Frequently Asked Questions
Veterinary Practice – key questions answered clearly.
Which autoclave is suitable for a veterinary practice?
For most veterinary practices, a Class B autoclave from the Pro series in 12 L or 23 L is ideal; for very low volumes, a compact 3 L unit may also suffice. You can determine exactly which size fits your instrument volume in about 2 minutes using our autoclave configurator.
Which autoclave size do I need for a veterinary clinic with high throughput?
For veterinary clinics with high throughput, we recommend larger chambers from 23 L to 45 L from the Pro series, and where appropriate several units running in parallel. Matching aluminium containers and trays for extensive instrument sets are available.
Does an autoclave in the veterinary field need to be validated?
In the purely veterinary field, validation is generally not legally required, since the obligation primarily applies to the reprocessing of instruments used on humans. A voluntary validation is of course possible if you want additional process reliability.
Do I really need a Class B autoclave in a veterinary practice?
As soon as instruments come into contact with blood, tissue or mucous membrane (critical instruments), a Class B autoclave with a vacuum process is the safe choice, as it reliably sterilises packaged, hollow and porous instruments as well. Simpler methods such as hot air or ultrasound are not sufficient for critical instruments.
What is the difference between Class B and Class N autoclaves?
Class B sterilises packaged and unpackaged as well as hollow and porous instruments using a vacuum process, making it the full-fledged standard. Class N may only sterilise unpackaged, solid instruments and is not suitable for more demanding loads. For most veterinary practices, a Class B unit is therefore the right choice.
Are the devices robust enough for everyday veterinary work?
Yes. The Pro series is designed for high utilisation: robust mechanics, fast cycles and Class B per EN 13060. Matching aluminium containers and trays for extensive instrument sets are available.
I don't know Steri24 – why should I buy there?
Steri24 is a brand of CertoClav Sterilizer GmbH, a family-run manufacturer with over 60 years of experience since 1957. We sell directly – without the detour through middlemen – and handle service ourselves, so you receive a dense on-site service network across the whole DACH region at fair prices.
How large is the service network in the DACH region?
We are represented with 39 locations and over 150 partners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This means our technicians are quickly on site for installation, maintenance and repair when it matters.
Is there an emergency service if the device fails?
Yes, we offer a 24-hour emergency service – even on weekends. In the event of a failure, you contact us via our service form or the emergency number, and a technician promptly takes care of a solution.
How does maintenance work and at what interval is it due?
Maintenance is generally due every 24 months, or earlier once around 1,000 sterilisation cycles have been reached. It can be carried out either on site by a service partner or at the factory; with a maintenance contract, we remind you in good time of the due date.
Is maintenance also required after two years with low usage?
Yes. Maintenance is generally prescribed every 24 months, regardless of the actual number of cycles. Only with very high usage does it become due earlier, once around 1,000 cycles have been reached.
What does a maintenance contract include?
A maintenance contract secures the regularly scheduled maintenance and extends the warranty to up to 3 years. We remind you in good time, arrange the appointment and take care of execution, spare parts and reporting; we offer the contract itself free of charge.
What warranty options are there?
By default you receive a 2-year warranty, which can be extended to up to 3 years by concluding a maintenance contract. We will gladly explain the exact conditions in a consultation.
Do you also offer service and repair after the warranty has expired?
Yes, we repair and maintain your device even after the warranty has expired – also without a maintenance contract. The usual service and spare-part costs then apply.
Do you handle setup and installation on site?
Yes, setup, installation and instruction are carried out on site by our technicians and service partners. They operate in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
What happens to my old autoclave?
We advise you on the switch, take back your old unit on request and dispose of it properly – regardless of manufacturer. This takes place during the installation of your new device; the costs depend on the effort involved.
Can I simply replace my current premium device?
Yes, the switch is smooth: many practices come to us because they want to replace an older, higher-priced device without giving up performance, while improving service and price. We take care of consultation, installation, instruction and, on request, the take-back of the old unit.
Do I get the same performance at Steri24 as with the established expensive providers?
Yes. You receive Class B performance per EN 13060 at a fairer price, combined with fast on-site service across the whole DACH region. Comparative statements refer generally to established higher-priced providers, without naming specific brands.
How do I document the sterilisation batches in the veterinary practice?
The Pro series logs every batch seamlessly via USB storage and an integrated thermal printer; on request, transfer to your practice PC is also possible. This keeps every sterilisation run easy and reliably traceable.
Do I even need batch documentation in veterinary medicine?
Even though the requirements in veterinary medicine are less strict than in human medicine, traceable batch documentation makes sense for your own process reliability and evidence. The Pro series therefore documents by default via USB and printer.
How long do the devices last?
With regular maintenance, our autoclaves are designed for a long service life. The robust mechanics of the Pro series are specifically designed for continuous everyday practice and clinic use; scheduled replacement of the critical parts during maintenance additionally contributes to longevity.
Which water do I have to use for the autoclave?
Use distilled or demineralised water in accordance with the specifications to avoid deposits and sensor messages. With our AQUAdem water treatment, you can conveniently produce suitable feed water yourself or use automatic filling.
Is automatic water filling worthwhile for the practice?
With frequent use, automatic water treatment and filling is convenient because manual refilling of the fresh water tank is eliminated. For lower volumes, the integrated fresh and waste water tank of the Pro series is sufficient.
What does the 'poor water quality' message mean?
This message usually appears when the water has stood in the tank for too long or the filters of the water treatment are exhausted. Empty and clean the tank, fill in fresh distilled water; with an external system, change the filters. If the message persists, our service will help you further.
Do instruments need to be cleaned before autoclaving?
