Steam Autoclaves Market – By Product, By Technology, By Application, By End Use – Global Forecast, 2025 to 2034

Steam Autoclaves Market Size

The global steam autoclaves market size was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2025 to 2034 period. Growth in the market is fueled by the rapid increase in the demand for effective sterilization techniques in healthcare, biotechnology, and the research sector.
 

A major factor is the increased focus on infection management as well as the safety of patients, particularly in hospitals and clinics where there are a lot of reusable instruments to be processed. Steam autoclaves, which are sterilizing devices that utilize high-pressure steam to destroy all forms of microbial life, are one of the best solutions for sterilization and therefore need to be utilized in such areas. Furthermore, the increase in patients suffering from infections stemming from hospital facilities has worked towards making it a necessity, rather than a suggestion, to develop better services and processes for sterilization. This has led to the rise in investment in autoclave technology to meet infection control needs.
 

Furthermore, autoclaves are widely used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry as there is a need for a high degree of cleanliness, especially because of the increasing diversity and sophistication of biological products that need to be manufactured in sterile conditions. Research laboratories also have increased their usage of steam autoclaves because unobtrusive materials are involved in many scientific studies, and thus it is necessary for the materials to remain uncontaminated. With an increasing number of laboratories and research institutions across the world, there is a greater need for these effective sterilization systems. This is why the shift toward these systems is more critical.
 

Moreover, the market blostered from additional factors such as current improvements compared to the previous ones in the design of these autoclaves, which include increased automation, reduced cycle times, and energy efficiency. Thus, the introduction of new model development that uses advanced monitoring systems and safety features is designed to be user-friendly and reliable, thus attracting high-end facilities, thereby contributing to market growth.
 

Steam Autoclaves Market Trends

One of the main factors that drive the market is the need for safe, effective, and proper medical waste management. Infectious wastes are generated by healthcare institutions, laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies, and if not managed properly, they can pose severe health risks.
 

• Incineration is at the top of the list of traditional disposal methods, but it raises pollution and environmental concerns because of toxic emissions. On the other hand, steam autoclaves are environmentally friendly and eradicate the negative impacts by using high temperature and pressurized steam to sterilize the waste without releasing harmful byproducts into the atmosphere.
   
• The rise of new healthcare facilities across the world and increase in number of patients have also contributed to the increase in medical waste, making the need for effective sterilizing solutions more pressing.
   
• Waste management when it comes to public health is constantly evolving, which is evident from the observation made by the World Health Organization about the advancement in healthcare waste management going together with the need for prevention of waste-induced cross-contamination post COVID-19.
   
• One of the most favored cleaning techniques in this regard is steam autoclaving because of its unmatched reliability, high sterilization rates, and its ability to deal with a variety of waste materials.
   
• This advancement in waste management is enabled through the regulation of medical waste disposal by EPA and OSHA, and in other parts of the world, which require healthcare providers to efficiently treat the waste that they generate.
   
• Steam autoclaves are ideal for these regulations because they have been proven effective and their use adds negligible impact to the environment, which assists the users in meeting compliance.
   
• Therefore, these increasing regulations and the accelerating growth of medical waste are responsible for the wider steam autoclave adoption market as a necessity for waste management in healthcare and laboratory settings.
   

Steam Autoclaves Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is segmented into tabletop, vertical, horizontal, floor standing, and high pressure. The table top segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.6%, reaching over USD 792.2 million by 2034.
 

• The tabletop segment is witnessing rapid growth owing to small dimensions, user-friendly nature, and ability to cater for limited space in clinics, offices, and laboratories needing sterilization.
   
• Moreover, tabletop autoclaves are constructed to be easily arranged on benches and desktops, which is why they are very popular in places where prompt and effective sterilization is necessary yet manageable.
   
• With a smaller footprint and typically lower power consumption, these autoclaves provide economically viable sterilization while remaining functional, something that is very appealing to independent practitioners and small-to-medium sized healthcare facilities.
   
• Furthermore, the growth in the tabletop segment is being fueled by the rising need for sterilization equipment that is portable and multi-purpose, especially in dental and ambulatory surgical centers. These facilities tend to have a lower patient workload in comparison to hospitals.
   
• In addition, specific business functions and the digital control of sterilization equipment have improved user-friendliness and efficiency of tabletop autoclaves, which places them as a superior option over traditionally used larger autoclaves that serve as a bulk for smaller practices.
   

Based on technology, the steam autoclaves market is classified into gravity displacement, pre-vacuum, and    steam flush. The gravity displacement segment held 41.1% share of the market in 2024, driven by several key factors.
 

• This segment of gravity displacement technology has received a major boost due to its effectiveness and efficiency in fulfilling basic sterilization requirements.
   
• The means by which gravity displacement autoclaves work is steam gets pushed into the chamber, displacing cooler air from a vent until the temperature of the chamber reaches a state suitable for sterilization.
   
