Tuttnauer CSU3HBK 3-Gallon Ultrasonic Cleaner with Basket and Heater – New
The Tuttnauer CSU3HBK Clean & Simple 3-Gallon Ultrasonic Cleaner with Basket and Heater combines moderate-volume instrument capacity, heated ultrasonic cleaning, and convenient basket-based handling in a compact benchtop system. Designed for reusable dental instruments, clinical instruments, veterinary tools, laboratory implements, instrument cassettes, and other compatible items, the CSU3HBK provides an efficient cleaning step before subsequent rinsing, inspection, disinfection, sterilization, or further processing.
With an actual tank capacity of approximately 3.25 gallons / 12.3 L, the CSU3 platform accommodates a standard assortment of instruments or up to three full-size instrument cassettes. This places it between Tuttnauer's compact 1-gallon cleaners and higher-capacity 6-gallon systems, making the CSU3HBK particularly attractive for facilities that need full-size cassette capacity without dedicating the counter space required for the largest Clean & Simple model.
The CSU3HBK operates at 60 kHz and includes both an integrated heater and stainless-steel safety basket. The heater can improve the performance of compatible cleaning chemistry, while the basket simplifies instrument handling and helps prevent instruments from resting directly on the ultrasonic tank bottom.
This Tuttnauer CSU3HBK ultrasonic cleaner is sold brand new by American Instrument Exchange and includes the applicable Tuttnauer manufacturer warranty.
Key Features
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Brand-new Tuttnauer Clean & Simple ultrasonic cleaner
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3.25-gallon / 12.3 L actual tank capacity
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Holds up to three full-size instrument cassettes
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60 kHz ultrasonic cleaning frequency
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Integrated heater for heated cleaning applications
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Stainless-steel safety basket included
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Stainless-steel ultrasonic cleaning tank
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Durable vinyl-clad steel exterior housing
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Compact benchtop design for moderate-volume instrument processing
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Compatible with Tuttnauer Clean & Simple ultrasonic enzymatic cleaning tablets
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Brand-new equipment with Tuttnauer manufacturer warranty
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Available from American Instrument Exchange
Overview
The Tuttnauer CSU3HBK provides a useful balance between capacity and footprint for facilities that have outgrown a small ultrasonic bath but do not require a six-cassette cleaning system.
Ultrasonic cleaning works by transmitting high-frequency acoustic energy through a liquid cleaning solution. This energy produces microscopic cavitation bubbles throughout the tank. As the bubbles repeatedly form and collapse, they create localized cleaning action against submerged surfaces.
Because cavitation occurs throughout the cleaning solution, ultrasonic cleaning can reach hinges, serrations, grooves, recesses, joints, and other complex instrument surfaces that may be difficult to clean consistently by hand.
The CSU3HBK adds two useful features to the standard CSU3 platform: an integrated heater and stainless-steel safety basket. Together, these features create a more complete instrument-cleaning system for facilities that expect to use ultrasonic cleaning routinely.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Tuttnauer |
| Product Line |
Clean & Simple |
| Equipment Type |
Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner |
| Nominal Size |
3 Gallon |
| Actual Tank Capacity |
3.25 gal. / 12.3 L |
| Ultrasonic Frequency |
60 kHz |
| Cassette Capacity |
Up to 3 Full-Size Cassettes |
| Heater |
Included |
| Safety Basket |
Stainless Steel, Included |
| Tank Material |
Stainless Steel |
| Exterior Housing |
Vinyl-Clad Steel |
| Tank Dimensions |
15.5"W × 6"H × 9"D |
| Overall Dimensions |
16.5"W × 12.13"H × 10"D |
| Cleaning Chemistry |
Compatible with appropriate ultrasonic cleaning solutions |
| Condition |
Brand New |
| Warranty |
Tuttnauer Manufacturer Warranty |
Common Applications
The Tuttnauer CSU3HBK is designed for cleaning reusable instruments and compatible components before subsequent processing. Typical applications include dental instruments, instrument cassettes, reusable clinical tools, veterinary instruments, laboratory implements, stainless-steel components, and other items approved by their manufacturers for ultrasonic cleaning.
