Dry Heat Sterilizer vs Steam Sterilizer Autoclave

Modern times have introduced new technology into the medical world as well as fear in the public. Never before have people been so concerned about spreading diseases or even the common cold to others, and this has made the sterilizer industry invaluable. Additionally, sterilizers are a cost-effective sterilization method for industries that would rather disinfect equipment and reuse it than to constantly purchase new equipment.

There are many types of sterilizers, but the two most common are the dry heat sterilizer and the steam sterilizer autoclave. Dry heat sterilizers use very high temperatures to kill microorganisms. To effectively kill spores, dry heat sterilizers must reach 170 degrees Celsius and remain at that temperature for one hour. This type of sterilizer is particularly useful when sanitizing metal instruments because it does not rust the equipment nor dull metal edges.

Steam sterilizers, or autoclaves, like dry heat sterilizers use very high temperatures to destroy harmful microorganisms, but they also use pressure over a specific amount of time to disinfect. Contrarily, autoclaves must only reach about 121 degrees Celsius for fifteen minutes to sterilize. They are the most popular sterilizer choice because they can be used with a variety of equipment; however, the steam may damage unprotected instruments. This damage can cause corrosion or dullness to the equipment. Consequently, thorough drying after the steam exposure is very important; otherwise dampness could invite these dangerous organisms to penetrate the very items you are trying to clean.

Dry Heat Sterilizers and Steam Autoclave Sterilizer Uses

Dry Heat Sterilization is great for a wide range of items like loads that contain powders, fat, or oils that the steam sterilizer’s moisture would damage. Glassware, hydrophobic materials, and metal instruments are best in dry heat sterilizers.

When sterilizing flammable, culture media, or liquid items, autoclaves are your best bet because liquids will boil in the oven-like dry heat sterilizer. In addition, dense loads are best disinfected by a steam sterilizer because the dry heat sterilizer’s convection process may not effectively penetrate each item.

Now that you know the difference between a dry heat sterilizer and a steam autoclave sterilizer, it is time to start sterilizing your equipment! Duraline BioSystems provides a wide selection of both types of sterilizers including an automatic table top autoclave and dry heat sterilizer. Order your very own sterilizer today!