What is a thermal cycler?
A thermal cycler , also called a PCR machine, is a machine used to perform the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that allows amplifying a specific sequence of DNA . Through repeated heating and cooling cycles, the thermal cycler facilitates the rapid replication of specific genetic fragments, making accurate analyses possible even from very small samples.
The main areas of use of the thermocycler are:
- Molecular biology research
- Medical diagnosis (screening for genetic or infectious diseases)
- Quality control in the food industry
- Forensic and criminological analyses
How does a thermal cycler work?
A thermal cycler follows a precise protocol based on three main steps:
- Denaturation : Double-stranded DNA is heated at high temperature to separate the two strands.
- Hybridization : The temperature is lowered to allow specific primers to bind to the target sequences.
- Elongation : A polymerase enzyme synthesizes a new complementary strand from the primers.
These three steps form a PCR cycle, generally repeated 25 to 40 times depending on the complexity and nature of the targeted DNA.
Why invest in a quality thermal cycler?
Choosing a high-performance thermal cycler is crucial to ensure:
- A perfectly controlled temperature in each cycle
- Reliable reproducibility of results
- Fast execution to optimize workflow
- Compatibility with different types of tubes, plates or samples
Modern labs favor models with a touchscreen LCD display, dry block heating, and advanced programming options to simplify daily operations.
PCR thermal cycler: how to choose the right model?
There are many models of PCR thermal cyclers on the market, each suited to specific needs. Here are some criteria to consider:
Sample capacity
Some thermal cyclers can process small batches of 16 tubes, while other models can accommodate up to 96 or even 384 samples simultaneously.
Temperature ranges
Check that the chosen model allows for fast and precise temperature ramps to minimize the risk of DNA degradation.
Programmability
A good thermal cycler should offer flexible programming options, with storage of standard cycles used in your lab.
What are the advantages of a refurbished thermal cycler?
At Rewake, we offer reconditioned thermal cyclers that are rigorously tested to ensure:
- Thermal performance in compliance with standards
- A price reduced by up to 60% compared to new
- A professional guarantee to secure your investment
Opting for a refurbished model means benefiting from a reliable device while reducing its ecological footprint and equipment costs.
Common Applications of a Thermal Cycler in the Laboratory
A thermal cycler is used in a multitude of scientific applications:
- Genetic mutation studies (SNP, insertion, deletion)
- Pathogen detection in microbiology and virology
- Molecular cloning
- Gene expression analysis (RT-PCR)
- Genetic Identification in Criminal Investigations
Each laboratory can adapt PCR cycles according to its specific projects and the reagent kits used.
Best thermal cycler for labs: which one to choose?
Given the diversity of options available, comparing thermal cyclers is essential before making any purchase. Here are the criteria evaluated in the best tests:
- Thermal reliability : precision of temperature rise and fall.
- Flexibility : compatibility with different sample formats.
- Ergonomics : simplicity of the interface, clarity of the touch LCD screen.
- Speed : Fast ramps to reduce cycle times.
- Advanced options : temperature gradient, real-time detection for qPCR, USB/Ethernet connectivity.
At Rewake, each refurbished thermal cycler is carefully selected to excel on these criteria, to ensure performance comparable to new high-end devices.
Buy Hettich laboratory centrifuge: the ideal complement to the thermal cycler
In many molecular biology protocols, it is essential to use a centrifuge to prepare samples prior to PCR. The Hettich brand is renowned for the robustness of its centrifugation equipment.
By combining a quality centrifuge with a high-performance thermal cycler , you optimize the purity and concentration of your nucleic acids, two crucial parameters for obtaining precise and reproducible amplifications.
If you are looking for a centrifuge to complement your PCR equipment, please feel free to check out our selected models on our website.
Buying a thermal cycler: how to avoid common mistakes?
Buying a thermal cycler should never be improvised. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Choosing a model that is not suitable for your sample volume (undersizing or oversizing)
- Neglecting the quality of thermal regulation
- Forgetting to evaluate connectivity options to facilitate program transfer
- Ignore compatibility with your existing consumables (tubes, plates, supports)
At Rewake, our experts will help you choose the thermal cycler that exactly meets your needs, without unnecessary frills or unpleasant technical surprises.
