Autoclaves use high-pressure saturated steam to ensure instruments are free from microbial contamination. They effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring patient safety. Without them, dental clinics would be breeding grounds for contamination and infection.

Investing in a reliable autoclave goes beyond mere compliance. It’s essential for ensuring high-quality patient care and safeguarding the dental team.

The autoclave market has seen substantial growth in recent years. It has been propelled by a heightened focus on infection control and stricter regulations within the healthcare industry, particularly in dentistry. This surge has sparked a growing demand for more advanced, efficient and user-friendly autoclave models, driving innovation in the field.

Technological advancements and competitive dynamics are shaping the design of modern autoclaves. This significantly improves their safety, ease of use and efficiency, and speeds up the sterilisation process.

Autoclave steriliser innovations

Manufacturers are now developing products tailored to the specific needs of dental practices. These new models incorporate a range of enhancements, such as:

• More compact and portable units and modular designs. Bench-top dental autoclaves are essential in meeting the unique needs of UK dental clinics, where space often comes at a premium
• Improved user-friendly interfaces and automated features, such as touchscreens, intuitive controls, maintenance reminders and diagnostics. This makes it more straightforward for dental staff to operate efficiently
• Improved safety mechanisms
• Rapid cooling and drying functions with faster sterilisation cycles, improving productivity and turnaround times
• Reduced noise levels during operation
• Customisable cycle settings for specific dental instruments
• Integration with digital record-keeping systems to streamline operations and reduce the risk of human error
• Smart technology for real-time monitoring and data logging, ensuring sterilisation cycles are completed correctly and providing digital records for compliance
• Advanced sensors improve temperature and pressure control precision, ensuring consistent and thorough sterilisation
• Energy-efficient designs that minimise water and energy consumption while maintaining performance to reduce environmental impact and operational costs
• Innovations in materials and construction make autoclaves more durable and reliable, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimising downtime.

This guide offers insights into some of the autoclave makes and models available in the UK market, helping you make informed decisions for your practice.

Top 10 considerations when purchasing an autoclave

1. Capacity and size: choose an autoclave to handle your practice’s daily instrument volume. Ensure the unit is spacious enough for your largest loads but fits well within your workspace. Overloading can compromise sterilisation, so make sure your autoclave meets your practice capacity needs without taking up excessive space
2. Cycle time: consider the speed of the sterilisation cycle to ensure quick turnaround times for instrument availability. Faster cycle times can increase efficiency, particularly in high-volume settings, but ensure that speed doesn’t compromise the thoroughness of sterilisation
3. Ease of use: look for models with intuitive controls and automated features to streamline operations. Touchscreen interfaces, pre-set programmes and easy-to-read displays can reduce the learning curve and help staff operate the autoclave efficiently, reducing the risk of user error. Regular team training avoids common pitfalls in efficiency and risk to sterilisation protocols
4. Maintenance requirements: check the availability of service support. Regular maintenance is crucial for consistent performance and longevity, so consider how easy this is to perform and how straightforward it is to access replacement parts. Reliable service support is essential for minimising downtime
5. Compliance and standards: ensure the autoclave meets industry standards and regulations for sterilisation. Compliance with standards like ISO or CE certifications assures the autoclave is designed and tested to meet specific safety and performance criteria
6. Energy efficiency: opt for energy-efficient models to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. These can lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for models with energy-saving features like standby modes or efficient heating systems
7. Safety features: evaluate the safety mechanisms to protect users and ensure proper sterilisation. Features like automatic shut-off, pressure and temperature sensors and locking mechanisms are critical for preventing accidents. They also ensure the autoclave operates within safe parameters
8. Brand reputation: consider the manufacturer’s reputation and the reliability of their products. A well-established brand with a history of quality and innovation can give you confidence in the autoclave’s durability and performance. Customer reviews and industry endorsements can also provide valuable insights
9. Warranty and support: look for comprehensive coverage and reliable customer support services. A strong warranty can provide peace of mind, covering potential defects or issues that may arise
10. Cost: balance the initial investment with long-term operational costs and potential savings from efficiency. While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper model, consider the overall value, including durability, energy use, maintenance costs and potential downtime. Investing in a quality autoclave can save money in the long run.

