Astell Autoclaves: Benchtop vs Front-Loading vs Top-Loading — Which One Do You Need?

Astell laboratory autoclaves come in three formats: benchtop (33–63 L, for small labs), front-loading (higher throughput and bulky loads) and top-loading (compact, space-saving). All sterilise with saturated steam at 121 °C or 134 °C — the difference is capacity, footprint and how you load. Astell benchtop units start at £9,538 from LS Scientific, an authorised Astell distributor. 

Choosing an Astell autoclave 

Astell is one of the UK’s specialist steam-steriliser manufacturers, and its laboratory autoclaves come in three main formats: benchtop, front-loading and top-loading. They all do the same core job — sterilisation with saturated steam under pressure at 121 °C or 134 °C but the right format comes down to space, capacity and how you load. 

At a glance 

	Benchtop	Front-Loading	Top-Loading
Typical size	33–63 L	33 L upwards (scales large)	Compact, vertical
Footprint	Sits on a bench	Bench height / floor-standing	Small floor footprint
Best for	Small labs, teaching, routine microbiology	Higher throughput, bulky loads	Tight spaces, bottles & flasks
Loading	Front door, small loads	Horizontal door, trays/baskets	Lowered in from the top
Astell example	EcoFill 33 L — £9,538	Front-Loading 33 L — £23,940	Vertical top-open range

Astell benchtop autoclaves — best for small and medium labs 

Choose an Astell benchtop autoclave if you have limited space, moderate daily loads and want the most cost-effective route to reliable sterilisation. These 33–63 L units sit on a bench but are fully laboratory-grade, with data logging and options for vacuum, cooling and CL3/BSL-3 compliance. 

Astell benchtop options at LS Scientific include: 

• EcoFill Benchtop 33 L Autoclave (heaters in chamber) — £9,538 

• Classic Benchtop 63 L Autoclave (heaters in chamber) — £11,485.50 

• Autofill Benchtop 43 L Autoclave — £10,963 

• Benchtop pack bundles — from £9,680.50 

Astell front-loading autoclaves — best for higher throughput 

Choose an Astell front-loading autoclave if you sterilise larger or bulkier loads, run frequent cycles, or need capacity that grows with your lab. The horizontal door makes loading trays and baskets easy at a comfortable height, and the format scales from bench height into floor-standing sizes. 

• Astell Front-Loading 33 L Autoclave (dual heaters in chamber) — £23,940 

Astell top-loading autoclaves — best for tight spaces 

Choose an Astell top-loading autoclave if floor space is your main constraint and you mostly sterilise containers and liquids. These vertical, top-opening chambers have a small footprint, and loading bottles and flasks from above suits many general lab workflows. 

Don’t forget the options 

Whichever format you choose, Astell autoclaves can be configured with: 

• Vacuum for wrapped instruments and porous loads (~£5,149) 

• Fan or water cooling for faster liquid cycles (~£4,237–£8,018) 

• Integral steam generator for cleaner, faster steam (~£5,576) 

• CAT III (CL3/BSL-3) compliance for containment labs (~£3,572) 

• Accessories — Nelldorn Dryer, extra shelves, baskets, hoists, water softeners 

Frequently asked questions 

What is the difference between a benchtop and front-loading Astell autoclave? A benchtop Astell autoclave (33–63 L) is compact and cost-effective for small labs; a front-loading model offers larger capacity and easier loading for higher throughput and bulky loads. 

How much does an Astell benchtop autoclave cost? Astell benchtop autoclaves at LS Scientific start at £9,538, with pack bundles and larger capacities priced higher. Front-loading units start around £23,940. 

What temperature do Astell autoclaves reach? Astell laboratory autoclaves sterilise with saturated steam at 121 °C or 134 °C, following standard sterilisation parameters. 

Are Astell autoclaves suitable for BSL-3 labs? Yes — Astell offers CAT III (CL3/BSL-3) compliant configurations with the required sealing, air removal and cycle documentation. 

Not sure which Astell autoclave is right? 

As an authorised Astell distributor, LS Scientific helps you size and configure the correct unit — and supports installation and validation. 

• Browse the full range on our Autoclaves page 

• For the complete decision guide, read our Laboratory Autoclaves & Sterilisers Buyer’s Guide (add URL) 

• Call the UK team on +44 (0)1227 200 161 

Prices are current LS Scientific sale prices and may change — check the Autoclaves page for the latest.