An autoclave is the most important hygiene solution for many nail salons, foot care, and cosmetic areas. But which device is the right one, and when is sterilization even necessary?

In this guide, you'll learn what to consider when buying an autoclave, what differences there are, and which solution best suits your studio.

If you want to buy an autoclave, it's not just about a device, but about safety, legal requirements, and a smooth daily routine in your studio. But which autoclave is right for you? And when do you even need one?

What requirements apply to your studio?

Before you decide on a device, you should ask yourself three key questions:

• What treatments do you perform?
• Is there contact with blood or injured skin?
• What regulations apply in your federal state?

👉 These are the exact points that determine whether sterilization is necessary.

Important to know:
The legal requirements in Germany are not uniformly regulated but are specified by the respective health authorities. However, the trend is clear:

➡️ Hygiene standards are becoming increasingly stringent

When do you need a B-class autoclave?

A B-class autoclave works with a pre-vacuum and ensures that steam can penetrate even packaged and complex instruments.

👉 This is particularly important for:

• packaged instruments
• hollow instruments
• applications with an increased hygiene risk

In many areas – especially in foot care, podiatry, or cosmetics with invasive applications – this standard is already mandatory or is becoming increasingly so.

Cassette system or chamber autoclave?

The choice of system heavily depends on your daily workflow.

Cassette system (e.g., STATIM)

• extremely fast sterilization cycles
• compact and space-saving
• ideal for small instrument quantities

👉 perfect for classic nail salons

Chamber autoclave (e.g., Bravo)

• larger capacity
• versatile
• ideal for continuous operation

👉 particularly suitable for:

• foot care
• podiatry
• studios with high throughput

What size do you need?

The right size of your autoclave depends directly on your workload.

👉 small studio
→ compact devices like STATIM 2000 or smaller chamber units

👉 medium studio
→ STATIM 5000 or Bravo 17–22 liters

👉 large studio or practice
→ Bravo 22–28 liters

Speed vs. Volume

A crucial difference:

• Cassette systems → faster, but less capacity
• Chamber autoclaves → more volume, but longer cycles

👉 The right choice depends on whether you prefer:

• fast sterilization of small quantities
• or efficient sterilization of larger batches

Documentation & Security

Modern autoclaves today offer significantly more than just sterilization:

• digital protocols
• automatic documentation
• traceability of processes

👉 This is particularly important for:

• official inspections
• legal protection
• professional studio management

Emmi Steri 15 – compact hygiene solution for daily studio use

The Emmi Steri 15 is a practical solution for quick and uncomplicated hygiene in daily studio life. Thanks to UVC-LED technology, germs are reliably reduced, making instruments ready for use again in a short time.

Especially in nail salons, the Emmi Steri 15 is ideal for tools that do not come into contact with blood or injured skin. It complements existing hygiene concepts and provides additional safety between treatments.

👉 Important:
The Emmi Steri 15 does not replace an autoclave for applications requiring sterilization, but it is an efficient addition for many cosmetic applications.

Alternative for studios: Emmi Steri UVC LED

Not every studio immediately needs a classic autoclave.
For many applications – especially in nail design without invasive procedures – a supplementary solution can be useful.

👉 The Emmi Steri UVC LED offers:

• fast disinfection in minutes
• reduction of germs by up to 99.99%
• easy application in daily studio routine

👉 ideal for:

• nail salons
• tools without blood contact
• additional hygiene security

⚠️ Important:
The Emmi Steri does not replace an autoclave for applications requiring sterilization, but it is a strong addition for many studios.

Conclusion – which autoclave suits you?

The right choice always depends on your studio and your treatments:

👉 small nail salon
→ compact solution or addition like Emmi Steri

👉 growing studio
→ STATIM 2000 or 5000

👉 foot care / podiatry
→ Bravo 17–22 liters

👉 high throughput / practice
→ Bravo 28 liters

Our Tip

If you are unsure:

• always refer to your daily workflow
  and the regulations of your health authority

Because one thing is clear:
👉 Hygiene will become even more important in the future

Find the right solution for your studio now

Discover our selection of:

• autoclaves for nail salons & foot care
• professional sterilization solutions
• supplementary hygiene systems like Emmi Steri

👉 and bring your studio to the next hygiene standard