Autoclave buying guide

NSK

NSK is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of dental handpieces and small equipment. It also has a significant reputation in decontamination, particularly in improving the standards of handpiece decontamination to extend the life of precision instruments.

A reliable, easy-to-use autoclave is essential for the day-to-day running of a dental practice. It ensures that reusable instruments and other medical devices are made safe for patients and handling by the dental team. Hollow instruments like handpieces need effective, validated sterilisation after they have been disinfected and lubricated. As the leading handpiece manufacturer, NSK is virtually in a unique position to focus efforts on ensuring this happens. All air must be removed from the chamber to allow steam to penetrate the instrument, which is why a good B-type vacuum autoclave should be used to sterilise handpieces.

Reliable and rapid autoclave sterilisation

NSK’s iClave plus and iClave 24 B-type vacuum autoclaves have been developed to sterilise all instruments, particularly dental handpieces.

The iClave plus incorporates a thermally efficient 18 litre copper chamber. This results in improved performance and faster, more efficient cycles than traditional autoclave chambers of equivalent size and capacity. Whereas the efficiency of the new iClave 24 comes from its 24 litre chamber capacity.

iClave plus – NSK’s B-type 18L vacuum autoclave

The iClave plus type B vacuum autoclave is suitable for processing a wide variety of loads. This includes hollow, porous and packaged loads, including hollow instruments in sealed packaging as per industry standards. In addition, this B-type unit can perform S-type cycles when time is a critical factor in reprocessing. iClave plus offers more sterilisation space than a conventional stainless steel chamber of the same size. This ensures greater safety by reducing instrument overcrowding.

• Cycle times**: unpouched 25 minutes/pouched 35 minutes (econ cycle 20 minutes – one large tray; 15 minutes – two small trays)
• 18-litre cylinder-shaped chamber offers 20% more space than traditional chambers
• Easy to use and USB data storage
• Ideal size for implant kits
• Copper chamber (rather than steel) offers more conductivity and efficiency
• Includes helix test and strips
• Footprint: W445mm x D532mm x H428mm
• Two-year iClave warranty and additional NSK handpiece warranty (12 months’ additional warranty on new NSK handpieces or repairs for iClave users*).

There are options for auto-draining the dirty water tank and adding the ‘purity’ dedicated RO unit. This can sit on top of your iClave and produce the correct water quality. 

iClave 24 – NSK’s large B-type 24L vacuum autoclave

The iClave 24 plus is indicated for the same loads as its sister model, the iClave plus, the iClave 24 is a more modern machine with a larger chamber and is even easier to use.

• Cycle times**: unpouched 31 minutes, pouched 40 minutes
• Large 24 litre stainless steel chamber with five trays and two different sizes
• Easy to use and USB data storage
• Includes helix test and strips
• Footprint: W451mm x D669mm x H492mm
• Two-year iClave warranty, plus additional NSK handpiece warranty (12 months’ additional warranty on new NSK handpieces or repairs for iClave users*).

Autoclave purchase options

• Purchase, then pay-as-you-go with annual servicing/pressure testing/validation options
• Take out a service contract that covers everything, including accidental damage, giving you peace of mind, budgeting control and no unexpected bills
• Rent an iClave plus from £155 +VAT per month, with everything included in one monthly price. Rental covers everything that is in a service contract, without any upfront initial investment. NSK offers three-year and five-year rental plans. 

Whichever option you choose, as a leading handpiece manufacturer NSK is dedicated in its design and support of decon equipment to prolong the life of hollow instruments.

Support

NSK Support is a phone call away – from our nationwide team or our autoclave engineers. Talk to our team about your specific Decon requirements.

See the latest offers on NSK autoclaves here

*T&Cs apply

**When the unit is warm

Dentsply Sirona

Dentsply Sirona is one of the world’s largest professional dental products and technologies manufacturers.

