Been home roasting for about two years in a HG. Roasted my first batch of Tan Peaberry in an iRoast today. iRoast is the way to go.
IMHO
Only problem is that iRoast is made by the notorious Hearthware company, the outfit with a consumer service record in the toilet. You better hope you never have a problem with that machine, even DURING the warranty period. Once Hearthware's got your money, they won't talk to you. And if you miraculously succeed in getting them to return your calls or emails,and you get them to replace the inevitably defective unit before its warranty ends, remember that the warranty clock on the replacement unit is the same as on the unit it replaces: A new unit does NOT restart the warranty clock. And when that replacement dies, expect them to offer you an insultingly paltry discount on yet ANOTHER unit, as shabbily engineered as the two rusting in your garage.
Been there, done that, looking for more reliable alternative, and an answer to the age old question of how Hearthware stays in business!
tj
Wow, my experience with Hearthware was completely,100% the opposite. My roaster was heating up way too fast (2nd crack after 4 minuntes!), and they sent me a brand new roaster, the whole thing, by fedex ground right away. New iRoast is fine, though finicky about the current. Still, results are fantastic. Aaron S.
DrinksForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.