HotTop or Gene Cafe?
Sorry for jumping in so late. Thought I would mention 2 things.
First, there is a new roaster coming on the market, and I did a first impression article on it:
Behmor 1600: http://www.ineedcoffee.com/07/behmor1600/
Second, being the gadget-freak that I am, I am now looking again at the Hottops, especially now that there is both a KN-8828P & KN-8828B. I know I want to try one out, and I love to tinker, but $900 still seems steep. $700 is a little better. Anyone else have some opinions between the two? I did read Randy Glass' articles, but still undecided.
Chris
First, there is a new roaster coming on the market, and I did a first impression article on it:
Behmor 1600: http://www.ineedcoffee.com/07/behmor1600/
Second, being the gadget-freak that I am, I am now looking again at the Hottops, especially now that there is both a KN-8828P & KN-8828B. I know I want to try one out, and I love to tinker, but $900 still seems steep. $700 is a little better. Anyone else have some opinions between the two? I did read Randy Glass' articles, but still undecided.
Chris
I found this video of the Hottop digital working. Enjoy!chas wrote:I've got to get this upgrade for my Hottop! It sounds like this will be a real sweet ride.
http://www.hottopusa.com/news.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3foXzKC ... ed&search=
My iRoar2 isn't healthy these days and I have a feeling the days are numbered. When do you think this Behmor 1600 will be available to the public? I'm now steering more towards the newest Hottop model.bbqnut wrote:Sorry for jumping in so late. Thought I would mention 2 things.
First, there is a new roaster coming on the market, and I did a first impression article on it:
Behmor 1600: http://www.ineedcoffee.com/07/behmor1600/
Second, being the gadget-freak that I am, I am now looking again at the Hottops, especially now that there is both a KN-8828P & KN-8828B. I know I want to try one out, and I love to tinker, but $900 still seems steep. $700 is a little better. Anyone else have some opinions between the two? I did read Randy Glass' articles, but still undecided.
Chris
I heard the Behmor was going to be ready in Sept. or Oct. That was too long to wait for me and I also had some doubts as to the quality of the machine. I ended up with the new programmable HT. Love it.Niko wrote: My iRoar2 isn't healthy these days and I have a feeling the days are numbered. When do you think this Behmor 1600 will be available to the public? I'm now steering more towards the newest Hottop model.
I am liking the Behmor so far more than the Genecafe.
As with most roasters of this style, the roasts will never come out as bright as a Fluid Air Bed style of roaster (iRoast sort of fits into that category, and I will keep it around for when I want a brighter roast for drip and such).
I am doing a full review article that should be due out on Sep 1, so I will post when that goes live.
I think for the price and capacity, it is pretty hard to beat, and it seems pretty well made and designed.
Chris
As with most roasters of this style, the roasts will never come out as bright as a Fluid Air Bed style of roaster (iRoast sort of fits into that category, and I will keep it around for when I want a brighter roast for drip and such).
I am doing a full review article that should be due out on Sep 1, so I will post when that goes live.
I think for the price and capacity, it is pretty hard to beat, and it seems pretty well made and designed.
Chris
I will advocate the Gene, even though I shouldn't based on such minimal experience.
I've had it home about ten days and done three roasts that have improved steadily as I get accustomed to the machine. I'm coming from stove-top roasting, so it's easy to impress me with a purpose-built machine.
Also of note is that I'm using a nominal 230v machine on nominal 220v current. I was prepared to add a variac to the mix in order to sustain necessary roasting temperatures, but that now seems like overkill.
Still, the Gene looks well-built and well-designed. Does what it claims to do rather predictably. I'd started as I would have for stove-top with over a minute into second crack (I like dark.) but this was over-roasted by any standard. (Not undrinkable, but it made an espresso resemble a napolitana's output.)
I've not used, nor even seen, the Hottop or the Behmor. That could be grounds for disqualifying anything I say. However, it seems to me that the Gene offers greater visibility during the roast than the other two and more on-the-fly control than the Behmor. (I'm not using that yet, but I expect to. I just let it go flat out to the max for now. Once I know where I want it to stop, I may tinker with the path to that end point.)
