Frequently Asked Questions
Pro vs. Premium – key questions answered clearly.
What is the difference between Pro and Premium?
The autoclave and its operation are basically the same; both sterilise as fully fledged Class B devices in compliance with EN 13060. Premium additionally offers integrated digital batch release (SteriTrace), LAN/WLAN with practice-software integration and a mains water connection; on the Pro, documentation is handled via USB or the integrated printer, and the water is filled manually.
Do Pro and Premium sterilise equally safely?
Yes. Both lines are fully fledged Class B medical devices in accordance with EN 13060 and sterilise with saturated steam in compliance with the standard. The difference lies not in sterilisation safety, but in convenience, documentation and connectivity.
Who does the Premium model really pay off for?
Premium pays off above all if you run many batches every day and want the documentation to flow automatically into your practice software. This saves time every week and turns batch release into a one-click process instead of manual work.
Is the Pro model sufficient for my practice?
If you want to reprocess reliably, in compliance with the standard and cost-consciously, Pro is the ideal choice. As a fully fledged Class B device, it sterilises just as safely as Premium. The autoclave configurator determines which model fits your workflow in just a few minutes.
Am I paying for something unnecessary with the Premium?
Not if you make use of the additional functions. We tell you honestly when Pro is completely sufficient and when Premium pays off. The decisive factors are your batch volume and whether you need automatic integration with your practice software.
What is SteriTrace?
SteriTrace is the digital, paperless batch release and documentation. On the Premium it is integrated directly into the touchscreen, so you document seamlessly in accordance with RKI without any paper filing. An app version is also available as a supplement.
Can both models document the sterilisation logs?
Yes, both create and store the sterilisation logs automatically. On the Pro you save them via USB or the integrated printer; on the Premium you can additionally store them paperlessly and digitally and transfer them via LAN/WLAN directly into the practice software.
What does practice-software integration mean on the Premium?
The Premium model transfers the batch and release data automatically into your practice software via LAN or WLAN. This eliminates manual transfer and makes the documentation available directly in the system.
Does the Pro model have a network connection?
The automatic LAN/WLAN integration with the practice software is a feature of the Premium model. The Pro stores the logs digitally and exports them via USB or the integrated printer. If you require this, Premium is therefore recommended.
Does the Premium have a mains water connection?
Yes, on the Premium the mains water connection is integrated, so you no longer have to refill water manually. On the Pro you fill the fresh-water tank manually with distilled water; from 12L upwards, a mains water connection can optionally be retrofitted.
Do I have to refill the water by hand on the Pro?
Yes, on the Pro you fill the fresh-water tank manually with distilled or demineralised water. If you want to avoid this, you can order a mains water connection from 12L upwards or choose the Premium with an integrated mains water connection.
Which model do you recommend for a dental practice?
For dental practices we usually recommend the 18L or 23L, depending on the number of practitioners and the volume of instruments. With several practitioners, a device with automatic documentation and practice-software integration, i.e. Premium, pays off. The configurator determines the precise requirement.
Which model is suitable for foot care and podiatry?
For foot care and podiatry, a compact Pro (3L or 12L) is often the most popular choice: small, fast and cost-conscious. Premium only pays off once automatic digital documentation and connectivity are required. The configurator finds the right device.
Which model is suitable for tattoo or piercing studios?
In tattoo and piercing studios a compact Pro (e.g. 3L) is usually sufficient, sterilising quickly and cost-consciously. Premium becomes interesting if you run many batches and want to document paperlessly. The configurator clarifies which model fits.
Which model makes sense for a veterinary practice?
In the veterinary field a robust Pro model with a good price-performance ratio is usually sufficient, as there is no legal validation requirement here as there is for humans. The size depends on the volume; the configurator helps with the selection.
Which model is suitable for a clinic or surgery?
For higher volume and high process reliability we recommend larger devices (e.g. 23L or 45L), often as Premium with automatic documentation and practice-software integration, supplemented by installation and validation. We highly recommend individual advice.
Are the sterilisation programmes identical on Pro and Premium?
Yes, the sterilisation programmes and the Class B process with fractionated vacuum are the same on both lines. They also sterilise wrapped, hollow and porous instruments in compliance with EN 13060.
Do both models meet the RKI recommendations?
Yes, both lines are Class B autoclaves and suitable for reprocessing critical instruments in accordance with RKI/KRINKO. Premium additionally facilitates seamless, paperless documentation and batch release in accordance with RKI.
Does the Premium model really save time?
Yes, especially with a high batch volume. The automatic transfer into the practice software and the digital batch release save you manual documentation and can save hours every week.
Do I need Premium for the legal documentation requirement?
No. The Pro also meets the documentation requirement, as it stores the logs automatically and makes them available via USB/printer. Premium merely makes documentation more convenient and paperless. Both meet the requirement.
Can I upgrade from Pro to digital documentation later?
The integrated digital batch release on the touchscreen is a Premium feature. In addition, the SteriTrace app can be used to document digitally even without Premium. We are happy to discuss which solution fits best with you.
What operating displays do Pro and Premium have?
Premium models have a touchscreen on which the digital batch release and, for example, the confirmation of filter changes are also carried out. Both lines are robust and easy to operate; the main difference lies in documentation and connectivity.
Do both models come with a 3-year warranty?
On the Pro there is a 2-year warranty, which can be extended to up to 3 years in combination with a maintenance contract; Premium comes with a warranty of up to 3 years. We are happy to tell you the exact terms.
Which sizes are available for Pro and Premium?
The Pro is available in 3L, 12L, 18L, 23L and 45L. Premium is available in the 12L, 18L and 23L sizes. The configurator determines which chamber size fits your instrument volume.
