noisy, programming method is quirky and extremely non-intuitive user interface. I'm a computer geek, this thing brought me back to programmable calculators from the 80s. I don't think I've ever heard a crack so far, 1st or 2nd, though I have REALLY good hearing.
Detailed Commentary
I really enjoy this unit so far, and expect it to continue to greatly improve the quality of my coffee. The roasted coffee I've been able to find locally is not all that fresh. The bottom line for me is that I pulled my best-ever shot a couple days after unpacking this roaster. Also, once you have your profile locked in it's very painless to bring it up and run it.
I wanted to upgrade my coffee gear, and a Mazzer and Brewtus are not in the budget for a while. Assuming this works for a couple years, it will have been a great purchase.
Buying Experience
Great, shipped on time, well-packed, and exactly what I ordered. I plan to do more business with Sweet Marias. I am just about finished with the 5 lbs Espresso Monkey. When spring gets here and I can regularly roast outside again, I'll be buying another bag. I love the stuff, and it's gotten great reviews from friends.
Three Month Followup
I have had consistent performance since my first try. I programmed in Sweet Maria's profile for espresso, with extra time for the last stage. I have to roast outside, so I just watch the stage of roast. When it's cold, it needs the extra time. When I hit the color I'm going for, I push cool-down and let it finish the 4 minutes of blowing cold air.
One Year Followup
It's been consistent and useful so far. Make sure you go a bit light when filling with green beans, I use a cup measure, but don't quite fill it. I run everything but the motor through the dishwasher periodically, and that gets most of the baked on oils out of there. All in all, a great buy. When it does eventually burn itself up, I plan to replace it with one of the rotating drum models, just to try something different.
