Roasting less than 2.5 Lb per batch is challenging as I still have difficulty following the roast profile I want. I roasted 1 lb, but was not satisfied with how the roast went.

That seems to be the typical experience of most people that have drum roasters like that. I've heard the same thing on the North Forum.

Sounds like haven't had any problem integrating exhaust temp rather than environmental temp in your roasts. Can't even imagine roasting 5-6 lbs of beans in one go. Your Hottop should make for a nice sample roaster now. I've been too busy to get any real roasting time, but hope to in a few weeks. I'm planning 1 to 1 1/2 lb roasts on the BC-2, so looks like I'll be getting a lot of cockpit time with it to learn and get the qty of beans I want. Wife says if we get enough going on and actually outgrow the 2 lb'er, she won't object too strongly about upgrading. Still wish I could have went with the BC-5 like you did. Would appreciate if you stay in touch with your progress and pass any tips that may help me.

David

DEG wrote:Thanks William! How long have you been using your BC-1?

Not long. Maybe 3-4 mos. Still learning to drive it as I came from a Quest. Big difference!

DEG wrote:Sounds like haven't had any problem integrating exhaust temp rather than environmental temp in your roasts. Can't even imagine roasting 5-6 lbs of beans in one go. Your Hottop should make for a nice sample roaster now. I've been too busy to get any real roasting time, but hope to in a few weeks. I'm planning 1 to 1 1/2 lb roasts on the BC-2, so looks like I'll be getting a lot of cockpit time with it to learn and get the qty of beans I want. Wife says if we get enough going on and actually outgrow the 2 lb'er, she won't object too strongly about upgrading. Still wish I could have went with the BC-5 like you did. Would appreciate if you stay in touch with your progress and pass any tips that may help me.

David

I sold my Hottop after a couple of months after buying the BC-5, to offset some of the initial costs. Keno did an excellent review on the BC-600 (the older version of BC-2), and you might find some really good tips reading his blog.
I'll stay in touch as I'm working on automating the gas intake. Had some issues with the valve I purchased, but I'm not giving up.

Sorry for the followup, but will this be through artisan or different sw?

Through Artisan, but using a TC4 board to drive the gas valve.