Yes, instruments must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before sterilisation, as adhering residues can impair sterilisation. An ultrasonic cleaner or washer-disinfector reliably handles the machine pre-cleaning and complements the autoclave.
Do I need a washer-disinfector in addition to the autoclave?
A washer-disinfector (WD) handles the machine pre-cleaning and disinfection and is particularly useful with higher instrument volumes. It does not replace the autoclave, but prepares the instruments in a standardised way for the subsequent sterilisation.
Is an ultrasonic cleaner sufficient instead of an autoclave?
No. An ultrasonic cleaner complements the autoclave during pre-cleaning, but does not replace it. For the sterilisation of critical instruments, a Class B autoclave is required.
Why do I need a sealing device in the veterinary practice?
With a sealing device, you package critical instruments in transparent pouches before sterilisation so that they can be stored and transported sterile. Our CertoSeal sealing device reliably seals the pouches and fits the Pro series.
Do you offer a complete solution for the entire reprocessing workflow?
Yes. From machine pre-cleaning through sterilisation and packaging to water treatment, you get everything from a single source – perfectly matched, installed and serviced by a single provider. You assemble the right scope via the configurator.
Which materials can I sterilise in the autoclave?
Suitable are stainless-steel instruments as well as heat-resistant plastics that are autoclavable according to the manufacturer and can withstand the respective sterilisation temperature. With larger models, the temperature can be adjusted so that more sensitive materials can also be treated more gently. Single-use products are not intended for reprocessing.
How many instruments fit into the Pro devices?
The capacity depends on size and number of trays: compact units hold smaller quantities, while the larger Pro models accommodate several trays and extensive instrument sets. You receive a precise recommendation matched to your volume via the configurator.
How fast is a sterilisation cycle?
The Pro series works with fast cycles, which offers a noticeable advantage in everyday practice with many treatments. The exact cycle duration depends on the programme, load and model size.
Are the Steri24 autoclaves certified?
Yes, the devices meet the EN 13060 standard for Class B autoclaves and are CE-certified via TÜV SÜD. They thus meet the relevant requirements for steam sterilisers.
What is the difference between the Pro and the Premium series?
The autoclave and operation are fundamentally the same. The Premium models additionally offer a fixed water connection, Wi-Fi/LAN connectivity to the practice software as well as paperless batch release and documentation on the touchscreen (SteriTrace). For veterinary medicine, the Pro series with USB and printer documentation is usually the suitable and great-value choice.
Which Pro size fits between practice and clinic?
For the veterinary practice, 12–18 L is usually ideal, for veterinary clinics with high throughput rather 23–45 L. In the configurator you will find the right size in about 2 minutes – or we advise you directly.
Are there matching aluminium containers and trays?
Yes, matching aluminium containers and trays are available for the Pro devices, with which you can also sterilise extensive instrument sets clearly and safely. We will gladly tell you which containers fit your model.
Do the devices have an integrated water tank?
Yes, the Pro devices have integrated fresh and waste water tanks and can be operated manually without a fixed water connection. With frequent use, a fixed water connection can optionally be added from the larger models upwards.
How do I find out which model fits my practice?
The easiest way is to use our autoclave configurator: in about 2 minutes you receive a suitable recommendation including accessories for your practice. Alternatively, we are happy to advise you directly and without obligation.
Can I request a no-obligation quote?
Yes, you can request a no-obligation quote at any time. Ideally, give us your instrument volume and, where applicable, your container dimensions, and we will create a suitable recommendation for you.
Do you also deliver to Austria and Switzerland?
Yes, we deliver to and support customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Installation, maintenance and repair are also carried out on site by our trained technicians and service partners in the respective region.
Roughly how much does maintenance cost?
The exact costs depend on country, device and scope and differ depending on whether the maintenance is carried out on site or at the factory. We offer the maintenance contract itself free of charge; we will gladly provide you with a specific quote.
Is there a replacement or loan device during maintenance or in case of a defect?
Please contact us directly about this – depending on the situation and availability, we will find a suitable solution so that your practice operations continue as uninterrupted as possible. The easiest way is to get in touch via our service form.
My thermal printer no longer prints after sterilisation – what should I do?
First check the paper roll and correct seating; often the thermal paper is inserted the wrong way round or empty. If that doesn't help, get in touch via our service form, then a technician will assist you further.
What does an error during the vacuum test mean?
An error during the vacuum test usually indicates that air is flowing into the chamber and that the contact pressure of the door seal needs to be increased or the seal needs to be replaced. A short guide can be found on the inside of the door; if that doesn't help, our service will support you.
Instruments are damp after sterilisation – what causes this?
Residual moisture can have several causes, such as the load, the drying phase or the door seal. Ensure correct loading and complete programmes; if the problem persists, get in touch via our service form, then a technician will contact you.
Where do I get instructions for commissioning?
A video guide for commissioning can be found on steri24.de or on our YouTube channel. If needed, tell us your device model and we will send you the appropriate link.
Do you offer staff training?
Yes, an instruction session is integrated into the on-site commissioning. On request, we additionally offer training for your practice team on correct instrument reprocessing.
Do you also sell used autoclaves?
As a rule, we offer exclusively new devices with warranty; we generally do not carry used devices. Occasionally there are demo devices with a small discount. When buying new, you also benefit from on-site installation, maintenance and repair.
How much space and what footprint does the autoclave require?
The devices are designed as benchtop units for standard worktops; the exact external dimensions and the required depth vary by model. We will gladly tell you the specific dimensions for your desired model so that the setup fits right from the start.
Do other veterinarians rate the devices positively?
Yes, we publish exclusively verified reviews, including from veterinary practices and clinics – no paid testimonials. The current overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 on Google.
39 locations · 150+ partners
