An autoclave is one of the most important devices used in the medical field. It is a sterilizing solutions above their boiling point to sterilize medical or laboratory instruments. The autoclave is also used in industry to “cure” some products during the manufacturing process. The autoclave comes in several types. One of the simplest autoclaves looks a great deal like a pressure cooker. It is a large pot with a gauge on top and bolts that fasten the top to the pot. The idea behind this is that water inside a pressurized container can be heated above the boiling point.