When it comes to providing a second-to-none mani-pedi session at your salon, it is important to put safety and hygiene first. Keeping your nail supplies clean and sterilized between clients will help mitigate the risk of cross-contamination, allowing them to achieve their desired nail art with a peace of mind. One of the easiest ways to keep your tools, including nail filers, scissors, nail clippers, and equipment alike sanitized is by using an autoclave sterilizer.
Never heard of it? In this article, we share some of the best autoclave sterilizers for nail salons and everything you need to know about this handy piece of equipment.
What is an Autoclave Sterilizer?
An autoclave sterilizer is a machine that works on the principle of steam sterilization, killing bacterias and germs without leaving a trace.
Autoclaves are often used in nail salons to sterilize nail supplies quickly and effectively between clients.
Each time a client comes in contact with a nail tool, there is a risk of contamination by spores, bacteria, and other microbes. One of the smartest ways to ensure the hygiene of nail tools is by putting them to steam under high temperatures and pressure.
The high pressure steam enables in-depth sterilization in tiny nooks and crannies that manual washing with hand, soap, or alcohol cannot get into.
How Does an Autoclave Sterilizer Work?
An autoclave sterilizer works similarly to a pressure cooker. First, the steam displaces the air within the chamber. Then, the pressure and temperature starts to rise rapidly. Once the desired temperature and pressure is attained, bacteria will be destroyed. Once the sterilization is complete, the pressure will be released from the chamber.
It is paramount to note that not all materials are suitable to be placed inside an autoclave. For example, any nail supplies made with polyethylene should not be put into an autoclave.
With that in mind, it is recommended to always follow the manufacturer’s advice before using the machine.
9 of the Best Autoclave Sterilizers for Nail Salons (2023 Updated)
1. Tuttnauer 1730 Valueklave Sterilizer
One of the best autoclave sterlizers for nail salons that will last you for years to come, this pick from Tuttnaeur works wonders for your basic sterilization requirements. It is also very easy to use and store. It comes with a heated drying feature that allows you to keep your manicure set and salon supplies squeaky clean. There is a drain valve located at the front of the unit which makes draining the water reservoir easier and quicker.
Key Feature:
Professional-grade autoclave sterilizer with a heated drying feature.
PRO
Features a durable, electro-polished stainless steel chamber
Comes with three trays
Dual safety from overheating
Intuitive controls and easy-to-close doors
CONS
Very pricey
2. Prestige Classic 2100 Electric Autoclave Sterilizer
The durable Prestige Classic 2100 electric autoclave sterlizer will please the cleanliness freak in you with its simple, one-step operation to keep your nail supplies clean and hygienic. This is an automatic autoclave sterilizer with an interlock system that will keep your tools safe. There are electronic detectors placed in the unit that will switch off the device should there be insufficient water to prevent any damages. Not only is it reliable, but it also comes with a lifetime guarantee on its heating element.
Key Feature:
Lightweight and durable automatic salon autoclave sterilizer with an interlock system.
PRO
Thermal fuse to avoid overheating
Comes with detectors to monitor water levels
Sterilizes tools in 13 minutes
FDA-listed
CONS
Requires a bit of a learning curve
3. APHRODITE 300W Mini High Temperature Autoclave Sterilizer
Rid your clippers, filers, scissors, and more of impurities with this smart autoclave sterilizer. The disinfection box offers adjustable temperature settings that can be monitored with a light indicator. Comes equipped with varying dry heat methods, this rapid-heating product is considered simple and does not require much routine maintenance unlike the others. It also has a durable and rust-free stainless steel tray you can place inside to hold your tools. With a capacity of 1.5 L, rest assured it can fit in any professional salon or home setting.
Key Feature:
1.5 litre autoclave sterlizer for manicure and pedicure tools with dry heat methods.
PRO
Fast operating
Dry-heating method
Temperature is adjustable between 0°C to 220°C
CONS
Sterilization bags need to be purchased separately
4. Bluetop Autoclave Sterilizer
One of the best autoclave sterelizers for nail tools, this pick from Bluetop can also be used to clean towels. The transparent glass door makes it easy for you to see what is happening inside. All you have to do is to put your items onto the racks, slide them in, and let the machine do its job. The unit will turn off automatically when the sterilization process is complete.
Key Feature:
12L autoclave sterilizer for nail salon with UV light.
PRO
Durable and rust-resistance
Sterilizes nail supplies with UV light
Large capacity
Features and LED time display
CONS
None
5. LETORS Professional UV Sterilizer Cabinet
Your search for the best autoclave sterilizers for nail salons officially ends here! The JJ Care prides itself as a multi-purpose sterilizer cabinet that can be used for various nail tools, nail drill machines, and more. You can count on this smart autoclave to clean your instruments, not to mention its high-quality glass and stainless steel metal are built-to-last. Kindly refrain from using any chemicals to clean the machine after use, such as acid, alkali, corrosive or toxic detergent for cleaning as it will spoil the unit. Instead, opt for gentler, neutral detergent.
