What is a laboratory autoclave?
A laboratory autoclave is a pressurized saturated steam sterilizer designed to destroy all pathogenic microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, and prions. The combination of moist heat and pressure allows temperatures above 100°C to be reached inside the chamber, which is impossible at normal atmospheric pressure.
Its principle relies on a controlled sterilization cycle: pressure buildup, holding at the sterilization temperature for a defined time, then a drying and cooling phase before opening. The traceability of each cycle is recorded to document the compliance of the performed treatment.
The autoclave is distinguished from other sterilization methods by its effectiveness across the entire microbial spectrum, including the most resistant bacterial spores. Dry heat, ethylene oxide, or gamma rays are alternatives for materials that cannot withstand steam, but the autoclave remains the reference method for laboratories and healthcare facilities.
The different types of laboratory autoclaves available
The Rewake collection covers the main families of autoclaves used in laboratory and medical environments. Each type meets specific volume, load type, and performance level constraints. Identifying the right model from the start avoids sterilization non-compliance and requalification costs.
Available capacities range from less than 20 liters for compact benchtop autoclaves to several hundred liters for large-capacity horizontal autoclaves. Class B is the central regulatory criterion for healthcare facilities and laboratories handling reusable medical devices.
Benchtop and vertical autoclave
The benchtop autoclave is the reference model for microbiology and research laboratories. Compact, it takes up little space and performs rapid sterilization cycles adapted to common needs: culture media, glassware, pipettes, consumables, and small instruments. Its capacity generally varies between 20 and 50 liters depending on the model.
The vertical autoclave features a top-loading design that facilitates the loading of baskets and flasks. It is suited for medium volumes and is appropriate for the sterilization of liquid and unwrapped solid loads. Cycle duration and sterilization temperature are the two parameters to verify according to the laboratory's protocols.
Horizontal and class B autoclave
The horizontal autoclave is designed for large capacities and front loading on carts. It is used in healthcare facilities, operating theaters, and pharmaceutical industries for the sterilization of large volumes of surgical instruments and medical devices packaged in pouches or non-woven wraps.
The class B autoclave is the regulatory benchmark for the sterilization of reusable medical devices. Its cycle includes a fractional vacuum phase that ensures steam penetration into hollow instruments, porous areas, and packaging, guaranteeing complete and traceable sterilization in compliance with current standards.
Technical criteria for choosing your laboratory autoclave
The first criterion is the capacity in liters, which must be adapted to the actual volume of loads processed simultaneously. An undersized autoclave slows down laboratory productivity, while an oversized model consumes unnecessary energy and water. The class of the autoclave (N, S, or B) must correspond to the types of loads to be sterilized and the site's regulatory requirements.
The presence of a vacuum pump is essential for class B autoclaves: it allows for the fractional vacuum necessary for steam penetration into hollow instruments, porous loads, and packaging. Autoclaves without a vacuum pump (class N) are limited to unwrapped solid loads.
The integrated drying system ensures that loads come out dry and ready for use or storage. Insufficient drying compromises sterility by promoting recontamination via capillary action. A supply of demineralized water is essential to protect the chamber and steam generator from limescale.
Cycle traceability, provided by an integrated recorder or data output, is required by most quality frameworks applicable to laboratories and healthcare facilities. The level of automation and compliance with applicable standards round out the evaluation before acquisition.
Rewake refurbished laboratory autoclaves: our reconditioning process
Every autoclave included in the Rewake collection follows a structured reconditioning protocol, carried out by technicians specialized in sterilization equipment. The objective is to restore sterilization performance to original specifications at a reduced acquisition cost.
The first step is a complete inspection of the stainless steel chamber and internal walls. The condition of seals, valves, and connections is checked to detect any wear or leaks that could compromise pressure buildup or cycle sterility. Any faulty part is replaced before testing.
The steam generator and vacuum pump are checked for their actual performance. Full sterilization cycles are performed to measure the temperatures and pressures reached and compare them to original specifications. The pressure gauge and safety valves are verified and calibrated.
