We are often asked by prospective buyers whether the KN-8828B-2K+, the KN-8828B-2K would be their best choice. Specifications only go so far when helping to make such a decision. In many cases it is a clear-cut choice, but for others it is not so simple. We understand that it can be a difficult decision to make, so we present the following in order to help clarify which model may best suit your needs.
Let me begin by stating that in many ways that for the most part, all our roasters share almost all the same parts. Other than what is noted below in the text, The only difference between the tree model is the control panel and how the user interfaces with the machine.
KN-8828B-2K+
The KN-8828B-2K+ is our current flagship model and we think it is the most sophisticated home coffee roaster ever offered. The control panel has infinite-rotation, speed-sensitive, rotary knobs to set target temperature, target time, heating element power, and fan speed. Clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease each of those settings.
The "+" features two thermocouples; one monitors the bean temperature (BT) and the other the environmental temperature (ET). Both temperatures are simultaneously displayed on the control panel throughout the roast. The "+" also has a USB port that allows it to use third party software to graph and record roasts on a computer in real time as well as the opportunity to have the "+" be controlled by the computer as well.
The timer can be changed from count-up to count-down easily, the color display changes to indicate which parameter is being changed, and even the BT temperature display changes color at about the time the roast enters 1st crack (the beginning of the development stage). The display can also be easily read from a wide angle range.
This sophisticated level of GUI and ease and speed of changing parameters on the fly make the KN-8828B-2K+ the top pick of home-roasting enthusiasts.
KN-8828B-2K
The "B-2K" is a very good choice for someone who wants precise control over virtually all parameters of their roasts and doesn't mind making adjustments during a roast to get exactly what they want. Many "B" models have been sold to be used as sample roasters to small coffee roasting companies, small coffee growing farms, and small coffee processors who cannot justify the $5000+ cost of a commercial sample roaster. We have been informed that a KN-8828B-2K was actually used to develop the first, 100% Hawaiian espresso blend!
The "B" gives the user the opportunity to control the power going to the heating element. It can be adjusted in 10% increments from 0% to 100% at any time once the roasting process begins until the beans are ejected. This control panel features push buttons to make the changes; select a parameter on the display and then use the arrow buttons to change the selected parameter. This level of control give you the opportunity to contour the roasting profile to create the taste you prefer in the cup. The main fan's speed can be adjusted from 0 to 100% in 25% increments. This gives you another tool to control the roasting profile.
The "B" has three, non-volatile memory locations to store a roast once it is completed, but you cannot create a profile before the roast. A saved profile cannot be changed in memory before a roast. You can modify a saved profile by recalling it, using that profile to roast coffee, manually controlling the roaster during the roast to change whatever you wish (fan speed or heating element power at any time), and then re-saving the completed roast in the same memory area, over-writing the previously saved program.
The "B" is not just a "manual" roaster. It also does have one factory-default "AUTO" roast profile. A roast can be easily started with this profile and allowed to complete, but the user can still modify the process while the coffee is roasting if they desire, then save the changes at the end of the roast after the cooling cycle has completed.
Please feel free to take a look at the PDF Product Sheets for some basic information and photos of each model. You can also Download the Current Owners Manual (in PDF format) from our website as it contains detailed instructions on how each model operates. If after reading the manual you have any further questions about which model may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.
