Replacing your old unit
Replacing your autoclave: find the right successor
Replacing an ageing unit? Here is how to make the switch — usually without costly modifications and without losing capacity.
Germany Austria Switzerland
Short answer
Switching is easier than you might think: we match the capacity, dimensions and connections of your old unit so your daily throughput stays secured — and existing accessories can often be kept in use.
How to make the switch
Replacing an ageing unit?
Many of our customers switch because their previous premium unit has become expensive to service, support is sluggish or spare parts take a long time to arrive. The change is easier than most people think — and you rarely need to buy everything new.
What we check together before the switch
- Capacity & dimensions: We match the chamber size and tray capacity of your old unit so your daily throughput stays secured.
- Connections: Existing fresh-water and waste-water connections can be reused in most cases — without costly modifications.
- Existing accessories: Water treatment, label printers and often containers/cassettes too can frequently be kept.
- Practice software: The documentation connects to your existing software — no isolated standalone system.
What you gain by switching
- Direct from the manufacturer — no dealer mark-up, a noticeably fairer price.
- Our own service network with 39 locations across the DACH region — on-site instead of weeks of sending units away.
- Up to 3 years warranty and spare parts in stock.
The fastest way to find the right successor is the autoclave configurator — or send us the dimensions and capacity of your current unit and we will recommend the right model.
You do not have to manage this alone
The most common concerns of our customers — and how we resolve them.
„Am I taking a step backwards with a lesser-known brand?“
Premium performance to EN 13060, our own service network and spare parts in stock — in terms of service, often a step forward.
„Costly modifications when switching?“
Existing connections and accessories usually stay usable — we check this in advance.
Unsure which unit really fits?
Find the right model in 2 minutes — no jargon, no risk. The configurator guides you step by step.
4.9 out of 5 on Google Class B medical device · EN 13060 · TÜV SÜD 39 locations + 150 partners DACH Family business since 1957
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Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing your old unit – key questions answered clearly.
Is switching to a new autoclave complicated?
No, the change is usually easier than expected. Beforehand we match the capacity, dimensions and connections of your previous unit so your daily throughput stays secured. The fastest way to find the right successor is our autoclave configurator.
Do I have to budget for costly modifications when switching?
In most cases, no. Existing fresh-water and waste-water connections can usually be reused, so no costly modification is needed. We check this together before the switch.
Can I keep using my existing accessories?
Often yes. Water treatment, label printers and frequently containers or cassettes can usually stay. Tell us about your accessories and we will check whether they can be kept before the switch.
Am I taking a step backwards with a lesser-known supplier?
On the contrary: you get premium performance to EN 13060, our own service network and spare parts in stock. In terms of service, this is often a step forward compared with an ageing unit.
Which autoclave size is the right replacement for my previous unit?
This depends on the chamber size and tray capacity of your old unit as well as the quantity and length of your instruments per cycle. Give us the dimensions and your daily throughput, or use the configurator, and we will recommend the right model.
Will the new autoclave fit my sterilisation containers and trays?
That depends on the exact dimensions; the 23L model, for example, holds two containers. Give us your container or basket dimensions and we will tell you the right unit and prepare a quote if needed.
Does the new autoclave need a fixed water connection?
No, a fixed water connection is not required. All our autoclaves are stand-alone units with an integrated fresh-water and waste-water tank and can be filled manually with distilled or demineralised water. A fixed water connection is optional and can also be retrofitted later.
Can the fixed water connection of my old unit be reused?
As a rule, yes, because the connections are largely standardised. We check the hose size and connection type in advance so the existing connection can be reused; with differing systems a pressure reducer may be required.
Does the documentation connect to my existing practice software?
Yes, the documentation can be connected to your existing practice software, so no isolated standalone system arises. The Premium models offer LAN/WLAN and paperless batch release via SteriTrace for this purpose.
Why do customers switch to a new unit?
Often because the previous unit has become expensive to service, support is sluggish or spare parts take a long time to arrive. Switching brings fairer prices, a fast service network and spare parts in stock.
