Hottop KN-8828B-2K Digital Drum Coffee Roaster

About Hottop KN-8828B-2K Digital Drum Coffee Roaster

Now, with the very latest enhancements and safety features, the terrific KN-8828B-2K "base" model shown here and the USB connected KN-8828B-2-K+ make up the Hottop product line. Both "B-2-K" and "B-2-K+" offer a lot of roasting control than older models by allowing the user to determine temperature settings and fan speed. This B-2-K model offers basic programming and the B-2-K+ model advanced programming with computer connectivity. Both models share the same body but use different control boards and interfaces; each can be set to fully automatic operations. A comparison of both Hottop models is shown below.

Your purchase a Hottop KN-8828B-2K includes: 8 FULL POUNDS OF COFFEE! PLUS - Roasting Log by 33 Roasts with Roastmasters logo PLUS - $25 Gift Certiicate

--- We can only accept Hottop orders for the United States, its territories and Canada ---

The Hottop Model KN-8828B-2-K Digital Home Coffee Roaster is a very nice, sturdily built machine which is modeled after after a professional shop roaster, only in miniature. Its polished stainless steel barrel exterior is very eye-catching but better still is the completely stainless roasting drum. In our own tests we feel coffee roasted with the Hottop roaster models produce results closest to professionally roasted coffee. Users can roast the full range of roast styles from light to dark.

Hottop has added an emergency manual bean eject system which is a safety improvement allowing the immediate release of all coffee in situations such as power failure. If you purchased a Hottop from Roastmasters since late summer 2010 this feature was already incorporated.

All models are now equipped with a K-style thermocouple. This thermocouple replaces the original button style thermal sensor that was on the back wall of the roaster. This upgraded thermocouple, which is extended away from the rear wall, and gives more accurate temperature display and faster response time.

The Hottop body has been produced for quite a few years. In 2007 The B and P models were introduced which provided users with new features and control panels. Since the body and interior construction were not changed, upgrade kits are available so that you can bring your prior Hottop models to these new standards. This is only if you have a much older Hottop. In December 2010, the safety ejection control is officially added to the B and P models, and the designation B-2 and P-2 will now be used for the most up-to-date roasters.

• Computer controlled roasting for accuracy and repeatability
• K-type thermocouple
• Fully automatic roasting & cooling when desired
• All aspects of roast can be preset or adjusted during roast
• User can end roast at any time
• Capacity: 250g - 300g per roasting (9 ounces/250g optimal)
• External cooling tray with agitation arm and cooling fan. Beans cool in 4 to 5 minutes
• Easy cleaning
• Very quiet operation
• Built-in smoke reduction system
• Stainless steel cover and drum
• Large window gives good view of the beans during roasting
• Audible signalling of roast progress
• Heat element: 750 Watts
• Steel Drum: 4 x 8 inches
• Viewing window: 4 inches

More features:

• Target time, target temperature, fan speed, or heater power can be changed during roast.
• Color LCD display.
• Not sensitive to the line voltage, no voltage regulator needed, such as a Variac, to maintain proper voltage.
• Built-in temperature safety features (user must press any key to continue roasting if darker roast desiredwhen Hottop temperature displays 415 F, otherwise Hottop will dump the beans and shut off the machine automatically).
• 15 to 17 minutes for a 250 grams (i.e. 9 oz or 1/2 lb) batch.
• Adjusted profile can be saved and played back.

RECORD YOUR ROASTS IN DETAIL

 

The Hottop KN-8828B-2K control panel.

 

Control Panel Buttons

1. Start/Power - The largest button at the top of the control panel is for both POWER and START. Only one of these two choices will be illuminated in the LCD display at any given time so the button is used for this dual function.

2. Eject - Available at any point during a roast. Use it to immediately stop the roasting process and send the beans into the cooling tray.

3. Select - Cycle through adjustable parameters (Target time, Target Temperature, Fan Speed and Heating Element Power).

4. Up/Down Arrows - used to change each of the four adjustable parameters. If at any time a parameter is at its extreme (highest or lowest possible setting) that arrow will not be available.

 

 

 

 

 

Control Panel Displays

1. Time - Counts down remaining time. Maximum roast time is 25 minutes with most roasts falling into the 15 to 19 minute range. This means you will have ample time left if needed. Beans are ejected when target time is reached if not overridden by user. Minimum is 10 minutes.

2. Temperature - User can select target temperature or current temperature display and can toggle from one to the other using the 'select' button. Beans will automatically eject when target termperature is reached if not overridden by user.

3. Fan Speed - 5 speeds can be set: 0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%.

4. Heating Element Power - Eleven selectable heating levels. Each bar represents 10% of the elements power. No bars means element is off.

 

 

The heat guard grill is shown here on the previous model is the same as on present models.
There is one guard on each side and they should always be in place for safety. However, they can be easily removed when cleaning.

 

Comparison of Hottop B and B+ models

 

How does the Hottop Model KN-8828B-2-K work? (We refer to it as the B model for simplicity).

Keep it simple: The Hottop is a simple and straightforward roaster to operate. Like prior models, enjoyed by many home roasters, the new B model can be operated on automatic by simply pressing 'Power/Start' button three times. The default program is 18 minutes and/or a target temperature of 422 degrees; the coffee ejects whichever comes first. The roaster will begin warming up followed by a beep that it is ready. Measure and pour green coffee into the top funnel.

Get creative if you want to: During a roast you can override any of the settings for time, temperature, fan speed and heat element power. Want to move the roast along faster? Increase the heat element power and decrease the fan speed. While you roast the Hottop B is recording your actions! When you have finished the roast you will have opportunity to save the program you just created. You can save a total of 3 such programs. Next time you use one of the programs if you make any more tweaks you can opt to save over your previous program or you can keep the old one. It's up to you. Very simple yet very powerful.

There is a cleaning routine, described in detail in the manual (see page bottom), to keep your Hottop running smoothly for years to come.

 

The cooling tray and stirrer mimics larger, professional drum roasters.

Looking down the stainless steel roasting chamber. The entire roasting drum removes for cleaning.
The single, brass screw shown just above center adjusts the drum when needed.

 

The chaff collection tray should be emptied after each roast

 

 

    

Left: Top of roaster with cover in place.   Right: Front view of roaster.

 

K-Thermocouple is standard on model KN-8828B-2K

 

 

Manufacturer's Specifications and Guarantee

One year manufacturer's warranty. Hottop Coffee Roasters are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty is applicable solely in the continental United States. Shipping & handling charges are not covered by the warranty.

• Height: 14 inch
• Width: 10 inch
• Depth: 19 inch
• Weight: 19 pounds
• Voltage: 120 volts
• UPC: 196852180110
• Manufacturer's warranty: 1 year

 

User manual can be downloaded here  in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format.