It looks nice, works quietly and has deceptively solid construction.
Negative Product Points
Unreliable--mine burst into flames on the second use, at only temperature setting 2.
Detailed Commentary
When I first set up the Hottop, I was impressed. After owning a lowend roaster (which failed after about a year) I really liked the construction, finish and mechanics of this unit. On the first use, I was pleased that it operated so quietly. It made more smoke than I expected, and my oven hood was barely capable of keeping up. The beans, at temperature setting 4 (which is halfway) came out to a full-city roast, which was more than I expected.
On my second use of the unit, I tried temperature setting 2. I noticed again (through the viewing console) that it was coming out a lot darker than expected again. As the beans started emptying into the tray, they BURST INTO FLAMES!
I conclude from this that the temperature regulator on my unit was defective. They simply haven't engineered adequate reliability or safety into this unit. I suggest avoiding it at all costs, as sooner or later someone is going to set their house on fire...I love a good cup of coffee, but not that much! If you do purchase one of these, make sure you stand next to it with a fire extinguisher at all times, and I'd shut it down at the soonest sign that it is roasting more than you might have expected.
Buying Experience
I purchased from Sweet Marias. I am shipping back the melted unit to them and expecting a refund. It's too soon to tell if this will present any issues.