What specifically do I gain by switching?
You buy directly from the manufacturer with no dealer mark-up, benefit from our own service network with 39 locations across the DACH region instead of weeks of sending units away, and receive up to 3 years warranty with spare parts in stock.
What is the fastest way to find the right successor?
The fastest way is the autoclave configurator: in a few minutes it guides you step by step to the right model. Alternatively, send us the dimensions and capacity of your current unit and we will recommend the right model.
Is a new Class B autoclave comparable to my previous premium unit?
Yes, our Class B autoclaves meet EN 13060 and provide full sterilisation with a fractionated vacuum process for wrapped, hollow and porous instruments. The performance matches established units, but the price is noticeably fairer.
Do I get the same feature set as with an expensive branded unit?
Yes, our units offer all modern features such as network connectivity and connection to external software. Added to this are comprehensive service coverage across the DACH region and up to 3 years warranty.
What happens to my old autoclave?
On request we take care of dismantling and disposing of your old unit in the course of installing the new autoclave. We are happy to quote the costs depending on the effort involved; as the manufacturer we offer a disposal option.
Can you repair my existing unit from another brand?
As a rule we cannot repair third-party units, as we lack the matching spare parts and manufacturer approvals. Instead we are happy to recommend a suitable new Steri24 unit with warranty as the successor.
Is buying new worthwhile compared with an expensive repair of the old unit?
If servicing and spare parts for the old unit are high and support is sluggish, buying new is often the more economical and reliable solution. You get a unit with warranty, spare parts in stock and fast on-site service.
How quickly is a technician on site if the new unit fails?
In the event of a fault, our technicians are usually on site within a few working days, depending on location. For emergencies there is a 24-hour hotline.
Is a replacement or loan unit available in case of a fault?
Yes, in the event of a malfunction a replacement or loan unit is usually available at short notice, so your operation keeps running. Please report the fault with a description and photos, and we will agree the next steps with you.
How long are spare parts available for the new unit?
We keep spare parts for the entire expected service life of the units and stock them ourselves. This avoids the long waiting times that can occur with older units from other suppliers.
How large is your service network?
We operate our own service network with 39 locations and numerous partners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This way we are available on site rather than only via send-in service.
Do you also offer on-site service in Austria and Switzerland?
Yes, our technicians and partners work in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and come to you on site. This ensures service regardless of your location.
What warranty do I receive with the new autoclave?
You receive up to 3 years warranty. A free maintenance contract can extend the warranty; we are happy to give you the exact conditions during a consultation.
Why is the price fairer than with established expensive manufacturers?
Because you buy directly from the manufacturer, with no dealer mark-up. We offer premium performance to EN 13060 at a noticeably fair price and combine this with our own service and warranty.
Is paying in instalments possible when buying new?
Yes, paying in instalments is generally possible via established payment providers with several terms. Simply select the corresponding payment method in the online shop and the instalment options will be displayed.
Is my new unit approved as a Class B autoclave for the practice?
Yes, our Class B autoclaves meet EN 13060 and are designed as Class B medical devices; CE conformity is confirmed via TÜV SÜD. For instrument reprocessing in medical facilities a Class B unit is required.
What does Class B mean for an autoclave?
Class B refers to full steam sterilisers with a fractionated vacuum process that also sterilise wrapped, hollow and porous instruments. For reprocessing critical instruments a Class B unit is required.
Does the new unit meet the RKI and KRINKO requirements for documentation?
Yes, the units support complete batch documentation in accordance with RKI/KRINKO. The Premium models enable paperless batch release and documentation directly on the touchscreen via SteriTrace.
Do I keep my familiar sterilisation programmes after switching?
Yes, the standard programmes are set to be standard-compliant, for example 134 °C for the usual holding time in accordance with EN 13060/RKI. Operation remains familiar, so you will quickly find your way around.
What dimensions should I consider for the installation spot?
The external dimensions vary by model, but the units are designed for typical worktops from about 55-58 cm in depth. A dimensional drawing and all technical data can be found on the respective product page, or we will gladly send them to you.
