Great Roaster if You Watch a YouTube Video!
The instructions that come with this as well as the manufacturer's website TRULY lack. That being said, it is a breeze to use after watching a simple 7 minute youtube video. If you've roasted before, you don't need to read or view any instructions. Be carful with the black plastic parts of the canister lid. With the temp and age, they are prone to chip around the edges. Won't effect use, but will look a little aged.
Measure out the right amount.
Set for high fan and low heat. Max minutes.
For the first 2 minutes of roasting, take the canister off the roaster and shake every 30 seconds to avoid scorching the beans. Stop doing this once you hear first crack as it will no longer be needed.
Turn the air down to medium and temp to medium.
From there it depends on the roast you are going for and the beans you purchased.
I like a City+ roast (roughly just before bold) so my total time is about 12 minutes. Good rule of thumb is "if it looks like good coffee, it is good coffee." In other words, if it looks like the beans you buy and love, well then.... there you go!
If you are wanting a less-than-bold roast, as soon as you hear the second crack (will sound like rice crispies and beans turning the dark brown), turn the temp immeidately to cool. The machine will shut itself off when done. Black plastic will still be a little hot, so don't drop it when you pick it up. It will shatter and explode if you do. As far as cleaning the chaff inside the top lid, do so gently. Discoloration won't hurt anything, so no need to scrub. All you are looking for in cleaning is that none of the breather holes in the lid are blocked, and there is no residue buildup. So you can just blow the chaff out and if cool, use a dry dish brush gently. I've never wet-washed my lid just to avoid wearing out anything faster than normal use will.
As for the roaster, it is perfect in roasting capacity for about 6 cus a day if you roast a single batch every other day (or just roast several back to back in same day).
A couple other suggestions. Let your beans sit out for 24 hours on a tray or bowl for them to degas. Then put them in a bag with a output valve like you see on store-bought coffee. This allows further degassing without air getting in. No need really to go out and buy a container or bags. Just use one of your empty ones till it is clearly worn out.
My final suggestion is to let your beans sit in the bag for 4 days before drinking for maximum characteristics. If you have it the same or next day, it will be fine and not harm you. You just get the best of the bean after 4 days (and usually before 30 days).
After you've roasted twice, you'll laugh at how easy it is. I had a couple espresso carts in Seattle but always purchased roasted beans. If you want some suggestions on easy and fantastic cold brew, the best frother, and the best espresso/coffee machine for home use, drop me a note. i've been through several of each, and while there is always better, I have finally ended up with equipment I will re-purchase when any of these die. If you are going to Seattle, drop me a mesage and I'll point you to my list of reviews of all the non-chain coffee shops on Yelp. That and buffets and cigar shops in Vegas.
Salut
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned