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autoclave.myby AA Alive Sdn Bhd
ENBM

Also called: 18 L autoclave, 23 L autoclave, 17 litre, 22 litre

Autoclave 18 Litre vs 23 Litre: Choosing the Right Size

The two most common tabletop sizes in Malaysian clinics, compared on what actually matters: how much fits per cycle, where it sits and how it fits your busiest session.

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What the litre figure means

The litre figure is the chamber volume, not the usable space. Makers round differently, so “17”, “18”, “22”, “23” and “24” litre models are often direct competitors.

Chamber volume

The internal volume of the pressure chamber. Steam needs free space around every pack, so you never fill it completely.

Trays

Usable capacity is set by the number and length of trays. Ask for the tray layout and how many pouches of your typical size fit on each.

Load limit

Each model has a maximum load for instruments and a separate, lower one for textiles. Exceeding it leads to wet packs.

Side-by-side comparison

17–18 L class22–24 L class
Typical usersSingle-doctor GP, single-chair dental, aestheticMulti-chair dental, busy GP, day procedures
Load per cycleFewer or shorter traysMore or longer trays; fits larger packs
Bench footprintSmaller; fits most clinic benchesDeeper chamber; check bench depth and clearance
PowerCheck rated power and socketCheck rated power; a dedicated socket is often advised
Cycle timeCompare full-load times with dryingCompare full-load times with drying

How to decide

  • Count the instruments from your busiest session and pouch them as you normally would.
  • Ask the supplier to show how that load fits on the trays of each size.
  • Check whether the cycle time, including drying, fits between your sessions.
  • Consider two smaller units instead of one large one if downtime would stop treatment.
  • Choose the class first — Class B for pouched or hollow loads — then the size.

Read next Autoclave machine sizes and typesSizing a dental autoclave by chairs

Related guides

Autoclave Machine: Types, Sizes and How to ChooseA plain guide to the parts, cycles and sizes of a clinic or laboratory autoclave machine, written for buyers in Malaysia.Dental Autoclave for Malaysian Dental ClinicsWhy dental clinics need a Class B autoclave, how to size it by chairs and patients, and the daily routine that keeps handpieces safe.Autoclave for Clinic Use: Choosing a GP Clinic AutoclaveWhat a general practice actually sterilises, which EN 13060 class that calls for, and how to size and set up the machine.

Autoclave supply near you

Delivery, installation and training across Malaysia from Batu Caves, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a 23 litre autoclave always better than an 18 litre one?
No. A large chamber run half-empty uses more water and power per cycle, and an overfilled small chamber dries poorly. Size to your busiest session.
Can I sterilise more by running an 18 litre unit more often?
Yes, if the full cycle time with drying still fits between patient sessions. Ask for full-load cycle times, not empty-chamber figures.
Do 18 and 23 litre autoclaves come in Class B?
Both sizes are common as Class B, and some makers also sell them as Class N or Class S. Confirm the EN 13060 class of the exact model quoted.

Get a written quotation

Tell us your clinic or lab type, daily workload and location. We match suitable models and send a written quotation with delivery, installation and training spelled out.