• The design also makes it easy and convenient as there are fewer mechanical components compared to pre-vacuum autoclaves, thereby reducing maintenance needs and simplifying operations.
   
• Gravity autoclaves also require less energy, and they are more appealing with the rise in energy prices. Gravity displacement autoclaves are still the best option for places that require basic reliable sterilization even if they are not as effective as pre-vacuum and steam flush autoclaves, which are best for the sterilization of narrow surgical instruments with porous materials.
   

Based on application, the steam autoclaves market is segmented into medical, dental, and laboratory. The medical segment was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 8.1% CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
 

• One major distinguishing feature of the medical segment is the extreme need for sterilization to prevent infection and maintain safety standards within a healthcare system. The surgical facilities, clinics, and hospitals are the biggest users of steam autoclaves since these are the key appliances for sterilization of instruments, equipment and supplies. Among the large consumers of autoclave technology, this segment stands out as the largest user.
   
• Furthermore, the need for regulatory compliance is very high in other industries too, but in healthcare, it is mandatory for reasons which should be very clear because of the FDA in the U.S. and similar institutions in other parts of the globe. There are other forms of instruments, but steam type autoclaves are the most important in every healthcare setting due to the fact that they can kill a wide variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and others.
   
• Other than dental and laboratory uses, the medical segment is the greatest driver of demand for autoclaves because it is also accompanied by an assortment of equipment which requires regular sterilization. The surgical instruments a medical autoclave has to deal with are not only limited to the medium but also incorporate complex instruments which require more advanced forms of sterilization.
   
• The overall growth of this segment was boosted by the high demand for surgeries, diagnostic procedures and patient care medicals, necessitating the automatic electrical steam sterilizer autoclave within the healthcare industry. These advanced autoclave machines are designed to aid in productivity while ensuring maximum turnover.
   
• Thus, the steam autoclave market is expanding rapidly in the medical sector with regards to the dental and laboratory parts because of the core impacts controls sanitation for patients and all the compliance that is needed. 
   

Based on end use, the steam autoclaves market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, healthcare companies, research and academic institutes, and other end users. The hospitals segment held and substancial share of the market in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 2 billion by 2034.
 

• The hospital segment dominates the steam autoclave market due to the amount of sterilization work performed in this area. In addition, the wide application of medical devices, tools, linens, waste materials, and others that hospitals manage daily are exposed to an intricate level of sterilization to avoid HAIs.
   
• Furthermore, due to its ability to exceed expectations for volume and provide dependable autoclave sterilization methods for patient care environments, steam autoclaves are the principal choice of hospitals.
   
• Moreover, the automatic disinfection cycles that are required by hospitals must be adhered to and enforced by other health organizations. For instance, as per the report by CDC, hospitals mandated to follow strict regulatory criteria for that reason, hospitals often request steam autoclaves with greater capabilities and complicated features such as automated cycles, monitoring systems, and other programmable features.
   

• In addition, the expansion of specialized departments across hospitals increases the need for high-performance steam sterilizers. Due to the extensive needs for sterilization, legal requirements, and efficient techniques to restrain infections, the market for steam autoclaves is captured in the intense focus and care of patients.
   

North America steam autoclaves market accounted for USD 1.1 billion market revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7% between 2025 to 2034 period.
 

• One of the most effective methods of steam sterilization is the use of steam autoclaves. These devices are essential in eliminating all forms of fungal, bacterial, and viral contaminants from surgical, clinical, and laboratory instruments. Most doctors’ clinics and hospitals maintain strict compliance with sterilization procedures set by the CDC and FDA, resultingly using steam autoclaves.
   
• Apart from these factors, the growing economic investment into healthcare technologies is contributing to the demand in the market. With hospitals increasing their surgical and diagnostic ranges, there is also an augmented need for sterilized equipment, which leads to an increase in demand for steam autoclaves.
   
• In addition, North America is increasing its outpatient surgeries that need better sterilization techniques to prevent infections amongst patients. The combination of maintaining regulatory compliance, environmental concerns, and increasing infection control procedures are expected to steer the growth of the North America steam autoclave market over the next few years.
   

U.S. steam autoclaves market was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.
 

• One of the primary drivers is the rising need for infection control in hospitals and other healthcare centers. There are an increasing number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and with strict guidelines from the CDC and FDA, there is a considerably growing need for steam autoclave devices, which are more reliable for sterilization.
   
• With the increase of healthcare-associated infections, the use of effective steam autoclaves has surged due to their ability to provide effective sterilization, so infection control remains a top priority in hospitals and surgical centers.
   
• The increased number of outpatient facilities and clinics has also propelled the demand for steam autoclaves. These procedures, which were traditionally done in hospitals, are now being performed in clinics, and so the need for strong, economical sterilizing devices is ever-increasing.
   
• There is rising market growth from the developing biopharmaceutical and research industries too. Steam autoclaves are essential for laboratories and research facilities to ensure the safety of equipment and waste to eliminate environmental contamination for research.
   
