Last few roasting cycles the heating element seems to be getting hotter slower and kicking out less heat. Had to basically set the temp at 482*F and let the roaster just run. With 6, 7 or 8 ounce loads (beans of different origin) the roaster will not get hotter than 460*F. Roasting cycle is a bit extended. Not sure if it is the element dying, lower line voltage, circuit board issue or a combination of factors. Anyone with any insight? Is my heating element dying? If so, how difficult is it to replace the element?

When was the last time you cleaned the air intake on the bottom of the machine? The insides of the chaff collector also?

Noel,

How old is the roaster? Does the temperature display jump around as the temperature increases? Does the chaff seem to build up more than usual at the exit screen? Is the chaff collector the old style or the really big one?

I've had similar problems and it may be thermostat related.

Cliff

I would call Tim tomorrow (805-501-7731) and I'm sure he can troubleshoot your problem on the phone.

These are good suggestions re: keeping your roaster clean.

I've gone through 2 heating elements - Tim replaced one and I replaced the other. My experience is that the heating element either works or doesn't which would point to something else going on (thermostat, circuitry,etc.). I don't have any electrical background so I'm really guessing here.

I can say that replacing the heating element (if need be) is very easy and does not require any special skills or tools.

Good luck!

Roaster is almost 4 years old. Initially one of the boards died (~72 roasting cycles). Since then (+300 roasting cycles) it has run without any hiccups. Have not cleaned the roaster's insides out for at least one year. Temperature steadily increases. No jumping around more than 1*F based on the readout panel. Slower ramp up and max at ~460*F. Last cleaning I was surprised at the amount of fine "yellowish dust" similar to the junk that builds up on the exhaust duct of the DIY smoke vent. The dust was pretty much everywhere. But prior to last cleaning no heating problems. Hopefully it's just an accumulation of dust. Otherwise it is sounding like some issue other than the heating element.