Everyone has already noted the Gene's greatest weakness. Cooling is far from ideal. I give it instructions to stop at 100 C on cooling and toss the beans between a big sieve and a pan for a couple of minutes to completely cool it down.
I've had it home about ten days and done three roasts that have improved steadily as I get accustomed to the machine. I'm coming from stove-top roasting, so it's easy to impress me with a purpose-built machine.
Also of note is that I'm using a nominal 230v machine on nominal 220v current. I was prepared to add a variac to the mix in order to sustain necessary roasting temperatures, but that now seems like overkill.
Still, the Gene looks well-built and well-designed. Does what it claims to do rather predictably. I'd started as I would have for stove-top with over a minute into second crack (I like dark.) but this was over-roasted by any standard. (Not undrinkable, but it made an espresso resemble a napolitana's output.)
I've not used, nor even seen, the Hottop or the Behmor. That could be grounds for disqualifying anything I say. However, it seems to me that the Gene offers greater visibility during the roast than the other two and more on-the-fly control than the Behmor. (I'm not using that yet, but I expect to. I just let it go flat out to the max for now. Once I know where I want it to stop, I may tinker with the path to that end point.)
Everyone has already noted the Gene's greatest weakness. Cooling is far from ideal. I give it instructions to stop at 100 C on cooling and toss the beans between a big sieve and a pan for a couple of minutes to completely cool it down.
- chas
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I'm not sure I'd call it a weakness since it's purposeful by design. You can "start" another roast right away on the Hottop, it just won't start another heat cycle until its cooled down first. By doing it this way, they are trying for more repeatable roasts versus maximizing throughput.
You can still get about two roasts or about 1lb an hour. For my needs that's fine.
You can still get about two roasts or about 1lb an hour. For my needs that's fine.
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Back to back is not something I need to do, Niko. Can't tell you from experience.
From what I've read, you should allow an hour between roasts to assure reasonable consistency. The Gene does get itself very hot. I can smell the volatiles baking out of the plastic, at least while it's new. The plastic housing is uncomfortably warm to the touch during the last passages of a roast.
I doubt that back to back throughput is going to be a strong point with it.
The only thing you could do is use its cooling cycle and then supplement with maybe a Shop-Vac sucking air through it.
From what I've read, you should allow an hour between roasts to assure reasonable consistency. The Gene does get itself very hot. I can smell the volatiles baking out of the plastic, at least while it's new. The plastic housing is uncomfortably warm to the touch during the last passages of a roast.
I doubt that back to back throughput is going to be a strong point with it.
The only thing you could do is use its cooling cycle and then supplement with maybe a Shop-Vac sucking air through it.
I usually run 250g batches just because everyone talks about that being the ideal batch size for HT's. I also have the time to run a few batches during the week. That said, I haven't really noticed much difference between 250 and 275 batches except slightly longer run times on the 275's, but then my taste for the differences might not be as developed as yours might be.
I'm not concerned about the taste differences, uneven roasts would bother me. Beans that are a mixed bag of burnt, medium and light tones tells me that the roaster didn't agitate like it should (essentially the batch was too large). Of course some beans tend to have a slightly uneven roasted look to them but it's normal. Sometimes I have to drop my batches down from 150 to 135 grams on my iRoar to get them to circulate better.
Just the other day I managed to "bake" a batch when I was simply trying to slow the damn roaster down...no dice, the espresso tasted like
Just the other day I managed to "bake" a batch when I was simply trying to slow the damn roaster down...no dice, the espresso tasted like
Hi Niko,
I haven't noticed any uneven roasts regardless of batch size. The HT does a really good job of circulating the beans, and the heating elements span the entire roasting chamber which would help keep the temp. pretty even. Of course some SO beans like Ethiopian's have a few stragglers which just don't keep up with the roast.
I haven't noticed any uneven roasts regardless of batch size. The HT does a really good job of circulating the beans, and the heating elements span the entire roasting chamber which would help keep the temp. pretty even. Of course some SO beans like Ethiopian's have a few stragglers which just don't keep up with the roast.
