HOTTOP PROGRAMMABLE (Model B) COFFEE ROASTER. FREE SHIPPING CONTINENTAL US

Description

This sale is for the latest-release, improved model B, with the K thermocouple.
This fixed-price sale is for the
BASIC PROGRAMMABLE
(Model: KN-8828B-2K).
It is well-suited for the serious home roaster, and it is successfully used in B&Bs and small restaurants.  However, please be aware that it is sold as a "Household Use only" appliance.
Join the fresh-roasted-coffee revolution, save yourself some serious money and enjoy the best coffee, roasted in the  convenience of your own location!
We will ship it  for
free
anywhere in the continental US.  We ship worldwide.  Please call or email us for shipping costs outside the 48 continental states.
Please note that this roaster is for American electricity (110 volts, 60 hz).
Some customers have reported that it works well with an electrical transformer, others that it does
not
.  We take no responsibility if you use a transformer, and the manufacturer will void the warranty if you do.
Furthermore, the one-year manufacturer's warranty is only available in the continental US. We are selling again the 220-volt model for use outside the United States.  However, they are more expensive. Feel free to contact us.
What are the differences between the three programmable (KN-8828P-K, KN-8828B-K and
KN-8828B-K+
) models and which one should you buy?
:
The "B" model is designed to roast beans by time - You will have full control over total roast time, target roasting temperature to end, fan speed, and heater power. These can be easily changed during the roast. The combination of variables that are subject to programming changes are virtually infinite (You should have some basic knowledge of the roasting process to know when to change fan speed and/or heater power in order to control the roast for best results. However, if you are new to roasting just use the default values until you get more comfortable with the process.)
The "B+" model has two thermocouples for separate bean temperature (BT) and environmental temperature (ET) for real-time monitoring. Both temperatures are displayed on the LED screen throughout the roast.  It also has a Bi-directional USB port that supports third party software for real-time monitoring and graphing of roasts as well as for computer control of the roaster.  Finally it has three push buttons for starting and stopping roasts and approving changes, four bi-directional, infinite-rotation speed-sensitive knobs for easy and fast parameter changes during the roast (fan speed, temperature control, target temperature, and target time).
The "P" model (discontinued for US electricity, 110 volts) is designed to roast beans by temperature - A roasting program consists of eight segments. Each segment consists of an amount of time, temperature, and fan speed. You would predetermine these parameters for each segment and the machine will control the temperature. You would have full control of segments when programming the roast, but would only be able to change the target temperature of each segment once the roast begins.
Most experienced roasters have found that the "B" model allows you to change roasting parameters at anytime for the ultimate roasting control. The "P" model is for roasters that want to have a self-made profile that can be easily repeated, or that want to roast a particular type of coffee bean the same way every time.
The silver lining is that if you decide that you got the wrong model, you can just swap out the control panel. There is no need to exchange the whole machine, and we will be happy to help you with that, or any other issue that you may have
For several years now, the
Hottop
roaster has remained the top-of-the-line home coffee roaster.  It is the most expensive, but for those interested in a traditional drum roaster, it is well worth its asking price.  It has a long history of satisfied customers and a well-deserved reputation.  You will spend more money, but you will not be disappointed.  We provide full-service, repair and warranty support.  On our website you will also find excellent, detailed instructions for the do-it-yourselfers.
Because of its durability and quality, the Programmable Hottop (either model B or P) coffee roaster has become a professional sample roaster of choice when compared with traditional, commercial sample roasters that normally retail for ,000 to ,000. A sample coffee roaster is used by professional (or amateur) roasters to cup (and hence decide) which green coffee beans to buy.  With the release of the programmable models, the Hottop is definitely a serious player in the sample roasting category.  Be advised, however, that the Hottop is rated in the US as a
household roaster
and
not
a commercial roaster.  We like to consider it a professional model.
Please read our extensive eBay coffee-products buyers' feedback (100% positive, close to 4,600 transactions. over 2,800 distinct buyers, over 1,750 repeat customers) and bid with confidence.  We are very proud of our record and reputation.  In order to reach such distinction, Ebay sellers must uphold the eBay community values, including honesty, timeliness and mutual respect and maintain very demanding Feedback levels.  Only a few, select eBay sellers reach this level of distinction and recognition.
