We are often asked by prospective buyers whether the KN-8828B-2 or the KN-8828P-2 would be their best choice. Specifications only go so far when helping to make such a decision. In many cases it is a clear-cut choice, but for others it is not so simple. We understand that it can be a difficult decision to make, so we present the following in order to help clarify which model may best suit your needs.

    There are some similarities between the two models. Every part of the current KN-8828P-2 and KN-8828B-2 roasters are exactly the same EXCEPT for the control panel. They have the same capacity, use the same filters, and so on. Except for the control panel (the electronic interface on the ouside of the machines), all parts are interchangeable because they are exactly the same roaster. Both feature non-volatile memory areas to save roast programs, and the roast can be stopped and the beans cooled at any time the user chooses by pressing one button.

    The "B" is the best choice for someone who wants precise control over virtually all parameters of their roasts, and doesn't mind making adjustments during a roast to get exactly what they want. Many "B" models have been sold to be used as sample roasters by small coffee roasting companies, to small coffee growing farms, and small coffee processors who cannot justify the $5000+ cost of a commercial sample roaster. We have been informed that a KN-8828B was actually used to develop the first, 100% Hawaiian espresso blend!

    The "B" has three, non-volatile memory locations to store a roast once it is completed, but you cannot create a profile before the roast. A saved profile cannot be changed in memory before a roast. You can modify a saved profile by recalling it, using that profile to roast coffee, manually controlling the roaster during the roast to change whatever you wish (fan speed or heating element power at any time), and then re-saving the completed roast in the same memory area, over-writing the previously saved program.

The "B" is not just a "manual" roaster. It also does have one factory-default "AUTO" roast profile. A roast can be easily started with this profile and allowed to complete, but the user can still modify the process while the coffee is roasting if they desire, then save the changes at the end of the roast after the cooling cycle has completed.

    The "P" model is good for someone who, once they find a roast they like, would prefer to allow the roaster to go through its cycle with as little user attention and input as possible. This user if happy just getting something pretty close by just selecting a program and hitting a button. The KN-8828P-2 only affords control over the roasting temperature during the roast in a binary way by manipulating the current segment's temperature target. The heating control is binary- it is either on or off at any given time.

    Other than that, If the user wants a specific profile, it has to be created by the user using teh control panel and saved before the roast begins (download the manual to read through the programming process which is detailed therein). If manual changes are made to the temperature during the roast, in order to use those changes in the future, the user must go back and modify the saved program when teh roast is completed. Changes are not recorded during the roast.

    The "P" model is also better suited to someone who does a lot of different roasts for reasons like:
• they don't want to take the effort of carefully monitoring each roast
• they roast for a number of different people who each like their coffee a different way
• they regularly roast decaf as well as regular coffee
• they roast for different methods of brewing and prefer a different roast for each use.
    The "P" excels in this because of its 10, non-volatile memory areas for storing and allowing the user to name each one differently with a three character designation. Once a profile is saved, any portion of it can be modified at any time (except during a roast) without having to re-enter all the parameters.

    If, for some reason you decide that you would rather have the "other" model (switch from a "P" to a "B" or vice versa), all you need to do is switch the Control Panel. These are easily swapped from the outside of the roaster without having to do anything other than snap out the control panel, exchange the three cables plugged into the back of the panel (three different sizes and polarized so they only go in one way), and snap the panel back in. The only tool you might need is a plastic pry tool (like a stiff plastic picnic knife) to pull up the panel to get your fingers under it, but normally, tools are not necessary at all for the swap.