The Market Forge Sterilmatic STM-EL Steam Pressure Autoclave is a high-capacity laboratory sterilizer designed for dependable steam sterilization of laboratory glassware, instruments, culture media, biohazardous waste, liquids, and research materials. Featuring an 85-liter (3.0 cu. ft.) chamber, adjustable sterilization temperatures up to 250°F (121°C), automatic cycle control, and a rugged stainless steel construction, the STM-EL has been a trusted sterilization solution in research laboratories, universities, veterinary facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial laboratories for decades. This refurbished Market Forge Sterilmatic STM-EL from American Instrument Exchange provides a cost-effective alternative to new equipment while delivering the durability and dependable performance for which the Sterilmatic series is well known.
Market Forge Sterilmatic STM-EL Steam Pressure Autoclave Key Features
The Market Forge Sterilmatic STM-EL is engineered to provide reliable steam sterilization with straightforward analog controls and proven mechanical reliability. The large chamber accommodates oversized laboratory glassware, media bottles, instrument trays, and biohazard waste loads while occupying a relatively compact laboratory footprint. Unlike more complex programmable autoclaves, the STM-EL utilizes simple temperature and timer controls that are easy to operate and maintain. Once the selected sterilization temperature is reached, the timer automatically begins counting down, and the unit automatically exhausts pressure and shuts down at the completion of the cycle. A selectable slow-exhaust function allows safer processing of liquids by reducing boil-over during depressurization.
Specifications compiled from Market Forge manufacturer literature, distributor technical references, and American Instrument Exchange product information.
Common Applications
The Market Forge STM-EL is commonly used for sterilizing microbiological media, laboratory glassware, pipettes, flasks, stainless steel instruments, surgical instruments, laboratory waste, reusable laboratory supplies, rubber products, culture vessels, agar media, liquids, and biohazardous materials. Its large chamber capacity makes it particularly useful for laboratories processing high volumes of materials or oversized loads that exceed the capacity of typical benchtop autoclaves.
Ideal Laboratory Types
This steam sterilizer is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, university research laboratories, microbiology laboratories, veterinary laboratories, food science laboratories, environmental testing facilities, hospital research laboratories, industrial quality control departments, and government research institutions. Laboratories utilizing biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, laboratory freezers, and analytical balances frequently incorporate large-capacity steam sterilizers into their routine laboratory workflows.
Sterilization Performance & Cycle Flexibility
The STM-EL provides dependable saturated steam sterilization for a wide range of laboratory materials while allowing operators to adjust sterilization temperature based on application requirements. Automatic cycle timing begins only after the selected sterilization temperature has been reached, helping ensure consistent exposure times. The selectable slow-exhaust feature is particularly beneficial when sterilizing liquid media, as it reduces boiling and minimizes loss of sample volume during depressurization. The combination of simple analog controls and automatic cycle completion has made the Sterilmatic series a long-standing favorite in laboratories seeking dependable daily operation with minimal complexity.
Recommended Sterilization Applications
The Market Forge STM-EL is designed for sterilizing laboratory glassware, reusable instruments, microbiological media, liquids, culture vessels, laboratory waste, rubber products, and other materials compatible with saturated steam sterilization. Users should always verify that materials are appropriate for autoclaving and follow laboratory protocols regarding sterilization temperatures, exposure times, and exhaust settings for individual applications.
Refurbishment and Testing Process
At American Instrument Exchange, each refurbished steam autoclave is inspected and evaluated by our technicians prior to shipment. Testing procedures may include verification of chamber heating performance, pressure regulation, timer operation, temperature controls, pressure gauge function, safety systems, exhaust operation, low-water protection, electrical safety, and overall operational performance. Components showing excessive wear are serviced or replaced as needed to help ensure dependable laboratory performance. Final cleaning and inspection are completed before packaging and shipment.
Shipping and Installation Considerations
The Market Forge Sterilmatic STM-EL ships via freight and should be installed on a level surface with adequate clearance around the chamber and controls. Buyers should verify electrical compatibility before installation and provide appropriate utilities in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. Routine inspection of chamber seals, safety devices, and water level systems will help maximize long-term performance and reliability. The autoclave is carefully packaged to protect the chamber, controls, and pressure system during shipment.
Related Laboratory Equipment
Laboratories purchasing steam autoclaves often also require biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, centrifuges, analytical balances, water purification systems, and laboratory glassware. American Instrument Exchange offers a wide selection of refurbished laboratory equipment to support microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, analytical chemistry, and life science laboratories.
What is the chamber capacity of the Market Forge STM-EL?
The Sterilmatic STM-EL features an approximately 85-liter (3.0 cubic foot) chamber with dimensions of about 16 inches in diameter by 26 inches deep, providing significantly more usable capacity than many benchtop laboratory autoclaves.
What is the difference between the STM-E and STM-EL?
The STM-EL includes an adjustable temperature control that allows operators to select sterilization temperatures between 230°F and 250°F (110°C to 121°C), while the STM-E operates at a fixed sterilization temperature of 250°F (121°C).
Can the STM-EL sterilize liquid media?
Yes. The Sterilmatic STM-EL includes a slow-exhaust function that gradually releases chamber pressure after sterilization, helping reduce boil-over when processing liquid media.
