Autoclave Steriliser
An autoclave steriliser is the most reliable and widely accepted method of sterilising reusable instruments in clinical, medical, and professional environments. From dental surgeries and podiatry clinics to tattoo studios and beauty salons, autoclave sterilisers play a critical role in infection control, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.
At Excel Healthcare, we supply Class B autoclave sterilisers trusted by professionals across the UK. With compact, reliable and fully compliant models available, we help clinics and studios choose the right sterilisation solution for their workload, space, and regulatory requirements.
What Is an Autoclave Steriliser?
An autoclave steriliser is a machine that uses pressurised steam at high temperatures to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores on reusable instruments. Unlike chemical disinfectants or surface cleaning, steam sterilisation penetrates every surface, including hinges, hollows and wrapped instruments.
Autoclave sterilisers are commonly used in dental clinics, podiatry and chiropody practices, tattoo and piercing studios, beauty and aesthetics clinics, and wider healthcare environments. When operated correctly, an autoclave steriliser provides a validated and traceable sterilisation process that meets UK compliance standards.
How Does an Autoclave Steriliser Work?
A modern Class B autoclave steriliser follows a multi-stage process. Air is removed from the chamber using a pre-vacuum phase, saturated steam is then introduced, the sterilisation hold time destroys microorganisms, and a post-vacuum drying phase removes moisture before the cycle completes.
This vacuum-assisted process is what makes Class B autoclaves suitable for wrapped, hollow and porous instruments, unlike Class N or Class S machines which are more limited in use.
Which Autoclave Steriliser Class Do You Need?
For professional environments, a Class B autoclave steriliser is the recommended choice. These machines are suitable for hollow instruments, wrapped loads, hinged tools and porous materials, making them ideal for clinics that must meet inspection and compliance standards.
Excel Healthcare specialises in Class B autoclave sterilisers, and you can view the full range of available models in the main autoclave category.
Autoclave Steriliser Sizes and Capacities
Choosing the right autoclave steriliser depends on daily instrument volume and available space.
Smaller autoclave sterilisers with capacities between 3L and 8L are ideal for single-surgery clinics, mobile professionals, tattoo studios and beauty rooms. A popular compact option is the Enigma 8 Litre B Autoclave, which combines a small footprint with full Class B performance.
Medium to larger autoclave sterilisers, typically ranging from 17L to 22L, are better suited to busy podiatry clinics, dental practices and multi-room environments. These are available within Excel Healthcare’s Eclipse autoclave range and the higher-capacity Elite autoclave range.
Who Needs an Autoclave Steriliser?
Dental clinics rely on autoclave sterilisers to comply with HTM 01-05 guidance and safely process handpieces and instruments. Podiatry and chiropody practices use autoclave sterilisers for nippers, scalpels and reusable tools that require full vacuum sterilisation. Tattoo and piercing studios are expected by local authorities to demonstrate safe sterilisation using compliant equipment, while beauty and aesthetics clinics depend on autoclave sterilisers for reusable tools such as tweezers and scissors.
Compliance and UK Standards
A professional autoclave steriliser should comply with BS EN 13060 for small steam sterilisers, carry CE medical device certification, and support compliance with HTM 01-05 infection control guidance. The official NHS HTM 01-05 document outlines best practice for decontamination and can be accessed via the NHS England website.
All Excel Healthcare autoclave sterilisers are designed to meet these requirements and help practices prepare for CQC and local authority inspections.
Supporting Equipment for Autoclave Sterilisation
An autoclave steriliser works best as part of a wider infection-control workflow. Many clinics use ultrasonic cleaners to remove debris before sterilisation, followed by self seal sterilisation pouches to maintain sterility after the cycle.
To support ongoing performance and compliance, clinics often use dedicated autoclave testing products and water treatment devices to prevent scale build-up and maintain consistent results.
Refurbished Autoclave Sterilisers
For practices looking to control costs, Excel Healthcare also supplies refurbished autoclave sterilisers. These machines are fully serviced, tested and validated before sale, offering a reliable and compliant alternative to buying new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autoclave Sterilisers
What is the difference between an autoclave and a steriliser?
An autoclave is a type of steriliser that uses steam under pressure. In professional healthcare settings, the term “autoclave steriliser” usually refers to a Class B steam autoclave.
Do I need a Class B autoclave steriliser?
Yes, if you use hollow, wrapped or hinged instruments. Class B autoclaves provide the highest level of sterilisation and are widely recommended.
How often should an autoclave steriliser be serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend annual servicing, alongside daily and weekly user checks.
Can small clinics use a mini autoclave steriliser?
Yes. Mini autoclaves with 3L or 8L capacity are fully compliant when Class B and are ideal for low-volume practices.
How long does an autoclave sterilisation cycle take?
Cycle times vary by model and load type, but compact units can complete cycles in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
Why Choose Excel Healthcare?
Excel Healthcare has over 40 years’ experience supplying autoclave sterilisers and infection-control equipment to UK professionals. We offer CE-certified Class B autoclave sterilisers in a range of sizes, UK-based technical support, and competitive pricing on both new and refurbished units.
If you’re unsure which autoclave steriliser is right for your practice, you can speak directly with our team via the contact page for straightforward, expert advice.