Tuttnauer 3870 EA Review: The Workhorse Autoclave for High-Volume Sterilization
If your practice or lab has outgrown a small benchtop sterilizer and you're spending too much time running back-to-back cycles, you already know the problem. The Tuttnauer 3870 EA was built to solve it — a large-chamber, fully automatic autoclave that has earned a decades-long reputation in hospitals, dental groups, surgical centers, and university labs. The question for most buyers is whether a used or refurbished unit makes sense, and what to watch for when shopping.
This review covers everything you need to know before buying a new or pre-owned Tuttnauer 3870 EA.
Product Overview
The Tuttnauer 3870 EA is a floor-standing, gravity/vacuum steam sterilizer in the manufacturer's "large chamber" class. The model number tells the story: 38 refers to the chamber diameter in centimeters, 70 to the depth, and EA stands for Electrically Automatic — meaning cycle selection, steam generation, and venting are fully automated with no manual valve adjustments between runs.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Chamber diameter | 38 cm |
| Chamber depth | 70 cm |
| Usable volume | ~80 liters |
| Standard cycles | 121 °C (gravity), 134 °C (pre-vacuum/flash) |
| Operating pressure | Up to 2.1 bar |
| Power | 208–240 V, 30–50 A (site-specific) |
| Typical footprint | Floor-standing, requires utility connections |
Who it's for: Dental group practices (4+ chairs), medical clinics, veterinary hospitals, research laboratories, and any facility sterilizing wrapped instrument sets, packs, or bulk loads in volume.
See our broader used autoclave buying guide for how the 3870 EA compares across the full autoclave category.
Hands-On Experience
Setup and Installation
The 3870 EA is not a plug-and-play unit. Installation requires a dedicated 240V electrical circuit, a steam-quality water supply (ideally distilled or RO), and a floor drain or condensate return line. Budget for a qualified biomedical technician or the manufacturer's certified installer — Tuttnauer has a national service network, which is one of the reasons this unit holds its resale value so well.
Once installed, the control panel is straightforward. Cycle selection is menu-driven, and the built-in Bowie-Dick test and leak test modes are accessible without entering a service menu — a meaningful advantage if your facility requires daily biological indicator testing.
Daily Use
In high-volume settings, the 3870 EA's roughly 80-liter chamber means you can process a full rack of cassettes, wrapped packs, or unwrapped instruments in a single run. The gravity cycle at 121 °C is suited for heat-stable liquids and porous loads; the 134 °C pre-vacuum cycle handles wrapped instrument sets faster and with better steam penetration. Cycle times (excluding drying) typically run 20–35 minutes depending on load configuration — competitive with comparably sized units from Midmark or SciCan.
The EA model's fully automatic door lock mechanism is worth mentioning. Unlike older manual-latch autoclaves, the 3870 EA will not allow the door to be opened mid-cycle, and it won't initiate a cycle if the door isn't fully sealed. In a busy clinical environment, this matters more than it sounds.
Standout Features
- Self-contained steam generator: No external boiler required, which simplifies installation and reduces failure points
- Automatic water fill: Reduces operator error from manual overfill/underfill
- Integrated printer port: Cycle logs can be printed for regulatory compliance documentation
- Validated cycle library: Pre-programmed cycles are validated per ANSI/AAMI ST8 standards
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large 80-liter chamber handles high-volume instrument loads in a single cycle
- Fully automatic operation reduces operator training burden
- Tuttnauer's service network is one of the most extensive in the industry
- Validated cycles simplify OSHA and JCAHO compliance documentation
- Excellent resale value — units from the early 2000s still trade actively
Cons
- Requires hardwired electrical and plumbing — not suitable for spaces without utility rough-in
- Genuine Tuttnauer parts can be expensive; budget $200–$600 for common service items (door gaskets, solenoid valves, heating elements)
- Older units may lack USB or network connectivity for electronic recordkeeping
- A refurbished unit without service history documentation is a meaningful risk — always request maintenance logs
Performance Breakdown
Sterilization Reliability: 5/5 When properly maintained and loaded, the 3870 EA consistently achieves sterility assurance levels required for Class S and Class B load types. Bi-weekly biological indicator testing rarely surfaces failures on well-maintained units.
Chamber Capacity & Throughput: 5/5 80 liters is genuinely large for a self-contained unit at this price point. Compared to the Midmark M11 (11 liters) or a Tuttnauer 2340 (23 liters), you're processing 3–7x the volume per cycle.
Ease of Use: 4/5 Automatic controls are a genuine improvement over older manual-valve units. The learning curve is low for experienced clinical staff. The primary friction point is cycle documentation — older EA units require a separate thermal printer and paper log rather than electronic export.
Build Quality & Longevity: 5/5 Tuttnauer's stainless construction and component quality are the reason 20-year-old units are still in active service. The chamber and door mechanism on well-maintained units show minimal wear even after 100,000+ cycles.