Key Feature:
12L large autoclave sterilizer cabinet with 360° sterilization.
PRO
Has an LED timer
Large capacity
Transparent glass door
Uses UV light to disinfect tools and supplies
CONS
None
6. Smith Chu High-Temperature Metal Tool Cleaning Box
Nothing is worse than a nail salon who does not keep their equipment clean and sanitized. This high-temperature metal tool cleaning box by Smith Chu offers adjustable temperature setting from 0°C to 220°C, and automatically switches off when it reaches its maximum power. It comes with a rapid heating feature that does not call for steam or added chemicals, enabling you to deep-clean your salon tools such as scissors, fillers, clippers, and so much more, in only 10 minutes. This amazing autoclave sterilizer also cleans the crevices which may otherwise be difficult to clean using regular cleansing wipes.
Key Feature:
High temperature metal tool cleaning box with a rapid heating feature.
PRO
Easy-to-understand manual
Comes equipped with a light indicator for easy operation
CONS
Unable to sterilize too many tools at once
7. Giff 300W Heat Sterilizer Disinfection Box
Bid a fond adieu with all the impurities from your nail clippers, fillers, scissors, and tools alike, with this autoclave from Giff. This disinfection box comes with easily adjustable temperature settings that can be monitored with a light indicator. For a fast-operating autoclave that uses dry heating methods, this product does not call for routine maintenance. To use, you can easily place your tools on top of the durable and rust-free stainless steel tray it comes with. With a capacity of 1.5L, this machine makes a great fit for both professional salon and home.
Key Feature:
Autoclave sterilizer for nail salon with a 1.5L capacity.
PRO
Rapid heating
Dry-heating
Temperature is adjustable between 0°C to 220°C
CONS
Sterilization bags are sold differently
8. JJ CARE High Temperature Dry Heat Sterilizer
One of the best autoclave sterilizers that goes up to a high heat of 200°C, this pick from JJ Care will sterilize nail supplies and all your professional tools that are made of metal. The machine effectively cleans and sterilizes with a dry-heating method, therefore, no chemicals nor harmful rays are required. The best part? It promises to sterilize your tools in only 15 minutes. Made of stainless steel, rest assured that this unit will last you for years to come. Plus, it is large enough for disinfecting multiple sets of tools at the same time.
Key Feature:
Autoclave sterilizer for nail supplies with dry-heating methods.
PRO
Uses dry-heating methods to disinfect tools
Sterilizes metal tools under 15 minutes with 4 labor-saving, removable spinner wheels
Durable
CONS
May emit a burning smell
9. Smith Chu 110V 12L Mini High Temperature Cleaning Cabinet
This mini autoclave sterilizer by Smith Chu can help to eliminate hard-to-reach areas and crevices in your metail nail supplies that cleaning wipes alone cannot reach. This machine can disinfect your tools quickly in 10 minutes at a high temperature of 250°C, and will automatically switch off once the maximum temperature is reached. Like most of the machines on this list, this autoclave features a rapid-heating element for faster cleaning without the use of pressure and steam, allowing you to achieve squeaky clean tools in just a matter of minutes. With a 12L capacity, you are allowed to choose amongst three timer modes—10, 20, 30 minutes.
Key Feature:
Mini autoclave sterilizer with three timer modes.
PRO
Cleans crevices of metal tools well
Temperatures are adjustable from 0°C to 250°C
Three timer modes
Has a light indicator
CONS
Small capacity
Factors to Consider When Choosing for the Right Autoclave Sterilizer for Your Nail Salons
A. Size and Capacity
Depending on the number of tools you are planning to sterilize, you can opt for an autoclave that fits your needs. An autoclave for home use does not require too large of a capacity. However, if you are looking to purchase one for your salon, it is important to consider the size and capacity of the autoclave because you will need to sterilize a large number of tools at once.
B. Durability
When used as intended, autoclave machines can last you for years to come. Since they are made of stainless steel and other durable materials, these machines typically have a long lifespan. You will need to factor in other aspects that may affect the product’s longevity, this includes its cleaning methods, the amount of electricity required, and the design of the product itself.
C. Additional Features
The best autoclave sterilzers for nail salons often come with intelligent features. Some of these additional features include detectors and LED indicator lights that will help you monitor your usage. They may also come with a thermal fuse to prevent the autoclave from overheating. The best function would be a smart timer setting that lets you customize your desired sterilization time.
D. Temperature Settings
The desired temperature will go up to 250°C to ensure that your metal tools are properly sterilized. Whether you are looking for steam autoclaves or gravity autoclaves, it is crucial to factor in the temperature your chosen machine offers.
Editor's Choice
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
Tuttnauer 1730 Valueklave Sterilizer
5/5
This professional-grade autoclave sterilizer uses a heated drying feature that allows you to keep your manicure set and salon supplies squeaky clean. There is also a drain valve located at the front of the unit which makes draining the water reservoir easier and quicker.
Celine So
Be mindful of your words as they are impactful, which also explains why I am so fond of writing.
PrevPrevious
NextNext
