Customer sent this question:
“One of our professors wants to know if the metal guides that hold the shelves inside the Market Forge model we currently have, can be removed since we don’t use any racks other than the one in the very bottom (which doesn’t sit on the metal guide). I see in the back of the chamber that the guide is somewhat attached to the damper? I am guessing that is what it is. It kind of curves in the back upper portion of the chamber, as if it may direct steam/condensation toward the very back of the chamber?”

Answer:
All the metal pieces inside the Market Forge sterilizer chamber are there for a purpose. Without these pieces you can’t insure proper sterilizing.

The triangular shaped piece (baffle) located in the back top (supported by the wire racks) is there for two reasons. It helps keep the flow of steam where it should be and secondly it prevents any condensation coming off the probe(s) located in the top of the unit from dripping down on to the media being sterilized.

The bottom perforated metal piece (with the non-concentric holes) is known as the Perforated Water Baffle. Its purpose is to keep the boiling water from splashing up on to the media being sterilized while also allowing the steam to pass through those holes to get the maximum amount of steam circulating throughout the chamber. Therefore, that Perforated Water Baffle SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SHELF. These holes should not be covered up.

And that’s the second reason for the wire racks (tray supports) on the sides. These are used to support the 12” x 20” (perforated or wire) trays so these trays do not sit on top of the Perforated Water Baffle and cover up the holes. This attached link attached a page from the Owners Manual that may help clarify this points.

Sterilizer Manual – Pan Support and Baffle Install Only

Sincerely,
Shlomo Savyon
sterilizers.com