Easy to use, affordable, good home roaster for coffee lovers, excellent roaster for novices
Positive Product Points
Easy to use
Consistent results (same setting and same bean = same roast)
Decent chaff collection
Negative Product Points
Batch size limited.
Roast setting can drift during a roast, doesn't affect that roast but need to be aware enough to check roast setting each time you roast.
Detailed Commentary
I've been roasting with a variety of home methods for several years. I can't say I've been unhappy with any of the methods I've used because the coffee fresh from the roaster is pretty darn good, no matter what method you use. BUT, some methods require a lot more attention than others to achieve the roast YOU want. And, the different methods do seem to produce different characteristics.
That said, the Hearthware Precision Roast has worked very well for me. Yes, it would be nice if a person could 'tweak' the roast profile. But for novices, people who tend to lose track of time, or people who just want it simple, the HWP is a good fit. It will roast to a wide range of roasts and do a good job of it, people who desire closer control of the degree of roast have the option of stopping the roast at any time by pressing a button.
I would encourage coffee lovers to expand themselves into trying other roasting methods as well, if for no other reason just for the experience.
