated electrically or on a stove. They are compact, economical and easy to operate, which makes them common in small clinics, nursing homes, labs and field settings. The LifeX deluxe electric cooker-type autoclave is an example, with a 30 litre aluminium chamber (12 x 16 inch). Portable models such as the Thymol portable autoclave are designed to be moved between rooms.

 

Vertical Autoclaves

Vertical autoclaves are top-loading, larger-capacity units used in hospitals and laboratories. They are available with single, double or triple walls, wing nut or radial locking lids, and options such as digital timers, temperature control, low water cut-off and PID controllers for more precise, repeatable cycles. The LifeX vertical autoclave is a basic example; high-pressure vertical models with PID control suit busier departments.

 

Double Drum Autoclaves

Double drum autoclaves hold two dressing drums and are used in hospital wards, operation theatres and CSSDs to sterilise dressings, linen and instruments in drums. Single and double chamber versions are available, with manual or automatic control.

 

Tabletop and Class B Autoclaves

Tabletop autoclaves are front-loading units designed for clinics. Under the EN 13060 standard, small steam sterilisers are classed as N, S or B. Class B models use a vacuum to remove air, so they can sterilise wrapped, hollow and porous items, which is why they are preferred in dental practices.

 

Autoclave Types Compared

Type	Loading	Control	Best suited to
Cooker-type / portable	Top	Manual, with gauge and valves	Small clinics, nursing homes, labs, field use
Vertical	Top	Manual, digital or PID	Hospital departments and laboratories
Double drum	Front or top	Manual or automatic	Wards, operation theatres, CSSD dressing drums
Tabletop (Class N, S or B)	Front	Automatic	Dental and medical clinics; Class B for wrapped and hollow items
Horizontal	Front	Automatic	Large hospital CSSDs and industry

 

 

Aluminium vs Stainless Steel Autoclaves

Aluminium autoclaves are lighter and lower in cost, and suit lower-volume use. Stainless steel autoclaves resist corrosion better, tolerate frequent cycles and are easier to keep clean, so they are usually preferred for hospitals and laboratories that run the autoclave every day.

 

Autoclave Capacity and Size

Autoclave capacity is given in litres or as chamber diameter x height in inches. For example, a 12 x 16 inch chamber holds about 30 litres. Choose a capacity that fits your largest instrument trays or drums and your daily volume without overloading, because tightly packed loads stop steam from reaching every surface. Small clinics often manage with 12 to 30 litres, while hospital departments and laboratories commonly need 50 litres or more.

 

How to Choose an Autoclave

1. Setting and load: a cooker-type or portable unit for small clinics; a vertical or double drum autoclave for hospital departments; a vertical laboratory autoclave for media and waste; a Class B tabletop for wrapped and hollow dental instruments.
2. Capacity: match the chamber size to your daily volume and largest items.
3. Material: stainless steel for frequent, heavy use; aluminium for lower volume.
4. Controls and safety: a pressure gauge and safety valve as a minimum; low water cut-off, digital timers and PID control add safety and consistency.
5. Power: check voltage and wattage against your electrical supply.
6. Compliance and service: check the manufacturer's regulatory and quality documentation, warranty, and access to service and spares such as gaskets and valves.

 

Safe Use and Sterilisation Monitoring

• Use the water type the manufacturer recommends (often distilled or demineralised), and keep the water level above the heater.
• Load items loosely so steam can circulate. Never autoclave sealed containers, flammable liquids or bleach.
• Never open the lid until the pressure gauge reads zero.
• Inspect the gasket, safety valve and gauge regularly, and replace worn parts.
• Confirm each cycle with chemical indicators (such as indicator tape or strips), test sterilisation regularly with biological indicators (spore tests), and run a Bowie-Dick test on vacuum autoclaves as the manufacturer advises.

 

Autoclave Price in India

Autoclave price depends mainly on the type, capacity, material and controls. As a general guide to the autoclaves on this page:

• About ₹4,500 to ₹15,000: cooker-type and portable autoclaves in aluminium or stainless steel.
• About ₹15,000 to ₹50,000: portable and smaller vertical autoclaves with features such as low water cut-off or PID control.
• About ₹50,000 to ₹1,30,000: vertical high-pressure autoclaves and double drum hospital autoclaves.
• Tabletop and Class B autoclaves: vary widely, from under ₹1 lakh to several lakh, depending on brand, capacity and features.

Prices change with offers and stock, so check the listing above for current prices.

 

Buy Autoclaves Online at Medikabazaar

Use the filters on this page to compare autoclaves by brand and price, then open a product to check its type, capacity, material, controls and power rating. Medikabazaar supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories and CSSDs across India. Delivery, payment, warranty and replacement terms are shown on each product page.