This is my second coffee roaster. The first one being a Zach and Dani's some years ago. This unit is far superior to that one. That being said, a word of caution to those thinking you are going to get this roaster and be making great coffee by late morning. Roasting coffee is an art and science. You will be lucky to get drinkable coffee by your third or fourth try. There are an amazing amount of variables, from ambient temperature, bean type, quality, quantity in roaster, and moisture level to roast times, heating technique and cooling time. Then there is the smell, the chaff and just where the heck you are going to roast. Believe me, your kitchen fan does not pull enough air to stop from smoking up your kitchen. Oh yes, if you roast outside or in garage for instance, you have to take into account those external ambient temperatures. My advice is to take notes, stick with one type of coffee (once you figure out what is to your taste).That being said; this unit, while expensive for a glorified air popcorn popping machine, is probable the best bang for the buck, especially while learning. It is made of glass and melamine (stuff they make ashtrays out of). The extension tube in my opinion is a MUST as it makes the device several factors more efficient. The roaster and its components are FRAGILE and will break if you drop them. The unit gets very HOT when operating so silicon gloves or potholders are a must when using. Temperatures of coffee on the second crack approach 500 degrees F so take precautions. There are many great videos on YouTube about roasting with this machine, Captains Coffee are some very well made ones, check them out BEFORE you even think about getting this unit. You will NOT save money, but eventually be able to roast great coffee and make a huge mess where ever you do it! More expensive units are not necessarily better but usually more complex and require a longer learning curve. This unit fires on all cylinders and is probably the most practical for the coffee hobbyist.