Behmor 1600
Shameless plug on the my latest tutorial for the Behmor 1600:
http://ineedcoffee.com/07/behmor-tutorial/
Chris
PS - I still want a Hottop!!! ...at least to try...
http://ineedcoffee.com/07/behmor-tutorial/
Chris
PS - I still want a Hottop!!! ...at least to try...
- chas
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I tried 10oz of green Kona in my HT, which I think is a worst case situation since the moisture content of this Kona seems to be as high or higher than anything else I've ever roasted. Bottomline: it worked fine. It did take about 2.5 minutes longer than a std 9oz roast. Also, first crack on 9oz is almost always 385F give or take. With 10oz first crack didn't start until 405F. The beginning of 2nd crack, which is where I shut it down, still occurred at 414F but it took a lot longer to push from 405 to 414 than usual.
That said, the program I was using was set up for 9oz. The result might be very different if I actually tweaked the program for 10oz. It'll be later tomorrow or Wednesday before I do a taste test and can report the most important result of the test - baked or roasted.
I think the reason Randy Glass in his reviews of the original HT warned against 10oz were two fold 1) 10oz would either go through the entire cycle and shut down before getting to the desired roast level 2) The unit would shut off early which he thought was because the extra load was causing beans to directly contact the heat sensor and fool it into thinking the temperature was too hot.
With the programmable HT there is still the "lawyer feature" where it auto shuts down at 414F. However, instead of just shutting down, now it beeps and you have 30seconds to hit the override button before shut down. I guess they want to be sure at that stage of the roast that someone is right there minding the store so the HT doesn't burn the house down. I just wish they'd made that temp closer to 420F since 414F is right were 2nd crack usually starts.
There is actually another "lawyer feature" in the new ones. Since I have upgraded the original version (twice), I don't have the version with the new chaff collector. The new chaff tray is larger which is a very nice touch. However, there is a sensor switch on it which knows whether you dumped the chaff tray since the last roast. This will not let you start a new cycle if the chaff tray hasn't been removed and reinserted.
That said, the program I was using was set up for 9oz. The result might be very different if I actually tweaked the program for 10oz. It'll be later tomorrow or Wednesday before I do a taste test and can report the most important result of the test - baked or roasted.
I think the reason Randy Glass in his reviews of the original HT warned against 10oz were two fold 1) 10oz would either go through the entire cycle and shut down before getting to the desired roast level 2) The unit would shut off early which he thought was because the extra load was causing beans to directly contact the heat sensor and fool it into thinking the temperature was too hot.
With the programmable HT there is still the "lawyer feature" where it auto shuts down at 414F. However, instead of just shutting down, now it beeps and you have 30seconds to hit the override button before shut down. I guess they want to be sure at that stage of the roast that someone is right there minding the store so the HT doesn't burn the house down. I just wish they'd made that temp closer to 420F since 414F is right were 2nd crack usually starts.
There is actually another "lawyer feature" in the new ones. Since I have upgraded the original version (twice), I don't have the version with the new chaff collector. The new chaff tray is larger which is a very nice touch. However, there is a sensor switch on it which knows whether you dumped the chaff tray since the last roast. This will not let you start a new cycle if the chaff tray hasn't been removed and reinserted.
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Was it "baked" or did it roast well?
I thought you were tired of Kona, then again I forgot that you used to blend it with a monsoon. Do you still do that or do you pull S.O. espresso with the Kona?
I've managed to bake a batch once, the taste was out of this world (not in a good way), how would you describe a "baked" batch flavor-wise?
I thought you were tired of Kona, then again I forgot that you used to blend it with a monsoon. Do you still do that or do you pull S.O. espresso with the Kona?
I've managed to bake a batch once, the taste was out of this world (not in a good way), how would you describe a "baked" batch flavor-wise?
- chas
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They definitely seemed roasted and not baked though my wife made a statement that they didn't seem up to snuff. She wasn't aware that I had done anything different with that batch and was thinking I had used a different bean.
