Front Loading Autoclave vs Benchtop: Which Saves You More?
Updated: Oct 5
Choose a benchtop autoclave for small labs and moderate loads, a front loading autoclave for bulky loads and frequent cycles, and a top loading autoclave when floor space is tight. Astell benchtops (33–63 L) start at £8,398, top loaders (63–135 L) at £10,732 and front loaders (33–344 L) at £17,518. All three sterilise with steam at 121 °C or 134 °C.
The short version
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Benchtop vs front loading vs top loading: how do they compare?
Front loading autoclaves hold the most (up to 344 L), benchtop autoclaves cost the least (from £8,398) and top loading autoclaves use the least floor space. The right one depends on how much you sterilise, how often and where it will stand.
Benchtop | Front loading | Top loading | |
|---|---|---|---|
Chamber size | 33–63 L | 33–344 L | 63–135 L |
Footprint | Sits on a bench | Bench height to floor-standing | Small floor footprint |
Best for | Small labs, teaching, routine microbiology | High throughput, bulky loads, trays | Tight spaces, bottles and flasks |
Drying | With or without | Vacuum and drying options | Without drying (standard) |
Price from | £8,398 | £17,518 | £10,732 |
Front loading autoclaves: when are they worth it?
A front loading autoclave is worth it if you sterilise bulky loads or run several cycles a day; Astell front loaders start at £17,518. The horizontal door puts trays and baskets at a comfortable height, and chambers run from 33 L to 344 L, so there is room to grow.
Size the chamber for your busiest day, not your average one. Too small means extra cycles; too big means half-empty runs that waste water and energy.
Front loading model | Price |
|---|---|
£17,518 | |
£25,023 – £34,286 | |
£23,940 · £26,752 · £30,372 | |
£40,736 · £46,446 |
Benchtop autoclaves: do you need drying?
A benchtop autoclave only needs drying if wrapped or porous items must come out dry; for liquids, media and waste, a model without drying is enough. Benchtops (33–63 L) are the most cost-effective choice for small and medium labs.
Benchtop autoclaves without drying
Benchtop autoclaves without drying cost from £8,398 (Classic 33 L) to £13,899 (EcoFill 63 L pack). Choose one for liquids, media, waste and open glassware.
Classic benchtop 33 L: £8,398 · 43 L: £9,738 · 63 L: £11,486
EcoFill benchtop 33 L: £9,538
Classic benchtop packs: 33 L £9,681 · 43 L £11,020 · 63 L £12,844
EcoFill benchtop packs: 33 L £10,621 · 43 L £12,046 · 63 L £13,899
Benchtop autoclaves with drying
Benchtop autoclaves with drying cost from £11,077 (33 L) to £14,279 (63 L). Choose one if wrapped instruments, porous loads or glassware must come out dry and ready to store.
Benchtop 'Drying' 33 L: £11,077
Benchtop 'Drying' 43 L: £12,502
Benchtop 'Drying' 63 L: £14,279
Avoid | Do this instead |
✗ Paying for drying to sterilise liquids and media | ✓ Choose a model without drying and put the savings towards cooling |
✗ Leaving wrapped packs to air-dry after the cycle | ✓ Choose a drying model so packs come out dry and ready to store |
Top loading autoclaves: are they right for small spaces?
Yes — a top loading autoclave suits labs with little floor space that mainly sterilise bottles, flasks and liquids; Astell top loaders start at £10,732. Chambers run from 63 L to 135 L.
EcoFill top loading 63 L: £10,732
Top loading Classic 63 L: £11,486 · Autofill 63 L: £12,740
Top loading 95 L: £15,780 · 120 L: £16,426 · 135 L: £17,062
⚠️ Check before you buy: a top loader means lifting baskets down into the chamber. For heavy or frequent loads, a front loader is easier on staff. |
Options: which ones are worth adding?
The most useful options are vacuum for wrapped and porous loads, cooling for faster liquid cycles and an integral steam generator for cleaner, faster steam. Add CAT III only if you run a containment lab.
OPTIONS AND TYPICAL COST
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Related guide: for choosing by lab type and use, read our laboratory autoclave buyer's guide. Pair your autoclave with a biosafety cabinet for containment work.
FAQ: Astell autoclaves
What is a front loading autoclave?
A front loading autoclave has a horizontal door at the front, so trays and baskets load at a comfortable height. Astell front loading autoclaves range from 33 L to 344 L.
What is the difference between a benchtop and a front loading autoclave?
A benchtop autoclave (33–63 L) is compact and cost-effective for small labs. A front loading autoclave offers more capacity and easier loading for bulky loads and frequent cycles.
Do I need a benchtop autoclave with drying?
No — only if wrapped or porous items must come out dry. For liquids and open glassware, a model without drying is enough and costs less.
How much does an Astell autoclave cost?
Astell benchtop autoclaves start at £8,398, top loading autoclaves at £10,732 and front loading autoclaves at £17,518 (swing door 120 L).
What temperature do Astell autoclaves reach?
Astell autoclaves sterilise with saturated steam at 121 °C or 134 °C.
Are Astell autoclaves suitable for BSL-3 labs?
Yes — Astell offers CAT III (CL3/BSL-3) configurations with the required sealing, air removal and cycle records.
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