Is the Hottop KN-8828B-2K+ worth the price premium over previous version?

[Mouldy]

I noticed that the Hottop Australia website has the price for the K+ model at $1865, but on inquiry I was told this is an error and that the price is actually $2614.70.

Can anyone offer any advice as to whether the changes in the current manual K+ model are worth the premium (~$750) over the previous manual K version (KN-8828B-2K)? Interestingly the upgrade kit to convert the previous version to the K+ is priced at the difference in cost mentioned above.

[Gavisconi007]

I noticed that the Hottop Australia website has the price for the K+ model at $1865, but on inquiry I was told this is an error and that the price is actually $2614.70.

Can anyone offer any advice as to whether the changes in the current manual K+ model are worth the premium (~$750) over the previous manual K version (KN-8828B-2K)? Interestingly the upgrade kit to convert the previous version to the K+ is priced at the difference in cost mentioned above.

G'day Mouldy. Based on the Hottop website, the new features of the 2K+ are as follows:
The timer now can be set by the user to count up as well as count down!
Bean temperature is now displayed. The color changes to this brown tone right around the time of first crack.
And now, environmental temperature is now displayed as well! Dual temperature displays using our newly designed K thermocouples. The bean thermocouple has been placed so that it is immersed in the bean mass throughout the entire roast for greater accuracy and more consistent results.
Bean temperature is now used for the Target temperature (maximum is set by the user) and is displayed separately.
All adjustments are now done using these four knobs. Turn clockwise to increase a setting, counter-clockwise to lower. No more pushing buttons or selecting a parameter before adjusting! No "up and down" arrows to deal with! The time and temp (the two top knobs) set the maximum targets for the roast. The Heat and fan knobs (bottom two) are dedicated to those functions. Temp in 1% increments and fan speed in 10% increments. All settings are available throughout the roast

The only feature I can see which is a real advantage over the 2K is the knobs versus the buttons. Whilst this would certainly be a nice feature, I can't imagine it being worth $750.

[Mouldy]

Thanks Gavisconi. I also note that it suggests a higher output heating element is included in the '+' version.
If you look at the Hottop site, it shows all the parts in the upgrade kit; which also includes updated heating element, two K thermocouples etc. Even with the upgraded heating element etc I'm surprised at the cost variance. The pricing seems a bit odd, in that you can buy a brand new 8828B-2K complete unit plus the upgrade kit to convert it to the '+' model for the same price as buying the complete '+' model upfront. Excluding the few hours of labour, the benefit is that for the same cost you would then have a spare control panel, heating element etc. So I'm surprised the cost difference between just the two models isn't less than what it is.

[Gavisconi007]

Thanks Gavisconi. I also note that it suggests a higher output heating element is included in the '+' version.
If you look at the Hottop site, it shows all the parts in the upgrade kit; which also includes updated heating element, two K thermocouples etc. Even with the upgraded heating element etc I'm surprised at the cost variance. The pricing seems a bit odd, in that you can buy a brand new 8828B-2K complete unit plus the upgrade kit to convert it to the '+' model for the same price as buying the complete '+' model upfront. Excluding the few hours of labour, the benefit is that for the same cost you would then have a spare control panel, heating element etc. So I'm surprised the cost difference between just the two models isn't less than what it is.

It's called profiteering on upgraditis.

[bohn]

Why is it still listed at $1865? Thingscoffee.com.au also has it listed at $1864.50 (but it is on backorder).

I had been eyeing them.. but disappointed that the pricing isn't accurate.

[Mouldy]

Why is it still listed at $1865? Thingscoffee.com.au also has it listed at $1864.50 (but it is on backorder).

I had been eyeing them.. but disappointed that the pricing isn't accurate.

The 8828B-2K and 8828B-2K+ models are correctly listed on thingscoffee at $1864.50 and $2614.70 respectively; however on the Hottop.com.au site the 8828B-2K+ model is still incorrectly listed as $1865.

The 8828B-2K+ (i.e 'plus') model is the latest version but is priced at a huge premium (even though the Hottop website still suggests it's the same price as the 8828B-2K version).

[bohn]

Right, ok. I may look at the non-plus version.. the plus seems quite pricey.

[bcspark]

I have the B model and think that the knob adjustments of the plus model would be a nuisance.On mine I have the bean probe fitted and I use the CS meter and software.For $750 I would have preferred upgrade of preset parameters to make roasting easier