Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by brewthatcoffee
Coffee is undoubtedly more than a simple drink. It’s culture and art. It enriches life and promotes quality. Many coffee enthusiasts endeavor to brew the perfect cup at home. Some develop that skill further to home-roasting coffee beans.
Here are the best home coffee roasters.
- Best Overall- Kaldi Motorized Home Coffee Roaster
- Entry Level- Jiawanshun Electric Coffee Bean Roaster
- Intermediate- BOCABOCA Infrared Coffee Roaster
- Expert- Sandbox Smart R1 Home
- Small Business- Aillio Bullet R1 V2
- And more …
Best Home Coffee Roaster
A significant advantage to roasting and brewing your coffee beans is how much you’ll save annually. This guide will address any concerns you may have about the challenges of home roasting. From beginner to proficient, harnessing your coffee skills benefits more than your wallet.
Coffee as a culture is centuries old, and its international appeal secures diversity appreciation and varied cultural recognition. Explore coffee as a craft and advance the knowledge and technique beyond a regular cup of instant. This will elevate your coffee experience and broaden your horizon.
It’s essential to remember that you’re roasting coffee beans that are initially fresh coffee cherries. These are raw, fruity-sweet, and half the price of roasted beans. The heat from the roast causes a chemical reaction within cherries, and a rich distinct coffee aroma and flavor results.
The following list will assist the novice, intermediate, and expert coffee roaster. Along with a detailed description, review, and a pros and cons assessment, there’s a summation of the relevant features when buying the right roaster- capacity, size, type, and cost. This information breakdown will help anyone that feels out of their depth.
Best Overall- Kaldi Motorized Home Coffee Roaster
The Kaldi Home Coffee Roaster features consistently on numerous websites and reviews as the ultimate home roaster. Made in South Korea, the device’s design illustrates the high-tech nature of coffee roasting.
As the Kaldi is made from stainless steel, it’s durable and has industrial strength and longevity. The overall sensation of the Kaldi is premium coffee shop standard. This coffee roasting device has a broad entry point, making pouring in the cherries easier.
Placing the design and aesthetic aside, the final roasting product makes Kaldi the consistent winner on most at-home baristas’ lists. This high-end device affords the user complete control over various roasting features- drum rotation speed, temperature, and time.
The end roast of the Kaldi contains rich aromas with enhanced, delicate coffee flavors. Every batch generates a roast that guarantees the drinker a full-bodied sensation, with highlights of caramel, zesty fruits, honey, and chocolate undertones. Kaldi promises optimal flavor profiles.
It’s essential to know that the Kaldi isn’t for entry-level roasters. Setting up the device is complicated, and the instructions are challenging to grasp. However, once familiar with the operation process, proceeding as often as possible is simple.
The Kaldi is entirely motorized, so roasting is straightforward and quick- it takes about 15 minutes. The Kaldi’s rotating drum has a capacity of 250 grams of cherries. However, it’s advised to limit that to 200 grams for each roast. It can produce a roast for 30 cups of coffee.
A significant advantage of the Kaldi roaster is that it contains a removable chaff container which lessens the mess. Also, the drum is insulated to retain heat as the roast progresses, and its thermometer tracks the heat. It has robust air vents. Yet, it doesn’t have a smoke suppressor.
Unfortunately, a premium product like the Kaldi carries a high price. Yet, for serious coffee artisans, it’s a long-term investment. After all, roasting your beans will go far in saving you money. Additionally, the high-end features and performance make this a worthwhile device.
| Pros | Cons |
| It produces a premium-quality roast | Expensive |
| Saves time | It relies on a detached gas burner |
| Even roast | Inadequate instructions, illogical and difficult to comprehend |
| Once you understand the device, it’s easy to operate | It dominates the kitchen’s space- cumbersome |
| Requires minimal cleaning | It produces small amounts for its large size |
| Allows complete control over various roasting requirements | It’s a hassle to dismantle |
| Appealing aesthetic | It doesn’t have a smoke suppressor |
| Complete set of roasting instruments- thermometer, chaff collector, probe rod, and hopper | It can get too hot |
| It’s slightly titled to help the beans turn naturally from gravity |
The Kaldi Motorized Home Coffee Roaster competitor- Ikawa at Home Coffee Roaster, is an award-winning roaster. It’s more expensive than the Kaldi and operates on innovative technology- it’s a fierce contender. Also, its design is simplistic and clean.
