An autoclave vacuum system uses two vacuum sources to selectively impart a vacuum. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum sources are different types, wherein the first vacuum source is a vacuum pump, and the second source is a Venturi vacuum. The autoclave vacuum system uses a valve system for controlling whether the first and/or second vacuum sources are fluidly coupled to the vacuum enclo­sure. The valve system allows the autoclave vacuum system to assume a plurality of different configurations chosen such that a constant desired pressure is attained in the autoclave. The valve system may be triggered by a control system configured to recognize and act upon autoclave requirements such as temperature, pressure, duration of use, and number of cycles.