Best products from r/roasting

It really depends on the brand of roaster and how much you want to invest to automate it. Automation will mean a loss of control and due to that loss of adjustable variables, you will be shoehorned into whatever roast it wants to give you (within certain limitations). This could be a good thing for beginners, shops who want repeatability, and operations where you want to be able to do other things (sales, etc) while the machine is roasting, or have an employee with little to no roasting background operate the machine.

If you buy a roaster with all of the automation already implemented, your training could be rather simplistic and you could turn out reasonable coffee quickly. To make extraordinary coffee, you need that minute control over every possible variable. We have found that a difference of one degree at a critical changing point in our profile is tasteable in the cup. I have an engineering background and immediately wanted greater control over the basic homeroaster because I understood things about profile roasting which I could not implement on the basic system.

Your other option is to find a used commercial drum and implement your own control/automation system. If you have any electrical or systems engineering background (or know anyone who does) this is not really complicated, just time consuming. There is a lot of software available for roast monitoring & control. If you don't have some sort of automation (PID gas valve control, computer monitoring and profile control) you won't have the precise repeatability to produce a similar product every time. Sure, you don't have one hand on a damper and the other on a gas valve, but there is still plenty of 'artisan' factor in crafting a great roast on any system which isn't fully automated!

If you want to get started on a smaller homeroasting level, [Kenneth Davids book] (http://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Roasting-Revised-Updated-Edition/dp/0312312199) gives a broad overview of coffee and has homeroasting techniques and insights. [Blue Bottle] (http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Bottle-Craft-Coffee-Roasting/dp/1607741180/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409583577&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+bottle+craft+of+coffee+by+james+freeman) is an entertaining read about James Freeman starting into roasting, his travels, a little bit about roasting, and a lot about prep methods. Definitely use the Sweet Marias web library! Also you might check out: homeroasters.org home-barista.com greencoffee.coop coffeegeek.com and I'm sure there are some I've missed. If you get the chance to attend a CoffeeFest, they are pretty inexpensive and there are roasting courses (basic, but nice intros to professional machines), you can meet plenty of green bean importers, and you can drink all the free coffees you can handle!

Hope my rambling answered your questions and I didn't bore you to death!

i am a user of one of the electric varieties, the SR700 by FreshRoast and i can tell you that this is not the roaster for you *BUT* i am a member of a private FB group for the roaster where someone posted a link to a propane roaster barrel roaster that fits your situation: a propane powered burner with a hand-crank basket/barrel framed above it. it's very old school but waaay better than any stovetop method. here is an amazon link to something a similar but a bit pricier: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Roaster-Burner-Machine-Roasting/dp/B07L8PZKX4

​

these basically all come from Asia, namely Japan, i think.

​

but, if you have AC power, i would recommend one of the FreshRoasts as they are fun little rosters to play with and easily make good quantities for a small household. plus, they are fun to operate, tho i bet the barrel roaster is fun too.

​

cheers!

Stovetop roasting was probably the thing that got me into roasting my own coffee. I bought a whirleypop for $20 and got an aeropress to brew with. For about $120 I was making coffee that (I thought) was better than most local offerings and (for sure) better than grocery store brand coffee. Not to mention I was theoretically saving a lot of money because of how cheap greens were.

However, if you are willing to commit a bit more startup cash, I recommend the freshroast series of roasters as a much better method for controlling your roast profile.

As someone who is starting out, I'd say happy mug is the best supplier for greens. HM has nice coffees at good prices but Sweet Marias has a lot of unqiue vareitals and there's a number of really good coffees on there. The thing is that as a new roaster (and I am still in this category), you probably won't have the cupping skills or the roasting skills to appreciate all of the nuance that SM's beans offer, so HM is a better deal for $4.00/lb and 3-day flat rate shipping.

What are you brewing with?

Ha, awesome! Yeah it's huge. I called it my new spaceship.

Whenever the beans would roll over the small vertical bar inside the basket they would drop or fall a larger distance and move a lot more which definitely sounded like cracking, but after hearing the real cracking it is much more noticeable to me. One thing I also did to agitate the beans more was to insert the shishkabob prongs into the ends of the basket towards the edge so they acted as additional agitators to ensure an even more even roast and help retain heat in the basket.

My wife actually commandeered mine last week because our normal air fryer broke :-| which is good though because I really enjoy experimenting with new things.

Gonna pick this one up and see if it's any faster/better since it's a totally different concept, but has all the stuff I want: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KTQF7RX/ref=crt_ewc_img_oth_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3SPLR0MSOYZ8O

I talked to the manufacturer and they said it has both bottom and top heating elements for better heat distribution, can reach 480*, and they have tested it roasting coffee and it works great (but who knows what that means lol). Time for some more fun!