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Behmor 1600
FYI, I just had an interesting half-hour discussion with Joe Behm about his Behmor 1600 roaster. I too am considering a new roaster to replace/supplement my I-Roar, and I wanted to know what was going on with his new goodie.
He was very willing to tell me all about it, and said he fully expects it to be available "before kids are putting on their Halloween masks". Before could be 1 day, could be 1 week, but he seemed pretty confident in his estimate. MSRP is $400.
So if you haven't already made a decision and dropped your paycheck on the HotTop or Gene Cafe, the Behmor should be interesting and available soon.
Steve
He was very willing to tell me all about it, and said he fully expects it to be available "before kids are putting on their Halloween masks". Before could be 1 day, could be 1 week, but he seemed pretty confident in his estimate. MSRP is $400.
So if you haven't already made a decision and dropped your paycheck on the HotTop or Gene Cafe, the Behmor should be interesting and available soon.
Steve
Well Niko, I did your 300g's last week and I'm actually pretty happy with how it turned out. As you'd expect, roasting time increased, but all in all the roast turned out very even. Considering I was roasting Ethiopian dry processed beans (SM Ethiopia Harar Horse Lot 14659) I didn't find too many light beans in the batch. I timed the roast at about 15:20, stopping just into SC. The batch turned out yummy as usual.Niko wrote:OK.
I'll wait for the 300 to come out next next week.
gre:
While it appears that 300g is doable, I don't think I'm going to be doing anything more that 275. At 275, the HT really stayed on profile and there was only a minimal increase in roast time, but at 300 I felt that the HT struggled a bit. When I did the 300 the weather wasn't the best and I had a cold wind to deal with... don't know if that had any effect.
So there's your test. Let me know if you have any questions.
Eric
So what should I buy? KN-8828P or KN-8828B?
I made the decision to buy, and cannot make up my mind.
Seriously though, the P is more money, but I like being able to put all the segments in beforehand (and this helps in sharing profiles).
The B, while cheaper and simpler, seems way too hands on...
Please, just make the decision for me. :D
Thanks
Chris
I made the decision to buy, and cannot make up my mind.
Seriously though, the P is more money, but I like being able to put all the segments in beforehand (and this helps in sharing profiles).
The B, while cheaper and simpler, seems way too hands on...
Please, just make the decision for me. :D
Thanks
Chris
I was afraid that would be the verdict.Niko wrote:Go for the P!
I'm 99% sure on the Hottop and it would ONLY be the "P".
Yeah!! Then we can swap profiles an such.
...if only I would get off my ass and order one.
This was the only video I could find of the P:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3foXzKCxaA
I am leaning toward the B, since Coffee Bean Corral has them for $25 off, and they do not currently have the P. The big saver is no tax since they are not in California.
Lemme see which lens I can sell ....
I've been thinking about a new roaster, and noticed that coffeegeek's user ratings are consistently very high (overall 9.0) for the Gene Cafe, and very inconsistent for the HT (overall 7.2). Hell, even the I-Roast2 is that high.
I don't know how much weight you'd want to give these reviews, but I certainly read and considered them when I was spending $ on a S1. Even your's Niko!
The old fire-hazard HT reviews certainly have a tendency to bring down the overall average, but still - no bad reviews for the Gene?
As for the $25 deal, maybe coffee bean corral can order you a P model?
As for me, still looking, still undecided.
I don't know how much weight you'd want to give these reviews, but I certainly read and considered them when I was spending $ on a S1. Even your's Niko!
The old fire-hazard HT reviews certainly have a tendency to bring down the overall average, but still - no bad reviews for the Gene?
As for the $25 deal, maybe coffee bean corral can order you a P model?
As for me, still looking, still undecided.
I can tell you from firsthand experience, the iRoast original and iRoast2 units are both riddled with problems. I could rehash them, but the noise and horrible programming interface are enough. The resulting flavor (when you can trick it into doing so), is great.
The Genecafe while built very well, and very consistent, it was consistently mediocre.
And the Hottops? It is rare to see people selling them, and most hang on to them. They cite great service, reliability, and of course they love the flavor. This is secondhand experience.
