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Old 02-07-2010, 09:50 AM   #1
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Default Behmor on the way

Well, after much thought, I decided to give the Behmor 1600 a try.

Most of the "limitations" I read about aren't an issue at the moment for me and the other, like limited visibility to the roasting drum seem to have been addressed with the new chaff collector.

I was very close to the Hottop B programmable, but was having a hard time letting go of 1000 bucks so easily with the economy being bad and all.

Roastmasters included a 5 pound bag of Brasil Beija Flor and free shipping, so the price was a lot easier to swallow, although I am sure the Hottop is better built. I pushed my luck a little bit and asked if they could keep the 5 pounds of Brasil and substitute just 2 pounds of Kona, which comes out about the same pricewise.

I'll do a review on the machine once I get it and roast a few pounds and can give it a relatively fair assessment.

I always seem to see very limited praise around here regarding Behmors, but CG has a real loyal following, which is interesting.

I will definitely keep the Freshroast around for small batches and a change of roast, but it had gotten to the point where the small roast size and my espresso consumption was requiring a half day dedicated to roasting, which lost its fun after a few months.

Having a drum roaster capable of 1 pound roasts and some flexibility in roast times is very appealing to me, although perhaps all the extra tweaking of the Hottop will be something I crave in a year or so. If so, I'll buy the Hottop or whatever may come out by then.

The "famous" smoke suppression on the Behmor will also be a welcome addition for the couple weeks a year it's too cold on my patio to roast and am stuck in the kitchen.

Quick question for Behmor owners; do you have a preset roast profile you normally use for a dark espresso roast?

Most of the stuff I read over on Coffeegeek seems to have P3 as the most popular..
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Old 02-07-2010, 11:05 AM   #2
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

I really need to get a home roaster. Let us know how the coffee comes out
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Old 02-08-2010, 05:47 AM   #3
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

The Hottop B is $750 not $1000 and I wouldn't suggest any one get the Hottop P which is $1000 unless they really knew what was going on in every stage of the roast.

P3 should be a good starting place for your espresso roasts. Changing batch size is the best way to fine tune your roasts with the Behmor. P2 can be very handy as well to get long finishes.
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Old 02-08-2010, 08:12 AM   #4
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

You're right Rob, I mistook the B for the P model, so my price was a bit off.

In any event, hopefully the Behmor won't dissapoint, which I don't think it will.

From what I can tell, adjusting batch sizes means putting, say, 3/4 pound beans in and telling the roaster you put in 1 pound, right?

The roast curve thing will take some getting used to as I am used to cranking the Freshroast to the full 8 and turning it off once second crack starts, then dumping the beans into a collander over a fan. I'll be interested in seeing what the "brighter" roast from the air roaster is compared to the more "developed" roast from the drum roaster.

Probably never will though, as I never could figure out what all these "muted mouthfeels" and such are that they describe on some beans.

Not very scientific, but very satisfying.
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Old 02-08-2010, 08:40 AM   #5
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I got my sife a Behmor for our anniversary in November, and she won't go back to store bought at all now. It's very easy to use and clean, and we've had no issues with ours, so far. As we get more experience with it, we'll know when to push thengs and when to back off, but for us beginners, it has been very east to use so far. Since you already have raosting experience, I'm sure you'll have no problems with yours.
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Old 02-08-2010, 09:09 AM   #6
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

You will be fine. 10-12oz batch sizes work the best and yes use the 1# setting. Read up on the changes to Behmor profiling at CG, good stuff in there.

Getting the most from a roast takes more control then the Behmor will give but I am trying to learn most people don't need this or will ever taste this. Look at how few will actually buy from artisan roasters, most just can't justify the cost, same with buying a home roaster. My Hottop is capable of giving end results that will be very close to the commercial roaster I will buy and it has taken me 3 years to get to this point with a lot of hard work, tons of batches, and tons of reading.

You should know this by now but don't walk away from the Behmor, at least not far or for a moment or two. Lots of small chaff fires but I had a couple of bean fires and so have many others. SAFTY FIRST. This is a big disadvantage for the quest M3, have a house fire because of that roaster and no insurance company is going to pay out since it has not been UL approved. The Hottop is full of annoying safety features but I am thankful for them at times.
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Old 02-08-2010, 09:37 AM   #7
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Point taken. I roast on my patio so I doubt I'll burn too much, but have read horror stories about fires, including many from Hottop owners.

I normally fire up a cigar, sit outside, and enjoy the roasting with a spray bottle close by.