Value (Used Market): 4/5 A cosmetically clean, fully serviced used 3870 EA typically trades between $3,000–$8,000 depending on age, cycle count, and seller. At the high end, that's a fraction of the $15,000–$22,000 new price. Parts availability and Tuttnauer's service network make the math work — but only if you can verify service history.
Who Should Buy the Tuttnauer 3870 EA
- Dental group practices (4+ operatories) that currently run a smaller benchtop autoclave in relay and are losing chair time to sterilization bottlenecks
- Ambulatory surgery centers or clinics that need a validated, documented sterilization record for accreditation
- Veterinary hospitals processing large surgical instrument trays
- Research labs sterilizing media, glassware, or biological waste in bulk
- Biomedical equipment dealers looking for a reliable unit to resell with service documentation
Who Should Skip This
- Small practices (1–2 operatories or exam rooms) where a compact benchtop unit like the Tuttnauer 2340 or Midmark M11 is more than sufficient and doesn't require dedicated electrical/plumbing
- Buyers who cannot verify the unit's service history — without maintenance records, a used autoclave at any price is a gamble
- Facilities without a qualified biomedical tech on retainer or a local Tuttnauer service dealer — this is not a self-service appliance
Alternatives Worth Considering
Tuttnauer 2540 EA
The 2540 EA offers a 40-liter chamber — about half the capacity — at a significantly lower price point (typically $1,500–$4,000 used). If your volume doesn't justify the 3870's footprint, this is the natural step down from the same manufacturer. Check current eBay listings for the Tuttnauer 2540.
Midmark M9 / M11 (Benchtop)
For smaller practices, the Midmark M9 and M11 are the most common benchtop alternatives. They require no dedicated plumbing, are easier to install, and have strong parts availability — but max out around 9–11 liters. If you routinely process cassette loads for 2–3 operatories, the Midmark M11 is the better fit. Search eBay for used Midmark M11 autoclaves.
Pelton & Crane Delta Q
Less common but worth considering for facilities that already have Pelton & Crane service contracts. The Delta Q is a comparable large-chamber unit with similar validated cycle documentation. Parts are harder to source than Tuttnauer, which is a meaningful long-term consideration.
Where to Buy
eBay is the most active secondary market for the Tuttnauer 3870 EA. Units currently range from parts machines (under $500) to fully serviced, cosmetically excellent units in the $5,000–$8,000 range.
Search current Tuttnauer 3870 EA listings on eBay
Amazon carries Tuttnauer-brand accessories, replacement parts (door gaskets, strainers, cassettes), and occasionally refurbished units through third-party sellers.
Search Amazon for Tuttnauer 3870 parts and accessories
Buying tips for used units:
- Always ask for the service log or any available maintenance history
- Request a live cycle demonstration before purchase if buying locally
- Confirm the seller can provide a Bowie-Dick test result
- Factor in $300–$800 for an incoming inspection by a certified biomedical technician — it's non-negotiable on a unit this size
For a broader comparison of available sterilization and disinfection equipment on the secondary market, see our category guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "EA" mean on the Tuttnauer 3870? EA stands for Electrically Automatic. It indicates the autoclave uses an integrated electric steam generator and automated controls for all cycle phases — no external boiler or manual valve operation required.
What is the chamber size of the Tuttnauer 3870 EA? The chamber is 38 cm in diameter and 70 cm deep, for a usable volume of approximately 80 liters. It accommodates standard sterilization trays, wrapped instrument packs, and cassette racks.
How much does a used Tuttnauer 3870 EA cost? Used pricing varies widely. Cosmetically rough or unverified units sell for $1,500–$3,500. Fully refurbished units with service documentation typically run $5,000–$8,500. Parts machines can be found under $500, but these are only useful for component sourcing.
Can I install a Tuttnauer 3870 EA myself? Not recommended. The unit requires a hardwired 240V circuit (30–50A depending on configuration), a water supply (ideally distilled or RO), and a drain connection. Improper installation voids any remaining service coverage and creates liability in clinical settings. Use a licensed electrician and a Tuttnauer-certified biomedical technician.
What are the most common repairs on a used 3870 EA? Door gaskets (replaced every 1–2 years under regular use), solenoid valves, heating elements, and the temperature/pressure transducer are the most frequently serviced components. Genuine Tuttnauer parts are widely available; expect $100–$600 per service event for common wear items.
Is the Tuttnauer 3870 EA FDA-cleared? Yes. Tuttnauer's large-chamber autoclaves carry FDA 510(k) clearance for sterilization of medical devices. Confirm the specific unit's clearance status if your facility operates under JCAHO or CMS accreditation.
Final Verdict
The Tuttnauer 3870 EA remains one of the most reliable and well-supported large-chamber autoclaves on the secondary market. Its combination of an 80-liter chamber, fully automatic operation, and Tuttnauer's extensive service network makes it a sound investment for high-volume clinical and laboratory settings — provided you buy from a seller who can document service history. Skip units with no records; pay the premium for a verified, serviced machine. The difference between a $2,500 parts risk and a $7,500 turnkey unit is real in this category.