I have a iRoast2 and i can't get good results with this machine. The machine seems to be too fast and it has a big problem with cooling the beans (so it's difficult to stop the roast). Furthermore it is difficult to get an idea of how far the roast is. It is for example almost impossible to hear the cracks because of all the noise the machine makes.

Now i use a whirlypop and get very good results. I can control the temperature and speed of the roast at any time. Also i can cool the beans much better (i use a combination of spraying a moist of water and airflow in a big colander). The beans taste perfect now. Much more body and no more burned taste!

Anyone else a same experience?

Jan,

I have used a whirley pop on several occasions and found that they are not that hard to use. They do require almost constant attention/mixing/shaking to get even roasts. I imagine with a thermometer mounted through the top that you could get fairly accurate readings and control. I would expect that the low cost, ample roasting size (+/- .5 lb), and relative ease of use would make them more popular.

When used indoors, the smoke is a problem. I used my IR2 with with dryer duct blowing out an open window and found this to keep the house smoke to a minimum. The machine is loud, but I found that hearing the cracks was not that hard if you stood right next to the machine the whole time. In addition, a temp probe can be inserted through the top and into the bean mass for very accurate temperature monitoring and reproducible results. I found the IR2 cooling to be adequate.

I never really noticed a burnt taste to the IR2 roasts, except when roasted well into 2nd crack, which I rarely did. The problem that I had was quick roast times and brighter flavors. I had to roast at the lowest temp setting to get near 10 minute roasts. I enjoyed the roasts once I was able to prolong the time.

I moved on from the IR2 due to the small batch size, now cured with a 4lb RKDrum, the main drawback of which is controlling roast profiles. Still learning, but having fun. My brother just bought a Behmor and he loves it. I expect that a few months of cranking that handle will lead to upgraditis or Macgyver syndrome with a Frankensteined Whirley Pop. Good luck whichever way you go!

Dave

Thanks Dave and Jim for your reply. I have also the problem with the brighter flavors. I also think that the temperature probe of some models do not work correct. My first iroast2 was way to fast (whatever profiles i programmed). Also material from the heating cramber got loose from a while. So i did send the unit back. Now i have a new unit that seems to be less overheating (that can have longer roast times now). But the beans still are to bright (but maybe that's just a matter of personal taste).

I use the Whirley Pop in combination with a thermometer. Instead of a hot start, i prefer a cold start. It's really easy to slow down a bit during the first crack. I think that's much more complicated than when i use my iRoast2.