Class B vs Class N Autoclaves | Complete Australian Buying Guide

Class B vs Class N Autoclaves: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right autoclave is one of the most important decisions for any laboratory, clinic or research facility. While both Class B and Class N autoclaves use high-pressure steam to sterilise equipment, they are designed for different applications and levels of performance.

This guide explains the differences between the two classes, their advantages and which is best suited to your laboratory.

What Is an Autoclave?

An autoclave sterilises equipment using saturated steam under pressure. Proper sterilisation destroys bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores, making equipment safe for reuse.

Autoclaves are commonly used in:

  • Research laboratories
  • Universities
  • Microbiology laboratories
  • Medical clinics
  • Dental practices
  • Pharmaceutical laboratories
  • Food testing facilities

What Is a Class N Autoclave?

Class N autoclaves are designed for sterilising:

  • Solid metal instruments
  • Glassware
  • Unwrapped equipment
  • Laboratory tools

They are ideal for many laboratories where wrapped or hollow instruments are not required.

Advantages

  • Lower purchase price
  • Simple operation
  • Lower maintenance
  • Excellent for general laboratory work

What Is a Class B Autoclave?

Class B autoclaves use a pre-vacuum cycle before sterilisation and a post-vacuum drying cycle afterwards.

This allows steam to penetrate:

  • Wrapped instruments
  • Hollow instruments
  • Porous materials
  • Textiles
  • More complex laboratory equipment

They provide the highest level of sterilisation available in benchtop autoclaves.

Advantages

  • Sterilises virtually all load types
  • Better steam penetration
  • Excellent drying performance
  • Suitable for laboratories and medical environments
  • Meets the highest sterilisation requirements

Class B vs Class N Comparison

Feature Class B Class N
Wrapped instruments ✔ ✘
Hollow instruments ✔ Limited
Porous loads ✔ ✘
Glassware ✔ ✔
Metal instruments ✔ ✔
Vacuum drying ✔ ✘
Purchase price Higher Lower
Best for Laboratories & medical General laboratory work

Which Should You Buy?

Choose a Class N autoclave if you:

  • Mainly sterilise glassware
  • Sterilise solid instruments
  • Want a lower-cost solution

Choose a Class B autoclave if you:

  • Need maximum versatility
  • Sterilise wrapped equipment
  • Require vacuum drying
  • Want the highest sterilisation performance

Australian Mycology Equipment Recommendation

For most research laboratories and professional users, a Class B autoclave offers the greatest flexibility and future-proofs your laboratory.

For teaching laboratories and general sterilisation, a Class N autoclave often provides excellent value.

Australian Mycology Equipment supplies a range of BIOBASE laboratory autoclaves backed by Australian support, a 12-month warranty and free Australia-wide shipping on eligible models.

Related Products

  • BIOBASE Class B Autoclaves
  • BIOBASE Class N Autoclaves
  • AME Class B Autoclaves
  • AME Class N Autoclaves

Related Articles

  • How to Choose the Right Laboratory Autoclave
  • What Size Autoclave Do You Need?
  • Steam Sterilisation Explained
  • Dental vs Laboratory Autoclaves
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