So I guess review ratings don't mean that much to me.
I am actually prepared for the Hottop to be a bit less to my liking in the flavor department over the iRoast. I think in general I just prefer the Fluid Air Bed flavor. However, I hope that the larger batch size, lower noise, and importantly - repeatability - will have me at my final roaster for awhile.
The other problem with the 8828P is that at nearly $1000, I am half way to something like a used Sonofresco (Monster/Syd & Jerrys). Those are very, very repeatable, reliable, and I love the flavor from those. My friend has one, and I am considering giving up roasting altogether, and just having him do it for me (at a nominal cost).
The Genecafe while built very well, and very consistent, it was consistently mediocre.
And the Hottops? It is rare to see people selling them, and most hang on to them. They cite great service, reliability, and of course they love the flavor. This is secondhand experience.
So I guess review ratings don't mean that much to me.
I am actually prepared for the Hottop to be a bit less to my liking in the flavor department over the iRoast. I think in general I just prefer the Fluid Air Bed flavor. However, I hope that the larger batch size, lower noise, and importantly - repeatability - will have me at my final roaster for awhile.
The other problem with the 8828P is that at nearly $1000, I am half way to something like a used Sonofresco (Monster/Syd & Jerrys). Those are very, very repeatable, reliable, and I love the flavor from those. My friend has one, and I am considering giving up roasting altogether, and just having him do it for me (at a nominal cost).
Looks like Russ at www.CoffeeBeanCorral.com does have the P in stock, and should be making it active on the site soon.
Hey Niko, I will order one if you order one
Chris
Hey Niko, I will order one if you order one
Chris
Sell the 80-200/2.8!bbqnut wrote:Lemme see which lens I can sell ....
...you hardly ever use it
I know, I know...if I would kick my other habit for a while. I have an ever-growing cup collection worth more than a VII! If I just stop that itch I can start a new one :Dbbqnut wrote: Hey Niko, I will order one if you order one
Chris
Maybe we can get Steve to fly us over a couple of Hottops so we can save on tax
Ok, now we know Niko's piggy bank isn't inside his mattress. At least if you put it in a coffee tin you're reminded what its for, huh?
Too bad there isn't some place reasonably close to actually get a look at this stuff before buying it. I'm a hands-on guy, but maybe I'm alone in wanting the touchy feely before buying. Geez, I've spent $500 flying an airplane to look at things that cost about the same as the flight. And I'd do it again.
Let's go!
Too bad there isn't some place reasonably close to actually get a look at this stuff before buying it. I'm a hands-on guy, but maybe I'm alone in wanting the touchy feely before buying. Geez, I've spent $500 flying an airplane to look at things that cost about the same as the flight. And I'd do it again.
Let's go!
You look for any excuse to fly that thing :D
....I'll bring some cans of coffee with me.
I just realized something, Sweet Maria's is just across the bridge for me but I'm not sure if they would demo one of the Hottop "P" models.
You know what means, you're going to have to fly up here and I'll drive us all the Oakland.
....I'll bring some cans of coffee with me.
I just realized something, Sweet Maria's is just across the bridge for me but I'm not sure if they would demo one of the Hottop "P" models.
You know what means, you're going to have to fly up here and I'll drive us all the Oakland.
If you're gonna fly, you'd better bring cans of Ben Franklins with you. Coffee can come too.
SM's must like you. When I tried to "drop by" to check out (and probably buy) a Quickmill Andreja, I was told to fuggitabowdit. And now look what I'm using!
I am willing to subject myself to the task of a 2 1/2 hr flight (each way) in order to witness the HT in action. Tough duty, but someone (me) has to do it.
If you show up with a noob in tow they may banish you!
SM's must like you. When I tried to "drop by" to check out (and probably buy) a Quickmill Andreja, I was told to fuggitabowdit. And now look what I'm using!
I am willing to subject myself to the task of a 2 1/2 hr flight (each way) in order to witness the HT in action. Tough duty, but someone (me) has to do it.
If you show up with a noob in tow they may banish you!
