STERIS AMSCO Eagle 3000 Series Comparison: 3011, 3013, 3021 & 3023
The STERIS AMSCO Eagle® 3000 Series (also listed as the AMSCO 3000 Series) is a line of small steam sterilizers with four models: the 3011, 3013, 3021, and 3023.
The 3011 and 3021 are gravity sterilizers; the 3013 and 3023 are prevacuum (Vacamatic) sterilizers.
The 3011 and 3013 have a 16″ × 16″ × 26″ chamber, and the 3021 and 3023 have a 20″ × 20″ × 38″ chamber. Compare every configuration below.
How to read a 3000 Series model number
Each model number tells you two things. The third digit is the chamber size, and the last digit is the air-removal type.
301x
16″ × 16″ × 26″ chamber
(406 × 406 × 660 mm)
302x
20″ × 20″ × 38″ chamber
(508 × 508 × 965 mm)
30x1
Gravity air removal
30x3
Prevacuum air removal
The four models at a glance
Gravity · 16″ chamber
AMSCO 3011
Compact gravity unit for glassware, unwrapped items, and lab waste.
View 3011 →Prevacuum · 20″ chamber
AMSCO 3023
Large-chamber prevacuum unit for high-volume wrapped loads.
View 3023 →Full STERIS AMSCO Eagle 3000 Series comparison chart
All eight configurations, side by side. On mobile, swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Model | Type | Chamber size | Doors | Mounting | Steam source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3011 | Gravity | 16″ × 16″ × 26″ (406 × 406 × 660 mm) |
Single | Recessed or cabinet-enclosed | Building steam or electric steam (built-in generator, 208/240V or 480V) |
| 3011 | Gravity | 16″ × 16″ × 26″ (406 × 406 × 660 mm) |
Double | Recessed through one wall (modular walls only) | Building steam only |
| 3021 | Gravity | 20″ × 20″ × 38″ (508 × 508 × 965 mm) |
Single | Recessed or cabinet-enclosed | Building steam or electric steam (built-in generator, 208/240V or 480V) |
| 3021 | Gravity | 20″ × 20″ × 38″ (508 × 508 × 965 mm) |
Double | Recessed through one or two walls | Building steam or electric steam (built-in generator, 208/240V or 480V) |
| 3013 | Prevacuum | 16″ × 16″ × 26″ (406 × 406 × 660 mm) |
Single | Recessed or cabinet-enclosed | Building steam or electric steam (built-in generator, 208/240V or 480V) |
| 3013 | Prevacuum | 16″ × 16″ × 26″ (406 × 406 × 660 mm) |
Double | Recessed through one wall (modular walls only) | Building steam only |
| 3023 | Prevacuum | 20″ × 20″ × 38″ (508 × 508 × 965 mm) |
Single | Recessed or cabinet-enclosed | Building steam or electric steam (built-in generator, 208/240V or 480V) |
| 3023 | Prevacuum | 20″ × 20″ × 38″ (508 × 508 × 965 mm) |
Double | Recessed through one or two walls | Building steam or electric steam (built-in generator, 208/240V or 480V) |
STERIS spec sheets
Gravity vs. prevacuum: which do you need?
Steam sterilizes only where it reaches, so the real difference is how each type pushes air out of the chamber and the load.
Gravity (3011, 3021)
Steam displaces air downward and out a drain
- Simpler design, with no vacuum pump
- Well suited to glassware, unwrapped instruments, and lab waste (liquids need a LIQUIDS cycle programmed)
- Longer exposure times for dense or wrapped loads
Prevacuum / Vacamatic (3013, 3023)
A vacuum pump pulls air out before steam enters
- Faster, more reliable steam penetration
- Best for wrapped packs, porous loads, and hollow or lumened instruments
- Cycles include prevacuum, express, flash, and gravity
Factory-set cycles
These are the default cycles STERIS programs on the small Eagle 3000 Series sterilizers.
| Cycle | Load | Temperature | Sterilize | Dry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravity models (3011, 3021) | ||||
| Flash | Unwrapped goods | 270°F (132°C) | 3 or 10 min | 1 min |
| Gravity | Wrapped and unwrapped goods | 270°F (132°C) | 15 min | 30 min |
| Gravity | Wrapped and unwrapped goods | 250°F (121°C) | 30 min | 15 min |
| Prevacuum models (3013, 3023) | ||||
| Express | Wrapped instruments | 270°F (132°C) | 4 min | 3 min |
| Prevac | Wrapped and unwrapped goods | 270°F (132°C) | 4 min | 20 min |
| Flash | Unwrapped goods | 270°F (132°C) | 3 or 10 min | 1 min |
Cycle settings can be changed. Per STERIS, confirm your unit's configuration before use, and verify any changed or unqualified cycle with biological indicators.
Which 3000 Series model fits your facility?
Mostly glassware, unwrapped instruments, or lab waste in smaller volumes
AMSCO 3011
The same loads in larger batches
AMSCO 3021
Wrapped instrument sets or porous loads in a compact footprint
AMSCO 3013
High-volume wrapped or porous loads that need the largest chamber
AMSCO 3023
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the STERIS AMSCO 3011 and 3013?
Both have the same 16″ × 16″ × 26″ chamber. The 3011 is a gravity sterilizer and the 3013 is a prevacuum sterilizer, which is better for wrapped and porous loads.
What chamber sizes does the 3000 Series come in?
Two sizes: 16″ × 16″ × 26″ (406 × 406 × 660 mm) on the 3011 and 3013, and 20″ × 20″ × 38″ (508 × 508 × 965 mm) on the 3021 and 3023.
Do I need building steam?
Only for the double-door 16″ models (3011 and 3013). Every other configuration can use building steam or an integral electric steam generator at 208/240V or 480V.
Which models can be installed through two walls?
The double-door 20″ models (3021 and 3023) can be recessed through one or two walls. The double-door 16″ models (3011 and 3013) recess through one wall, modular walls only.
Does Duraline sell new or refurbished 3000 Series sterilizers?
Both. Duraline stocks refurbished STERIS AMSCO Eagle 3000 Series sterilizers (3011, 3013, 3021, and 3023), and new units are available by request. Contact us for a quote on either.
Can Duraline help me choose and quote a 3000 Series sterilizer?
Yes. Duraline's sterilization specialists can review your loads, utilities, and room layout and quote the right configuration. Call (877) 561-0500 or request a quote online.
Not sure which configuration you need?
Talk to a Duraline sterilization specialist. We've helped facilities choose sterilizers since 1986.