Please check our other auctions for other grades and quantities, as well as coffee gear. To learn more about us please visit our about
page.
Roaster features on the Programmable B models:
* Computer controlled roasting for accuracy and repeatability.
* Fully automatic roasting and cooling.
* User can end roast at any time. Just press the "Eject" button.
* Capacity: 8 to 11 oz per roasting, optimal 9 oz .
* Roast cycle: 17 to 23 minutes.
* External cooling tray with agitation arm and cooling fan. Beans cool in 4 to 5 minutes.
* Easy cleaning.
* Very quiet operation.
* Built-in smoke reduction system. Washable & replaceable filters.
* Stainless steel cover and drum.
* Large window gives good view of the beans during roasting.
* Audible signaling of roast progress.
* Heat element: 750 Watts.
* Steel Drum: 4 x 8 inches.
* Viewing window: 4 inches.
* Height: 14 inch, Width: 10 inch, Depth: 19 inch
* Weight: 19 pounds, net
* Voltage: available only in 110-120
* Warranty: One year for parts labor. 30-days, money-back, satisfaction guarantee.
Control Panel
Basic Programmable Model
KN-8828B-2K
*Introduced (2010)
* Temperature, time, and fan speed can be programmed and monitored at any time
*Can store (and re-store) three roast profiles
* Auto mode allows simple operation without programming, just like older models
*Digital display & measurements
This large, professional roaster is designed and manufactured in Taiwan by Chang Hue Industrial Corp, which also designs and manufactures vertical and horizontal rotisseries, food dehydrators and an electronic-temperature-control, PC plastic, pourover drip coffee maker. The roaster is distributed and sold worldwide.
The full-color 24 page (8.5" by 11") Owner's Manual is complete and well written with plenty of directions for using, cleaning and maintaining your roaster.
The Venerable Hottop - the Programmable Basic
This latest-release roaster's design is firmly established on the dependability and solid reputation of its predecessors. Some of these time-proven features include: a) The large, external cooling tray with forced air, which quickly cools the beans. The heat is removed away from the hot drum after the roast is stopped -a critical function for best taste. b) The large glass viewing window, which allows viewing of the beans during the roast. c) Extremely quiet operation makes it easy to hear the "cracks" and monitor the roasting. d) Heavy duty components and high quality electronics for dependable operation e) Stainless steel roasting drum and outer surfaces. f) Nine ounces (250 grams) rated capacity (green coffee). g) Replaceable filters to help remove particulate matter and lessen smoke production.
The KN-8828B-2K model gives the user complete manual control of all parameters while still allowing those new to coffee roasting to easily and successfully roast from the very beginning.  Simply plug the roaster in, press the "POWER/START" button three times and the roasting process begins.  Add the beans when the machine beeps ready and you can allow it to roast and then eject the beans automatically or you can manually end the roast at any time.
As the user advances in her/his knowledge of coffee roasting, the various roasting parameters can be easily controlled without complicated programming. While the roast progresses the user can use the simple keypad to change various functions as can be seen below:
1 - START/POWER -
The largest button at the top of the control panel is for both “POWER” and “START.” Only one of these two choices will be illuminated in the LCD display at any given time so that the button can be easily used for its dual function.
2 - EJECT -
This is always available during a roast. Use it to immediately stop the roasting process and send the beans into the cooling tray.
3 - SELECT -
The circular arrow is used to cycle through the various parameters that can be adjusted. Adjustable parameters are Target Time, Target Temperature, Fan Speed and Heating Element Power.
4 & 5 -
CHEVRON ARROWS - The Up and Down arrows are used to change each of the four adjustable parameters explained below. If at any time a parameter is at its extreme (highest or lowest possible setting) that arrow will not be available.
The control panel uses an easy-to-read LCD display to give the user all the information needed to successfully complete a roast.  By glancing at the four simple display areas the current process is easily understood:
1 - Time -
Before the start of a roast, the user can program in the length of time. This is called the Target Time. During the roast the time display will countdown the remaining time in the roast.  If the Select arrow is used to choose the time display it becomes encircled (as shown above). The remaining time can now be modified by adding or subtracting time using the Chevron up and down arrows. At any point in the roast, if the time display reaches 00:00 the KN-8828B will automatically eject the beans. The total roast time (time elapsed + time remaining) cannot exceed 25:00 minutes.
