A Portable Autoclave is a compact, easy-to-use sterilization device designed to provide effective steam sterilization in settings where space is limited or mobility is essential. These units utilize high-pressure saturated steam at elevated temperatures—typically 121°C to 134°C—to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on medical instruments, laboratory equipment, glassware, and other heat-stable items.

Unlike larger vertical or horizontal autoclaves, portable autoclaves are lightweight, compact, and manually operated or semi-automatic, making them ideal for field work, small clinics, dental offices, veterinary use, and remote laboratory setups. They are constructed from stainless steel or aluminum, making them durable, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for repeated sterilization cycles.

The sterilization process in a portable autoclave is carried out in a sealed pressure chamber, where water is converted into pressurized steam. The combination of moist heat and pressure ensures efficient penetration into porous materials and complex instruments, achieving complete sterilization.

Portable autoclaves are typically equipped with safety valves, pressure gauges, locking mechanisms, and rubber gaskets to ensure user safety and reliable operation. Some models come with an electric heating element, while others can be used on a gas burner or hot plate, depending on the application and location.