Autoclave chambers are measured in litres. A bigger chamber holds more instruments per cycle, but the right size for your practice depends on how many instruments you process, how you load them and how long each cycle takes. Here is how the 46 autoclaves we list compare by chamber size.
Chamber sizes in our data
| Chamber size | Models | Classes | Max load (maker’s figure) | Guide prices ex VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 12 LThe 7 modelsW&H Lisa Mini 5 (5L), Melag Vacuclave 105 (5L), SciCan STATIM 5000 (5L), Melag Vacuclave 305 (5L), Eschmann SES 2010 Touchscreen (11L), SciCan STATIM 2000 (2L), Dentsply Sirona DAC Universal (5L) | 7 | 3 × Class B, 3 × Class S, 1 × Class N | 1 to 5 kg | £2,850 to £6,850 |
13 to 19 LThe 16 modelsW&H Lisa 17 (17L), Melag Vacuclave 118 (17L), NSK iClave 18 (18L), Eschmann SES 3000B (17L), Newmed Kronos B18 (also sold as Midmark DentiSure B18) (18L), Newmed Kronos N18 (18L), W&H Lyla 17 (17L), W&H Lara 17 (17L), Melag Vacuclave 118 S (17L), Melag Vacuklav 41 B+ (18L), NSK iClave Plus (18L), NSK iMax S (18L), Eschmann SES 2020N (17L), Mocom B Futura 17 (17L), W&H Lina 17 (17L), SciCan Bravo G4 17 (17L) | 16 | 11 × Class B, 3 × Class S, 2 × Class N | 5 to 9 kg (13 of 16 models) | £2,650 to £5,717 |
20 to 24 LThe 18 modelsW&H Lisa 22 (22L), Melag Vacuclave 123 (23L), NSK iClave 24 (24L), Eschmann SES 3020B (23L), Newmed Kronos B23 (also sold as Midmark DentiSure B23) (23L), W&H Lyla 22 (22L), W&H Lara 22 (22L), Melag Vacuclave 123 S (23L), Melag Vacuklav 44 B+ (22L), Euronda E8 24L (24L), Melag Euroklav 23 VS+ (22L), W&H Lina 22 (22L), Euronda E10 24L (24L), Mocom Classic 22 (22L), SciCan Bravo G4 22 (22L), Mocom B Futura 22 (22L), Tuttnauer T-Edge 10 (23L), Tuttnauer T-Top 10 (21L) | 18 | 15 × Class B, 3 × Class S | 7 to 9 kg (10 of 18 models) | £3,400 to £6,479 |
25 L and overThe 5 modelsW&H Lara XL (28L), W&H Lara XXL (38L), Euronda EXL 29L (29L), Mocom B Futura 28 (28L), Tuttnauer T-Edge 11 (27L) | 5 | 5 × Class B | 10 to 15 kg (3 of 5 models) | £5,250 to £7,365 |
Max load is the manufacturer’s figure where we have one. Guide prices exclude VAT and count only models with a published UK price. Cycle times and dimensions for every model are in the full comparison (open “Full specs”).
Choosing a size for your practice
HTM 01-05 says that “when selecting new equipment, the size, model and type should be considered against workload and throughput requirements, together with the availability of space and the service infrastructure available” (HTM 01-05, paragraph 10.8). In practice that means:
- Instruments per session. Count the instruments you process in your busiest session and ask suppliers how many cycles that needs in each chamber size.
- Wrapped or unwrapped. Wrapped loads need a drying stage, which SHTM 01-05 notes increases the total cycle time (SHTM 01-05, table 4.1). If you pouch instruments, you also need a class that takes wrapped loads: see Class B vs S vs N.
- More than one steriliser. HTM 01-05’s example room layouts note that “practices may increase the number of sterilizers if capacity and service continuity dictates” (HTM 01-05, notes to figure 1).
- Space and services. Check the bench space, water supply and power each model needs; they are under “Full specs” in the comparison.
We don’t publish a rule of thumb linking the number of surgeries to a chamber size: our data doesn’t support one, and the right answer depends on your own instrument numbers and cycle times. Your supplier or validation engineer can size it from those.
Questions and answers
What chamber sizes do dental autoclaves come in?
The 46 autoclaves we list range from 2 L to 38 L. The most common size is 17 L (10 models). HTM 01-05 notes that steam sterilisers used in dental practices are likely to have a chamber volume of less than 60 litres.
Does a bigger autoclave cost more?
In our data, the median guide price excluding VAT is £3,280 for up to 12 litres (6 priced models); £3,995 for 13 to 19 litres (15 priced models); £4,695 for 20 to 24 litres (15 priced models); £5,923 for 25 litres and over (3 priced models). Class matters too, so compare like with like.
What else should I consider besides chamber size?
HTM 01-05 says the size, model and type of new equipment should be considered against workload and throughput, the space available and the service infrastructure. Check that the autoclave’s class suits your instruments, and whether you pouch them, because wrapped loads need a drying stage that lengthens the cycle.
General information only, not professional, engineering or clinical advice. Confirm suitability with your supplier and validation engineer before buying.