2 - Temperature -
During the roast, the temperature display can show two different parameters. If the Select arrow is used to choose the temperature display it becomes encircled.  This is the Target Temperature which, if reached, will automatically eject the beans. When the display is not encircled (as shown above) it is the current temperature in the roasting chamber. The Target Temperature can be changed at any time during the roast up to the maximum of 428 F.  If the Target Temperature is lowered to the point that it equals the current temperature the beans will be ejected.
3 - Main Fan Speed -
Five speeds are available. Each of the four bars represent 25% of the fan's speed. When no bars are showing the fan is off.
4 - Heating Element Power -
Eleven selectable heating levels. Each bar represents 10% of the heating element’s power. When no bars are selected the heating element is off.
All four parameters explained above can be regulated within their respective ranges by the user at any time during the roasting process.
The manufacturer has gone to great lengths in the design of this new model to be sure that current owners of a Hottop coffee roaster will also be able to upgrade their roasters to the "B" model by replacing the control panel and the main board, both of which are available as an upgrade "kit" for purchase from us.
We are an authorized manufacturer's distributor located on the East Coast (Boston).  We service and support what we sell and we stock all necessary parts for immediate shipment.
Warranty Info:
The Hottop roaster is warranted by the manufacturer for a full one year from the date of purchase. To obtain service under the warranty program, please contact us and we will ensure that you get your roaster repaired or replaced. The Manufacturer provides a 30-day "Buyer's Satisfaction Policy" including a full cash refund. Shipping costs are not refundable. Please contact us for details.
Tech and After Sales Support:
If your roaster is not operating properly and it is outside the warranty period you can ship it to us for repair and service. We will provide a written estimate before we start any work. Feel free to contact us if you have questions, service issues, or need some advice on coffee roasting in general or how to use this roaster in particular. We provide
unlimited
email & phone support.
ROASTING TIPS:
To get started make sure the roaster is located in a flat, level surface. It is going to get hot and generate smoke (quite a bit of smoke, in fact, if you want dark roasts), so leave plenty of space around it. Ideally it should be near a window or underneath a kitchen hood for ventilation. During warm (not hot, nor cool) weather you can use it outside, but be aware that ambient temperature has a direct impact on your roast. For this reason we recommend that you use the roaster only indoors and with adequate ventilation.
The Hottop has a unique feature, the pre-heating cycle. This is a familiar step to bakers; you need to preheat the oven before starting your baking. You start the roaster's pre-heating cycle by pressing the "Start" button. Do not drop the green beans until the pre-heat cycle is complete. The roaster will give you a loud beep to remind you that it is time to fill in the beans.
You would need to measure 250 grams (or 9 oz ) of green beans. This is an important step. Unlike the Gene Cafe, the Hottop is designed to roast the same amount of green beans every time. If you do not have an accurate, digital kitchen scale, please check our other auctions for one that is reasonably-priced.. You can use 1 and 1/3 cups (by volume) of green beans, but you will soon realize that measuring by weight gives much better results.
We just loaded the green beans and the roasting process has begun. Notice the green color of the unroasted coffee beans.
After eight minutes the beans have begun to take on some color. Notice the small amount of steam coming out. There is a pleasant grassy aroma
We reached first crack (about 15 minutes). It sounds like breaking pencils. Beans are medium brown, more smoke is now present and smells like coffee!
At about 18 minutes we reach second crack. This is a dark roast and the beans are being ejected. Yes, there is quite a bit of denser smoke now.
Ejecting a lighter roast. Not so much smoke now. This is our preferred roast: "moderately dark". You maintain the fruity , acidic flavors of our Bolivian beans without the overbearing ashy mouth feel.
The cooling process is completed. Two arms rotate the beans while air is drawn down through the holes in the pan. Notice the nice, even dark roast. Cooling takes 4 to 5 minutes. This is a good roaster!
