Hottop, Digital

[wattgn]

Hottop Digital you take for testing

Hi Guys:

I got this from Hottop yesterday:

Dear Grant,
The Hottop coffee roaster has arrived Queensland today.
Would you like to take one for testing?
shelly

I then said yes but then found out that no it didnt mean what they said. I have yet after several emails to find out what they really meant.

I think it is something like:

1. You pay full price.

2. You test machine.

3. You no like machine, write letter and maybe you get money back, maybe not.

Grant

[robusto]

Re: Hottop, Digital

SO what option will you take?

[wattgn]

Re: Hottop, Digital

Well,

I personally dont trust them after that. I would buy an i-roast as it is 1/3 the price and warranty is available here in Australia.

Grant

[stratford]

Re: Hottop, Digital

I think you are being a bit hard on those guys..I have found them very courteous and efficient in all their dealings...They are trying to establish a market here, and there are bound to be a few communications glitches...

I have just passed 60 roasts on my Hottop and can say that they are a very well built machine that does the job admirably.

Give them time..they have a great product

[joe]

Re: Hottop, Digital

I agree with stratford. I have been in contact with them re another appliance, and they are always quick with replies and Shelly seems courteous. Im a novice roaster and so far, the machine has worked magnificently. Its expensive (probably too expensive!), but for the type of machine it is, there doesnt appear to be much competition, which is unfortunate. Having said that though, Id be very reluctant to test a machine if it meant that I had to pay for it in full first.

[wattgn]

Re: Hottop, Digital

There is nothing wrong with either the machine or the staff (Shelly) but the company is quirky and unprofessional in its approach.

I think that what they are doing is unprofessional. In NZ a company that sells a product from NZ is required by law to provide local warranty coverage.

This company is doing everything on the cheap to maximise their profits. If you want repairs you will need to order parts then lookup on the internet to find out how to fix it yourself.

Hearthware on the other hand does things the right way. ie. chooses a reliable local supplier (Coffee Roasters) who can give good quality local support. As a bonus the machine as about 1/3 the price.

Grant

[stratford]

Re: Hottop, Digital

Oh well, horses for courses I suppose.

The company has offered technical assistance if required, and parts....

I cant comment on the current Australian distribution arrangement; maybe they are anxious to get the product on the market and cant find an Australian distributor. Given the price, the Hottop is probably more along the lines of a mini sample roaster than a hobby machine, but there you are...

Im happy with it..

[joe]

Re: Hottop, Digital

You might be right about the warranty - its very much "youre on your own". (so my fingers are crossed!). Repairs by the manufacturer or distributor could be problematic, which is probably why this website exists:

http://www.hottopusa.com/

I suppose its one way of learning about the machine - a bit like building or modifying a computer...

[benthx]

Re: Hottop, Digital

. Its expensive (probably too expensive!), but for the type of machine it is, there doesnt appear to be much competition, which is unfortunate. Having said that though, Id be very reluctant to test a machine if it meant that I had to pay for it in full first.

Why not wait for the Genecafe that Andy is bringing in as a sample.  Very similar mode of operation.

It is unfortunate that Hottop will not allow payments via VISA.  At least visa would provide you with a level of protection if you wish to dispute the transaction.  When things arent all that too clear.

My best advice to all potential Hotop purchases in Australia. Is wait and make sure all warranty issues are CLEARLY defined who is resposible for what and who pays. In relation to the Äusralian Disributor for what it may mean and defined true role.

You dont just want your fingers let alone beans be burnt!

[joe]

Re: Hottop, Digital

It is unfortunate that Hottop will not allow payments via VISA. At least visa would provide you with a level of protection if you wish to dispute the transaction

Is that the Australian agent saying that? I know that in reference to another appliance that Cheng Hue make, I emailed them and Shelly was willing to do the transaction via Visa.
Youre right - I wouldnt spend that kind of money without a credit card.

[wattgn]

Re: Hottop, Digital

Ho ho ho.

I wouldnt worry too much about the Visa business, I mean this crowd sell thousands of these machines all over the world and a lot of other stuff besides. You certainly are not going to get ripped off and the parcel will be insured.

Regarding their warranty, yes a bit unconventional. I can see though that the next step is an Australian distributor but that is a step that they havent taken yet. It could also push the cost up to us when it happens.

I have emailed them and regarding parts they are supplied from Australia, if not then via Taiwan in seven days. I guess until someone puts them to the test, well just have to wait and see though. Personally I think they will be prompt and Shelly has dealt with CoffeeGeeks and is regarded positively.

The actual repair though is up to the owner. Most of the machine seems simple enough to access (from what I have seen). It would mean though some help required by phone or email but that shouldnt be an issue. There is a site www.hottopusa.com which not only has the owners manual but also a comprehensive repair manual and other stuff.

I must say it is streets ahead of anything else I have seen on the internet.

Grant

[stratford]

Re: Hottop, Digital

Grant,

The machine is built like a tank, and if you are a bit handy, very easy to pull apart...

There is always a risk when you are an `early adopter, but in this case, parts and service info seem to be in abundance... One day, roasters will be available from Harvey Norman, but not for a year or two Ill bet....

Roast on!

8)

Cheers.....

[joe]

Re: Hottop, Digital

Hear hear!

[Dimal]

Re: Hottop, Digital

Why not wait for the Genecafe that Andy is bringing in as a sample. Very similar mode of operation.

Yep,

Im with you benthx. I would rather wait until Andy has put this machine through its paces for a while than rush into buying a HotTop or other Roaster.

Cheers,
Mal.

[wattgn]

Re: Hottop, Digital

The two machines that have been proven to be reliable and deliver the goods are the hottop and the i-roast as they have had the bugs ironed out of them over time.

The hottop is certainly built like a tank.

The irosto may well prove to be a ripper but it depends as much on its reliability and durability as its design. The irosto will have more to play with regarding temperature profile than the hottop but the hottop produces top roasts evidently and its whats in the cup that counts.

Proving a new machine just takes time. Sometimes youre lucky and it is well designed and there are no problems, sometimes youre unlucky and they break down regularly. Really only time will tell.

Grant