Not sure if they like me or not but if I tell them I'm bringin' Steve, Chris and an iLLy tin full of Benjamins....I think they might reconsider since we'll probably walk out with 60lbs of greens and 3 Hottops
...WOW, did you notice how that sounds? Sounds like an opium deal but we're talking coffee!
...WOW, did you notice how that sounds? Sounds like an opium deal but we're talking coffee!
I just ordered one at Coffee Bean Corral for:
$920 - $25 code ROAST = $895 + $20 shipping =
$915 out the door + 5lbs of free coffee (I got some Uganda Bugisu).
Niko, just do the right thing, you promised you would trade profiles with me.
How are we going to trade profiles when you don't have your roaster? :?
Chris
$920 - $25 code ROAST = $895 + $20 shipping =
$915 out the door + 5lbs of free coffee (I got some Uganda Bugisu).
Niko, just do the right thing, you promised you would trade profiles with me.
How are we going to trade profiles when you don't have your roaster? :?
Chris
Damn.
You are quick.
...I started this thread many moons ago but I need to end it by getting that Hottop and shutting up.
I was actually invited to try a Hottop (new digital) model by a member of this forum.
Jackiechang offered and I might call him in the next few days...
I'd love to see it in action but I'm pretty sure I'll place my order right after that.
You are quick.
...I started this thread many moons ago but I need to end it by getting that Hottop and shutting up.
I was actually invited to try a Hottop (new digital) model by a member of this forum.
Jackiechang offered and I might call him in the next few days...
I'd love to see it in action but I'm pretty sure I'll place my order right after that.
Just get one, and if you really don't like it, sell at a small loss.
To me, that $100 or whatever that I lose selling it is worth having it for a few months (and all the time I saved by NOT researching it to death).
I broke something on my i-Roast 2, and that was the impetus for this purchase, though I had been thinking about it for a long time.
To me, that $100 or whatever that I lose selling it is worth having it for a few months (and all the time I saved by NOT researching it to death).
I broke something on my i-Roast 2, and that was the impetus for this purchase, though I had been thinking about it for a long time.
All right, all right....I'm getting one very soon I promise.
Oops, I just made a promise in public!
Now I have to keep my word and make you feel less guilty
...besides, I'll wait for your 1st profile and then I'll use it on my new Hottop, Mwuhahaha!
The only thing that held me back every time I have my finger on the trigger is that damn Behmor roaster, they keep making new announcements - it's coming soon, roast 1lb batches for $400, and so on, etc.. blah blah blah
Oops, I just made a promise in public!
Now I have to keep my word and make you feel less guilty
...besides, I'll wait for your 1st profile and then I'll use it on my new Hottop, Mwuhahaha!
The only thing that held me back every time I have my finger on the trigger is that damn Behmor roaster, they keep making new announcements - it's coming soon, roast 1lb batches for $400, and so on, etc.. blah blah blah
- chas
- Vivaldi Dreamer
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- Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:52 pm
- Location: Central Maryland
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Just to get you guys going here are two files you might find useful.
One is a blank Hottop template and the other one I have filled in with the three profiles I currently am using.
http://www.s1cafe.com/wforum/docs/HTPrograms.xls
http://www.s1cafe.com/wforum/docs/HTPro ... ledOut.xls
One is a blank Hottop template and the other one I have filled in with the three profiles I currently am using.
http://www.s1cafe.com/wforum/docs/HTPrograms.xls
http://www.s1cafe.com/wforum/docs/HTPro ... ledOut.xls
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Interesting.
How does the modified Rand Glass profile work?
Does it extend the time between 1st and 2nd crack pretty well?
Another interesting side note, I've finally managed (tricked) my iRoast into a pretty extended time between the cracks without baking a batch. The flavor difference is amazing, too bad I discovered this in the Autumn of the iRoasts life
Well guys, nine months (or so) later and I've finally decided on the Hottop.
Now I just need to decide where I'm buying it from, I had a direct contact from Hottop....
Almost forgot, thanks for sharing those profiles, Chas. I'll be sure to share some of mine (if they're any good) :D
How does the modified Rand Glass profile work?