DAC Universal S

Pureclave range

S1 Pureclave

S2 Pureclave

S3 Pureclave

DAC Universal S: The sterilisation of DAC Universal S is not only bactericidal, mycobactericidal and fungicide but also fully virucidal, including:

• • Bactericidal: S. aureus

• • Fungicide: C. albicans

• • Mycobactericidal: TP

• • Virucidal: HPV, HBV, HCV, HIV, SARS-CoV 2, influenza, adenoviruses, noroviruses.

It complies with infection control standards at the touch of a button and avoids cross-contamination

Designed to enhance infection control in dental practices, the Pureclave products include a variety of sterilisation solutions tailored to meet the rigorous hygiene standards required in modern dentistry. There are three options – the S1, S2 and S3 Pureclave.

The sterilisers are designed to be easy to use and safely operated, with seamless documentation. Features like touchscreen navigation, intuitive menu and traceability offer several benefits that make your work easier and more efficient.

The sterilisers cater to solid and hollow products, ensuring compliance with manufacturer specifications.

• • Ease of use: make your work easier and more efficient with a touch screen on S1 / S2 / S3 Pureclave, featuring intuitive menus for a smooth user experience

• • Traceability: create your instrument database directly on the display of S1 Pureclave without paper handling. S2 / S3 Pureclave enables user identification and loads release confirmation directly on the display

• • Fast cycles: the Pureclave B type sterilisers offer remarkable cycle times independent of the performance class

• • Upgradeable functions: sterilisers S2 / S3 Pureclave offer different upgrade possibilities with activation codes, making them flexible and adaptable to meet your future needs.

Smooth surfaces, a fresh, ergonomic design and a clear colour display. For comprehensive infection control, S1 Pureclave equals high-level infection prevention.

Key features and benefits:

• • High-class usability thanks to the interface

• • High-class traceability thanks to Elitrace

• • High-class performance thanks to Eco Dry +.

The colour touch screen makes decon easy, fast and efficient, offering a comprehensive traceability system customised to a practice’s needs.

Key features and benefits:

• • High-speed B cycle in its segment

• • Ergonomic and functional design

• • Colour touch display for easy navigation

• • Special upgradeability for customising and modernising the device according to needs.

This steriliser is simple to operate and has an ergonomic and functional design, appropriate sterilisation cycles and upgradeable functions, guaranteeing high efficiency and excellent results.

Key features and benefits:

• • B-type steriliser with remarkable cycle times in its category

• • Ease of use for a smooth user experience

• • Special upgradeability for customising and modernising the device according to your needs

• • Advanced traceability for complete documentation.

Melag

For more than 70 years, Melag has been dedicated to developing, producing and optimising solutions for instrument reprocessing. Its Careclave systems offer an innovative four-in-one solution that blends cleaning, disinfection, lubrication and sterilisation into one streamlined device.

Comprehensive workflow integration

Careclave consolidates multiple functions into a single unit: washer-disinfector, lubrication unit, steam steriliser and documentation system. This integration enhances safety and efficiency, offering maximum patient and staff protection.

Efficient instrument handling

Careclave, paired with the Carebox, ensures optimal cleaning and disinfection of up to eight transmission instruments, prophylaxis handpieces or ultrasonic scaler tips in just 16 minutes.

The Addcare station within Careclave provides lubrication directly after reprocessing.

Careclave excels in steam sterilisation. Its patented Double Jacket Technology and Drytelligence features allow it to handle up to 11kg of instruments.

Space and cost efficiency

Careclave’s design saves up to 45% of space compared to using separate devices, making it ideal for practices with limited decontamination room space.

User-friendly documentation

The device simplifies documentation with a large Smart-Touch Display and Procontrol, which offers digital proof of successful reprocessing directly via USB or network.

Versatile loading options

Careclave accommodates various loading needs:

• Carebox: reprocess up to eight hollow body instruments quickly
• Trays: reprocess and lubricate in Carebox while sterilising up to eight trays or four Melastore Boxes in one cycle
• Long trays: maximise capacity with up to 11kg of instruments.

Melag autoclave models

Melag Premium line

MELAG Pro line

Melag 22B

• • Features: compact size, automatic programmes

• • Ideal for: small to medium dental practices

• • Capacity: suitable for a variety of instruments.

