Fully Automated Induction Sterilizer for Mycology

Fully automated induction micro sterilizers built for real sterile workflow in mycology. No button. No foot pedal. Place your instrument in or on the sterilizer and it runs a timed cycle automatically. Ships pre programmed to 7.5 seconds and is user adjustable. Compare LabRat and FlatTop and see why automation beats flame, foot pedal induction, alcohol, UV, and batch sterilization for between plate work.

Want the enclosed ergonomic option. Read the LabRat guide.

Efficient & Consistent

  • Scalpel being inserted into a Black Automatic Induction Sterilizer

    No button or foot pedal

    Place the instrument in or on the unit and the cycle runs automatically. You stay focused on sterile work instead of triggering a cycle every time.

  • Two hands sealing a colonized agar dish with parafilm

    Hands free between uses

    During agar work you constantly switch between cutting, transferring, labeling, and sealing. The sterilizer becomes the safe parking place for the tool until you need it again.

  • Black Automatic Sterilizer being reprogrammed to run a longer sterilization cycle.

    Timed cycle you can tune

    Ships pre programmed for 7.5 seconds, which is ideal for a common scalpel setup like a #11 blade on a #3 handle. Timing is user adjustable to match tool mass and preference.
Ready to pick a model. Compare LabRat and FlatTop here.
mycology lab bench with scalpel, agar plate, flow hood and induction sterilizer

Why automation is a game changer in mycology lab work

A typical working session involves frequent sterilization and frequent moments where you need both hands. Example. You use your blade to cut and transfer an agar wedge. Next you parafilm and label the plate, which takes both hands. With fully automated induction, you place the tool back into the sterilizer and continue working. When you reach for the tool again, it is ready without you holding a trigger, waiting on a preheat, or searching for a place to set it down.

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White electronic device with a red light and digital display on a black background

The LabRat. Enclosed and ergonomic

  • Same core components and same function as FlatTop
  • Enclosed housing helps reduce exposure while the tool rests between uses
  • Face and tool insert set to a 22.5 degree angle for comfortable workflow
  • Price $174.99
  • Free Shipping
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Black induction sterilizer with digital display, copper coil, proximity sensor, and tool tray on a white background

The FlatTop. Open and easy to wipe down

  • Same core components and same function as LabRat
  • Open design is simple to wipe down and easy to access
  • Same hands free automated cycle behavior
  • Lower price point
  • Price $149.99
  • Free Shipping
Button label
Default timing and adjustability

Ships pre programmed to run a 7.5 second cycle. Users can reprogram the time delay relay using the built in buttons to match tool mass and preference. The relay supports multiple behaviors. For this application only program 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 apply. Units ship set to program 1.2.

Trigger and metal compatibility

The trigger uses an inductive proximity sensor that detects ferrous metals within about 5 mm. This is intentional. It ensures the unit only triggers on instruments the induction coil can actually heat.

Built to last and modular

Designed and manufactured by hand in Whitefish, Montana. Frames and housings are 3D printed using engineering filaments including ABS GF and PA6 CF. Assembly uses stainless steel fasteners and copper heat inserts. Both models are modular with replaceable components using a screwdriver and hex key. Timing control is solid state and MOSFET based.

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Alternatives

  • Autoclave & UV Sterilizers

    Both are effective. They are not practical for continuous reuse of the same instrument during a working session. Autoclaves run in batches and take time. UV needs dwell time and line of sight and it does not solve the between plates workflow or tool parking between uses.

  • 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

    Alcohol helps with general sanitation but it is not a fast repeat cycle sterilization method for frequent tool reuse. Alcohol needs adequate contact time to be effective and the tool must fully dry before use. Wet alcohol adds handling steps and can disrupt sterile technique between plates.

  • Torch & Flame

    Works, but you still need a place to set a hot tool down between uses. It also adds extra motion and can leave residue on tools.

  • Manual Button & Pedal operated Induction Sterilizers

    Often requires you to hold the instrument and actively hold a button or foot pedal for the duration of the sterilization cycle. You still need to set the tool down to free your hands.

  • Glass Bead Sterilizers

    They can store tools, but require warm up and more routine cleaning. That adds maintenance and workflow friction.

  • Infrared Sterilizers

    Effective, but typically require preheat and often do not store your tool between uses. Many run hot continuously, which can reduce lifespan over time. Infrared and bead options can also work on non ferrous materials like glass. Most mycology tools used for agar work are ferrous metal instruments.

Use and cleaning best practices

  • Use in front of a flow hood for best sterile workflow
  • To avoid inadvertently triggering a sterilization cycle when removing your instrument, lift the before you pull out. If a cycle is inadvertently triggered, just let the cycle run. It will not harm the sterilizer.
  • Limit Sterilization cycle time to only the time required to effectively sterilize your instrument, about 5-10 seconds depending on its size
  • Unplug when not in use
  • When your work is finished, you can store your instrument in the device. When you return, gently lift and set your instrument back down to resterilize the instrument before use
  • Unplug before cleaning
  • Wipe exterior with a cloth lightly dampened with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
  • Do not spray liquid directly onto the unit
  • Ensure the unit is fully dry before plugging in and using again

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Warranty and real world track record


One year warranty. Replace, repair, or ship parts based on your preference. Over 75 units sold across Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and TikTok Shop. Shopify uses Judge.me reviews and syncs Etsy reviews. All reviews to date are 5 star. Zero warranty claims so far.

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