I also use the popcorn-popper roasting method and with just a little practice turns out excellent results. I've been doing it this way for 10 years. While I could upgrade to a fancier roasting method, I've never found the need. If this seems like too much time/work considering it's 15min of constant attention over the stove, consider whether it's any faster to go out and buy pre-roasted coffee.
One word of caution on the espresso section of the article: I think his price-point thresholds are too low. I don't think you will have acceptable results less than double those numbers. You might get away with a $300 grinder, but even $500 is at the very lowest end of an acceptable espresso machine. You're better off with pour-over then.