Melag 23B

• • Features: larger chamber, versatile programmes

• • Ideal for: busy practices needing extra capacity

• • Capacity: accommodates larger loads.

Melag 23L

• • Features: high-tech display, multiple sterilisation cycles

• • Ideal for: practices requiring high efficiency and flexibility

• • Capacity: large chamber for high-volume use.

Melag 31B

• • Features: high-performance, advanced technology

• • Ideal for: high-demand practices needing the latest technology

• • Capacity: large chamber with enhanced features.

Melag 31L

• • Features: cutting-edge technology, high capacity

• • Ideal for: large practices and clinics with high turnover

• • Capacity: extra-large chamber for maximum efficiency.

Melag 45B

• • Features: industry-leading technology, customisable programmes

• • Ideal for: specialised practices with unique needs

• • Capacity: extra-large chamber with customisable options.

W&H

W&H is a leading global player in the dental technology industry. Its dental autoclave range offers a variety of sterilisation solutions tailored to the needs of modern dental practices.

The Lisa range represents W&H’s premium line of dental autoclaves, known for their speed, efficiency and advanced features. The Lisa autoclaves are fully automated and have a touchscreen interface for easy operation and monitoring. They feature W&H’s patented Eco Dry+ technology, which adjusts the drying time based on the load, reducing the cycle time while maintaining instrument quality. The Lisa models offer comprehensive traceability options, including a user log and customisable load cycles. This makes them ideal for practices that require strict documentation and validation processes.

The new generation of Lisa sterilisers from W&H offers intelligent and innovative solutions like Elisense and Elitrace, which provide extraordinary user friendliness and traceability down to the individual instrument.

Lisa fully automatic vacuum steriliser – 17-litre autoclave

Lisa fully automatic vacuum steriliser – 22-litre autoclave

Key features:

• • Elisense: monitors sterilisation status, load temperature and daily workflow

• • Elitrace: provides traceability of the sterilisation process for individual instruments or kits, with no additional software required

• • User-friendly interface: features a colour touchscreen with an intuitive menu

• • Mobile app connectivity: allows real-time monitoring and control of up to four sterilisers via smartphone or tablet, with automatic cycle saving

• • Design: ergonomic and stylish with low-maintenance contours

• • Performance: reduced 30-minute cycle time for a 2kg load, enhanced by Eco Dry technology to optimise drying and energy use.

Traceability and safety:

• • Seamless traceability: links sterilisation cycles to patient files

• • Risk-free cycle selection: easy-to-navigate menu for selecting automatic cycles

• • Safe cycles: monitors and ensures successful sterilisation

• • Load management: sterile load checked, cycle reports saved and barcode labels used for tracking

• • FIFO storage: instruments are used in the order they are sterilised and before expiration. Data is integrated into patient files via barcode scanning.

Key features:

• • Elisense: monitors sterilisation status, load temperature and daily workflow

• • Elitrace: provides traceability of the sterilisation process for individual instruments or kits, with no additional software required

• • User-friendly interface: features a colour touchscreen with an intuitive menu

• • Mobile app connectivity: allows real-time monitoring and control of up to four sterilisers via smartphone or tablet, with automatic cycle saving

• • Design: ergonomic and stylish with low-maintenance contours

• • Performance: reduced 30-minute cycle time for a 2kg load, enhanced by Eco Dry technology to optimise drying and energy use.

Traceability and safety:

• • Seamless traceability: links sterilisation cycles to patient files

• • Risk-free cycle selection: easy-to-navigate menu for selecting automatic cycles

• • Safe cycles: monitors and ensures successful sterilisation

• • Load management: sterile load checked, cycle reports saved and barcode labels used for tracking

• • FIFO storage: instruments are used in the order they are sterilised and before expiration. Data is integrated into patient files via barcode scanning.

Anthos

Anthos manufactures decontamination units engineered to ensure the highest hygiene standards with reliable and efficient sterilisation of dental instruments.

Anthos A Platinum

Anthos Tethys H10

An advanced dental sterilisation device featuring a closed-loop water recycling system. This system allows the use of tap water by incorporating an internal demineralisation filter, which simplifies setup and reduces maintenance and costs. The autoclave also includes a nano-ceramic recirculation filter to purify and reuse water, with minimal consumption of just five litres per 50 cycles. The Easycheck function enables remote diagnostics for quick troubleshooting, and the LED bar provides real-time status updates on the sterilisation process through colour changes.

