Autoclaves

Autoclaves

Systec - Vertical autoclaves
HMC autoclaves
Accessories for Autoclaves

Autoclaves sterilise laboratory equipment, glassware, and contaminated waste using saturated steam under pressure—reliably effective against bacteria, spores, and viruses at temperatures of 121°C or 135°C. The range includes benchtop autoclaves from 16 litres for daily laboratory requirements as well as floor-standing autoclaves from Systec and HMC with chamber volumes up to 160 litres, complemented by disposal bags and suitable accessories.

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 40 L capacity

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 55 L capacity

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 65 L capacity

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 75 L capacity

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 95 L capacity

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 100 L capacity

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 120 L capacity

Systec - Vertical autoclaves / Systec Autoclave 150 L capacity

HMC autoclaves / HMT Series - Benchtop Autoclaves

HMC autoclaves / HV Series - Standard Units

HMC autoclaves / HG Series with Steam Generator

Accessories for Autoclaves / Accessories for Systec Autoclaves

Autoclaves for Laboratory and Practice: Technology and Selection

Autoclaves use saturated steam under overpressure to reach temperatures of 121°C or 135°C—values that cannot be achieved with dry heat alone, but are necessary to reliably kill spores and heat-resistant microorganisms. Steam sterilisation is therefore the standard procedure for laboratory glassware, instruments, culture media, and contaminated waste in research, diagnostics, and clinical settings.

Benchtop Autoclaves (HMC Series)

Benchtop autoclaves are suitable for laboratories with limited space and moderate throughput. The HMT series offers chamber volumes from 16 to 40 litres, with vacuum and drying functions for residue-free sterilisation, as well as optional liquid programmes for media and solutions. Operating temperatures of 121°C or 135°C can be selected, depending on the material to be sterilised.

Floor-Standing Autoclaves (Systec Series)

Vertical floor-standing autoclaves of the Systec series cover chamber volumes from 40 to 160 litres—for higher throughput or larger items. Each volume level is available in two versions: the VE series for simple laboratory applications with basic process options, and the VX series for demanding sterilisation processes with advanced possibilities for process optimisation—such as individually programmable cycles or rapid cooling.

HMC Floor-Standing Units with Steam Generator

The HG series combines a floor-standing autoclave with an integrated steam generator for chamber volumes from 50 to 80 litres—suitable for laboratories without a central steam supply. Models with integrated rapid cooling shorten the process time between consecutive sterilisation cycles.

Accessories and Consumables

Disposal bags in standard and highly transparent versions, as well as with biohazard printing, are used for the safe disposal of contaminated laboratory items—in sizes from 2.5 to 110 litres. For Systec autoclaves, stainless steel buckets, loading baskets, vacuum equipment, and exhaust air filtration are also available; the latter is mandatory according to TRBA 100 for laboratories of safety level S2 and higher.

Frequently Asked Questions about Autoclaves

The most important questions regarding the choice between benchtop and floor-standing autoclaves as well as sterilisation technology.

What chamber volume do I need?

For daily laboratory requirements with small quantities, benchtop autoclaves from 16 litres are sufficient. For higher throughput, larger containers, or use in clinics and research facilities with central sterilisation, floor-standing autoclaves with 40 to 160 litres chamber volume are suitable.

What is the difference between 121°C and 135°C sterilisation temperature?

121°C is the classic standard temperature for steam sterilisation and is sufficient for most applications. 135°C significantly shortens the cycle time and is often used for the rapid sterilisation of heat-stable instruments. Which temperature is suitable depends on the material to be sterilised.

Why is the vacuum function needed for benchtop autoclaves?

The vacuum function removes air from the sterilisation chamber before steam intake, ensuring uniform steam access to all surfaces—important for porous or wrapped items. The subsequent drying function removes residual moisture after the cycle.

What is the difference between the VE and VX series of Systec autoclaves?

The VE series covers simple laboratory applications with basic process options. The VX series offers additional possibilities for process optimisation such as individually programmable cycles—relevant for demanding or validation-required sterilisation processes.

When is exhaust air filtration mandatory for an autoclave?

According to TRBA 100, exhaust air filtration is mandatory for the sterilisation of infectious material in laboratories of safety level S2 and higher to prevent the release of biological aerosols into the room air.