I'm going to just put some add'l info in this thread for now. I have a couple of photos - 1 and 2 - of my propane burner under my roaster (as it is so far). You'll note that the roaster legs are sitting on blocks to get the flue over the top of the burner. My actual set-up will probably make use of a metal cart similar to this one. The burner will fit down in the top and I will have a non-combustable countertop (granite or marble sections, perhaps) that the roaster will sit on - on the top lip of that cart. The grill bottle can ride on the shelf below. I can build a shelf that will stick out the side (or fold down or sumpin') that can be affixed to the underside of the top shelf. That will be for the laptop that will be running Artisan-Scope. This is the high torque motor I got. I got the 70 rpm (no-load) model hoping that under load it would be closer to the 50-55 rpm that is sort of standard for drum roasters. IF I still need to slow it down more, I will need to incorporate some kind of potentiometer/rheostat between the power supply and the motor. (I'm no electrical engineer, so I will need to find a little help on that part. Hint Hint!) Just today I ordered a 5.5x2.5 female no-solder, screw terminal for painlessly going between the power supply and the motor. Besides the convenience of not having to solder, I can simply reverse the wires if I want to reverse the motor rotation. (Knowing me, I would have soldered them the opposite of what I wanted the first time.) I probably won't be making substantive progress on this for another week or two, so may need to start a different thread when the next leap in progress occurs.
A couple of other pieces of information... be sure to check out the comment by u/loki154 below on simwool. Was not previously aware of that stuff. Could be great for a wood burning pizza oven project that I'm dreaming of, in addition to this project. Also, ChingThye Gan, the maker of the Instructable that was my inspiration suggested "oven glass door glue" to me for affixing my fused-silica quartz sight glass disk to my dump door. Haven't ordered that yet, but sounds like a winning idea. Another tip is to look at ceramic kiln parts when you are building a roaster. (Similar high temperature applications.) I found some flexible aluminum (expandable from 2-1/2' to 15 ft) of "kiln vent duct" that I may use (with adapters) to go between my roaster and my traffic cone chaff collector. Terms used on this page might be used to find it cheaper (or possibly an even smaller diameter?) elsewhere via Google-Fu. Finally, I'm considering making a change in the latches I will use to hold the lid on. The search term you will want to use is: Stainless Steel Draw Pull Catch. This will eliminate one of the few zinc pieces on my design. Hope some of this helps somebody in the future!

Personally I got a 301 and wish I would have gotten a 304... wish I would have made my ET a probe and not a dial gauge. I run it with artisan, but it’s nice knowing if something happens with the comp you can still roast if you want to. I also feel like there is a little lag in the computer so I glance at the thermometer from time to time.

I got an extra motor without the case as a backup ($20)

And https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XKDEVIQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Works like a charm

I went to 3 hardware stores before I realized there are inside and outside threads on the regulator to the propane tank... so you’re good there, I’m just dumb I guess

Lastly I highly recommend getting one of these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006NGI8VS?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Happy roasting :)

Does your stove vent actually go outside, or does it recirculate air inside your townhouse? I too live in a townhouse and mine does not vent outside. I ask this because unless it goes outside, the smoke created from a Whirley Pop (or similar device) is akin to pissing on a forest fire when it comes to a non-outdoor vent. It can't keep up and your whole place will get smokey.

Like others have said, I don't think it's a bad smell but it's not for everyone. I have several windows and a sliding glass door in my kitchen--put all of them to good use when I did stovetop.

I also suggest buying (or renting from your local library) this book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312312199/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's how I learned way back when.

Good luck! I did stovetop for well over a year before getting a Behmor. It's a great way to get started.

Pretty good. I've had good experience with Morning Hills' Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Costa Rican La Rosa: https://www.amazon.com/d/Unroasted-Coffee-Beans/Ethiopian-Yirgacheffe-Green-Unroasted-Coffee/B01K006JRC/

They came fast and were sealed. The beans are fresh, look good, roast good. I guess it's the beauty of a virtually unperishable product.

​

Try adding more beans, like 75-100g range. Wear a leather glove to protect your hand, and then use something like a kabab skewer stick or wooden spoon or buy a turkey fryer thermometer to stir the beans. I don’t let the fan do the work until FC starts.

https://www.amazon.com/CDN-IRL500-Long-Stem-Thermometer/dp/B000095RBQ

This let me go from ~5 min to the longer roasts I felt worked best, ~7-12 min.

ok, mine is 1040, so your will be even better. youre going to love this, it gives you so much control. i can hit 430 degrees, enough to go into C2. i just PM'd you my email ad, send me mail. it will be easier than posting images to imgur.

