A condenser assembly for a chamber of a sterilization system is provided which includes a cooling apparatus operable within the chamber and external means for receiving exhaust air and vapors from the chamber and for separating vapors into water and air. The external means may include an air-water separator or a condenser. The cooling apparatus is operable during at least one phase or cycle of a sterilization process to reduce the temperature inside the chamber and increase the condensation of vapors inside the chamber. A method of treating articles in a sterilization system with the condenser assembly includes disinfecting the articles in a chamber and, after disinfecting, recondensing vapor within the chamber using the cooling apparatus.
