Back to my original topic which started this thread...after about 30 roasts I am learning the Hottop-B and getting improved roasts.

Idea #1: "Fast ramp up to 1st crack" does not necessarily mean POWER=10. I roast in small batches and so I am learning to set the power to shoot for a 20F-25F per minute ramp up. Sometimes this means POWER=8 or POWER=9. The Hottop has a lot of power and it is easy to blast through the drying time, and scorch beans. When using POWER=10 for a fast ramp to 1st crack, I was mostly getting burned and smoky tasting roasts.

Idea #2: "Heating Element Coasting" When you reduce the power from 10 to 6, the big heater will still glow and emit more heat. So if you want to reduce the heater setting from 10 to 6 say, at the 1st crack, you need to reduce the temp setting and let it coast a bit. Think about the inertia in the element when making your power corrections.

Idea #3: "Rest time" For some reason that I do not have the knowledge to explain, my Hottop roasts are better when they rest a couple days longer than roasts I made on the GeneCafe.

All in all I am so happy to own a Hottop. The unit is SOLID, I am getting better roasts, and enjoying my espresso more than ever before.