The B4000-18 is the mid-size BioClave autoclave — 18 L chamber capacity at $7,545 ($2,092 step over the Mini at $7,545.00). Same validated 121 °C steam-sterilization mechanism as the BioClave Mini, scaled to mid-throughput workflows — multi-bottle media sterilization, multi-flask glassware sterilization, mid-batch biohazard waste decontamination. 115 V or 230 V 115 V / 230 V chassis (vs the Mini's 200–240 V-only requirement) — meaningfully easier US-facility installation since standard 115 V US wall outlets are compatible.
For full chemistry rationale (validated sterility, BioClave vs other decontamination modalities, application profile, electrical / water / facility planning, safety considerations), see the B4000-M (BioClave Mini) anchor page.
Voltage options: This unit can be ordered with European voltage requirements (230V/50Hz). Contact us to order.
Key Specifications
| SKU | B4000-18 |
| Type | Research-grade benchtop autoclave, mid-size |
| Capacity | 18 L chamber |
| Sterilization mechanism | Pressurized steam at 121 °C |
| Voltage | 115 V or 230 V (discrete variants) — broader electrical compatibility than the Mini |
| Sister capacity SKUs | B4000-M (Mini, $7,545.00), B4000-28-120 / -220 (28 L, $13,895) |
| Compatible accessories | B4000-P (printer, $387), B4000-PA (printer paper, $52), B4000-PM-KIT (preventative maintenance, $100) |
| List price | $7,545 |
| Safety flag | High-pressure steam hazard + thermal hazard (121 °C) |
Why the 18 L Capacity — Mid-Throughput Sterilization Workflows
The 18 L chamber is the default mid-throughput autoclave size. It handles multi-bottle media sterilization (4–8 standard 1 L media bottles per cycle) and multi-flask glassware sterilization (8–12 flasks per cycle), along with mid-batch biohazard waste decontamination for facility-scale BSL2 waste cycles and mid-batch instrument / pipette sterilization. This capacity supports multi-investigator shared-facility throughput, consolidating multiple workflows into shared cycles.
Pick the BioClave 18 (B4000-18) when:
- Workflow exceeds the Mini chamber's capacity (frequent batch-by-batch sequencing of sterilization cycles)
- Multi-investigator shared facility procurement at moderate throughput
- Standard 115 V or 230 V circuit is available — broader electrical flexibility than the Mini's 200–240 V-only requirement
- Mid-tier procurement is the right fit — 28 L would be excess capacity for the workflow throughput
Stay with B4000-M (Mini, $7,545.00 200-240V only) when small-batch workflow + dedicated 200–240 V circuit fit the procurement.
Step to B4000-28-120 / -220 (28 L, $13,895) when production-scale throughput drives procurement.
BioClave Family — Capacity / Electrical Comparison
| SKU | Capacity | Voltage | List price |
| B4000-M | Mini (smallest) | 200–240 V only | $7,545.00 |
| B4000-18 (this product) | 18 L | 115 V or 230 V (universal) | $7,545 |
| B4000-28-120 / -220 | 28 L | 115 V or 230 V | $13,895 |
The 18 L's broader 115 V / 230 V electrical compatibility is a meaningful advantage in US facilities where 200–240 V outlets aren't readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How large is the B4000-18 chamber? A: 18 L — the mid-size step between the BioClave Mini and the 28 L model.
Q: What voltage does the BioClave 18 need? A: 115 V or 230 V (discrete variants) — broader flexibility than the Mini's 200–240 V-only requirement, easing US-facility installation. The 230 V variant is available by special order.
Q: How does the 18 L compare to the other BioClave sizes? A: B4000-M Mini ($7,545.00 200–240 V only), B4000-18 (18 L, $7,545, 115/230 V), and B4000-28-120 / -220 (28 L, $13,895).
Q: What accessories are available? A: The B4000-P printer ($387), B4000-PA printer paper ($52), and B4000-PM-KIT preventative maintenance kit ($100).
Ordering & Configuration
Confirm electrical infrastructure. 115 V or 230 V — broader flexibility than the Mini. Confirm circuit amperage matches autoclave draw at order.
Pair with printer / paper / PM kit accessories as for the Mini — see B4000-M parent page for accessory pairing matrix.
Confirm water source / drainage planning, regulatory compliance, chamber-load sizing, preventative maintenance — see B4000-M parent for full procurement-planning detail.
Confirm at quote: voltage / electrical service, water supply / drainage planning, regulatory compliance, chamber-load sizing, preventative maintenance, training, warranty, and lead time.
Warranty: Per Benchmark Scientific standard capital-equipment terms.
BioClave family — pick the right size:
- B4000-M — Mini ($7,545.00 200–240 V only)
- B4000-18 (this product) — 18 L ($7,545, 115/230 V) — mid-throughput workhorse
- B4000-28-120 / -220 — 28 L ($13,895, 115/230 V)
Pick the BioClave 18 for mid-throughput sterilization with broader electrical flexibility; sister sizes cover smaller-batch and production-scale workflows. See B4000-M anchor for full BioClave family chemistry / safety detail.
