Sterilize inhalers in the steam cooker

Question

Hello,
we are buying a new kitchen and are considering having a built-in steam cooker installed (NOT a combi-unit with an oven). Would it be possible to use it to sterilize the inhalation equipment for our 3-year-old daughter (who has CF) in the morning and evening? We currently use a vaporizer that does the job, but we could get rid of it and have one less appliance cluttering up the counter... What are people's experiences or recommendations regarding this? Our daughter currently inhales saline solution using the accessories for the Pariboy Junior®. There are steam cookers with a "baby bottle" function, and I imagine that should serve the same purpose as a standard sterilizer, right? If so, I’d appreciate some information on the correct procedure—specifically, whether the equipment always needs to be dried immediately, or if "wet" inhalation straight from the closed steamer is also an option. Thanks!

Answer

Dear inquirer,
A steam cooker sterilizes using hot steam, just like a dedicated vaporizer. The steam reaches 100°C; maintaining this temperature for 10 minutes (i.e., after the initial heating phase) is sufficient to kill germs.
Just as with a standard vaporizer, there are two options:
- After the sterilization process, place the sterilized parts on clean, dry towels to dry; you can cover them with a clean, dry cloth to keep them clean until needed.
- Leave the sterilized parts wet inside the vaporizer/steam cooker; when you want to inhale, open the unit and remove the wet inhaler component directly for use. Once the door is opened, the remaining parts are no longer sterile—meaning you must use the part immediately after opening and cannot sterilize a batch in advance (unless you subsequently dry the other parts on a dry towel as described above). As long as the door remains closed, the water and the parts inside the steam cooker remain sterile. A potential downside is that the material may rust more quickly—especially if a metal membrane is involved—due to constant exposure to moisture.
Officially, there is no specific data regarding the use of steam cookers for this purpose; studies have only been conducted using dedicated vaporizers. Nevertheless, given the technology involved, it should work just as well, so I see no reason not to use one for this purpose.
Of course, as with any appliance, it should be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.
Best regards,
Daniela d'Alquen

29.06.2026