Hottop USA announces their newest coffee roaster. The KN-8828B's basic design is firmly established in the dependability and solid design of its predecessors. Some of these time-proven features include: - The large cooling tray with forced air cooling quickly ends the roast and removes heat from the beans- a critical function for best taste. - The large glass viewing window allows viewing of the beans during the roast - Extremely quiet operation makes it easy to monitor the cracks of the roasting beans - Heavy duty components and high quality electronics for dependable operation - Stainless steel roasting drum and outer surfaces - 250 grams rated capacity (green coffee). - Replaceable filter to help remove particulate matter and lessen smoke production

     The newly designed "KN-8828B" now gives the user complete manual control of all parameters while still allowing those new to coffee roasting the ability to successfully roast from the very beginning. Simply plug the roaster in and press the "POWER/START" button three times and the roasting process begins. Add the beans when the machine "beeps" and you can either allow it to roast and then eject the beans automatically or you can manually end the roast at any time.

     As the user advances in their knowledge of coffee roasting, the various parameters of the roast can be easily controlled without complicated programming. While the roast progresses the user can use the simple keypad to change various functions as seen here

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 - This is always available during a roast. Use it to immediately stop the roasting process and send the beans into the cooling tray.
3 - SELECT - The circular arrow is used to cycle through the various parameters that can be adjusted. Adjustable parameters are Target Time, Target Temperature, Fan Speed and Heating Element Power.
4 & 5 - CHEVRON ARROWS - The Up and Down arrows are used to change each of the four adjustable parameters explained below. If at any time a parameter is at its extreme (highest or lowest possible setting) that arrow will not be available.

     The control panel uses an easy-to-read LCD display to give the user all the information needed to successfully complete a roast. By glancing at the four simple display areas the current process is easily understood:

1 - TIME - before beginning the user can program in the length of time for the roast. This is called the "Target Time." During the roast the time display will countdown the remaining time in the roast. If the Select arrow is used to choose the time display it becomes encircled (as shown here). The remaining time can now be modified by adding or subtracting time using the Chevron up and down arrows. At any point in the roast, if the time display reaches 00:00 the KN-8828B will automatically eject the beans. The total roast time (time elapsed + time remaining) cannot exceed 25:00.
2 - TEMPERATURE - During the roast, the temperature display can show two different parameters. If the Select arrow is used to choose the temperature display it becomes encircled (shown to the left). This is the Target Temperature which, if reached, will automatically eject the beans. When the display is not encircled (above right) it is the current temperature in the roasting chamber. The Target Temperature can be changed at any time during the roast up to the maximum of 428 F. If the Target Temperature is lowered to the point that it equals the current temperature the beans will be ejected.
3 - Main Fan Speed - Five speeds are available. Each of the four bars represent 25% of the fan's speed. When no bars are showing the fan is off.
4 - Heating Element Power - Eleven selectable heating levels. Each bar represents 10% of the heating element’s power. When no bars are selected the heating element is off.

     All four parameters explained above can be regulated within their respective ranges by the user at any time during the roasting process.

     Having to remember a roast with all those possible changes would be nearly impossible, so to allow you to repeat a roast there are three memory areas. At the end of the roast which you have modified using any of the above changes you are presented with "Stor" in the display. At that time you can easily save the completed roast into non-volatile memory, including all the changes you have made. Up to three roasts can be saved in this manner. A stored roasting profile can be easily selected at the start of a roast, and that Profile can be changed during the roast as described above, and then saved again at the end of the process.

     To achieve this Hottop USA has redesigned the entire control board as well as the main circuit board. The KN-8828B will be available as a complete roaster, but Hottop has gone to great lengths in the design of this new model to be sure that current owners of a Hottop coffee roaster will be able to upgrade their roasters to the "B" model by replacing the control panel and the main board, both of which will are available for purchase as an upgrade "kit." Complete instructions for the replacement procedure are available in PDF format HERE on the Hottop USA website.

     Among various safety features is the fact that the chaff tray needs to be removed from the machine for emptying or the next roast cannot begin, even if the machine has been unplugged.

     Another safety feature helps keep the user from ruining a roast. When bean temperature reaches 414 F, the machine will signal the user by beeping for thirty seconds. This warns the user that the beans are approaching the point where they may be burnt or even ignite. During this thirty-second warning period the user MUST press the "Enter" button. If the button is not pressed the machine will automatically eject the beans into the cooling tray. Additionally, a roast can progress past 431 degrees. At that point the beans will be ejected regardless of remaining time or Target Temperature.

     To learn more about this roaster we invite you to download the Owner's manual (in PDF format).

     Having problems? Please check out the recent Technical Bulletin for answers.