Hi there,

I'm very happy with the Eppendorf Mastercycler Gradient! I have also used the Pro version but got in trouble when running experiment with few tubes in it : the cover weight is enough to flatten the tubes during experiment (Eppedorf is now selling "solid spacer tubes" in order to avoid this!)! Whereas in the Gradient there is a lid adjustment according to the type of tubes you are using... Hope it helps...

If you're looking for a standard thermocycler (not for qPCR) I'm quite happy with the T100 from Bio-Rad. It runs standard and gradient cycles as well.

The Applied Biosystems Veriti thermal cycler can run gradients, has a touch screen and a small footprint. Very easy to use and I've never had any problems with it. Would definitely recommend.

We have been very happy with the Eppendorf Mastercycler Pro. It's very forgiving about tube/plate height and type. We have also observed tube deformation when only a few tubes are placed into the block, which is minor but can be fixed by putting empty tubes of the same type in each corner of the block--no need to buy 'spacer' tubes. 

I loved the Eppendorf mastercykler with gradient. I think it's the best

Has anyone else used the Veriti thermal cycler (or the newer, cheaper, even smaller SimpliAmp)? Unlike Eppendorf's MasterCycler Pro, it has a touch screen (which I prefer to the keypad offered by Eppendorf) and it also allows you to program set temperature zones so that several reactions (with different annealing temperatures) can be run at once. I'm actually leaning toward these (they're a decent amount cheaper than Eppendorf), but I want to make sure that they're reliable...

We have Eppendroff nexus and in my institute 99% PCR machine from Eppendroff. so i think its quite reliable. but recently i have seen veriti thermal cycler. they are very good. No need to worry about touch screen. it is perfect. Even we have suggested to eppendroff to do the same. 

We have 2 Eppendorf Mastercycler Gradient machines in our department, which have both suffered from internal faults that meant being sent off for repairs.  Apart from that, they're good machines with good functionality.  However, for routine use most people here seem to prefer the Techne brand cyclers that we have, which are cheaper and a little more user-friendly.  The Techne TC-Plus (now replaced by the TC-Prime Elite) works really well and has all the functions that you want, although it's a bit noisy.

I would not buy anything Bio-Rad. Our MyCycler broke down after a couple of years and cost over $1,000 to fix. We also have their gel chambers, and they are falling apart too.

Hi, Eppendorf is good, but after several bad experiences I don't like anymore. I recommend Bio-Rad T100 - Darius is writing about MyCler, that was really not a good machine, with T100 we have no problems, very simple to work with, reliable temperatures, reliable results and a nice price. We also experimented with cheap products from Asia (Bioer company) - it works somehow, but for a limited time and the results from Bioer and Bio-rad are sometimes very very different.

I use Techne brand PCR machines. They are cheaper than those from Eppendorf, and they are pretty user-friendly. I am satisfied with them. Attached picture is one of their models.

Hi there, I would suggest BIO-RAD T 100™ Thermal Cycler. I used it for my multiplex PCR works and temperature gradient were done several times. The machine permits you to load 8 samples vertically within auto set temperature gradient intervals by providing max and min temperature. Accurate temperature ramping time as recorded in the Log. It comes with wide touch screen panel  make it easy to operate. While reaction running, the panel shows you an accurate countdown time to complete cycles and graph of temperature level. Temperature and duration can easily be set-up and each protocol can be saved under your personalised folder.It cost you around $ 350. 

Current Bio-Rad and Eppendorf models make solid thermocyclers. Both have very good gradients. 

The ones based on the old MJ design are great (I think they are now owned by Bio-Rad, and are being phase out in favour of something newer, clunkier, and more expensive). It's time someone makes an affordable PCR cycler, it's not rocket science.

I think G-Storms are the worst of. I used a colleague's once, and it condensed and self-destructed when we cooled it down to 4C overnight. The company rep said they were not supposed to be cooled down below 8C, and offerred a new block for 1000 GBP. My be they should make the newer generation self-destruct below 13C, why not. Can sell more blocks. Every MJ machine I've used (dozens) could hold 4C overnight.

in our lab we use Bio-Rad machines for many years without problems. The software is easy to understand and can be used on you desk as well as in the lab. Good and fast support from Bio-Rad with questions.