MultiCycler 248 Dual Block Thermal Cycler , Universal 120–240 V vs Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler , US Plug
Which should you choose?
- ▸If budget is the priority, Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler , US Plug is the lower-cost option; MultiCycler 248 Dual Block Thermal Cycler , Universal 120–240 V lists higher and typically adds capability or capacity.
- ▸Different manufacturers (Benchmark Scientific vs Accuris) — both carry full manufacturer warranty through us.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MultiCycler 248 Dual | Benchmark TC-32 Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dual-block independent thermal cycler | Compact thermal cycler with 32-tube block |
| Class | Capital — durable bench instrument | Capital — thermal cycler |
| Blocks | 2 (independent thermal control) | — |
| Voltage | Universal 120–240 V, 50–60 Hz | — |
| Weight | — | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
| Display | — | Large full-color touch screen, icon-driven menus |
| Warranty | — | 2 years per brochure |
| Dimensions | — | 7.2 × 9.2 × 6.2 in / 18.2 × 23.2 × 15.7 cm (W × D × H) |
| Run report | — | On-screen at completion |
| Power supply | — | Universal 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Touch screen | — | Works even when wearing gloves |
| Post-run hold | — | 4 °C |
| Program memory | — | 100+ typical programs storable |
| Heated lid mechanism | — | Spring-loaded self-adjusting platen (no knobs / levers to adjust) |
| Accuracy / uniformity | — | ±0.25 °C / ±0.25 °C |
| Sample block capacity | — | 32 × 0.2 mL tubes in 4 × 8 format (accepts individual tubes OR 4× 8-tube strips) |
| Heated lid temperature | — | 30 - 112°C user adjustable; can be turned off |
| Increments / decrements | — | Yes — time AND temperature; adjustable ramp rates; auto-pause and restart |
| Temperature control mode | — | Simulated sample OR block (operator-selectable) |
| Temperature control range | — | 0 - 99.9°C |
| Maximum ramp rate (cooling) | — | 4 °C/second |
| Maximum ramp rate (heating) | — | 5 °C/second (faster than TC9639's 4 °C/sec) |
| Sister chassis (higher throughput) | — | TC9639 (T5000-96 multi-format $6,535 / T5000-384 384-well $7,607) |
Highlighted rows differ. Specs are sourced from manufacturer documentation.
FAQ
- What's the difference between the MultiCycler 248 Dual Block Thermal Cycler , Universal 120–240 V and the Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler , US Plug?
- The main differences are in Type, Class, Blocks. The table above shows every spec side by side; the decision guide highlights which fits which use case.
- Which should I buy?
- If budget is the priority, Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler , US Plug is the lower-cost option; MultiCycler 248 Dual Block Thermal Cycler , Universal 120–240 V lists higher and typically adds capability or capacity.
- Do both carry a warranty?
- Yes — both are sold through Legacy Lab Supplies as an authorized distributor and carry full manufacturer warranty.
Still deciding? Our team compares options with you — no pressure.