An inside look of a just-used roasting chamber before cleaning and after the stainless steel drum is removed for
required
cleaning after each roast cycle. Don't skip the cleaning. Make sure there are no beans left inside. It will ruin your next roast.
Side shot of the digital model after completing a dark roast cycle. The side filter (blue) is very visible. Keeping the wire heat protectors is very important. The roaster gets very
hot
! Notice the black handle on top. It belongs to the green coffee chute where you drop the coffee after it beeps announcing that it is pre-heated and ready to go. Cool or what?
All the components that can be removed for cleaning. Notice the high quality of the Stainless Steel parts. Clockwise from the top left corner: a) perforated cooling pan. b) side filter (disposable), c) roasting drum, d) glass window, e) top metal charcoal filter (replaceable), f) drum bearing plate, g) chaff collector, and h) green beans drop-down chute cover
PRODUCT REVIEW:
During our extensive tests, we were impressed with how solid this coffee roaster is built and how easy it is to use it. We roasted all sorts of beans (including Decaf) and we were impressed with the overall results.  All models allow you to change the time of the roast. The temperature is controlled by the computer, which may be a positive or negative aspect depending on your point of view. If you like to change the temperature to achieve your preferred roasting profile, this is a negative. Such users should opt for the Gene Cafe or even the I-Roast2. On the other hand, if you have your hands full with the time of the roast and you rather just let the computer handle the temperature, this is a positive. By the way, there is debate among roasting experts as to whether changing the temperature during the roast is a good thing. Michael Sivetz, the inventor of "Fluid Bed" roasters, for example, thinks that the quicker you get to 485 degrees (and stay there), the better the roast will be. As you can imagine, Mr. Sivetz doesn't think much of "profile roasting" because most roasters (even the expensive, commercial ones) do not have the ability or accuracy to measure bean temperature (the important variable), and simply measure "roasting chamber" temperature, which is not a good indicator. We will not settle the debate here. W e just believe in full disclosure.
The roaster defaults at 18 minutes, which makes for a light roast. Using our Bolivian beans we have found the best results at 19 for our Extra (A) and 20 for Superior (AA) and Cumbre (AAA). You need to experiment and discover the level that best fits
your
preferences (not somebody else's like us). Roasting is also influenced by ambient temperature and humidity, density of the bean and the voltage on your electrical circuit. So experiment and take our levels, as that, starting points. Besides here is where the fun in coffee roasting comes. Doing your own thing and then bragging about it to your amazed family and friends, who up to now, never probably enjoyed truly fresh-roasted coffee.
Even though, as a roasting principle we prefer the "fluid bed" roasters (because of its sharper, cleaner, more flavorful coffee since the beans are always surrounded by air and never touch any metal surface that accumulates burned up oils that over time become rancid and affect the flavor of the new roast), with
regular
and
aggressive
cleaning, this roaster could produce intense flavors and deep, subtle bodies. For drum roasters it is important to do aggressive cleaning in order to prevent the accumulation of over burnt or rancid oils that will accumulate on the inside surfaces and impact future roasts. However, drum roasters retain the charisma of a technique that has been used successfully since the 15th century. A drum roaster allows you to roast more "by the senses" (smell, color, sound) than "by wire" (fully automated equipment). However, with the introduction of the programmable models the Hottop has now also joined the "roast by wire" category.
In any event, we are here to help you and to make your progression into a "Roastmaster" a truly rewarding and exciting journey. Do not hesitate to contact us. We answer al questions and love to talk about coffee. Can't you tell?
A quick primer on fresh-roasted coffee:
Most people are amazed to learn that once a coffee bean has been roasted, it starts to lose flavor, slowly at first, but surely in just three days, even if it has not been ground.  Over the next three weeks, even more flavor is lost, beyond repair.  Most of us don't often have a chance to taste the full flavor of coffee, unless we know a local coffee roaster.  Until 50 years ago, this is how coffee was sold, just like milk.  Your local coffee roaster delivered freshly roasted beans to your home at regular intervals based on your family's consumption.  After WWII, when "development" took place, national coffee roasters started offering "convenient" and "scientifically" packaged coffee and convinced us that "modern" coffee was "just as good" and without all the fuss and mess.  Well, guess what, commercial coffee tasted awful, and we just drank it because we wanted the caffeine.  The only thing we cared about was the price.  No wonder young kids started drinking colas.  It also has caffeine, but at least it tastes good and sweet!
