Hottop roasters have been available since 2002. In that time there have been approximately nine different models and variations. We often receive requests from owners to repair or refurbish their roaster. Some ask if it is worth it to send in their roaster to have an update kit installed. 

     The most affordable method of repair is for the customer to do the servicing, and many of them do! That is why we have full,  step-by-step repair procedures on the Hottop Americas website. But that sort of work is not for everyone, and we understand that.


DIAGNOSIS

     A simple diagnosis may take two to three hours in labor costs. Depending on the actual situation, maybe twice that. We recently had a roaster that was exhibiting some odd behavior. After four hours of testing, nothing was found wrong with the roaster. That cost well over $200 and no parts were used and only a simple opening of the roaster was involved. Add shipping costs to that, or any of the following, and you can see that even some 'simple task' can add up in costs in a hurry.


REPAIR

     Depending on what is needed to be done and the level of disassembly involved to accomplish, the owner has to decide whether they will do the repair or have us accomplish it. A heating element replacement takes about ninety minutes of labor, but that depends on the condition of the machine. If the rear compartment is full of chaff or if we find other parts that, for safety sake, need to be replaced, all that can lead to extended labor and parts costs. 

     Example: You tell us that the heating element is bad and you want us to replace it. If we find that the eject solenoid is in a condition that compromises your safety we cannot finish the repairs without your approval.



REFURBISH

     The decision to refurbish an older machine can be a difficult problem. This can take a complete tear down to the frame which right off for a straight disassembly and reassembly is a good four hours labor. Another one or two hours can be spent if the inside of the machine needs a good cleaning. 

     Just the parts for a job like this can easily cost around $340. Depending on the age of the roaster and the maintenance it has received during its life, we generally make it a policy to replace the following:

  • Heating element and fusible link
  • Drum motor
  • Eject Solenoid
  • Bearing Plate
  • Both Filters
  • Plus add at least four hours labor for the cleaning it will need.

    We often inform a customer that if they have an older machine such as the 8828, 8828D, B, P, B-2 P-2, or P-2K, the control panels for those models are no longer available for any of these roasters. So after going though this entire refurbishing, if the control panel of one of those roaster fails in the future, the roaster would require an update. See the “Update” section below.

     We recently refurbished a later model B-2K+ for a customer. Not only was it well-used and needed all the above parts replaces, the owner did not have the original box and parts were damaged in shipment. With shipping the overhaul cost a total of around $1100. While that might be woth it for a recent Hottop, for the earlier "Pre K" models it is not. 


UPDATE

     An update to an older model can be a possibility, but generally, we do not recommend these for the early Hottop models. The current Hottop roasters have major improvements that add levels of safety that are not found on the old machines. The cost of the least expensive functional upgrade kit is $250 in parts alone just for the control panel, thermocouple, and new roast chamber rear wall (The B-K+ kit is $600). For the earliest models you would also need a new main circuit board for an additional $220. That might be worth the cost if you do the work yourself, but that still does not add the various safety features that are to be found in the current machines. 

     If the roaster has the original drum motor, eject solenoid and heating element, the cost for parts alone can double the upgrade kit's cost. Sending a roaster to us for an upgrade can run the costs up to a point that buying a new roaster makes a lot more sense and can approach the cost of a new roaster.


DECISION TIME

     We are not trying to talk you out of maintaining your Hottop Roaster nor replacing the parts necessary to keep it in service, but if you have gotten to the point of wondering what to do, we understand. Contact us! Our support department is well versed in the various models Hottop has produced over the years and can help make your decision, one way or the other, easier.


* Note- prices quoted herein are for the purposes of examples and are subject to change.