The different ranges of thermal cyclers available
On the laboratory market, there are several categories of thermal cyclers :
Standard thermal cycler
Ideal for conventional PCR applications. Simplicity and robustness are the key words. Perfect for teaching or routine laboratory projects.
Gradient thermal cycler
It allows you to test different hybridization temperatures in a single cycle. Essential for optimizing primers or developing new protocols.
Real-time thermal cycler (qPCR)
Also called a quantitative thermocycler, it allows amplification to be monitored in real time using a fluorescent probe. Essential for gene expression studies and precise quantitative analyses.
How to properly maintain your thermal cycler?
To ensure the longevity of your thermal cycler :
- Clean the heating cover regularly to prevent the buildup of chemical deposits.
- Check thermal calibration annually.
- Always store your samples in compatible tubes to avoid crushing or leakage.
- Avoid mechanical shocks: even when reconditioned, a thermal cycler remains a high-precision device.
Careful maintenance allows you to maintain optimal performance for more than 10 years, even for a reconditioned model.
Why choose Rewake for your refurbished thermal cycler?
Rewake specializes in high-end refurbished laboratory equipment. Each thermal cycler offered:
- Is checked on more than 30 technical control points
- Undergoes careful thermal calibration
- Benefits from a 6 to 12 month warranty
- Can be delivered with performance validation upon request
Our goal is simple: to enable all laboratories, regardless of their size, to access the best technologies at reduced prices without compromising on quality.
Also discover our complete range of molecular biology equipment
In addition to thermal cyclers, we offer all the equipment necessary to complete your technical platform:
- Centrifuges Hettich, Eppendorf, Sigma
- Low temperature laboratory refrigerators
- Handling benches suitable for PCR applications
- DNA and RNA purification devices
This way you can find all your equipment in one place and simplify your laboratory equipment purchases.
Thermocycler price: how much should you budget for reliable equipment?
The price of a thermal cycler can vary considerably depending on the options and the range chosen:
- For a classic entry-level model, expect to pay between €2,000 and €5,000 new.
- A thermal cycler with a temperature gradient costs between €5,000 and €9,000.
- High-end qPCR thermal cyclers often cost over €15,000 or even €20,000.
Opting for a reconditioned thermal cycler allows you to reduce this budget by 40% to 60% on average, while maintaining equivalent performance, particularly for well-known brands such as Bio-Rad, Eppendorf, Applied Biosystems or Agilent.
At Rewake, our refurbished models offer an excellent compromise between price, reliability and warranty, allowing laboratories to equip their benches without blowing their budget.
What is a thermal cycler used for in the laboratory?
The thermal cycler is a key instrument in any laboratory working in molecular biology, genetics, or diagnostics. Its main role is to enable the amplification of nucleic acids, mainly DNA, using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique.
It automatically performs temperature increase and decrease cycles according to three essential stages:
- High temperature (94–98 °C) DNA denaturation
- Hybridization of primers to the target sequence (50–65 °C)
- Elongation of the new DNA chain by the enzyme polymerase (72°C)
These cycles are repeated between 25 and 40 times to obtain millions of copies of a specific genetic sequence.
The thermocycler is therefore essential for:
- Genetic sequencing
- Diagnosis of pathogens (bacteria, viruses)
- Detection of genetic mutations
- Genomics and biotechnology research
In summary, without a thermal cycler , no modern PCR is possible in the laboratory!
Used thermal cycler: an excellent alternative for laboratories
Faced with the high cost of new equipment, many laboratories are now turning to the used thermal cycler option. This approach offers several strategic advantages:
- Reduced price : up to 60% savings on the new price.
- Fast availability : no need to wait several weeks for manufacturing or import.
- Ecology : extending the lifespan of a high-performance device reduces the laboratory's carbon footprint.
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Reliability : A refurbished and verified thermal cycler follows strict quality control procedures.
