There have been a number of models of Hottop coffee roasters over the years, and while the naming system could have been streamlined, it is not difficult to understand. If you just need to identify your roaster, go to our "Hottop Roaster Model Identification" page on our website.
The designations of all Hottop coffee roasters have always started with "KN-8828." So let's just pay attention to the individual model naming scheme:
KN-8828 - These first Generation models which were released in 2002 had no other designation than "KN-8828." These allowed the users to decide when to 'drop' (eject) the beans to end the roast and that was all the control offered. Even at that, at the time these were the most advanced home coffee roasters available.
Now let's examine the rest of the generations and models using only the model designations which follow the "KN-8828."
D (as in, "KN-8828D") - These came as an update the the original model and featured a "D" designation. These had a digital temperature display but otherwise operated as the originals with no additional user control. It allowed users to be able to eject the beans at a specific, desired temperature.
B - This model was leaps and bounds more advanced giving the user the ability to control the temperature and fan speed during the roast.
P - The "programmable" model is a bit more difficult to describe. Basically, there was less control during the roast when compared to the "B." What it offered was the ability to pre-program the roast, save that program to a memory position, then choose a program and roast with it. It was a best choice for people who wanted to get close to a roasting curve they preferred without having to stand over the roaster making changes during the roast. A simplified description, to be sure.
B-2 and P-2 - These were the same as the B and P models as described above but have the added safety feature of a manual eject mechanism. The user could pull out a knob the rear of the roaster to eject the beans. It was only intended to be used in an extreme situation when the electric eject mechanism fails.
NOTE: None of the above models are still in production. Many of their parts are available to keep these roasters in operating condition, but no replacement control panels for them are available.
CURRENT MODELS - KN-8828B-2K and KN-8828B-2K+
B-2K - This model is very much like the B-2 with the exception that it used a more accurate K-thermocouple. These thermocouples react faster and are more accurate than the earlier "button" style temperature sensors.
B-2K+ - The most recent Hottop roaster, this model features a completely redesigned control panel which, for the first time, used rotary knobs to control the functions of the roaster during the roast. But that is not all. It also has a built-in USB port that allows users to monitor, and if they wish, control the roaster using an external home computer (computer not included). That is done using the third-part application "Artisan" which runs on macOS 10.15 and newer, Windows 8 and newer, and Linux glibc 2.31. Additionally this roaster features dual, K-thermocouples which monitor bean temperature and environmental temperature separately. The control is accurate enough to make it a viable option to be used as a sample roaster.
If you need more information concerning concerning our roasters or help choosing a roaster upgrade feel free to contact us:
Customer Support at support@hottopamericas.com
Sales Agents at hottop@hottopamericas.com
Finally, all the necessary model identification information is also available in our Model Designation page with images to help you specifically identify your model.