Comparison of real-time PCR machines

 The following PCR machines are compared for various features to help you decide which instrument is most suitable for your needs. A table comparing these instruments is available at http://www.horizonpress.com/pcr/qPCR-machines.html

• Applied Biosystems: ABI 7300, ABI 7500, ABI 7500 Fast, ABI 7900 Fast HT with automation accessory, ABI StepOne


• Roche: LightCycler 480, LightCycler 1.5, LightCycler 2.0


• Stratagene: Mx4000, Mx3000P, Mx3005P


• Cepheid: SmartCycler


• Corbett: Rotor-Gene 6000


• Eppendorf: Mastercycler ep realplex


• BioRad: MiniOpticon, MyiQ, Opticon2, Chromo4, iQ5

Full comparison at Real-time PCR machines

Hi Touchstone42,

This is a very good reference for real time PCR instrument. Here are some updates on this information:

1. In addition to the ABI StepOne Applied Biosystems now sells the ABI StepOne Plus. The main difference between these two instruments is that the Plus version has a 96-well plate format while the non-Plus version is a 48-well plate format.

2. It is my understanding that the LC 1.5 and 2.0 from Roche are not available for purchase in the US

3. Stratagene no longer sells the Mx4000

4. The Corbett RotorGene 6000 no longer exists per se since Corbett was bought by Qiagen last year. The RotorGene 6000 is not called the Rotor Gene Q and Qiagen sells multiple versions of it, from a 6 color version to a 2 color version

5. BioRad no longer sells the Chomo4 (as far as I can tell). In addition to the instruments you have listed BioRad also sells the CFX96 and the CFX384.