How long have you been using this for roasting? I'm curious how long it will last until it breaks down on me
239746
I bought this popper solely for roasting coffee beans but I could never get them darker than a medium roast, even if left to run beyond 15 minutes. At that point it becomes a fire hazard since popcorn poppers typically don't need to run that long to make popcorn. After just a few uses, I sold mine in a garage sale and I was lucky to find an old West Bend Poppery II at my local Goodwill store for $2.00. Same wattage but better built than this Toastess model. I also have an old Chefmate popper that I also found at a thrift shop for $3.00. It's the same 1200 watts but runs a bit hotter so roasts don't take as long to reach my desired depth. I bought this popper solely for roasting coffee beans but I could never get them darker than a medium roast, even if left to run beyond 15 minutes. At that point it becomes a fire hazard since popcorn poppers typically don't need to run that long to make popcorn. After just a few uses, I sold mine in a garage sale and I was lucky to find an old West Bend Poppery II at my local Goodwill store for $2.00. Same wattage but better built than this Toastess model. I also have an old Chefmate popper that I also found at a thrift shop for $3.00. It's the same 1200 watts but runs a bit hotter so... » Read More I bought this popper solely for roasting coffee beans but I could never get them darker than a medium roast, even if left to run beyond 15 minutes. At that point it becomes a fire hazard since popcorn poppers typically don't need to run that long to make popcorn. After just a few uses, I sold mine in a garage sale and I was lucky to find an old West Bend Poppery II at my local Goodwill store for $2.00. Same wattage but better built than this Toastess model. I also have an old Chefmate popper that I also found at a thrift shop for $3.00. It's the same 1200 watts but runs a bit hotter so roasts don't take as long to reach my desired depth. « Show Less
239747
The unit seemed very durable but only lasted a couple of days for me. I improperly attempted to modify the unit with a 1000w dimmer switch so I could control the temperture. I crossed the wrong wires and ruined the unit. This wasn't the fault of the unit. I think it's good hot unit. I've recently purchased a coffee roaster and not using the popcorn method anymore. If I were, I'd try the toastess again. I think it's tougher and produces more heat than the Westbend Air Crazy. Though the later is easier to modify.
239748
Unfortunately, this item only lasted for about 8-9 months before dying on us. We did pretty much use it nightly though.
239749
So far I have been using it twice a week and it is still going strong. I have had it 6 months and it is still roasting. Just have to wipe it out after every use it puts a brown haze on the clear plastic. Other than that I have done nothing to it.
239750
My son in law uses his about 3 times a week. We bought this for him last Christmas and he says it is still going strong.
239751
Mine just died this week after a year of pretty regular use for coffee roasting. I roasted probably 0.5 lb every other weekend. Light roasts, about 4-6mins/per batch x 4-6 batches. Not as long as I'd hoped but not horrible for <$30.
239752
I've also moved on to a purpose-built roaster (Behmor), but I put somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 pounds through the Toastess and the last batch was just fine. It's sitting in the cabinet as a ready backup. From comments on the roaster forums (e.g., coffeegeek, Sweet Marias), one gets the impression that you should expect a popper to last in excess of a year with steady use (2-3 roasts a week), but folks also claim well beyond that. They certainly aren't built for the longer runs and heavier payloads that coffee roasting requires, so there's that. But like I said, mine did 20 lb and it looks and runs fine. Sturdy little contraption. I've also moved on to a purpose-built roaster (Behmor), but I put somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 pounds through the Toastess and the last batch was just fine. It's sitting in the cabinet as a ready backup. From comments on the roaster forums (e.g., coffeegeek, Sweet Marias), one gets the impression that you should expect a popper to last in excess of a year with steady use (2-3 roasts a week), but folks also claim well beyond that. They certainly aren't built for the longer runs and heavier payloads that coffee roasting requires, so there's that. But like I said, mine did 20 lb and it... » Read More I've also moved on to a purpose-built roaster (Behmor), but I put somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 pounds through the Toastess and the last batch was just fine. It's sitting in the cabinet as a ready backup. From comments on the roaster forums (e.g., coffeegeek, Sweet Marias), one gets the impression that you should expect a popper to last in excess of a year with steady use (2-3 roasts a week), but folks also claim well beyond that. They certainly aren't built for the longer runs and heavier payloads that coffee roasting requires, so there's that. But like I said, mine did 20 lb and it looks and runs fine. Sturdy little contraption. « Show Less
239753
I used it for several months until I bought a hottop roaster on craigslist and then its been in the cubord every since. But it does work well for roasting beans and its very inexpensive. Look at videos on utube that will help you a lot.
