What to Look for in a Veterinary Autoclave
When it comes to sterilisation in veterinary clinics, choosing the right veterinary autoclave is essential. Whether you’re treating small animals or large livestock, an autoclave ensures reusable tools are safe, compliant, and ready for use.
At Excel Healthcare, we stock CE-certified autoclaves suited to the demands of veterinary practices, offering reliability, fast cycle times, and easy day-to-day use. In this guide, we’ll walk through what to look for when choosing the right machine for your clinic.
Why Veterinary Clinics Need a Class B Autoclave
Veterinary settings deal with a wide range of instruments — many of which are hollow, porous, or wrapped. To properly sterilise these, you need a Class B autoclave, which uses a pre-vacuum cycle to remove air and allow steam to reach every surface.
This type of autoclave is recommended by industry hygiene guidance and aligns with standards such as:
- BS EN 13060 – Small steam sterilisers
- HTM 01-05 (where applicable) – Infection control in clinical environments
- RCVS Practice Standards Scheme – Hygiene and sterilisation compliance
Key Features to Consider in a Veterinary Autoclave
Capacity & Throughput
Veterinary clinics vary in size and workload. For smaller practices or mobile vets, the Enigma 8 Litre B Autoclave is a compact option that delivers fast, thorough sterilisation without taking up space.
Larger clinics might benefit from a 17L or 22L model, such as those in the Elite Autoclave or Eclipse Autoclave ranges. These handle higher volumes of tools efficiently and are built for frequent daily use.
Speed & Efficiency
In veterinary environments, speed matters. Look for:
- Quick cycle times to reduce instrument turnaround
- Built-in steam generators for faster heat-up
- Automatic drying cycles to reduce contamination risk after sterilisation
All Excel Healthcare autoclaves feature user-friendly LCD screens and automatic sterilisation programs for ease of use.
External Printer & Record Keeping
To maintain compliance, many vet practices are required to document their sterilisation cycles. Most models, such as the Enigma 8 Litre B, come with an external micro printer as standard, helping you log cycle data and meet auditing requirements.
Which Veterinary Autoclave Should You Choose?
Here are three trusted models from Excel Healthcare that are well-suited to veterinary use:
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- Compact 8L capacity
- Ideal for smaller animal clinics or mobile vets
- External printer included
- Simple one-touch operation and auto cycle programs
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- Available in 12L, 17L, and 22L sizes
- Fast cycle times with built-in steam generator
- Great for high-volume practices needing reliable performance
- CE-certified and user-friendly
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- Mid-to-large capacity options
- Reliable pre-programmed sterilisation cycles
- Solid build quality and safety features
- Suitable for everyday clinical use
Safety Features
A good veterinary autoclave should include:
- Door locking mechanisms
- Overpressure protection
- Overheating safeguards
- Built-in RCD units to prevent electrical faults
All autoclaves from Excel Healthcare are CE-certified and built to meet medical-grade safety standards.
Veterinary Hygiene Standards & Guidance
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) requires all veterinary practices in the UK to follow robust infection control procedures. While specific autoclave rules vary by setup, the equipment must:
- Be regularly serviced and validated
- Include test cycles
- Maintain a record of all sterilisation activity
See RCVS Practice Standards Scheme for more on sterilisation requirements.
FAQs About Veterinary Autoclaves
Do I need a Class B autoclave for a vet clinic?
Yes, particularly if you’re sterilising hollow or wrapped instruments. Class B machines offer the most effective steam penetration.
What size autoclave is best for a veterinary practice?
An 8L model may suit smaller or mobile vets. For busy practices, a 17L or 22L unit allows for faster instrument turnover.
How often should I run the autoclave?
After every use of reusable tools. It’s also good practice to run a daily test cycle and keep logs.
Can I get a refurbished veterinary autoclave?
Yes – Excel Healthcare offers refurbished autoclaves that are fully serviced and tested for safe use.
Order a Veterinary Autoclave with Confidence
Excel Healthcare has been supplying UK professionals with veterinary autoclaves for over 40 years. With UK support, CE-certified machines and expert advice, we help ensure your clinic remains compliant and your tools stay safe.
Browse our autoclaves or contact us for help choosing the right machine for your needs.