As one of the respondents I'm finding this to be a frustrating thread. The OP posed a question and there have been a number of reasonable responses, many of which have understandably posed sensible follow up questions and issues for clarification to the OP so that HB members can offer better advice.

But unfortunately the OP has not responded to any of almost 20 replies over two weeks. If the OP is not going to bother to put in the effort to follow up on any responses then I would venture to say that we are wasting our time discussing and debating this issue. If the OP were an HB regular contributor then I might hold out hope that they will in time respond but this was a first and only post by this person.

The "best home roaster for small-batch roasting" will depend upon the specific needs and requirements of the individual in question, so without further information from the OP this discussion seems pointless.