Choosing a dental surgical suction system starts with a simple question: how many chairs work at the same time? Not the number of chairs installed. The number of chairs that use suction at the same moment. This is the criterion Cattani bases its recommendations on. This article goes through them one by one, as Cattani publishes them.
The right criterion: chairs working simultaneously
A three-chair practice where two dentists work in parallel does not have the same needs as a three-chair practice where every chair is busy all day. Cattani product sheets always refer to chairs “working at the same time”. So count your active workstations at peak hours. Also think about how the practice will evolve: one extra chair in two years changes the calculation.
Cattani insists on one point: do not undersize. According to the manufacturer's documentation, the saving at purchase is not real. A machine that is too small costs you suction unit lifetime and energy savings.
Cattani's recommendations, model by model
1 to 2 chairs: Micro-Smart and Micro-Smart Cube
For the Micro-Smart, Cattani states: “Suggested for 1-2 surgeries working at the same time”. The same sentence appears on the product sheet for the Micro-Smart Cube. The Micro-Smart offers a maximum flow of 900 l/min and a maximum vacuum of 210 mbar in continuous operation.
One nuance deserves your attention. The Micro Smart brochure specifies that this machine is recommended for two chairs in Italy and Spain, but for one chair in France and Great Britain. Working habits matter. If your dentists use the surgical cannula a lot, allow some headroom.
2 chairs: Turbo-Smart A and Turbo-Smart Cube A
For the Turbo-Smart version A, the recommendation is: “Suggested for 2 surgeries working at the same time”. For the Turbo-Smart Cube A: “Suggested for two surgeries working at the same time”. The Turbo-Smart A reaches a maximum flow of 1400 l/min.
3 to 4 chairs: Turbo-Smart B
The Turbo Smart brochure describes how the range scales up: “model A (for 2 surgeries) to model B (for 3-4 surgeries)”. The Turbo-Smart version B goes up to 1700 l/min. For the Cube version, Cattani writes: “model "A" (for 2 surgeries) to model "B" (for 4 surgeries)”.
3 to 5 chairs: Turbo-Smart TS
For the Turbo-Smart TS, Cattani's UK subsidiary states: “Turbo Smart TS is supplied for three surgery use and is upgradable to five surgeries if required”. And further on: “version A (for 3 surgeries) to version B (for up to 5 surgeries)”. A sound choice if your practice is set to grow.
4 chairs and surgery: Turbo-Smart 2V and Turbo-Smart HP
For the Turbo-Smart 2V : “Suggested for 4 surgeries working at the same time”. For the Turbo-Smart HP, Cattani's Italian product sheet specifies: “Consigliato per 4 studi in funzione contemporanea”.
These two machines target a higher vacuum. Cattani documentation presents the Turbo-Smart 2V as ideal for implantology and surgery. The Turbo-Smart HP is described as a high-power variable-speed suction system, for restorative dentistry and surgery.
A single chair, mobile: Aspi-Jet
For a single workstation, the Aspi-Jet is indicated for “1 surgery”. It works independently of the chair, on a trolley, with a maximum flow of 1250 l/min.
Matching the vacuum to each procedure
The number of chairs is not the whole story. Suction power must match the procedure. On Smart suction systems, the vacuum is programmable: the operator sets it as needed, and the unit automatically adapts the vacuum to the demand from the chairs.
Cattani documentation gives the example of the Micro-Smart:
- 70 mbar for the saliva ejector;
- 100 mbar for the HVE cannula;
- 210 mbar for the surgical cannula.
These three preset speeds apply with a single chair. You get the right power for each procedure, without running the machine at full speed all the time.
Pipework also affects the choice
An existing installation may call for a more powerful machine. Cattani advises a higher vacuum when the pipes are undersized or the runs too long. The Turbo Smart HP leaflet adds the case of pipes that are too narrow or fitted with traps. So before you choose, have the pipework between your chairs and the equipment room checked.
Summary
- 1 to 2 chairs working simultaneously: Micro-Smart, Micro-Smart Cube.
- 2 chairs: Turbo-Smart A, Turbo-Smart Cube A, or Blok-Jet Silent 1 if you want suction and compressed air in a single cabinet.
- 3 to 4 chairs: Turbo-Smart B.
- 4 chairs: Turbo-Smart 2V, Turbo-Smart HP, Turbo-Smart Cube B, or Blok-Jet Silent 2.
- Up to 5 chairs: Turbo-Smart TS.
To compare models side by side, see the page Suction or the tool Choose my equipment. Also think about compressed air, sized on the same logic: see the page Compressed air.
A Cattani specialist can advise you
Tell us how many chairs work at the same time, your main procedures and the layout of your equipment room. A Cattani specialist will suggest a suction model based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Ask a Cattani specialist for advice
Sources: Cattani, product sheets Micro-Smart, Micro-Smart Cube, Turbo-Smart A, Turbo-Smart Cube A, Turbo-Smart 2V and Turbo-Smart HP (cattani.it); Cattani documentation, Turbo Smart brochure 02-2020, p. 6 and 7; Cattani documentation, Turbo Smart and Micro Smart Cube brochure 02-2020, p. 2 and 6; Cattani documentation, Micro Smart brochure 02-2020, p. 2 and 3; Cattani documentation, Turbo Smart HP leaflet 05-2023, p. 6; Cattani documentation, manual Maxi Smart 04-2025, p. 15; Cattani documentation, manual Aspi-Jet 10-2021 (EN), p. 4 and 10; Cattani documentation, manual Blok-Jet Silent 09-2021, p. 9; Cattani ESAM UK (Cattani subsidiary), Turbo Smart, Turbo Smart TS and Aspi-Jet brochures.