How long do Hottop filters last?

[Niko]

How long (on average) do your Hottop filters last?
Also, has anyone successfully cleaned the rear filter to get a little more life out of it? Or better yet, has anyone found the same type of material to replace it with in the plastic holder? It looks similar to home heating/air conditioner filters but in a scaled down pattern.

[cafeIKE]

It's possible to replace them with 120mm computer fan screens.

Randy G talks about it here

The fit is a bit sloppy, but you can make a carrier from thin sheet metal. I'll post a photo of the carrier later.

[DavidMLewis]

How long (on average) do your Hottop filters last?

It depends a lot on how dark you roast, since there's a lot more smoke after the start of second crack. I take the small brush attachment on my vacuum cleaner to it after a session, carefully on both sides, and it seems good for twenty to thirty roasts or so. Halfway through I'll pop the material out and turn it 180 degrees so the upper section is now on the bottom.

Best,
David

[Niko]

Nice to hear from you, David.
So you're saying yours last for about 30 roasts and the filter material is easily removed to flip over?
The darkest I roast is a little into active 2nd crack ('bout 10-20 seconds) depending on the bean.

[DavidMLewis]

So you're saying yours last for about 30 roasts and the filter material is easily removed to flip over?

That's correct. I use a table knife to pry the frame apart; you just have to be careful not to break it. In the case of the top filter, I use a probe to pull up on the grate. Then wash the material with Simple Green, rinse a lot, and replace. Easy.

Best,
David

[narc]

On the rear filter I've been using the computer filter. Buy couple. Always have one clean & ready to go. An overnight soak in Simple Green, Dawn or Cafiza plus maybe a little brushing (recycled toothbrush) gets it shiny new clean.