Will my previous long instruments fit in the new autoclave?
That depends on the chamber depth; larger models accommodate longer instruments. Tell us the length of your largest instruments and we will recommend the right chamber size.
How many trays and instruments fit in the individual models?
That depends on the model: smaller units have fewer trays, larger ones up to five. In the 23L model up to around 20 unwrapped instruments fit per tray. For a precise recommendation it is best to use the configurator.
Can I set up the new autoclave myself?
Yes, you can set up the unit and put it into operation yourself; all you need is a power socket and to fill it with distilled water. Instructions and videos are available, a free introduction by video chat is possible and on-site setup can be booked optionally.
Do I need three-phase power or is a normal socket enough?
A normal household socket is sufficient; three-phase power is not required. With the model without a fixed water connection, no connection other than the power supply is needed.
Which water must I use with the new unit?
Use distilled or demineralised water with low conductivity. Standard commercial distilled water is suitable; tap water or technical water is not suitable and can damage the unit.
Can I keep using my existing water treatment system?
Often yes. Existing water treatment systems can frequently be kept in use; with differing systems a pressure reducer may be required. We check this before the switch and recommend the AQUAdem if needed.
How often is maintenance due on the new autoclave?
Maintenance is due at fixed intervals, usually every 24 months or after a certain number of cycles. With the free maintenance contract we remind you in good time and organise the appointment, the work and the report.
What does maintenance include?
Maintenance includes the call-out, the work, the scheduled replacement of all critical wear parts as well as a report. This keeps the autoclave safe and long-lasting.
Can my new unit be validated on site?
Yes, we validate on site using your instruments as the load, including a vacuum test, an empty-chamber profile and several sterilisation runs. Afterwards you receive a validation report.
How do maintenance and validation differ?
Maintenance is the technical upkeep of the unit with replacement of wear parts. Validation is the formal verification that the entire sterilisation process meets the standards. Both are separate, regularly recurring services.
Do I get a free maintenance contract?
Yes, the maintenance contract itself is free; only the actual maintenance fees apply. It secures the prescribed maintenance work and can extend the warranty.
What service life can I expect from the new unit?
With regular maintenance our autoclaves achieve a long service life of around 20-25 years; compact 3L units somewhat less. During maintenance all critical parts are replaced on schedule.
Is delivery free when buying new?
Yes, delivery to Germany, Austria and Switzerland is free. You can find the current conditions in the online shop, or we will tell you during a consultation.
What should I do if a vacuum test fails?
A failed vacuum test usually indicates that air is entering the chamber; adjusting or replacing the door seal often helps. A quick guide is on the inside of the door; if that does not help, contact our service team.
What does the poor water quality message mean?
This message appears when the water has been standing in the tank for too long or the sensor is dirty. Empty and clean the tank, fill in fresh distilled water from a new canister; if the message persists, contact our service team.
How do I change the bacterial filter on the new unit?
Unscrew the old filter and fit the new one; you may and should do this yourself, usually after a certain number of cycles. On touchscreen models you confirm the change on the display using the enclosed code for complete documentation.
Is the new autoclave suitable for my specialty?
Yes, our Class B autoclaves are suitable for all medical specialties as well as for podiatry, cosmetics, tattoo and piercing. The right size depends on the quantity and length of the instruments; the configurator helps with the choice.
How do the Pro and Premium models differ?
The autoclave and operation are fundamentally the same. The Premium models additionally offer a fixed water connection, WLAN/LAN connection to the practice software and paperless batch release via SteriTrace; on the Pro, documentation is via printer/USB and manual filling.
Do I get a complete package with accessories when switching?
Yes, the configurator lets you put together a complete package of an autoclave and matching accessories, for example with an ultrasonic cleaner, packaging pouches, a sealing device and a documentation solution. This way everything for instrument reprocessing is coordinated.
What if I am unsure which unit really fits?
Then the autoclave configurator will guide you step by step to the right model in about 2 minutes, with no jargon. Alternatively, send us the dimensions and capacity of your current unit or get advice over the phone.