--very sturdy build --exceptionally even roasts, from City through Vienna --excellent customer support --large batch size
Negative Product Points
--cost: requires signficant investment in complements (BBQ grill, welding gloves, cooling system); around $350 extra --difficult to control roast profiles as closely as other roasters
Detailed Commentary
Having graduated from a WB P1 to an SC/TO setup, I was pleased to move on up to an RK drum. I roast around 5 pounds a week, and it was taking far too long with the old setup. This drum can hold three pounds of greens easily and roast them very evenly. I should also point out that the price I paid was for a drum plus one of Ron's motors. Having the motor accounts for a huge improvement over the standard BBQ rotisserie: my larger roasts are far more even and I've got more control over the roast times.
It took me a couple of years to decide to go 'whole hog' and get an RK drum. In retrospect, I did it at the right time. In years past, I had no need to roast three pounds at a time except for during the holidays. Now I can do several pounds in a couple of hours. If you're looking for something that can handle over a pound per batch and can't afford something along the lines of a San Franciscan or Diedrich, the RK drum is the best unit out there for the price--even considering all the extras you'll have to buy. It just works that well.
Buying Experience
Excellent customer service. Ron contacted me straight away and the drum/motor arrived when he said they would.
Three Month Followup
Still going strong.
One Year Followup
The roaster is still performing very well over one year later. Some separation at the weld spots, but it's been like that for six months and hasn't deteriorated further. I still think that this is an excellent unit for those who are roasting 2-4 pounds per batch. I roast 3-5 batches per week.