Which size suits my instrument volume?
That depends on the number of practitioners and the volume of instruments: small volumes often manage with 12L, while many wrapped instruments or larger instruments require 18L or 23L. The easiest way is to use the configurator for a targeted recommendation.
Is the Premium model faster than the Pro?
The cycle time depends mainly on the model size, programme and load, not on Pro or Premium. With the same chamber size the running time is comparable. Premium saves time on documentation, not on the sterilisation cycle itself.
How long does a sterilisation cycle take?
The duration depends on the model, programme and load. Guide values at full load with wrapped instruments: 3L approx. 11-22 minutes, 12L approx. 30-35 minutes, 23L approx. 45-50 minutes, 45L approx. 90 minutes. The smaller the device, the shorter the running time.
Are both models validatable?
Yes, both Pro and Premium are validatable and meet the applicable requirements. Validation is carried out on site with your instruments as the load. Whether it is mandatory in your case depends on the area of use.
Is validation different for Pro and Premium?
No, validation runs the same way for both: an approved validator inspects the autoclave and reprocessing process on site and prepares a report. Premium merely facilitates the subsequent digital documentation.
Do I need a water distiller for the Premium?
The Premium also requires treated water. With a mains water connection, a water treatment system such as the AQUAdem 40 is recommended; without a mains water connection you fill in distilled or demineralised water. We are happy to advise you on which solution fits.
What water do Pro and Premium need?
Both models require distilled or demineralised water, ideally with a conductivity below about 15-20 µS/cm. Tap water is not suitable and can damage the device. On the Premium, the water can be supplied automatically via a mains water connection and treatment system.
Is the extra cost for Premium worth it with few batches?
With a low batch volume the Pro is usually completely sufficient, as you will hardly use the Premium convenience functions. Premium pays off above all with many batches every day and a desired automatic practice-software integration.
Does Premium make batch release easier?
Yes, batch release becomes a one-click process on the touchscreen with the Premium instead of manual work, and the data flow automatically into the practice software. This is a clear advantage especially with a high volume.
Can I work paperlessly with the Pro?
Partly: the Pro stores the logs digitally and exports them via USB; you can deactivate the paper printer. However, a fully integrated paperless batch release on the device is offered by the Premium model (SteriTrace).
How are sterilisation logs saved on the Pro?
On the Pro you save the logs via a USB stick (preferably empty, max. 16 GB, FAT-formatted) or the integrated printer. The files are stored as text files and can be archived.
Do the maintenance costs of Pro and Premium differ?
Maintenance is legally due for both every 24 months or after 1,000 cycles at the latest and includes the scheduled replacement of wear parts. The specific costs depend on the country and device; we are happy to prepare an individual quote.
How long do Pro and Premium last?
With regular maintenance our autoclaves last around 20-25 years. The small 3L Pro reaches about 10-15 years due to its smaller vacuum pump. Proper maintenance ensures a long service life for both lines.
Do I get on-site service for both models?
Yes, for both lines we offer installation, validation, maintenance and repair on site in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with free travel. You can find the nearest location on the service map.
Can both models sterilise wrapped instruments?
Yes, as Class B autoclaves with a fractionated vacuum process, Pro and Premium also sterilise wrapped, hollow and porous instruments in compliance with the standard. This is a prerequisite for reprocessing critical instruments used on humans.
Which model is the better choice if I am unsure?
If you are unsure, the Pro is often the safe and economical choice, as it sterilises just as compliantly with the standard. In two minutes, the autoclave configurator guides you to the right model without jargon.
Do I get better sterilisation quality with the Premium?
No. The sterilisation quality is identical for Pro and Premium, as both work in accordance with EN 13060 as Class B with saturated steam. Premium differs only in convenience, documentation and connectivity.
Can I connect Premium to several workstations?
Yes, via the LAN/WLAN integration the Premium can be integrated into your practice network so that batch and release data are available centrally in the practice software. We coordinate the specific integration with you during commissioning.
How does the filter change differ between Pro and Premium?
You change the bacteria filter (about every 150 cycles) yourself on both. On Premium models with a touchscreen you additionally confirm the change on the display using the enclosed code, in order to keep the documentation seamless in accordance with RKI.
Is Premium the same as the expensive model from established manufacturers?
Premium offers comparable convenience and connectivity functions to high-priced devices from established providers, plus nationwide service coverage, but often at a significantly fairer price. We are happy to discuss the direct, anonymous comparison with you.
Which model is cheaper to run?
The running costs (consumables, maintenance) are similar for both lines. Premium can save working time through automatic documentation, while Pro is cheaper to purchase. Which calculation works out for you depends on your volume.
Can I install the autoclave myself, whether Pro or Premium?
Yes, according to the manual you may install and commission both models yourself; all you need is a power socket and distilled water. On request, our technicians will handle the installation on site. With the Premium, the mains water connection must also be taken into account.
Do Pro and Premium require three-phase power?
No, a normal household socket is sufficient for both models; three-phase power is not required. On the Pro without a mains water connection, no connection other than the socket is needed.
Which model do you recommend for a gynaecological practice?
For gynaecological practices we usually recommend the 23L because of larger instruments such as specula, depending on requirements as Pro or Premium; with a lower volume an 18L is often sufficient. The configurator helps to find the right device specifically.
Does the configurator help me choose between Pro and Premium?
Yes, that is exactly what it is intended for. The autoclave configurator guides you step by step through your requirements in just a few minutes and recommends the right model and the right size, without jargon and with no obligation.
Can I get advice before deciding?
Of course. We tell you honestly when Pro is sufficient and when Premium pays off, and advise you on size, documentation and service. Use the configurator for this or contact us for a personal conversation.