You'll need to buy these:


thermometer

two of these dimmers

a plate cover

and this electrical box

also, an old extension cord that you dont mind cutting up, and electrical shrink wrap sleeves

so this is the small reader lots of us like to use

https://www.amazon.com/Proster-Thermocouple-Thermometer-Dual-Channel-Thermocouples/dp/B071V7T6TZ/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_rm?ac_md=3-3-dGhlcm1vY291cGxlIHRoZXJtb21ldGVy-ac_d_rm&keywords=thermocouple&pd_rd_i=B071V7T6TZ&pd_rd_r=3e8ebea1-82c3-486e-953e-e635e8fe5f04&pd_rd_w=IaPyI&pd_rd_wg=EdCwI&pf_rd_p=d29bc9bc-49e2-46b8-bc05-387917c341ec&pf_rd_r=SWVR70TWEY8C09VTBR46&qid=1568747104&s=gateway

but those plastic coated probes are probably not very food safe.

https://www.amazon.com/PerfectPrime-TL1815-HeadProbe-Thermocouple-Temperature/dp/B0142RXG84/ref=sr_1_4?crid=13PYZH2BI268S&keywords=type%2Bk%2Bthermocouple&qid=1568747092&s=gateway&sprefix=type%2Bk%2Bthermo%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-4&th=1

that works pretty well. the downside is since it's just a wire, it can easily get moved around and then you'll get different readings at different times.


i'm trying to use something more stiff/firm like this

https://www.amazon.com/PerfectPrime-TL1815-HeadProbe-Thermocouple-Temperature/dp/B01MU29Q3Z/ref=sr_1_4?crid=13PYZH2BI268S&keywords=type%2Bk%2Bthermocouple&qid=1568747092&s=gateway&sprefix=type%2Bk%2Bthermo%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-4&th=1

Where do you buy your green beans from? I know Sweet Maria’s has bags with the one way valve in half and full pound size bags. They also offer a container with the valve too. This is assuming you need the beans to still off gas.

If you’re looking for a container after the beans have off gassed, I like the Airscape (link below). Good luck!

Airscape Coffee Container

what if you could get the stand up popper for really cheap and have the ability to swap it out for a new one for basically free and then just buy 2 of them. it goes bad, you get it swapped out same day for less than 1$. the mod looks interesting, but I keep thinking if I'm going to spend the time working on something I might as well build something larger like a rotating one that would go onto a grill or perhaps hold over an open flame either on a stove or outdoors.

I can afford something in the 200$ range, but I'm not sure if I can justify it when I'm not a super picky coffee drinker and rather spend 30-80$ while putting the rest toward more music equipment, computer / motorcycle upgrades, etc..


What do you think about something like this? I have been looking at these on ebay / amazon, the only thing is I can't find reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/Handy-Coffee-Bean-Roaster-Home/dp/B074J52ZQC/ref=sr_1_21?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1521779486&sr=1-21&keywords=coffee+roaster

https://www.ebay.com/itm/YaeTek-110V-Stainless-Steel-Coffee-Bean-Roasting-Machine-Coffee-Roaster-Baker/263448696465?epid=17013424513&hash=item3d56c41691:g:-zoAAOSw301aYrG2

https://www.amazon.com/Handy-Coffee-Bean-Roaster-Home/dp/B074J52ZQC/

https://www.amazon.com/KALDI-200-250g-Including-Thermometer-Required/dp/B01N2NL01K

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Coffee-Roasting-Machine-Roaster/dp/B07F6WN4B1

imo, these are nothing more than gimmicks used for youtube videos since it "is more aesthetically appealing to use this mini roaster" to give the impression that careful planning and super attention to detail is put into each and every cup compared to showing some industrial roaster.

if you want to roast at home, there are probably better/more practical options imo. this type of roaster is also super inefficient has there's soooo much heat loss.

Home Coffee Roasting, Revised, Updated Edition: Romance and Revival https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312312199/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QYjJDb0SZD2H3

Goes into the chemistry of roasting, history, and generally everything about coffee roasting. I’m using it myself and am learning a lot.

Happy reading!!

I think it is pretty close to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IUWA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have been using that for 5 years to roast. A minor mod that I did was open it up and twist the bimetal overtemp protection closed so I could roast as many batches as I want in succession. Works great. Just don't rely on the air pushing up to circulate the beans. I use a shaking motion to rotate the beans around and you can roast up to 1/3 lb with this.