Does it extend the time between 1st and 2nd crack pretty well?
Another interesting side note, I've finally managed (tricked) my iRoast into a pretty extended time between the cracks without baking a batch. The flavor difference is amazing, too bad I discovered this in the Autumn of the iRoasts life
Well guys, nine months (or so) later and I've finally decided on the Hottop.
Now I just need to decide where I'm buying it from, I had a direct contact from Hottop....
Almost forgot, thanks for sharing those profiles, Chas. I'll be sure to share some of mine (if they're any good) :D
Those profiles are great. Thanks Chas.
Another little tool that is worth investing in, a Kill-a-Watt for $20.
As you know, all electric roasters are sensitive to household voltage.
That way, you guys can also note the idle & running voltage with each profile and bean. That makes sharing profiles even more beneficial.
http://www.amazon.com/P3-International- ... 302&sr=8-1
Another little tool that is worth investing in, a Kill-a-Watt for $20.
As you know, all electric roasters are sensitive to household voltage.
That way, you guys can also note the idle & running voltage with each profile and bean. That makes sharing profiles even more beneficial.
http://www.amazon.com/P3-International- ... 302&sr=8-1
I bought my Variac from Coffee Bean Corral but they didn't seem to carry them anymore.
I keep mine cranked to 130V no load. It drops to 120V when the heater element is running. YMMV. I have the Hottop plugged into the outlet farthest from the breaker box and this is a big house.
I keep mine cranked to 130V no load. It drops to 120V when the heater element is running. YMMV. I have the Hottop plugged into the outlet farthest from the breaker box and this is a big house.
S1 Cafe Admin
http://www.s1cafe.com
http://www.s1cafe.com
If you could give me a link to the SM Variacs that would be great.
Also tell me how you navigated there - their site is hands down the worst organized, and has been for several years.
If they think their business is great, they would probably have a heart attack with the business increase with a proper site. OK, got that off my chest.
Also tell me how you navigated there - their site is hands down the worst organized, and has been for several years.
If they think their business is great, they would probably have a heart attack with the business increase with a proper site. OK, got that off my chest.
No wonder!
Looks like they discontinued them!!
http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.obsolete.shtml
Scroll down a bit and you'll see it
Looks like they discontinued them!!
http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.obsolete.shtml
Scroll down a bit and you'll see it
OK, I found this one, which is 20 amps. Might just get it. Looks like the same from SM.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Metered-Variac-Vari ... dZViewItem
I know some buy the 5 amp and just put a 15 or 20 amp fuse in. Does anyone here do that?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Metered-Variac-Vari ... dZViewItem
I know some buy the 5 amp and just put a 15 or 20 amp fuse in. Does anyone here do that?
- chas
- Vivaldi Dreamer
- Posts: 3046
- Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:52 pm
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Yes, I bought the 5A model which is ivory and has one outlet instead of two but otherwise looks identical to the red one. I blow about 1 fuse a year on it. It doesn't even get warm so I don't have any concerns about using it that way.
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Niko - what was the iRoast trick? I'm lucky if I can get past 8 minutes plus 4 cooldown.Niko wrote: Another interesting side note, I've finally managed (tricked) my iRoast into a pretty extended time between the cracks without baking a batch. The flavor difference is amazing, too bad I discovered this in the Autumn of the iRoasts life
Not to answer for Niko, but I did write a little article on the iRoast:
http://www.ineedcoffee.com/07/iroast2-guide/
http://www.ineedcoffee.com/07/iroast2-guide/
Thanks for the link Chris - I'll see what I can do with mine following your suggestions.
I think part of the short roast time problem is my ambient temps have been 100+ (Vegas + summer = hot) for the majority of time I've been using the iRoast. I roast outside to keep the smoke out of the house. I've already noticed a difference in the past week or so as we've started cooling off.
I think part of the short roast time problem is my ambient temps have been 100+ (Vegas + summer = hot) for the majority of time I've been using the iRoast. I roast outside to keep the smoke out of the house. I've already noticed a difference in the past week or so as we've started cooling off.