The Tethys H10 Plus is engineered to optimise instrument reconditioning by combining essential functions into a single automated cycle. This includes decontamination, washing, thermal disinfection and drying. These aim to improve overall effectiveness and efficiency in the workflow. One of its key features is the integration of ultrasound and heat for comprehensive cleaning and disinfection.

The process starts with a cold prewash and a triple-pressure rinse to ensure thorough contaminant removal. At the same time, the thermal disinfection is conducted at 90°C using a validated heat treatment process to eliminate microorganisms. This efficient system contributes to faster cycle times and increased productivity.

Completing the entire reconditioning cycle in just 35 minutes, the Tethys H10 Plus significantly reduces instrument reconditioning time and enhances workflow. Connectivity options allow easy data access and monitoring without requiring dedicated software. Its user-friendly, configurable design simplifies reconditioning, improves safety and minimises manual intervention.

Prestige Medical

Prestige Medical is a well-established sterilisation brand known for its high-quality autoclaves. These autoclaves are designed to meet the stringent sterilisation requirements of dental instruments, ensuring they are safe for use. Prestige Medical autoclaves are recognised for their reliability, ease of use and compliance with international standards.

3870HSG

T-Edge autoclaves 10|11

T-Top autoclave

A free-standing, cabinet-enclosed unit is as simple and easy to use as any tabletop autoclave. The 3870 HSG is a hospital-grade class B autoclave suitable for large dental clinics and operating rooms. It is designed to be a mobile fast-cycle steriliser, operates 24 hours a day and can optionally operate independently of building utilities. Packed with all the features and reliability of a large-capacity autoclave at a fraction of the size and cost, the 3870 HSG now comes with Virus Protective Shield, a virus pre-sterilisation cycle.

This space-saving, fully automatic tabletop autoclave provides high-speed class B performance. This saves you time so you can assist your patients while meeting current international standards and regulatory requirements to protect your staff and patients. The T-Edge 10|11 autoclaves will operate without interruption daily, offering efficiency and safety.

The T-Top is a 22-litre tabletop autoclave designed specifically for small to medium dental practices, providing essential sterilisation capabilities to enhance productivity in your clinic. It combines universal capacity with affordability and reliability, ensuring it meets the daily demands of your sterilisation workload. With perfect performance, ergonomics, technology and usability, the T-Top delivers efficient, high-quality sterilisation tailored to standard practices. Equipped with advanced class B cycles, intuitive colour touchscreen controls and Wi-Fi connectivity, this autoclave brings modern, user-friendly technology to your practice.

Eschmann

Eschmann has been designing and manufacturing autoclaves for more than 60 years. With so many years of research behind them, Little Sister autoclaves are manufactured in the UK.

Little Sister SES 3020B vacuum autoclave

Little Sister SES 3000B vacuum autoclave

Little Sister SES 2020N non-vacuum autoclave

Little Sister SES 2010 touchscreen non-vacuum autoclave

Offers a choice of both ‘B’ and ‘N’ type cycles to accommodate every instrument and load. The 23-litre capacity chamber enables more instruments to be processed at one time and longer instruments (up to 370mm in length) while still fitting onto a standard-sized work surface.

 

Offers a choice of both ‘B’ and ‘N’ type cycles to accommodate every instrument and load. The 17-litre chamber accommodates five standard trays (28cm x 18cm), 10 examination trays or 10 HFiT cassettes.

Fast cycles ensure the Little Sister SES 2020N meets the needs of a busy healthcare facility. The 17-litre chamber accommodates five standard trays (28cm x 18cm), 10 examination trays or 10 HFiT cassettes, helping to improve productivity and reduce staff strain.

Includes a colour touchscreen, modernising the unit and bringing it to the exact high specification of its other autoclaves. Users can acknowledge every cycle, ensuring full-cycle validation following guidance. With the addition of the USB port, cycle records can be downloaded at a later date.