Best Compact Thermocycler on the Market

December 29, 2015

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Research
Laboratory Technician

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Applied Biosystems by Life Technologies

Product Name:

2720 Thermal Cycler

Catalog Number:

4359659

Our lab works with mice, which involves a great deal of genotyping. We run a number of different PCRs to detect the presence of various alleles in our mice, and rely upon our thermocyclers to do so. Applied Biosystems is a leading producer of reliable thermocyclers, and this machine is no exception.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Polymerase Chain Reactions

Starting Material

Genomic DNA

Protocol Overview

Once the PCR reaction mix has been prepared, I turn on the thermocycler, choose my name as the user, and select the specific program to detect an allele. After inserting the tubes, I close down the lid and it's ready to go. The machine will prompt you to confirm the reaction volume, and then it starts. In addition to reliability, this machine is unparalleled in how quickly and easily programs can be entered. The visual representation of the different temperatures and portions of the reaction is extremely helpful.

Tips

Have a backup plastic guide plate in case the existing one melts/breaks from continuous heating and cooling.

Results Summary

I consistently get impressive results with this thermocycler. Following electrophoresis of the reactions, I am pleased to find clear, crisp bands that make genotyping simple. There is no difference in quality due to the location of the tubes, and the top keeps each tube closed to prevent any evaporation while temperatures are rapidly changing.

Features Summary

Visual reaction display, user-specific programs, quick startup

Additional Notes

The lid is great - the pressure applied is perfect to keep the tubes shut without crunching them in the process.

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Summary

The Good

Reliable, great lid, convenient visual reaction display

The Bad

Nothing.

The Bottom Line

For the footprint, price, and convenience, this is the best thermocycler on the market. We've been using it for years alongside Bio-Rad and Eppendorf thermocyclers, and it's everyone's favorite one to use. I highly recommend this thermocycler.

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