This is a stock photo of the model roaster I have.
http://www.toper.com.tr/toperImages/...electric_b.jpg
It's built like a tank and weighs about 150 lbs. It's a trip roasting on this. I don't have a lot of controls to play with, I can control the ramp with a combination of turning one or both of the elements on or off. I regulate air speed with a can over the exhaust. I had to relearn all my temps in Celsius too. I had to reset the bean temp prob as when the machine came it was improperly placed. Eventually, I figured out I had a 220 V element when the machine is 110v.
After all that, it roasts like a champ. I was able to get my roasts down to 12-15 mins and get a little control over the ramp. I can now slow it when it is going through Caramelization or malliard and Strecker reactions to enhance sweetness and varietal character.
The only thing I would change is I would rather have a gas version than electric. There is less lag time between adjustments and effect with gas heat. I am learning to compensate for the lag time. But this is a completely different way of roasting than my prior roaster. Conductive heat is MUCH more important than my prior roasters which were mainly convective. Considering the deal I got on this, I am pleased as punch.
Anyone know where I can get food grade high temp grease?