At Rewake, each used thermal cycler is:
- Thermally tested with temperature ramp verification
- Calibrated and validated according to current standards
- Guaranteed 6 to 12 months, parts and labor
- Accompanied by a technical sheet and an inspection report
We also offer personalized support to help you choose the model that best meets your scientific projects, whether it involves classic PCR, qPCR or new molecular amplification methods.
Investing wisely in your PCR equipment
Choosing a reliable thermal cycler is a key decision for any modern laboratory. Between choosing the right model, optimizing your budget, and ensuring long-term performance, Rewake's refurbished option is the obvious choice.
Ready to optimally equip your laboratory? Discover our complementary solutions, such as the PCR thermal cycler, to take your molecular biology projects even further.
What is the difference between a conventional thermal cycler and a qPCR thermal cycler?
The conventional thermal cycler is designed to amplify DNA by temperature cycling, using a standard PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. In contrast, the qPCR thermal cycler – or real-time PCR – allows not only amplification, but also instantaneous quantification of DNA during the reaction, thanks to a fluorescence detection system.
PCR analysis performed with qPCR is therefore more advanced, providing an accurate measurement of the initial concentration of the target DNA. This ability to monitor amplification in real time is crucial in molecular biology laboratories where the reliability of results and the reproducibility of data are paramount.
What is a temperature gradient in a thermal cycler?
A temperature gradient is an advanced feature of a thermal cycler that allows you to test multiple hybridization temperatures on the same plate. Each column in the heating block can be programmed with a slightly different temperature, making it easier to optimize experimental conditions.
This option is particularly useful in molecular biology techniques requiring precise conditions, such as the design of new primer pairs or the validation of complex PCR protocols. In a single cycle, the gradient allows the optimal temperature for a given reaction to be determined, while reducing the number of successive tests.
Why is temperature rise and fall crucial?
In a PCR cycle, each phase relies on specific thermal steps: DNA denaturation, primer annealing, and elongation. The speed at which a thermal cycler moves from one step to the next directly influences the efficiency and specificity of amplification.
A rapid temperature rise ensures complete denaturation of the DNA, while a controlled descent optimizes primer annealing and the action of enzymes , such as Taq polymerase. Modern thermal cyclers are designed to ensure rapid and homogeneous thermal transitions, reducing errors and increasing the reliability of results.
What criteria should you check before purchasing a refurbished PCR thermal cycler?
Purchasing a refurbished PCR thermal cycler can be an excellent opportunity for laboratories on a tight budget. However, certain criteria must be checked: the uniformity of heating, the precision of the thermal stages, the presence of a gradient function, and the general condition of the components (heating block, lid, electronics).
It is also essential to ensure that the device can faithfully reproduce complex cycles, especially for sensitive applications such as mutation detection or gene expression. A good refurbishment will often include a full calibration and a warranty, ensuring performance and reliability equivalent to new equipment.
Advanced applications of the thermocycler in molecular biology
The thermal cycler is a central tool in many molecular biology applications. Beyond classical PCR, it is used in real-time PCR (qPCR), multiplex PCR, RT-PCR protocols for RNA analysis, and even in some preparation steps for high-throughput sequencing.
These techniques allow for the analysis of gene expression, identification of genetic mutations, and detection of pathogens with extreme precision. Thanks to their versatility, modern thermal cyclers are easily integrated into the workflows of research, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical laboratories.
FAQ: Refurbished PCR Thermal Cycler
What is the difference between a classic thermal cycler and a gradient model?
A gradient thermal cycler allows multiple hybridization temperatures to be tested in parallel in a single cycle. This is particularly useful for optimizing primers in molecular analysis protocols.
Is a refurbished device as reliable as a new model?
Yes, if it has been professionally reconditioned. Checks include thermal accuracy, block uniformity, and component reliability. It can also perform well for complex gene analyses.
What types of tubes or plates are compatible with a thermal cycler?
It depends on the model: some accept 0.2 mL tubes, others 96- or 384-well plates. It's essential to check compatibility before purchasing, especially for analyses like qPCR quantification .
Can a PCR thermal cycler be used for educational applications?
Absolutely. Many institutions use refurbished equipment for cell and molecular biology labs, with reliable results at a lower cost.