The traceability system and cycle recorder are tested under real conditions. The inside of the chamber is cleaned and decontaminated before shipping. Each autoclave comes with a warranty and full traceability, including the values measured during validation cycles.
For which uses and sectors?
The laboratory autoclaves in the Rewake collection cover a wide spectrum of professional applications. In microbiology and bacteriology, they are used daily for the sterilization of culture media, glassware, pipettes, and laboratory instruments before and after use.
Healthcare facilities, operating theaters, and central sterilization departments use class B autoclaves for the sterilization of reusable medical devices, surgical instruments, and sterile packaging. The traceability of each cycle is a non-negotiable regulatory requirement here.
The pharmaceutical industry uses this equipment for the sterilization of injectable solutions, production vessels, and equipment in contact with finished products. GMP requirements mandate rigorous autoclave qualification and complete documentation of each steam sterilization cycle.
Fundamental research and biotechnologies use autoclaves for the decontamination of infectious biological waste before disposal, in accordance with laboratory waste regulations. Dental laboratories round out the spectrum of regular users of this equipment.
Why choose a refurbished laboratory autoclave?
The primary argument is economic. A refurbished laboratory autoclave is available at a price significantly lower than that of equivalent new equipment. For laboratories managing tight budgets or equipping several sterilization stations simultaneously, it is a concrete lever for cost reduction without compromising cycle reliability.
The major brands of laboratory sterilization are represented in the Rewake collection. Accessing autoclaves recognized for their robustness and regulatory compliance at a controlled cost is a direct advantage for teams subject to strict qualification and traceability requirements.
Delivery times are generally shorter than for new orders, as the equipment is available in stock and ready to ship. An urgent replacement after a breakdown or a rapid expansion of sterilization capacity thus becomes possible without tying up a large investment budget.
Environmentally, extending the life of an autoclave reduces manufacturing needs and limits industrial waste. Reconditioning contributes to better overall energy efficiency of the laboratory's equipment fleet without harming the operational quality of the delivered device.
Request a quote for a laboratory autoclave
For your sterilization and washing needs, Rewake offers refurbished autoclaves and washers. Request your quote for a laboratory autoclave based on capacity, required programs, and the constraints of your environment.
FAQ — Refurbished laboratory autoclave
What is the difference between a class N, S, and B autoclave?
Class N treats only unwrapped and non-hollow solid loads, such as bare metal instruments. Class S covers an intermediate range of loads defined by the manufacturer. Class B is the most complete: it treats all types of loads, including hollow instruments, porous materials, and packaged medical devices, thanks to a fractional vacuum cycle that ensures steam penetration into all difficult-to-access areas. For healthcare facilities and laboratories handling reusable medical devices, class B is mandatory.
What water should be used in a laboratory autoclave?
Laboratory autoclaves require demineralized or distilled water. Tap water contains minerals that deposit as limescale in the chamber and steam generator, degrading thermal performance and equipment lifespan. The demineralized water must be changed regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain the quality of the steam produced and the cleanliness of the internal circuit.
Are Rewake refurbished laboratory autoclaves compliant with current standards?
Each autoclave is tested on its actual sterilization cycles before shipping: temperature reached, pressure maintained, and cycle duration are measured and compared to original specifications. The pressure gauge, safety valves, and traceability system are verified. Cycle reports are available on request for laboratories subject to qualification or accreditation requirements.
Can liquids be sterilized in a laboratory autoclave?
Yes, provided an appropriate liquid cycle is used. This cycle includes a controlled cooling phase after sterilization to prevent delayed boiling when opening the chamber. Liquid containers must remain open during processing, without airtight lids, to allow for pressure balancing. Culture media, buffer solutions, and distilled water are the most commonly sterilized liquids in a laboratory autoclave.
What maintenance is required for a laboratory autoclave?
Regular maintenance focuses on five points: draining and cleaning the stainless steel chamber, checking and replacing seals, inspecting the pressure gauge and safety valves, descaling the steam generator according to usage frequency, and periodically calibrating temperature and pressure sensors. Rigorous maintenance is essential to maintain regulatory compliance and the operational safety of the equipment.