Let's go back!  With a modern home/professional coffee roaster, like this one, there is no mystery to coffee roasting.  Quickly and without any mess, you will be ready to brew a pot of the freshest coffee that you have ever made. Furthermore, once you have started roasting your own coffee, you will be able to savor the truly finest coffees in the world freshly roasted in your own location!
So, go ahead, recover one of the timeless, lost pleasures and start roasting your own coffee today.
Return Policy:
Within 30 days after you have received an item you can return it to us, provided that, in our judgment, it is unopened, unused and in 100% resalable condition. There is no re-stocking fee for unopened, returned, resalable items returned within 3 days of receipt. However, there is a 20% re-stocking fee if you returned it after three days.  If in our judgement, the return item is resalable, but only as an used item, we will only refund 50% of the original sale price.  Shipping charges are not refundable and you are responsible for shipping charges incurred to return any item to us. All returned merchandise must be in its original packing carton with all the supporting accessories, forms and instruction manuals. Exchanges, replacements and refunds are made only after the returned item is received by us, so make sure you insure it. We will not issue refunds for damaged-after-receipt, or misused merchandise.
If you return this item, we will deduct - for the cost of originally shipping it to you for "free".
Customer Satisfaction Policy:
a) Defective Items: For defective items please contact the manufacturer directly for warranty repair/replacement. We provide all necessary help including manufacturer's address, toll free numbers and/or invoices, as necessary.  If within 30 days after we have shipped, AND after you have tried in good faith to obtain warranty repair/replacement from the manufacturer and are not satisfied with the outcome, we will exchange any defective item at no charge, after we have received the defective unit from you.
b) Damaged goods in transit with purchased shipping insurance:  We will file an
insurance claim with the carrier. In order to receive an immediate replacement of the damaged goods, the customer needs to provide us with a Credit Card or PayPal payment for the value of the replacement part/product AND return (at their expense) the damaged parts for insurance verification. Otherwise, we will not ship the replacement part/product until we receive the damaged part/product from the customer or the insurance claim payment.  Once the insurance payment and/or the damaged part/product is received we will credit the credit card or refund the PayPal payment.
c) Damaged goods in transit without purchased shipping insurance:  Customers who opt not to purchase shipping insurance and receive shipping-damaged goods have no recourse to us. Our responsibility ends when we hand over the merchandise to the carrier
Stocking and Shipping Policies:
We only auction what we have on stock.   We don't play "inventory logistics" games and buy the item with your money after you won and paid for the auction.  This is what sellers with unrealistic low prices, high shipping costs and long delivery dates do.  If we run out of stock (because we sold it on our online store) we terminate auctions without bids early.  If you win an auction you are guaranteed to receive the item. So bid with confidence, you will get what you win in a few days (depending on your location).
We ship the same business day payment is received, if payment is received before 2:00pm (EST).  Otherwise, we ship the following business day.  We will ship,
for free
, via FedEx Ground only to the continental US.  Depending on where you are located, you will receive your coffee roaster the next day or in four to five business days if you are in the West Coast.  Please use the shipping calculator for costs outside the continental US.  International quotes already include a credit for free domestic shipping.  We ship worldwide. We ship to the address on record with the payment account (PayPal or credit card).
Please note:
For international shipments, if you chose Priority Mail, the roaster can only be insured, because of US Mail Regulations, up to 0. If you want to insure it for the full value, you must select Priority Mail Express (EMS) delivery.
Feedback Policy:
We are in the business of keeping customers happy above all reasonable costs, but we are also human.  If you feel your experience with us has been less than exemplary, please contact us and we will try our hardest to keep you a happy, loyal, repeat customer.  Feedback is final, once given it cannot be taken back. If you change you mind about buying a product,
before we ship
, we will gladly cancel the transaction rather than report you as a non-paying bidder.  Likewise, please contact us before giving us negative feedback.
We will make things right.
Affiliations:
We are proud members of the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the Specialty Coffee Association of Bolivia.
We are also proud members of the Cup of Excellence
®
.
Bid with Confidence
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