The whole experience is quite enjoyable to me and my patio is my refuge.
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Old 02-08-2010, 11:44 AM   #8
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Quote:
Originally Posted by ashtonlady View Post
In 2 years I have only had one fire. And that was because I didnt do a good job of cleaning out the roaster. Either use a shop vac or dust buster for easier cleaning. And Yes as Mentioned Never Walk away from your roaster while roasting. Have a great time.
Good point about cleaning. I tear my machine down often to get the residue that builds up cleaned. The new chaff collector for the Behmor should be much better at preventing the chaff fires.



Quote:
Originally Posted by floydpink View Post
Point taken. I roast on my patio so I doubt I'll burn too much, but have read horror stories about fires, including many from Hottop owners.

I normally fire up a cigar, sit outside, and enjoy the roasting with a spray bottle close by.

The whole experience is quite enjoyable to me and my patio is my refuge.
I love to roast outside in better weather, I have 28" of snow on the ground and another 12"+ due starting tomorrow.

I do suggest adding a fire extinguisher to your arsenal, a co2 one won't hurt your equipment if it is ever needed.

Could you point me to the Hottop fires? Unless you are referring to when they first imported them into the country many years ago I have not seen any mention of one. Don't get me wrong, roasted beans are 30-40f away from an imminent fire once 2nd crack has happened, Danger Will Robinson, Danger .
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Old 02-08-2010, 03:15 PM   #9
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Sorry Rob, can't point you to the Hottop fires but did read a few reports on Coffeegeek about them as well as somewhere else.

I'll have more time after the busy President's day weekend to research and validate my statement after the tourists leave.

Aw heck, I know it's skewed, but a quick Google revealed this>




Jim Algar (quality: 2.6) 10.12.2004 Rating: 0.0
Bottom Line: FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE HAZADRD FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE HAZARD FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE HAZARD

Michael W (quality: 7.1) 05.18.2004 Rating: 8.6
Bottom Line: Consistent, easy-to-use, good-looking, large batch, excellent flavor and aroma. If you can afford it, it is a nice luxury.

Fred Langer (quality: 8.0) 03.05.2004 Rating: 7.0
Bottom Line: If you want 1/2 pound batches of repeatable roasts, don't mind the higher price (factor in the possible need for a variac if your voltage is wimpy) - this beats the Alpenrost hands down.

Jon Radoff (quality: 3.7) 02.27.2004 Rating: 4.6
Bottom Line: Dangerous fire-hazard, avoid!


My Bottom Line: Your Hottop blows away my Behmor and always will, and I am a cheap bastard who likes shiny E61 machines full of chrome and could have bought the Hottop easliy with the money I would have saved buying a cheaper machine!!!!
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Old 02-08-2010, 10:18 AM   #10
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

In 2 years I have only had one fire. And that was because I didnt do a good job of cleaning out the roaster. Either use a shop vac or dust buster for easier cleaning. And Yes as Mentioned Never Walk away from your roaster while roasting. Have a great time.
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Old 02-08-2010, 04:00 PM   #11
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

The fires you see mentioned refer to chaff fires, not bean or roaster fires. Alway's remember to fight the urge - Don't open the door if the chaff starts sparking! (if you open the door the extra air will jump-start the flames!) If the chaff actually starts burning in force, again, Don't open the door, just turn off the machine and the "fire" will suffocate.* (this generally only happens to the most chaffiest of coffee beans, dry-process Ethiopians in particular.

I HIGHLY recommend having a Kill-a-watt outlet meter on hand to check your available voltage at every roast. Normal power fluctuations can play havoc with the Behmor because it wants to consume a full 1500 watts when the afterburner and heat bulbs are powered up. Knowing your line voltage allows for you to diagnose and compensate, if it happens to be on the low side.


* once the flames go out, hit start, then cool in quick succession and the beans can be saved
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Old 02-10-2010, 05:55 PM   #12
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

The Kill-a-Watt can be great fun, find out how much energy the plasma tv uses, your computer on stand-by mode, your xmas lights (if they are still up... lol).

It has many handy features, you can leave it plugged in on a cyclical appliance (like a freezer) and it will tell you the average consumption on an hourly, daily, and monthly basis.

Even though the toy's arrive tomorrow, keep in mind that the roasted beans will not be ready to sample for 3-4 day's! They need that time to finish oxidizing in air for the chemical changes to complete and a full roast flavor to develop. (go ahead, you WILL see.) After this acclimation they will be best for an additional 7-10 days, you will find that different beans and roast levels will have disparate lifespans, all new things to learn...
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Old 02-11-2010, 09:45 AM   #13
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Location Date Local Time DescriptionWhat's This?
ORLANDO, FL, US 02/11/2010 6:45 A.M. THE PACKAGE WAS NOT DISPATCHED




Damn snowstorms up North slowing down my package.

