Count parts, not bottles
One feeding can create a bottle, nipple, collar, cap, vent pieces, and pump components. Lay out a complete load from the busiest part of the day and check whether steam and airflow can reach every item.
Calculate cycles per day
Divide the total clean-part demand by the realistic load, then include cycle, cooling, unloading, and refill time. A nominal six-bottle unit may still require several cycles for twins or exclusive pumping.
Protect the overnight reserve
Keep enough clean, dry feeding parts outside the active cycle for the next feed. A machine should reduce routine pressure, not create a single point of failure when a cycle is delayed.
Separate cleaning from sanitizing
Milk residue and film must be removed before sanitizing. If washing is the true bottleneck, compare a purpose-built bottle washer or an appropriate dishwasher workflow instead of buying a larger sterilizer.