I have a chance to pick one up that was only used twice, at a reasonable price, but I'm not sure it would be the best choice for my first coffee roaster. And for just a little bit more I can pick up a refurbished Fresh Roast SR540. If anyone has any experience with the Alpenrost, I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.

These machines were manufactured between about 2002 and 2005. They were the first drum roasters for home users, and got an enthusiastic initial response. However, the roast process is mostly invisible, the heating elements are very close to the beans, and the roaster has no ventilation. It did not turn out well. I would look for another roaster.

another_jim wrote: ...It did not turn out well. I would look for another roaster.

Thank you - this was the impression I got after a little more searching.
I'm thinking a refurbished Fresh Roast SR540 would make a better first roaster choice