• Additionally, environmental concerns favor the use of autoclaves rather than chemical sterilization techniques. Infection control practices, laws and regulations, and the demand from the expanding healthcare and research industries make the market an important one within the U.S.
   

UK steam autoclaves market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
 

• There is tremendous growth potential due to the increased need for infection control in all healthcare places such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. The UK healthcare system is based on harsh hygiene and sterilization policies, which have made steam autoclaves critical tools for decontaminating medical instruments and equipment.
   
• Also, the steam autoclaves have the capabilities to sterilize and safely dispose of biohazardous waste, which the regulations for medical waste management in the UK have made mandatory.
   
• Another factor contributing to the need is the emerging trends within the market that encompass health and dental treatments, which require specialized equipment to be sterilized.
   
• Furthermore, the growing and aging population will result in an increased need for surgeries and other medical treatments, which will greatly increase the demand for effective sterilization solutions.
   
• Moreover, the increasing innovation fueled the expansion of the market in the UK. The fusion of regulatory directives, growing healthcare demands, and improvements in steam autoclave technology are likely to aid in the growth of this market.
   

China holds a dominant position in the Asia Pacific steam autoclaves market.
 

• The increasing competition from China is being felt in the Asia Pacific market as a result of greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, tighter infection control measures, and greater emphasis on sterilization in medical and industrial settings. It is expected that with greater spending on healthcare infrastructure, more hospitals, and increasing research institutes, there will be an increase in demand for steam autoclaves.
   
• Additionally, with more hospitals and clinics emerging, the government has tightened the regulations regarding waste management and sterilization in healthcare facilities, which is leading to higher demand for specific and reliable high-capacity autoclaves.
   
• Hospitals and clinics in the country are beginning to increase their focus on sterilization to lower the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and improve the patient safety measures in place, resulting in more steam autoclave systems in use.
   
• On the other hand, the development of Chinese biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries has created new demand for sterilization equipment in laboratories and production plants.
   
• As the drug development and manufacturing sectors grow, the attention on using high-quality steam autoclaves to provide a contamination-free environment during product development and testing is on the rise.
   
• The Chinese government’s goal of increasing domestic production of medical devices, alongside some favorable government policies, has motivated local manufacturers of steam autoclaves, thus making the devices ample and cheap.
   
• In summary, based on the investment in healthcare, regulatory changes, and industrial development, China is one of the biggest exporters of steam autoclaves in the Asia Pacific region capable of supplying the needs of healthcare, research, and industrial works for sterilization.
   

Steam Autoclaves Market Share

Due to the extensive product ranges, novel technology, and a well-established international presence, STERIS Corporation, Getinge AB, and Belimed AG are the market leaders by share in steam autoclaves. The main driver for STERIS Corporation's market share is its reputation for providing high-quality sterilization solutions crafted from time-tested industry experience along with strategic acquisitions that broaden the company's scope.
 

Getinge AB also captures a huge portion of the market by concentrating on advanced sterilization and infection control systems, becoming the ideal choice for hospitals and research institutions around the globe. Several other companies like Tuttnauer also have a hefty market share due to their specialized focus on cheaper products aimed at smaller clinics and labs. As a result of the collaboration of these key participants, together with regional firms and new entrants to the market, improvements and product availability are progressing, thus fostering the overall development and competition of the global market.
 

Steam Autoclaves Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the steam autoclaves industry include:

• Absolute Medical
• Astell Scientific
• Belimed Deutschland
• Boekel Scientific
• CELITRON Medical Technologies
• Consolidated Sterilizer Systems
• Dental X
• Hanshin Medical Company
• Hirayama Manufacturing Corporation (HMC)
• International Steel
• Panasonic Healthcare
• Priorclave
• Promotal
• Siltex
• Steris
   

USPs for the top market players:

• Advanced sterilization techniques with energy efficient design
   
• Compliance with global standards such as ISO, FDA, and CE marking
   
• Strong distribution networks and localize support
   
• Competitive pricing strategies
   

Steam Autoclaves Industry News:

• In October 2021, Priorclave showcased new groups of autoclaves at Medica 2021 within the Gambica Pavilion. These included three categories of research-grade laboratory autoclaves, each with multiple models featuring enhanced capabilities and advanced features that surpassed standard offerings in the market.
   
• In February 2021, Consolidated Sterilizer Systems, a prominent steam autoclave manufacturer, introduced new sustainability enhancements to its autoclaves. These updates are designed to benefit healthcare facilities by supporting environmental initiatives and contributing to lower carbon emissions.
   

The steam autoclaves market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Tabletop
• Vertical
• Horizontal
• Floor standing
• High pressure

Market, By Technology

• Gravity displacement
• Pre-vacuum
• Steam flush

Market, By Application

• Medical
• Dental
• Laboratory

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Healthcare companies
• Research and academic institutes
• Other end users

 The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE