PCR robocycler

[Marc Visconti]

> We plan to buy a new PCR machine, and are attracted by the Stratagene
> Robocycler Gradient 40 Temperature Cycler, mainly for the possibility of
> testing different annealing temperatures in the same run.
> Does anyone there has a (good or bad) opinion on this system, which does
> not come cheap...
We have one and are quite happy with it...except for the fact that when 
you buy it they don't tell you that you might not experience the 
greatest heat transfer (which is the whole idea behind the cycler IMO).  
After consultation with Stratagene, they suggested placing mineral oil 
in each well to aid in heat transfer.  Needless to say...it makes a big 
mess.  If you're willing to clean mineral oil periodically from your 
thermal cycler, you'll get great consistent results with it.