Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Pic is here:
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1152343660/96#96

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Its cold here tonight so I tried a 100 gm batch of Mountain Top to compare with the one I did on Saturday at Vivianes.

While I was at it I sat the popper over a bowl of ice.

Success!

I managed to lengthen the entire roast by over a minute.

1st crack started 23 seconds later and ended 55 seconds later.
2nd crack started 57 seconds later and I finished the roast 20 sec into 2nd to end at 5:57.
A full minute and 7 seconds more than the previous batch.

I did go an extra 10 sec into 2nd but it was going slow so I felt safe in doing so.

[CoffeeChaser]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

But Thundergod it is not fair to compare that to Saturdays roast. It is a smaller batch size remember. Saturday was 101 grams. So did you take that into account?
I am glad the popper is working out for you. I tried the ice in a bowl under the popper today and I was still around the 5 minute mark but that was with 150grams where as my last 5 minute roast without ice was 100 gram so maybe it did make a difference.

[marcstolk]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Yep, you guys confirmed it...

Sounds like the Crazy popper isnt what it used to be :-(

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

I do remember the batch at Vivians was 101 gms but I dropped a bean and it was dark.

Anyway, I just tried some Ugandan I roasted about 6 days ago and its drinkable (which is wnough for me).

So this roasting gig is here to stay.

I have some more bling in mind but will keep it to myself until its done and I can post pics.

[CoffeeChaser]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Looks like this years coffee snobs Christmas party is going to have to have the "pimp my popper" award amongst the list of categories
Might have to be state versus state. Or at least west coast versus east coast. Especially now the competitors are starting to keep their ideas under wraps until the full unveiling. I dont think I will enter into the popper category will focus my efforts on the corretto instead.
By the sounds of things people will be having the blingiest ice tray awards for the crazy poppers. ;D

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Drum roll..............................

[CoffeeChaser]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Looks fast sitting still! Maybe a bonnet scoop as well? The added venting of one might help with those roasting times we have been getting.

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Im looking for my fluffy dice next but thanks for the tip on the bonnet scoop.

Did you notice the roasted beans in the middle?

[CoffeeChaser]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

I did nice touch indeed. Its all about the detail, that can the difference between first and second when you enter it into competitions Waiting to see who is going to try to trump it?

[Viviane]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

That is one crazy popper.... :P

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Thanks Viviane. Its had a little makeover since you saw it. 8-)



Now for a technical question.

How does the heater work in these things?
Is it possible to do something to nerf some of the heat, so as to slow down the roast times?

[nunu]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Theres basically two heating elements inside the popper.

One mod is to isolate the heating circuit from the fan circuit. Then you either reduce the heat output by reducing the voltage across the element, cut off the primary element, or increase the fan speed output. If I remember correctly, the fan motor is a DC motor, so increasing the input voltage to the motor would increase its speed. I was thinking of modding both my poppers so that I could cut off the heater, and cool the beans inside the popper. I havent had the time, nor the equipment available to perform the mod, but still have relevant info handy.

All these modifications can be dangerous. If you are unsure about working with the innards of the popper, it would be best to either get professional assistance, or keep it stock.

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

Now that Ive blinged the bodywork the innards need some attention.

[Thundergod]

Re: Breville Quick Popper Popcorn Maker

I opened it up today to see if it was scary in there.

Theres a small circuit board I can see the back of and beyond is the motor.
I cant see any heating element and didnt take it any further apart (for now).

I did notice something strange though while I was taking the bottom cover plate off.
At first glance at the angle I was holding it, half the air intake slots looked dummy.
There was an indentation but I couldnt see through.

Closer inspection revealed that they are baffled.
The air doesnt flow straight through, it has to make a 90 degree turn to get through.

The other side has direct flow through slots.

Im wondering if this is what makes my popper run hotter than older Crazy Poppers.

I realised that pointing my fan at the base of the popper wasnt going to help much with the grill the way it is, and why when I had it sitting up over a bowl of ice it ran a little cooler.
Not just the ice but a less restricted airflow.
Theres only a few millimeters clearance when its sitting as intended.

So Ive added a dozen or so extra holes into the base cover to improve air intake.
I reason that as I havent modd the electronics the fan speed will remain the same as will the heater output, only the input airflow will be changed; so no change to the mechanics as such, and Im hoping the increased airflow will lower the roast temperature and slow down the roasts.

If I see improvement, there is plenty of room for a lot more holes.

Ill report back when Ive done another roast.