Is the autoclave easy to operate?
Yes. The STM-EL uses straightforward analog controls with an adjustable thermostat, mechanical timer, pressure gauge, and thermometer, making it easy to learn and operate while maintaining dependable sterilization performance.
What warranty is included?
This refurbished Market Forge Sterilmatic STM-EL Steam Pressure Autoclave includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
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Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Equipment
Ensure Accuracy, Safety, and Dependable Performance Across Applications
At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished laboratory equipment undergoes a rigorous, multi-point testing protocol to ensure optimal performance, operational safety, and long-term reliability. Whether the equipment is destined for research, diagnostics, quality control, or production environments, our thorough inspection and testing process is designed to meet the highest standards of laboratory excellence.
Why Testing Used Lab Equipment Is Essential
Before any refurbished laboratory equipment is returned to service, it must be carefully tested to verify:
• Functional integrity and operational performance
• Setpoint accuracy and repeatability (where applicable)
• User interface responsiveness and control features
Proper testing reduces the risk of equipment failure, measurement inaccuracies, or user hazards—helping to ensure consistent results in clinical, academic, biotech, and industrial labs.
Our standardized lab equipment testing procedures are tailored to each equipment type, ensuring every unit meets manufacturer specifications and industry benchmarks.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Equipment
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Examine equipment housing for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check ports, power cords, and exterior components for tampering or deterioration
• Verify that internal and external parts (racks, shelves, connectors, accessories) are present and undamaged
2. Functional Startup and Operational Testing
• Power on the equipment and verify startup diagnostics
• Confirm functionality of displays, buttons, switches, and control panels
• Run basic functions to confirm proper response and behavior under standard operating conditions
3. Testing and Performance Verification
• Test internal sensors or control systems using industry-standard tools
• Perform operational tests to validate accuracy and consistency
• Verify key performance specifications such as temperature control, timing, speed, or measurement outputs, depending on equipment type
4. Mechanical and Electrical System Testing
• Evaluate motors, pumps, fans, or other moving parts for smooth operation
• Inspect and test wiring, relays, fuses, and circuit boards for safety and reliability
• Test power delivery and grounding compliance
5. Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure equipment is grounded and insulated to meet laboratory safety standards
• Test alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, or safety shutdown systems if applicable
6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation
• Perform extended runtime testing
• Document operational logs, testing results, and any repairs or adjustments made
• Complete a final inspection, thorough cleaning, and packaging for delivery
Trusted Quality from American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years of experience in laboratory equipment refurbishment, American Instrument Exchange is committed to delivering certified, lab-ready instruments backed by expert testing. Our testing protocols ensure that each piece of equipment—regardless of type—is safe, accurate, and dependable from day one.
Whether you're equipping a startup lab or expanding a high-throughput facility, you can count on our refurbished laboratory equipment to perform with precision and reliability.
Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Equipment from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every piece of used laboratory equipment we offer undergoes a multi-step refurbishment process. Whether it's an analytical balance, centrifuge, freezer, oven, or any other essential lab instrument, our goal is to restore each unit to peak performance—ensuring accuracy, safety, and long-term reliability in scientific, clinical, industrial, and academic environments.
Why Choose Refurbished Lab Equipment from American Instrument Exchange?
• Thoroughly tested for performance, precision, and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by expert technicians with decades of laboratory equipment experience
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every instrument and system refurbished at American Instrument Exchange follows a detailed, industry-aligned process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Complete visual and structural inspection for cosmetic damage, wear, or corrosion
• Mechanical assessment of hinges, seals, fasteners, motors, and moving parts
• Missing components and damaged items are documented for repair or replacement
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Full internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive, lab-safe solutions
• Removal of biological, chemical, or particulate contamination
• Disassembly and cleaning of removable parts such as trays, shelves, and filters
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Replacement or repair of worn or broken mechanical parts
• Evaluation and servicing of control panels, sensors, switches, and displays
• Testing and repair of electrical wiring, fuses, circuit boards, and power supplies
4. Functional System Testing
• Assessment of all major functions specific to the equipment type (e.g., speed, temperature, force, weight, timing)
• Operation of control interfaces, programming menus, and digital displays
• Verification of stabilization time, responsiveness, and user input reliability
5. Testing and Performance Verification
• Testing of internal sensors, controllers, and measurement systems using certified tools
• Multi-point testing to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and performance consistency
• Confirmation of user-defined setpoints, timing sequences, or programmable cycles
6. Safety and Compliance Checks
• Testing of safety interlocks, alarms, and over-limit protection systems (as applicable)
• Electrical safety inspections, including grounding and insulation verification
7. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation
• Full operational testing under simulated lab conditions
• Completion of performance benchmarks, testing results, and repair logs
• Final cleaning and visual inspection
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years of experience in the laboratory equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted leader in high-quality refurbished lab instruments. Our refurbishment protocols ensure that every piece of equipment we sell is lab-ready—offering the precision, performance, and durability your team can count on.
Whether you’re outfitting a new lab or expanding an existing operation, choose American Instrument Exchange for tested, warrantied, and cost-effective laboratory equipment.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