Espresso Coffee: The Science Of Quality

> Written by leading coffee technology specialists in consultation with some of the world's biggest coffee manufacturers, the second edition of the successful Espresso Coffee will once again comprehensively cover the current status of the chemistry and technology of espresso coffee. It comprehensively covers topics such as agronomy, green coffee processing, roasting/grinding, packaging, percolating and decaffeination techniques. It provides a comprehensive resource for those interested in the fundamental notions of coffee quality; with a point of reference given in the form of a detailed bibliography to provide direction to the wider literature.

I use a https://www.amazon.com/IRWINQUICK-GRIPOne-Handed-Mini-Bar-Clamp-1964742/dp/B00002244S/ref=sr_1_6?crid=29OSKUC6N2YQ3&keywords=irwin%2Bquick%2Bgrip%2Bclamp%2B6%2Binch&qid=1559108566&s=gateway&sprefix=irwin%2Bquick%2Bgrip%2Bclamp%2B*%22%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-6&th=1 It provides perfect variability :)

I'm using:

MAX31855 Thermocouple to Digital Converter

Arduino Due

Vakind 2M EGT Thermocouple K Type Temperature Probe

I think the total for everything was about $100.

Once this was all hooked up, I just plugged it all into my MacBook and Choose the Arduino input at 9600baud and everything worked as expected. I did have a friend help me out with getting the right code/sketch loaded onto the Arduino board as I was not familiar with it, but it took all of about 5 minutes on that side of things.

Few photos from roasting

Hope this helps? I can answer more or shoot some more photos if you need help.

*edit formatting.

I've used the Airscape for years. I recommend the brushed steel. Reviews state the colors wear off. Mine still looks new.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00167XN14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ABY.Ab04F1TX4

What isn't obvious from some pictures is the plunger you push down to bean level, pushing out excess air. The clear lid has a valve to allow CO2 to vent.

Never bothered. I have a few jars from Taiwan with one way gas valves for fermented food. I never could tell the difference between them, my Evak jars, and using these lids. I just grabbed the lids really cheap at walmart. I do love my Evak jars though because they come in borosilicate. Evak jar in borosilicate

FreshRoast SR500 for $167. I've tried running this thing into the ground and it just won't die (We're talking 2 hours of consecutive roasting, completely nullifying the warranty). It's great for personal use.

Baratza Encore for $129. I've tried running this thing into the ground too. The motor shut off after 4 consecutive pounds of coffee. Then, after it cooled, kept grinding. Not fine enough for turkish coffee though.

That leaves $600 for the espresso maker, coffee and miscellaneous things (water filter, maybe)... which is reasonable.

I like this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592535631/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_iN7IDbKP3JR86

Here's a couple of scientific papers that might interest you:

• Variations in caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents of coffees: what are we drinking? - https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2014/fo/c4fo00290c
  
• The Effect of Time, Roasting Temperature, and Grind Size on Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid Concentrations in Cold Brew Coffee - https://jdc.jefferson.edu/jchsfp/2/

Hi all, my goal is to construct a fluid bed roaster capable of roasting a half-pound of coffee per go.

For the motor, I'm looking at this electric leaf blower, and for the heating element, I'm looking to dissect this heat gun.

I'll use a pyrex baking tube, and a cocktail shaker to cap it off at the base. And then some machining magic to couple it to the mounting pipe.

Does it seem like this will get hot enough to roast a 1/2 pound?

I'm trying to upgrade from my current popper setup which can roast a max of 60 grams at a time (and that's with me constantly agitating with a shish kabob stick).

Edit: One possible improvement could be increasing the wattage of the heater to 2000W. Does anyone have a recommendation for a really cheap blower (or just the element itself)? Or would this water heater element work?

If I reclaim the air from the exhaust back into the pump, would this allow a 1500W heater to work?

This thing makes me happy

Popcorn Popper.

http://www.amazon.com/Presto-04820-PopLite-Popper-White/dp/B00006IUWA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369064655&sr=8-1&keywords=popcorn+popper

Roasts by the 1/2-cup and great for learning. Run it with beans for about 5-8 minutes at a time, and make sure you listen for the cracks.

It's not as large or fancy as the other suggestions in the thread, but it's also not $300.

EDIT: It's also really simple to repair and modify. I've taken out the temperature governor and installed a thermometer.

FreshRoast SR500

http://www.amazon.com/FreshRoast-SR500-Automatic-Coffee-Roaster/dp/B0034D9ONO

http://www.amazon.com/Presto-04820-PopLite-Popper-White/dp/B00006IUWA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413498821&sr=8-1&keywords=poplite

On a flexible arm mounted on the table, ala this Kaldi mini. TC instead of thermometer. Scoot it out of the way when you drop.