The model pictured to the left in the intermediate model, the Fresh Roast SR 500, the one I tested. It has a simple mechanism for setting low, medium or high heat, and a rheostat for adjusting fan speed (+/- 10%), as well as a digital timer. I like the general design concept because it doesn't try to automate anything, but allows direct user control. My understanding is that in future months there will be a model with a USB input, and roasting software for those who want automation.

The manufacturer lists the batch size at 120 grams - but I tested it with 100 grams and I felt that was a bit too much. Ninety grams is more likely the best batch size. To have a nice slow heat warmup I liked HIGHEST possible air flow early in the roast, no matter the heat setting.

At 8 minutes on MED heat coffee ended up at City to City+ with audible 1st crack. Air flow on high speed. At this point the range of air flow adjustment and heat adjustment seems good, and will produce some useful roast results, but I have barely started to test it.

I like the upward facing controls, as opposed to the Hearthware forward facing controls. I don't like the heat switch; I think it would be better as a knob switch with 4 positions but maybe that will change with future iterations.

Cooling cycle blows some pretty hot air, but is good enough, though it would probably be best to cool outside the roast chamber - in a tray or collander. The motor is nice and quiet so hearing the cracks is no problem.

Price for the SR300 will be $109 and $159 for the SR500. As with other machines, we will offer the machines with 4 or 8 pounds of coffee for $10 or $20 extra.

The current ETA is now tentatively early December. The basic model will cost about the same as the current Fresh Roast +8, somewhere in that range. I am tempted to take pre-orders so people can submit holiday orders - but right now there are too many variables up in the air; the machines have not even gone into full production as of this writing! So we will see once the shipment is "on the water so to speak." Tom 11/6/09

Temperature settings for the three settings:

High temp. = 490 degrees
Medium temp. = 455 degrees
Low temp. = 390 degrees