The three-cassette capacity makes this model especially useful for facilities processing moderate instrument volumes throughout the day. It provides considerably more working capacity than a compact 1-gallon cleaner without requiring the space or cleaning-solution volume of a 6-gallon system.
Ideal Laboratory and Clinical Environments
The CSU3HBK is well suited for dental practices, outpatient clinics, veterinary offices and hospitals, university laboratories, teaching laboratories, research facilities, biotechnology laboratories, medical offices, and other environments that routinely process reusable instruments.
It can also be an excellent choice for a department within a larger facility that needs its own dedicated ultrasonic cleaner but does not require a centralized high-capacity system.
3.25-Gallon / 12.3-Liter Tank Capacity
Tuttnauer markets the CSU3 as its 3-gallon Clean & Simple system, while the manufacturer's published actual tank capacity is approximately 3.25 gallons / 12.3 L.
The stainless-steel tank measures approximately 15.5 inches wide × 6 inches high × 9 inches deep.
This intermediate size is one of the CSU3HBK's primary advantages. It offers enough room for multiple instrument sets and full-size cassettes while maintaining an overall footprint of approximately 16.5 inches wide × 12.13 inches high × 10 inches deep.
For facilities with limited counter space, that combination of capacity and footprint can be more practical than moving directly to a 6-gallon cleaner.
Holds Up to Three Full-Size Instrument Cassettes
Tuttnauer specifies that the 3-gallon Clean & Simple system accommodates up to three full-size instrument cassettes.
This represents an important step up from the 1-gallon system, which is designed around smaller instrument loads and half-size cassettes.
For practices that already use full-size cassette systems, the CSU3HBK provides a convenient way to clean multiple organized instrument sets in a single batch.
Cassette dimensions and compatibility should always be verified for the specific cassette system being used.
Integrated Heater
The CSU3HBK includes an integrated heater for cleaning processes that benefit from elevated solution temperature.
Heating can improve the performance of appropriate cleaning chemistry by increasing chemical activity and helping loosen compatible soils from instrument surfaces.
This can be particularly useful when cleaning instruments exposed to proteinaceous or other difficult residues.
The correct temperature should always be determined by the cleaning chemistry instructions, instrument manufacturer's recommendations, and the facility's established procedures. Heated ultrasonic cleaning is not automatically appropriate for every instrument or cleaning application.
Stainless-Steel Safety Basket Included
A stainless-steel safety basket is included with the CSU3HBK.
The basket provides a convenient way to organize and handle instruments while helping prevent direct contact between instruments and the bottom of the ultrasonic tank.
Instead of retrieving individual items from the cleaning solution, users can load compatible instruments into the basket and remove the complete load together after the cleaning cycle.
This can simplify instrument handling and make the CSU3HBK especially useful in facilities where several batches are processed each day.
Why Choose the Basket-and-Heater Configuration?
The CSU3HBK is the most fully equipped configuration in the 3-gallon Clean & Simple family.
The integrated heater provides flexibility for cleaning chemistries that benefit from elevated temperature, while the included basket provides organized instrument handling and protects against direct tank-bottom placement.
Facilities that know they need both features can therefore purchase a complete configuration rather than adding accessories separately.
For moderate-volume instrument-processing areas, the combination of three-cassette capacity, heat, and basket-based handling makes the CSU3HBK a particularly versatile choice.
60 kHz Ultrasonic Cleaning
The CSU3HBK operates at 60 kHz.
Ultrasonic energy produces microscopic cavitation bubbles throughout the cleaning solution. When these bubbles collapse against submerged surfaces, they create localized cleaning action that helps loosen soils and debris.
Tuttnauer describes the 60 kHz Clean & Simple system as providing quiet cleaning power with less aggressive action on instruments than many lower-frequency ultrasonic cleaners.
This makes the CSU3HBK suitable for routine instrument-processing environments where effective cleaning and careful instrument handling are both priorities.
Cleaning Hinges, Serrations and Complex Surfaces
Many reusable instruments contain areas that are difficult to access consistently through manual cleaning.
