Please don't leave that Gene unattended. I use one. A friend's stuck and started on fire while unattended. Pardon me if I misunderstood.

I have roasted on the Gene, a Huky, gas roasters, and the Behmor. From your narrative, your style sounds like Behmor preference. I found that it roasted best for me at the 11-12 oz amount (I had voltage issues).

I use a variac on my Behmor with a voltage meter so that I always have the same power into the roaster. I roast 300 gr at a time since 2lbs divides nicely, and I'm able to hit 10 to 12 minute first crack. Normally at around 10:45 to 11. My, afterburner is out, has been for a long time but that doesn't really matter.

From a Huky user perspective (looking for full control as compared with the GeneCafe), I feel that I am in full control of the roast with the Huky. There is for sure a learning curve, but there are lots of resources available (especially with the Huky, but that can be applied to just about any of the roasters discussed). I feel that I can get close to any professional roast with the same beans, so the limitations are not with the machine but with the operator. Besides that, you will have a lot of fun.
You (fzman) mention economy as one deciding factor. That was important for me too. My choice at that time was between the Huky and the TJ-067 and because I'm roasting in my kitchen (on the third floor...) the choice was quite easy... As others have pointed out, the Huky is still the "cheapest" way to get into a fully controlable drum roaster. ... and OK, I am still looking at the somewhat more expensive roasters. But the Huky still serves me well and I don't think that I would have done much better with another roaster.

fzman wrote:The Huky I lloked at is from croptocup, who have put together a bundle which comes in at close to the price of the BC-1, and similar to the Bullet.

Why would you not buy the Huky direct from Mr Li? Especially if you'll save $1000...

No joke. Buy direct. That's an insane price for the Huky. If you want to spend that much get the bigger and better roaster.

So, here's the specific deal I was referencing:
Huky 500 Roaster Kit - $2,349
Huky Base Roaster ($1,495)*
Propane IR stove ($125)
Exhaust Hood ($75)
Base 301 Dual Input Thermometer ($100)**
USB cable ($30)
Probes x 2 ($50)
Extra Cooling Tray ($25)***
Extra Cooling Fan ($60)***
Extra Ehaust Hood ($75)***
Extra Funnel ($25)***
Delivery to NYC ($220)****
Credit Card Processing Fee ($69) - avoid by paying with check


Shipping fees, etc. are unavoidable, and I am not sure what kinds of duties and/or brokerage fees are invilved in direct-import. That all said, it seems to make sense that the "extra" stuff is worth having, and that this kit represents what it will cost to 'go for it' with the Huky. That's why I am comparing to the BC-1, which is configured from the factory to not really the extra stuff for quick turn-around times to do batch after batch.

I am a little timid about doing any gas-powered roasting in my basement, perhaps with the exception of professionally plumbed-in natural gas lines, my garage is not suited for it, and it's too cold for a big part of the year to roast outdoors in the Chicago area. (Also do not have an adequate hood in the kitchen-just one built-into the microwave.

All that said, it looks like something like the Quest M3 or the Bullet R1 might make more sense. Right now I do 320g charges in the Gene, and the roasts take about 16-18 minutes, and about 12-14 minutes to cool. The M3 does a smaller batch, but if I can do 2 back-to-back roasts in it, in about the same time it takes me to do one in the Gene, that might be the ticket for me. All in all, I have to justify the price difference between the Behmor and the Quest (and up). Seems like the Hottop is not the sweet spot for either performance, price, or bvalue in today's market.


I am quietly driving my self crazy wioth this decision..... Behmor? Higher-end AC-only powered machine, or full out Huky, Kaldi, or BC-1????

Help!!!

Buy directly from Mr. Li. You'll get all of that for $1500-$1600 shipped. You're making it more complicated.

If you have the money...get the BC-1. If you want to save money get the Huky500T. Get it from Mr. Li. 2400$ is ridiculous for a used one. Mr Li will get it to you in a week or less. I got mine used for 1500 and it came with everything I need. I still think I spent a bit much but I am extremely happy with it and would buy it again. I was timid of the gas at first but I roast with my garage door open and never have any leaks. It is sufficient for your needs.

I don't think it is used. That company is reselling them. Still ridiculous price.

^Agreed. A lot of people use the Huky. You have the forum. All questions you could possibly have will be answered. You will learn gas roasting. You will love it.