Built and works like my dependable old Army jeeps.
Positive Product Points
As a lover of simple, but functional design, this roasting drum is the perfect design for me. I can roast one to 5 pounds of coffee. It is sturdy as can be. Hooked up to my BBQ, it provides me with the best coffee ever, especially after adding an inexpensive surplus 50 RPM Motor.
Negative Product Points
Don't forget your welding gloves. Got to remember the pin that holds the door shut!
Detailed Commentary
I began roasting by buying an Alpenrost. I sent this unit back and got a replacement several times. I fell in love with roasting my own coffee, and the Swissmar service was great, but the product was really terrible! And fussy. And tempermental.
When I bought the Ron Kyle Drum, I filled it with green beans and read the instructions as I roasted. It's actually a pretty intuitive process as long as you don't depend on electronics. I have been enjoying the roasts I get every time (unless I forget to put the pin that holds the door back in. ( Nothing is perfect, but this one is close).
For family gatherings and parties, I can whip up large amounts of coffee, even the decaf stuff, for those who don't like caffeine. With the Alp, I would have had to roast many times for, for expample, our last Thanksgiving blast!
