Tuttnauer 3870EA Autoclave Review: Is It Really Better Than the Midmark?

You're running a dental practice and your sterilizer is either aging out, failing validation cycles, or simply too slow for your instrument throughput. The Tuttnauer 3870EA keeps coming up in your research — and so does the question: is it actually worth choosing over a Midmark M11 or M9? We break it down with real price benchmarks for both new and refurbished units.

Product Overview

The Tuttnauer 3870EA is a gravity-cycle automatic autoclave designed for dental, medical, and laboratory settings. The model number is a blueprint of its specs: 38 liters of chamber volume, 70 cm usable depth, E for electric heating, and A for automatic operation — meaning the unit handles its own water management, door sealing, and cycle progression without manual intervention at each stage.

Key specifications:

• Chamber capacity: 38 liters
• Chamber depth: 70 cm (accommodates longer instruments and bagged cassettes)
• Cycle type: Gravity displacement sterilization (134°C and 121°C programs)
• Load format: Trays, pouches, wrapped packs, and cassettes
• Automation level: Fully automatic with automatic door lock/unlock
• Power: 208–240V, single phase
• Footprint: Countertop — fits standard instrument processing room benches

This unit sits in Tuttnauer's workhorse tier — positioned between their compact tabletop models (1730, 2340) and their full-floor-standing B-class sterilizers. The 3870EA has been a staple in dental and oral surgery practices for over two decades, which is why refurbished units remain plentiful and parts availability is strong.

Hands-On Experience

Setup and Installation

Out of a refurbished unit, setup is straightforward if you're replacing an existing sterilizer of similar size. You'll need a 208–240V dedicated circuit — the same as most commercial dishwashers — and a floor drain or reservoir drain access. Unlike some competitors, the 3870EA uses a self-contained reservoir rather than requiring a direct plumbed water line, which simplifies installation in older operatory buildouts.

The door mechanism on the 3870EA is a manual swing-open design with an automatic locking solenoid. It engages at pressure and releases at cycle completion. In practice, this means staff can load and walk away — the door won't open mid-cycle regardless of operator error.

Daily Operation

The control panel is functional rather than flashy: a cycle selector dial, a start button, and a strip-chart or digital readout depending on the production year. Older units (pre-2015) use a circular chart recorder to document cycle parameters — still acceptable for compliance documentation in most states, but worth noting if your practice is transitioning to digital validation records.

Cycle times vary with load density, but typical gravity cycles at 134°C run approximately 15–20 minutes in the sterilization phase, with total elapsed time (including pre-heat, sterilization, and drying) in the 45–60 minute range for a full tray load. This is roughly comparable to a Midmark M11 on a standard cycle.

Where the 3870EA earns its reputation is in chamber depth and capacity. At 70 cm, it fits full-length surgical instruments, large cassette sets, and multiple wrapped packs simultaneously — something the Midmark M9 (9-liter chamber) simply cannot match.

Standout Features

• Automatic door: Reduces operator error and wear on door gaskets
• Reservoir-based water system: Works anywhere without plumbing modifications
• Long parts history: Gaskets, door seals, heating elements, and solenoids are widely available through multiple suppliers
• Cycle documentation: Chart recorders provide paper audit trails accepted by dental boards in all U.S. states

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Large 38-liter chamber handles high-volume practices and surgical setups
• Automatic operation reduces training burden and user error
• Parts and service technicians widely available nationwide
• Refurbished units well-supported — strong aftermarket
• Gravity cycle validation is straightforward for dental compliance

Cons

• No pre-vacuum (B-class) cycle — cannot sterilize hollow lumens or porous loads to EN 13060 Class B standard
• Older chart recorder models require manual log filing
• Drying performance on pouches is adequate but not exceptional; some practices add an external drying cabinet
• Heavier and deeper than compact competitors — needs dedicated bench space
• Refurbished units may need new gaskets and solenoid inspection before first use

Performance Breakdown

Tuttnauer 3870EA vs. Midmark M11: Head-to-Head

This is the comparison most buyers are actually asking about.

Bottom line on the comparison: If your primary concern is capacity — loading entire surgical cassette sets, large wrapped packs, or multiple tray loads per cycle — the 3870EA wins outright. The Midmark M11 has a cleaner interface and a slightly more modern validation documentation setup, but its smaller chamber creates a bottleneck in busy practices.

If you're in a solo-doctor practice with one operatory, the Midmark M11 or M9 is the more appropriately sized tool. For group practices, oral surgery centers, or any setup where instrument throughput is a daily constraint, the 3870EA is the stronger choice.