Hinges, joints, serrated surfaces, box locks, grooves, recesses, and textured areas can retain soils even when exterior surfaces appear clean.
Ultrasonic cavitation acts throughout the cleaning solution, allowing cleaning action to reach many of these complex areas simultaneously.
Ultrasonic cleaning should still be performed according to the instrument manufacturer's instructions and should not be considered a substitute for any other required cleaning, inspection, or processing steps.
Heated Ultrasonic Cleaning
The CSU3HBK combines ultrasonic cavitation with heated cleaning solution.
These two mechanisms can complement each other. Ultrasonic cavitation provides mechanical cleaning action, while properly controlled solution temperature can improve the activity of compatible cleaning chemistry.
This combination can be useful for instruments exposed to biological residue, proteins, oils, or other compatible soils.
Temperature should remain appropriate for the cleaning product and instruments involved. Excessive heat can reduce the effectiveness of some enzymatic products or be inappropriate for certain materials.
Moderate-Volume Instrument Processing
The CSU3HBK is particularly well suited to facilities that fall between low-volume and high-volume instrument processing.
A 1-gallon cleaner may require too many separate batches when several instrument cassettes need cleaning. A 6-gallon cleaner may provide more capacity than a smaller practice actually needs.
The CSU3 platform provides a middle ground with room for three full-size cassettes while retaining a relatively compact benchtop footprint.
This makes it an attractive option for facilities seeking greater throughput without unnecessarily increasing equipment size and cleaning-solution volume.
Ultrasonic Cleaning Before Sterilization
The CSU3HBK is an ultrasonic cleaner, not a sterilizer.
Its role is to help remove soils and debris from compatible reusable instruments before subsequent processing.
For instruments that require steam sterilization, ultrasonic cleaning may be used as part of the cleaning process before autoclaving. After cleaning, instruments may still require rinsing, drying, inspection, lubrication, packaging, disinfection, or sterilization depending on their intended use.
Facilities should follow the instrument manufacturer's instructions and their established infection-control or laboratory procedures.
Cleaning Is Not Sterilization
Ultrasonic cleaning and sterilization are separate processes.
Ultrasonic cleaning helps remove contamination from instrument surfaces and complex geometry. Sterilization uses an appropriate validated process to destroy viable microorganisms when required for the instrument's intended use.
The CSU3HBK therefore cannot replace an autoclave.
Instead, an ultrasonic cleaner and Tuttnauer autoclave can perform complementary roles within the same instrument-processing workflow.
Why Cleaning Matters Before Autoclaving
Residual organic material, proteins, chemicals, and other soils can interfere with later instrument processing.
Cleaning reusable instruments before sterilization helps remove these materials and gives staff an opportunity to inspect instruments before they are packaged and placed into an autoclave.
Ultrasonic cleaning can be particularly useful for instruments with complex surfaces that are difficult to clean consistently by hand.
Tuttnauer Clean & Simple Enzymatic Cleaning Tablets
Tuttnauer offers Clean & Simple ultrasonic enzymatic cleaning tablets for use with the Clean & Simple cleaner family.
The tablet format simplifies preparation by allowing users to add the appropriate tablets directly to a tank filled with tap water. The tablets dissolve to create the working cleaning solution.
Tuttnauer describes the solution as non-ionic, non-corrosive, non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-caustic. Its enzymatic formulation is designed to help break down protein-containing soils.
Users should follow current Tuttnauer instructions for the appropriate tablet quantity, solution volume, contact time, replacement schedule, and operating conditions.
Heated Enzymatic Cleaning
The integrated heater can be particularly useful when the CSU3HBK is used with compatible enzymatic cleaning chemistry.
Properly controlled warmth can increase the activity of some cleaning solutions and help loosen protein-containing or other difficult soils.
However, more heat does not automatically mean better cleaning. Enzymatic products generally perform within specified temperature ranges, and excessive heat may reduce enzyme effectiveness.
The cleaning-product instructions should determine the appropriate solution temperature.
Stainless-Steel Cleaning Tank
The CSU3HBK incorporates a stainless-steel ultrasonic tank designed for repeated instrument-cleaning cycles.
