Thermal cyclers are an essential part of the equipment in any laboratory conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Choosing the correct thermal cycler can have a significant impact on the efficacy and efficiency of your experiments. In this article, we will compare two thermal cycler models from two leading manufacturers in the industry: the YR06070 model from Kalstein https://kalstein.net/en/product/thermal-cyclers-yr06070/ and the SimpliAmp Thermal Cycler from Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Technical comparison of the YR06070 and SimpliAmp Thermal Cycler
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Dimensions and Weight
The Kalstein thermal cycler comes in a dimension of 260mm(L)*400mm(W)*260mm(H) and weighs approximately 11Kg, while Thermo Fisher’s is slightly smaller and lighter with a measurement of 210 mmx 240mm x 460 mm and a weight of 8.3kg. Although both models are compact and easy to handle, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s SimpliAmp thermal cycler offers an advantage in terms of portability thanks to its lower weight.
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Suitable Consumables and Reaction Volume
Both devices are compatible with various laboratory consumables. The Kalstein thermal cycler can handle 0.2mL 8-strip tubes, 0.2ml single tubes and 0.2ml 96-deep-well plates, while Thermo Fisher’s SimpliAmp is suitable for 96-well, 0.2 mL, 3-zone VeriFlex Block. In terms of reaction volume, both devices can support a volume of 0-100ul.
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Thermal Specifications
The Kalstein thermal cycler stands out in this category, offering a temperature control range of 0.0℃ to 99.9℃, with a temperature accuracy of ±0.1 ℃ and a uniform gradient block of 12 rows. It also features a maximum heating and cooling rate of 4.5°C/s. On the other hand, Thermo Fisher’s SimpliAmp thermal cycler has a more limited temperature control range of 0–100.0°C and a temperature accuracy of ±0.25°C but with a heating rate of 4°C/second.
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Control Display and Network Connection
The Kalstein thermal cycler is intuitive and easy to use with a 7-inch color touchscreen. It also offers network connection options via Ethernet or USB. Thermo Fisher’s SimpliAmp thermal cycler, however, features an 8-inch TFT LCD color screen and can connect to the cloud or to mobile devices via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, thus providing a wider variety of connectivity options.
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Warranty
In terms of warranty, Kalstein wins with a 2-year warranty compared to Thermo Fisher’s 1-year term.
While both thermal cyclers are of high quality and offer excellent features, Kalstein’s thermal cycler stands out in several areas, including temperature control specifications, warranty, and price. However, the final purchase decision will always depend on the specific needs of your laboratory.