What Is the Best Autoclave for a Dental Clinic?
Choosing the right autoclave for a dental clinic is a key decision for any practice. It’s not just about ticking a compliance box — a high-quality dental autoclave protects patients, meets Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, and keeps your treatment rooms running smoothly.
At Excel Healthcare, we supply CE-certified steriliser dental units trusted by dentists, hygienists and dental technicians across the UK. Whether you’re setting up a new surgery or upgrading your sterilisation room, this guide will help you find the right autoclave for your clinic.
Why Autoclaves Are Essential in Dentistry
Autoclaves are pressurised steam sterilisers that destroy bacteria, viruses, and spores on reusable instruments. In dentistry, they’re crucial for cleaning handpieces, mirrors, scalers, tweezers, forceps and surgical tools.
UK dental practices are required to meet HTM 01-05 guidance for infection control and decontamination. That means:
-
Using a compliant steriliser
-
Running daily test cycles
-
Logging and validating each cycle
-
Storing sterile instruments properly
Autoclaves are therefore more than a tool — they’re central to your infection prevention strategy.
Reference: See the full HTM 01-05 guidance from NHS England (PDF)
Types of Dental Autoclaves: What You Need to Know
There are three main classes of autoclaves used in UK clinics:
Class B Autoclave (Recommended)
-
Full vacuum sterilisation with pre- and post-vacuum cycles
-
Suitable for hollow, wrapped and porous instruments
-
Required for meeting HTM 01-05 best practice
-
Suitable for all general and surgical dental tools
Recommended Models:
Class S Autoclave
-
Suitable for solid instruments and some hollow tools
-
No vacuum cycle
-
Not recommended for fully compliant dental setups
Class N Autoclave
-
Only sterilises unwrapped solid instruments
-
Not suitable for handpieces or hollow items
-
Not compliant with HTM 01-05 for routine dental use
If you’re running a CQC-registered dental practice, Class B is the clear choice.
Key Features to Look For in a Dental Autoclave
Capacity
Choose a unit that fits your workflow:
-
8L–12L: Ideal for single-chair practices or satellite rooms
-
17L–22L: Better for multi-surgery clinics or surgical setups
View our full autoclave range →
Fast Cycle Times
Look for machines with short sterilisation cycles to minimise turnaround. Our Elite autoclaves are designed with speed in mind — perfect for busy practices.
Drying Cycle
Post-cycle drying helps maintain sterility and prevents contamination when instruments are removed.
External Printer
Print-outs help meet logging and validation requirements. Our Enigma 8L B model includes an external printer as standard.
CE Certification & UK Compliance
Ensure the machine is CE-marked and meets BS EN 13060 for small steam sterilisers. All Excel Healthcare models are compliant.
Dental Autoclave Models We Recommend
🔹 Enigma 8 Litre B Autoclave
Compact and reliable, with external printer and simple controls — ideal for single-surgery setups.
🔹 Elite Autoclave Range
Fast, powerful, and available in multiple sizes — a great choice for growing practices.
🔹 Eclipse Autoclaves
A reliable, mid-range option with consistent sterilisation performance and full compliance.
We also offer refurbished dental autoclaves that are fully serviced and tested — ideal for budget-conscious clinics without compromising on safety.
Do Dental Clinics Need a Steriliser or an Autoclave?
Many dentists ask whether they need a steriliser or an autoclave — but the truth is, they’re often the same thing. A “steriliser dental” unit usually refers to an autoclave designed specifically for dental use. It uses steam to achieve high-level sterilisation in line with NHS standards.
Why Buy from Excel Healthcare?
We’ve been supplying UK dental professionals with sterilisation equipment for over 40 years. We offer:
-
CE-certified Class B autoclaves
-
Fast delivery across the UK
-
Free support and advice
-
UK-based servicing and warranty options
-
Competitive pricing on new and refurbished models
Get in touch with us → if you need help choosing the right dental autoclave.
FAQs About Dental Autoclaves
Do I need a Class B autoclave in my dental clinic?
Yes — if you’re using hollow, wrapped or surgical tools, Class B is required to meet HTM 01-05 best practice.
How often should I run the steriliser?
After every procedure involving reusable tools. A daily vacuum test and log keeping is also recommended.
How do I validate my dental autoclave?
You should keep a record of test cycles, print-outs, and ensure regular servicing. CQC inspections will often ask for these records.
Can I use a second-hand autoclave?
Yes, as long as it’s fully serviced, validated, and compliant. See refurbished models →
What happens if my autoclave breaks down?
We offer servicing and replacement options. Contact us for support or to discuss our service plans.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right autoclave for your dental clinic isn’t just about compliance — it’s about patient safety, clinical efficiency and peace of mind. Whether you’re a private practice, NHS surgery or mobile dental unit, we’re here to help.
Browse all dental autoclaves → or contact us for honest, expert advice.