I was just going to mention that ambient temps play a HUGE role on the iROOOOOOOOOOOOAR.
BTW, Chris...forgot to mention to you, I already ordered the Hottop! I called Russ and spoke to him personally, he's a really nice guy and he's shipping me a free Hottop Programable Digital, all I had to pay for was the shipping YEAH RIGHT, NOT!
Thought I'd get you with that one....
Anyways, I did order one for the same deal you got and I should have it on hand by next Friday.
FINALLY, THIS THREAD ENDS UP WITH A HOTTOP...(not that the Gene is any worse, rather a different choice).
BTW, Chris...forgot to mention to you, I already ordered the Hottop! I called Russ and spoke to him personally, he's a really nice guy and he's shipping me a free Hottop Programable Digital, all I had to pay for was the shipping YEAH RIGHT, NOT!
Thought I'd get you with that one....
Anyways, I did order one for the same deal you got and I should have it on hand by next Friday.
FINALLY, THIS THREAD ENDS UP WITH A HOTTOP...(not that the Gene is any worse, rather a different choice).
Well, I had tracking numbers the day I ordered. But they turned out to be the gloves and beans.
I guess he was out of stock on the P model, so he is shipping directly from Hottop, at least for me.
However, since it is FedEx, it should arrive to me by Thurs or Fri. You will probably be in the same boat.
Either way, I suspect we will both have ours by ri/Sat, as I think the FedEx they use may deliver on Saturday.
I guess he was out of stock on the P model, so he is shipping directly from Hottop, at least for me.
However, since it is FedEx, it should arrive to me by Thurs or Fri. You will probably be in the same boat.
Either way, I suspect we will both have ours by ri/Sat, as I think the FedEx they use may deliver on Saturday.
Gloves?
I didn't order any stinkin' gloves!
I assume those are for your BBQ roasting??
Maybe you're correct about the shipping directly from Hottop...I asked if he had any left and he said "YES" so maybe he meant he'll get a roaster to me one way or another :?
I should have a tracking number tomorrow (Friday). I'm getting some free Rwanda beans with mine, they make a nice component for one of my killer blends.
I didn't order any stinkin' gloves!
I assume those are for your BBQ roasting??
Maybe you're correct about the shipping directly from Hottop...I asked if he had any left and he said "YES" so maybe he meant he'll get a roaster to me one way or another :?
I should have a tracking number tomorrow (Friday). I'm getting some free Rwanda beans with mine, they make a nice component for one of my killer blends.
They do mention the free gloves, but it is a little hidden. See if you can find it:Niko wrote:I once had a Rwanda that I'd take over a Kenya anyday!
I forget the name but it made a wicked S.O. Espresso....ah, I can still taste the long chocolate finish after a year.
Now I'm puzzled over the gloves....are you saying he throws in a pair of gloves without mentioning them?
http://www.coffeebeancorral.com/Product ... d=HOTTOP-P
Also, if you are into African coffees, check out the Malawi Mapanga. This bean literally does different stuff at different stages of the age. I have gotten Oreo cookie, Honey, Berries, and many other nuances depending on age and preparation.
And my friend says he avoids the blood beans (Rwanda, Uganda, & Malawi all fit in that category at one time or another). His reasoning is that when there is civil war, coffee goes downhill. I will just leave it at that.
Chas, do you roast with gloves on your Hottop?
I can only assume how they came up with the name "Hottop".... while R&D some dude burned himself while touching the top of the unit and screamed out "Hottop, hottop, hottop!" three times 'cause it hurt so much so then came the rails in the design after that incident. :D
I can only assume how they came up with the name "Hottop".... while R&D some dude burned himself while touching the top of the unit and screamed out "Hottop, hottop, hottop!" three times 'cause it hurt so much so then came the rails in the design after that incident. :D
All right....I just got itchas wrote:I don't even roast with gloves on my hands!Niko wrote:Chas, do you roast with gloves on your Hottop?
That would be an interesting video for the collection!bbqnut wrote:That would be a good lookchas wrote:With those free asbestos gloves you guys no longer need the No Burn Steam Arm!
...I'll get right on it.