What’s the Difference Between Class N and Class B Autoclaves?

Class N dental autoclave and Class B dental autoclave are the two most common standards for dental autoclaves, with obvious differences in applicable scenarios, functions, and prices. The following is a direct explanation of the core differences based on BestMedical product parameters:

1. Applicable devices are different

Class N: For use only with solid, non-cavity, non-porous dental instruments such as mouth mirrors, forceps, probes, and metal trays.

Class B: Sterilizable solid, hollow, cavity, porous, packaged instruments, applicable to all dental instruments.

2. Different working principles

Class N: Gravity displacement steam, no vacuum system.

Class B: Three-pulse pre-vacuum + vacuum drying, stronger steam penetration.

3. Different drying effects

Class N: No vacuum drying, the equipment is prone to moisture.

Class B: Vacuum dried, can be stored directly after sterilization.

4. Different functional configurations

Class N (12L/16L): One-button fully automatic, LCD display, 121℃/134℃ dual temperature, small size.

Class B (18L/23L): 3.5-inch color screen, 6 programs, storage of 140 records, optional printer.

5. Applicable places

Class N: Small dental clinics, pet hospitals, basic disinfection, and institutions with limited budgets.

Class B: Standard dental clinics, beauty salons, laboratories, and medical institutions with higher requirements.

7. Costs vary

Class N: Low purchase cost and easy to use.

Class B: Full-featured, higher cost.