by bruceb » Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:14 am
This is my subjective opinion, having used all three of the roasters mentioned. From the standpoints of usability, flexibility, build quality and general results obtained there is no question in my mind that the HotTop is a class above the others. Even the original HotTop without Digital display or programmable cycles is superior.
That said, the HotTop is not without its weaknesses. It will not roast 500g satisfactorily (nor will either of the others), it has limitations in flexibility, as do the others and it is more expensive. It also creates a lot of smoke. The replaceable filters have not been an issue for me in well over 1000 roasts as I simply stopped changing them. I haven't noticed any difference in roast quality and there is always a lot of smoke (which my 2kw extractor handily removes from the kitchen).
No home roaster is without its weaknesses and you either learn to live with them or you build your own. Most of the problems are related to the manufacturer's fear of litigation because of safety issues. To be really flexible and adaptable a roaster has to be able to catch on fire. As soon as the roaster is designed not to be able to cause serious damage it becomes crippled.
Three Francesconi (CMA) espresso machines - Rossi, San Marco, LaCimbali, Faema and 2 Mazzer Major grinders- CoffeeTech Maggionlino, Hottop, Alpenröst and HW Precision roasters. I decided I needed a bit of a change so I roasted some Monsooned Malabar. That was a change!