Who Should Buy the Tuttnauer 3870EA

• Multi-operatory dental practices (3+ chairs) with high daily instrument turnover
• Oral surgery and periodontic offices running large cassettes and surgical packs
• DSO satellite offices that need reliable, serviceable equipment without premium new-unit pricing
• Practices replacing a failed 3870 or similar Tuttnauer unit — parts and familiarity are already in-house
• Equipment buyers prioritizing refurbished value — the 3870EA has one of the best cost-to-capacity ratios in the used market

Who Should Skip This

• Solo practitioners with one operatory — you're paying for 38 liters of capacity you won't use
• Practices that need B-class (pre-vacuum) cycles for hollow instruments or porous loads per EN 13060 — the 3870EA is gravity only
• Offices with limited bench depth — the 70 cm chamber means the unit footprint is significant
• Practices requiring fully digital cycle documentation out of the box — older units need a retrofit or adapter

Alternatives Worth Considering

1. Midmark M11 — Best for Single-Op Practices

The M11 is the most direct competitor for smaller practices. Cleaner touchscreen interface, excellent Midmark service network, and a smaller footprint. Capacity is the trade-off. Browse Midmark M11 autoclaves on eBay to compare refurbished pricing.

2. Tuttnauer 2540EK — Budget Entry for Low-Volume Offices

If you want Tuttnauer reliability in a smaller package, the 2540EK (25 liters, 40 cm depth) is widely available refurbished. Less throughput, same proven gravity cycle performance. Good for satellite offices and startup practices.

3. Scican Statim 5000 — For Cassette-Focused Practices

A completely different approach: the Statim uses a cassette-based steam cycle that completes in under 10 minutes. Not a full-load sterilizer, but exceptional for rapid handpiece and small instrument turnaround. Pairs well with a larger gravity unit for bulk loads.

Explore the full range of used autoclaves and used dental equipment for more options.

Where to Buy

Refurbished Tuttnauer 3870EA units are available through several channels. Current listings on eBay show a range of $2,500 to $8,500 depending on age, service history, and included accessories. Units from reputable equipment dealers typically include recent inspection, new gaskets, and a short warranty.

• Search Tuttnauer 3870EA on eBay — current live listings, compare by seller rating and included documentation
• Search Tuttnauer autoclave accessories on Amazon — replacement gaskets, cassette trays, distilled water reservoirs, and chart recorder paper

Buying tips for refurbished units:

• Request the last 10 cycle charts or digital logs before purchase
• Ask whether the door gasket and solenoid have been replaced recently
• Confirm the unit passes a Bowie-Dick or biological indicator test before accepting delivery
• Verify the power requirements match your facility's available circuits (208V vs. 240V)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the Tuttnauer 3870E and the 3870EA? The "A" suffix indicates automatic operation — the 3870EA manages its door lock, water fill, and cycle progression automatically. The non-A (manual) version requires the operator to manually set and release each phase. For dental practice use, the automatic version is strongly preferred.

Q: Can the 3870EA sterilize handpieces? Yes — gravity cycle at 134°C is effective for sterilizing solid dental handpieces in pouches or cassettes. Note that some handpiece manufacturers specify pre-vacuum (B-class) cycles for internal channel sterilization. Confirm your handpiece manufacturer's requirements before relying on gravity cycle alone for internal lumen sterilization.

Q: How long do Tuttnauer 3870EA autoclaves typically last? With regular maintenance (gasket replacement, solenoid inspection, descaling), these units routinely run 15–25 years. The prevalence of 2000s-era units still in active dental practice use is testament to their durability.

Q: What distilled water is required? The 3870EA requires distilled or deionized water — standard tap water accelerates scale buildup on heating elements and in the chamber. Use Type II or better distilled water for optimal performance and longevity.

Q: How do I validate cycles for dental board compliance? Gravity-cycle autoclaves require weekly spore testing (biological indicators) plus cycle parameter documentation (time, temperature, pressure). Chart recorder printouts from older units and digital logs from newer units both satisfy state dental board requirements in the U.S. Consult your state dental association's infection control guidelines for specifics.

Q: Is it worth buying a refurbished 3870EA over a new unit? For most practices, yes. Refurbished units at $2,500–$5,000 from reputable medical equipment dealers offer the same validated sterilization performance as a new unit at $10,000+. Ensure the unit has been inspected, tested, and that replacement gaskets/seals have been installed.

Final Verdict

The Tuttnauer 3870EA is a best-in-class choice for high-volume dental and oral surgery practices that need serious chamber capacity at a fraction of new-unit cost. It outperforms the Midmark M11 decisively on throughput and delivers equal reliability for standard gravity sterilization. For smaller practices, the Midmark is appropriately sized — but if you're running three or more operatories and burning through cassette loads, the 3870EA is the workhorse you want. Refurbished units in the $2,500–$5,000 range from established equipment dealers represent outstanding value.

For more used medical equipment options, browse our full selection of used autoclaves, dental equipment, and disinfection equipment. ```