Hottop Profiles / Q&A / Tips & Tricks

[milowebailey]

I have a question regarding using a hottop to profile (or get close) to what my Ambex will do.

I've been thinking about the roast profile time.

The hottop takes 20 - 24 minutes for a roast.

Typically I roast on the Ambex 12 - 15 minutes.

Is there a relationship between the two that I should consider? 

[cfsheridan]

I have a question regarding using a hottop to profile (or get close) to what my Ambex will do.

I've been thinking about the roast profile time.

The hottop takes 20 - 24 minutes for a roast.

Typically I roast on the Ambex 12 - 15 minutes.

Is there a relationship between the two that I should consider? 

Drop the batch size and up the preheat on the hottop.  Stay ~200-230g, and get the stock backwall thermocouple to ~250-265.  Roasts should then be in the 14-15 min range.  Proliles on my hottop are comparable (even more so with less batch size) to a YM-2.

[shakin_jake]

I have a question regarding using a hottop to profile (or get close) to what my Ambex will do.

I've been thinking about the roast profile time.

The hottop takes 20 - 24 minutes for a roast.

Typically I roast on the Ambex 12 - 15 minutes.

Is there a relationship between the two that I should consider? 

~~~~Milow,  FWIW, I'm roasting exclusively on a newer Hot Top B model.  It takes me approx. 14 mintues to get 250 grams of green beans into 2nd crack then dumping the roast to cool

More often than not, I add my 250 grams of beans as soon as the pre-heat cycle ends, so there is approx. 18 minutes on the countdown timer and 165 degrees F showing on the Hot Top's digital display.  Looking at my roast log, most roasts are finished with about 4 minutes left on the display



Jake
Reddick Fla.
If he's got golf clubs in his truck or a camper in his driveway, I don't hire him.
--Lou Holtz, football coach

[milowebailey]

Hmmm, maybe my heating element needs to be replaced.  Most of the time with 250 grams I barely get to half way into 1st crack at 18 minutes.. have to push add time and normally hit 2nd right at the buzzer (30 seconds left)...  Now with the milowidget I have way more control and can get it done in about 17 minutes.  

Mine is the old digital model.. and I've been using the factory controller because I want to replace the thermocouples with better ones for the milowidget version.. haven't gotten around to it....  and brought the Hottop up to the cabin for weekend sample roasting.

Maybe it's time to finish that project up.

[Steve7]

Like shakin Jake, I conclude my roasting business anywhere from 6 to about 4 mins left on my timer (adding at 18mins).

Buy a new element and keep under 250g to get the best out of the batch.

[staylor]

Yup, new heating element.

[cfsheridan]

Yup, new heating element.

+1

You should be to 1st well before 18m with 250g.

[YasBean]

I am usually just skimming the margins of 2c by 16:30 mins on my 2 year old P model. 250g added at the beginning of the "add beans" beeps.

[shakin_jake]

I know this has been discussed before but I just wanted to mention to Milow, since he didn't say how many volts he has at this outlet when roasting (just that he thinks his heater element is suspect)...Ideally, you want 120 volts when the roaster heater is at full ouput

This is easy to check with a multimeter that has an AC volt meter (most do).  Most plug ins (electrical outlets) have two receptacles, so your roaster is plugged into one, probe the other with your AC voltmeter 



Jake
Reddick Fla.
It is inexcusable for scientists to torture animals; let them make their experiments on journalists and politicians.

[GC7]

I've been getting my best results lately using 225 gm batches.

I set the time to max (25 minutes) on the profile and dump/add the beans at 23 minutes (two minutes after the auto profile).  The temp generally reads about 265* or so.  I immediately lower the heat to 80% to dry at a bit lower heat levels.  At 325* I run the fan at 75% for 30 seconds and then lower to 25% for the rest of the roast.  At the same time I increase the heat to 100% until about 380* or so when I lower the heat to 70% until start of first crack which is usually about 12 minutes after I dump the beans (11 minutes left on the clock).  As first get strong I lower heat again to about 50% to extend first crack and the time to second.  I then dump the beans to cool at the desired roast level.  Sometimes I will increase heat to get to second crack at the desired time of about 4 minutes after the start of first crack.

Works for me.

[milowebailey]

I emailed Hottop USA today and after a volley of emails they suggest replacing the heating element and temperature sensor.  I guess I'll order those tomorrow.

Anyone ever changed the heating element?  Any tips?

[staylor]

I emailed Hottop USA today and after a volley of emails they suggest replacing the heating element and temperature sensor.  I guess I'll order those tomorrow.

Anyone ever changed the heating element?  Any tips?

It's easy, I've done it once before. I think there is a link floating around on Hottop's website somewhere.

[Mlee]

I emailed Hottop USA today and after a volley of emails they suggest replacing the heating element and temperature sensor.  I guess I'll order those tomorrow.

Anyone ever changed the heating element?  Any tips?

It's easy, I've done it once before. I think there is a link floating around on Hottop's website somewhere.
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Once you take the back panel off its just to screws holding it in place

[milowebailey]

The parts should be here today.  Hottop sent me a link to the instructions.

thanks for the help!!

Milowebailey

[George Coury]

I've had a programmable hottop for almost 2 years now which I bought directly from them. I have had to replace several items. I am only roasting for myself so it is not getting anything but light use. Now my LCD screen is going bad and half the information is unreadable. I note Larry's issues with the heating element on his older machine. Those of you with hottops, have you been happy with the reliability? I am becoming increasingly disappointed with it's electronics. I am wondering if this is par for this machine or have I got a lemon?