Stainless steel provides a durable and cleanable surface suitable for clinical and laboratory environments.
Only solutions approved for ultrasonic use and compatible with the tank and instruments should be used. Flammable liquids, inappropriate solvents, and incompatible chemicals should not be introduced into the ultrasonic cleaner.
Durable Vinyl-Clad Steel Housing
Tuttnauer surrounds the ultrasonic tank with a durable vinyl-clad steel housing.
The exterior is designed to resist routine scratching and provide an easily cleaned surface.
This can be particularly useful in busy instrument-processing environments where equipment is used and wiped down repeatedly throughout the working day.
Quiet Operation
Tuttnauer emphasizes quieter operation as one of the advantages of its 60 kHz Clean & Simple ultrasonic systems.
This can be important in dental practices, medical offices, laboratories, and teaching facilities where the cleaner may be located close to occupied work areas.
For equipment that operates repeatedly during the day, reduced perceived noise can improve the overall working environment.
CSU3HBK vs. CSU3H
Both configurations include an integrated heater.
The CSU3HBK additionally includes the stainless-steel safety basket.
Facilities that already own a compatible basket or do not need basket-based instrument handling may prefer the CSU3H. Customers who want both features included from the beginning can choose the CSU3HBK.
CSU3HBK vs. CSU3BK
Both configurations include the stainless-steel safety basket.
The difference is the heater.
The CSU3BK provides basket-based instrument handling without integrated heat, while the CSU3HBK includes both the basket and heater.
Facilities whose cleaning chemistry benefits from elevated temperature should consider the CSU3HBK.
CSU3HBK vs. Standard CSU3
The standard CSU3 provides the same basic tank size, three-cassette capacity, and 60 kHz ultrasonic cleaning platform without the basket-and-heater combination.
It can be an economical choice for straightforward ultrasonic cleaning.
The CSU3HBK is the more fully equipped option for facilities that want both heated cleaning and convenient basket-based instrument handling.
CSU3HBK vs. Tuttnauer CSU1
The compact CSU1 has approximately 0.85 gallon / 3.2 L of actual capacity and accommodates up to two half-size cassettes.
The CSU3 provides approximately 3.25 gallons / 12.3 L of tank capacity and accommodates up to three full-size cassettes.
For low-volume applications, the CSU1 may be sufficient. Facilities using full-size cassettes or processing several instrument sets each day may benefit substantially from the CSU3HBK.
CSU3HBK vs. Tuttnauer CSU6
The CSU6 family provides approximately 6.5 gallons / 24.6 L of actual tank capacity and holds up to six full-size cassettes.
The CSU3 provides half that cassette capacity in a substantially smaller system.
For very busy instrument-processing areas, the CSU6 may provide better throughput. For moderate-volume practices and laboratories, the CSU3HBK can offer a better balance between capacity, footprint, and cleaning-solution volume.
Choosing the Right Tuttnauer Ultrasonic Cleaner
Selecting the appropriate Clean & Simple model depends primarily on instrument volume, cassette size, available counter space, and whether a heater or basket is required.
The 1-gallon system is designed for small instrument batches and half-size cassettes. The 3-gallon family accommodates three full-size cassettes and provides an effective middle-capacity solution. The 6-gallon family is intended for higher-volume facilities and accommodates up to six full-size cassettes.
Within the 3-gallon family, customers can select the standard CSU3, a basket-equipped version, a heated version, or the basket-and-heater configuration represented by the CSU3HBK.
Brand-New Tuttnauer Equipment from American Instrument Exchange
American Instrument Exchange supplies this Tuttnauer 3-gallon ultrasonic cleaner brand new with the applicable Tuttnauer manufacturer warranty.
Purchasing new Tuttnauer equipment through AIE allows dental practices, veterinary facilities, clinics, research laboratories, universities, and other customers to source ultrasonic cleaners alongside Tuttnauer autoclaves and other laboratory equipment through a single supplier.
For customers building or upgrading an instrument-processing area, American Instrument Exchange can also help compare the 1-, 3-, and 6-gallon Clean & Simple systems based on expected instrument volume and workflow.