239754
Mine just died this morning, but I roasted about 100 batches of beans (60 grams each) over the course of a year and a half. It did a great job. Not bad for the price. I'll try to buy another one, unless I talk myself into upgrading to a "real" coffee roaster.
55204
Hi Tracy, I am in the process of packing to move and all the paperwork for my Weston Meat Grinder are packed. So unfortunately, I can't honestly answer that question. But I can tell you that it performs excellently and hasn't given me one moment of grief. And also, I've had friends and family use it...In my opinion, I'm not sure you could do better and I'd buy it again. Sorry I couldn't answer your warranty question but hopefully learning about the quality of the Weston will help you. You could also call Weston directly and ask that info of them, they are very kind and easy the work with.
1439334
My last one, also a Baratza, which was not even of the quality (and expense) of this one, lasted about 12 years in daily use. I expect this one to last at least 20 years, perhaps more. It is of commercial quality, far more than most people need for home use. I am very happy with it!
1039184
I have not broiled with this roaster. You should check with the manufacturer on that subject. I've not used a baking heat over 375, but it should take a bit higher heat. Once again, check w/the manufacturer. Also, it KEEPS its BEAUTIFUL appearance . I've had it for almost 2 years. I hope I have helped you. It is perfect for a large turkey, and I have even cooked in the top and the bottom of this roaster.
842870
I wouldn't use this for canning or anything else that requires long cooking. There's some type of built in shut-off mechanism...for safety's sake, I'm sure...that shuts it off about every 5 minutes. I use it for melting candle wax, and I sometimes have to re-start it a couple of times when melting even small amounts in a 2-pound pour pitcher. It would probably be durable enough, but the auto shut-off thing is a pain.
1622790
That is what I thought at first. With use the plastic will shrink and it will fit just fine. I have been using mine for a little over 9 months and it works as good now as the day I got it. Happy Roasting.
1921225
NO WAY!!!!!I've used this roaster at least 20 times....even broiled steaks with it. IT is not supposed to warp. The casting on that should hold its shape forever. If it warped it is a manufacture defect and you should demand a replacement.I believe it has a lifetime guarantee.
1588317
Honestly I have not used it for that long of a period of time, I generally use my slow cooker for longer cooking times. Otherwise it is the best table top burner set that I have ever used.
2010134
I don't have one, but, if you're going to cook a roast, I think it would be a good idea to get the roast up and off the cooking surface. If you planned to use a drip pan, I really like the V rack idea. Then you could have a roast and all the "fixins." Good luck and good eats, Van.
1196735
I haven't used the thing but my wife was quite impressed with it, she did cook a slab of ribs and they were delicious. It looks like you could comfortably cook a decent sized (family of 4or5) beef or pork roast.
2228453
I used mine for a small turkey, I am sure it will be good for your roast, it is very sturdy and ajustable.
258759
I find the roaster does not brown as well as an oven, but if you crank up the temp for the last 20 minutes of so of the cooking time you will get most of the browning you are looking for. One caution, if you have stuffing in the roaster with the chicken, the higher heat will dry your stuffing and you will get some sticking for sure. I use my roaster mostly for things I want to simmer for hours, chili, marinara, bar-b-que pork, Brunswick stew, etc. or for dishes I'm going to take elsewhere, very portable and easy to reheat. It also cooks a great ham. Hope this helps.
1344238
Mine lasted one use before the non-stick coating came off. I returned it. If you want it to last, don't use it and just continue to look at it.
503612
I rub it down with olive oil and bake it in at a low heat for half hour or more. I also store my pieces in the oven so if room permits, they bake along with what ever else is in the oven. I haven't noticed anything going bad, but I do use mine quiet often so the heat will kill anything.
1968562
It is very dependent on the temp setting and fan speed. Typical roast per the included instructions takes six minutes. For a SHB I would go for a longer, slower roast, say about ten minutes. There are some good tips on line, do a search on Fresh Roast SR500 roasting.
2029038
I just made a turkey in this roaster. I had the turkey on a rack inside the roaster. Added about 2 cups of water and put the lid on. I basted every 30-45 minutes. Removed the lid for about the last 45 minutes of cooking. The turkey was moist and the skin was crisp. Just had the last turkey sandwich for lunch today. Enjoy!
288236
The package does not show a roasting date. It shows only an expiration date which on mine was 01/04/2015. I wish they would all put on a roasting date because I have no idea how long after roasting the expiration date is. I bought mine 05/04/2014 so the expiration date is eight months out. Without knowing what they figure the life is, it is impossible to tell how long ago it was roasted.