It's ok, I have a pound of Monkey Blend already roasted.
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Old 02-11-2010, 11:10 AM   #14
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Oh snap! Looks like I am breaking in a Behmor tonight!

Status: In Transit - On Time
Your shipment is moving within the UPS network and should be delivered on the Scheduled Delivery Date. A shipment can remain in this status until it is delivered. Other than time-definite air deliveries, shipments are generally delivered anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to residences, and by close of business for commercial addresses. UPS cannot schedule a specific delivery time within that window.



What should I do if I'm expecting a delivery?



In Transit - On Time Scheduled Delivery Date: 02/11/2010 Shipped To: ORLANDO, FL, US Shipped/Billed On: 02/08/2010 Type: Package Service: GROUND Weight: 30.30 Lbs
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Old 02-12-2010, 04:45 PM   #15
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

First roast was a disaster. 14 oz, set at 1 lb, p3, on C and seemed like 1st and second crack almost ran together and had a ton of smoke, alarms off, and smoke detector going crazy.

I guess I need to figure out the weight thing better, but seem to recall being told to set to 1 pound and put less beans in.

14 oz of Brasil Beija Flor sacrificed and in its garbage can grave.

Chaff was black and I may have been close to a fire, maybe not....
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Old 02-12-2010, 09:45 PM   #16
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Much better on the 2nd roast. Adjusted to 12 ozs and p3 at B seemed to do the trick and it went into cool mode just after 1st crack ended, although I added 30 seconds to the roast time to get it to full city in my neophite judgement.

Definitely gonna need a little learning on this, but really like being able to fill the storage tin with one roast instead of the 4 that I was used to with the Freshroast, which often caused uneven roasts when doing a few in an afternoon.

The Behmor seems to do a really nice job from what I can tell as long as you really sit close and monitor it.

Very quiet and the lower profile chaff collector really lets you watch the roast coming along nicely, although I've needed to Shop Vac the thing out after roasting as the chaff collector seems less than good.

Roastmasters was nice enough to include 3/4 pound sampler of Greenwell Farms extra fancy Kona at no charge simply because I asked how it was, which means I will be a return customer.

Along with the free shipping and 5 pound sampler of Brasil Beija Flor, I feel it was a very fair deal.
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Old 02-13-2010, 06:52 AM   #17
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

When we roast with ours we use 1/2 lb of beans and set it to a 1 lb roast. works well for us. less smoke (and alarms) and get a nice dark roast that both my wife and I seem to favor on P2.
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Old 02-13-2010, 12:02 PM   #18
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

You can get lost in the Behmor profiles, especially if your voltage varies. I would recommend trying P1 to calibrate 1c, then attempting to translate that info to apply to P2. Unless your voltage is high and reliable i would avoid those other profiles, to much information for most.

You will learn more with smaller roasts, get quicker and tastier results, and sample more coffees, so i would also recommend smaller roasts. I roast 220 grams because of low voltage, but also because that finished amount totals to three full brews on my OCS-12 brewer.
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Old 02-13-2010, 03:44 PM   #19
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Again, great info.

The Kill A Watt turned out to be a great purchase. I found most outlets to be around 120v but better in the garage, up to 125.

What do you set your small batches on as far as weight?
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Old 02-13-2010, 08:05 PM   #20
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Default Re: Behmor on the way

Quote:
Originally Posted by floydpink View Post
What do you set your small batches on as far as weight?
good question?

After two years of timex testing on my original 1600 i was used to working with profiles encumbered by "last leg" heating lamps, tired fans, and several "official" and un-official mods.
Now i am working with a newer Behmor, one that seems to be roasting hotter right out of the box than my original, one than works 1500 watts hard at lower voltages than ever before.

What that all means is that i am having to (frustratingly) learn the whole profile thing all over again! This means you will be getting no exact roast formula's that you can plug into your roaster without thought.
That is for the better anyway, as the best roasts come from an involved roastmaster - one who watch's, listens, and smells the stages of the roast and makes an "artistic" contribution to the process. (don't you hate that king of advice?)

Really, the best thing you can do is start with a cheap bean and work with P1 as described to time 1c, and work that into the P2 profile. Good profile. good coffee. Once that works reliably for you, you can mess around with the other profiles for difficult beans.
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