Pairing the CSU3HBK with a Tuttnauer Autoclave
The CSU3HBK can serve as the cleaning stage within a broader reusable-instrument processing workflow.
Compatible instruments can first undergo ultrasonic cleaning to remove soils and debris. After appropriate rinsing, drying, inspection, and packaging, instruments requiring sterilization can then be processed in a properly sized Tuttnauer autoclave.
Matching cleaning and sterilization capacity can help prevent bottlenecks and improve overall instrument turnaround.
Related Equipment
Facilities purchasing the Tuttnauer CSU3HBK may also require Tuttnauer tabletop autoclaves, instrument cassettes, Clean & Simple cleaning tablets, water purification equipment, laboratory glassware washers, and other instrument-processing accessories.
American Instrument Exchange also supplies new and refurbished laboratory equipment for sterilization, sample preparation, centrifugation, cell culture, cold storage, and general laboratory applications.
Tuttnauer CSU3HBK 3-Gallon Ultrasonic Cleaner FAQs
What is the Tuttnauer CSU3HBK?
The CSU3HBK is a 3-gallon Tuttnauer Clean & Simple ultrasonic cleaner configuration that includes both an integrated heater and stainless-steel safety basket.
What is the actual tank capacity?
Tuttnauer specifies approximately 3.25 gallons / 12.3 L of actual tank capacity for the CSU3 platform.
What ultrasonic frequency does it use?
The Clean & Simple system operates at 60 kHz.
How many instrument cassettes can it hold?
The 3-gallon system accommodates up to three full-size instrument cassettes.
Does this model include a heater?
Yes. This configuration includes an integrated heater.
Does it include a basket?
Yes. A stainless-steel safety basket is included with the basket-and-heater configuration.
What are the tank dimensions?
The tank measures approximately 15.5"W × 6"H × 9"D.
What are the overall dimensions?
The cleaner measures approximately 16.5"W × 12.13"H × 10"D.
Why use a heated ultrasonic cleaner?
Properly controlled heat can improve the activity of compatible cleaning chemistry and help loosen certain soils.
Why is the basket useful?
The basket helps organize instruments, prevents direct placement on the tank bottom, and simplifies loading and removal.
Can it hold full-size cassettes?
Yes. Tuttnauer specifies capacity for three full-size cassettes.
Does the CSU3HBK sterilize instruments?
No. It is an ultrasonic cleaning system and does not replace an autoclave or other required sterilization process.
Can it be used before autoclaving?
Yes. When ultrasonic cleaning is appropriate for the instruments involved, it can form part of the cleaning process before steam sterilization.
Can dental practices use the CSU3HBK?
Yes. Its three-cassette capacity makes it particularly well suited to moderate-volume dental instrument processing.
Can laboratories use it?
Yes. Laboratories can use the system for compatible reusable tools, stainless-steel instruments, components, and other items suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
Is it appropriate for veterinary instruments?
Yes, provided the instruments and cleaning procedures are compatible with ultrasonic cleaning.
Can Tuttnauer Clean & Simple tablets be used?
Yes. Tuttnauer offers Clean & Simple enzymatic cleaning tablets for its ultrasonic cleaning systems.
What is the difference between the CSU3HBK and CSU3H?
Both include heat, but the CSU3HBK additionally includes the stainless-steel safety basket.
What is the difference between the CSU3HBK and CSU3BK?
Both include a basket, but the CSU3HBK additionally includes an integrated heater.
What is the difference between the CSU3HBK and the standard CSU3?
The CSU3HBK includes both basket and heater, while the standard CSU3 provides the basic ultrasonic cleaning configuration.
How does the CSU3 compare with the CSU1?
The CSU3 accommodates three full-size cassettes, while the compact CSU1 is designed for smaller loads and up to two half-size cassettes.
How does the CSU3 compare with the CSU6?
The CSU3 holds up to three full-size cassettes, while the CSU6 holds up to six.
Is this Tuttnauer ultrasonic cleaner brand new?
Yes. American Instrument Exchange sells this unit as brand-new equipment.
Does it include a warranty?
Yes. It includes the applicable Tuttnauer manufacturer warranty.