Roasting tip- Never pack your roaster too excess, as this will result in a patchy roast. You must always strive for an even roast.
Entry Level- Jiawanshun Electric Coffee Bean Roaster
Jiawanshun’s coffee bean roaster is simple to use and clean. Various models make the novice-level home coffee roaster list, yet Jiawanshun’s design facilitates the greatest ease of use. It has one on-off switch button and one temperature dial.
The temperature dial is easy to adjust. Another advantage for a beginner is its wide adjustable heat range. This roaster has a temperature dial with eight options that range from 212 to 464 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, it only measures Celsius. So, you’ll have to convert manually.
Coffee cherries exposed to various heats over a set time (determined by the roaster) have different results- light, medium, and dark. For true coffee lovers, learning about the right roasting temperature is a part of the craft and culture of coffee.
The model designed by Jiawanshun has a transparent lid. So, you can see the roasting process, which is great for those new to roasting. Being able to monitor the beans will guarantee perfect results with each batch. Also, keeping track allows newbies to familiarize themselves with their preferred heat.
This roaster is manufactured with a rotating mixing rod. The rod is s-shaped and moves evenly, and covers the entire interior. Therefore, be assured that your batch is consistently roasted. Again, as a rookie, you set the heat and time. As you assess the progress, your skill level will improve.
The Jiawanshun coffee roaster has a Teflon non-stick interior, allowing easy, quick cleaning. After use, you can clean it with a small amount of warm water, detergent, and a sponge.
The Jiawanshun measures 15x10x5 inches, and this neat, small device can fit almost anywhere in the kitchen. Also, the handles at the side prevent scalding and assist in transporting the roaster. Unfortunately, it’s quite heavy and doesn’t have a cooling tray.
It’s an electric roaster with a short cord, so you’ll need an outlet within reach.
- Roasting Capacity: 1.76 pounds (800g)
- Size or Dimensions: 15”D x 10”W x 5”H
- Heat Source: Electric
- Type (Air or Drum): Conductive heating
- Smoke Suppression: No, use in a well-ventilated area.
- Chaff Collection:
- Who is it for: Entry-level home roasters
- Cost: $149,98 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | No cooling tray |
| Easy to clean, non-stick Teflon | Chaff removal is challenging |
| Large roasting capacity | A short electric cord- must be placed close to an outlet |
| Rotating mixing rod, guaranteed even roast | It’s heavy |
| Transparent lid, track roast progress | Temperature measures only in Celsius |
| Versatile, it can also roast nuts- peanuts, soybeans, melon seeds, pecans, walnuts, etc. | It gets hot too quickly and takes a while to cool down. |
| Easy to use, simple design | Can get smoky |
| It has a tilt body built-in. The inclined stance turns the beans automatically- even roast |
Jiawanshun competitor- The Giveroo Home Coffee Roaster, roasts about 800g and is slightly less expensive than the Jiawanshun. It’s very similar in design and function- temperature dials (0°C to 240°C), Teflon non-stick interior surface, transparent glass, and a rotating mixing rod.
Roasting Tip- As a beginner roaster, buy the cheapest coffee cherries. This will allow you to acquaint yourself with your device and determine your ideal roast temperature, batch amount, and set time.
Intermediate- The BOCABOCA Infrared Coffee Roaster
The BOCABOCA Infrared Coffee Roaster is another South Korean design new on the market. There are many beneficial features to this machine. The aesthetics are clean and sophisticated, and as its exterior is fashioned from wood, it protects users from electric shocks and static.
Too often, metal devices emit random electric shocks and are hot to the touch- wood prevents both. Another valuable feature of the BOCABOCA is its infrared technology. Infra-red heating uses heat radiation, transferring heat via vibrating atoms and molecules.
The use of infra-red makes the BOCABOCA coffee roaster one of the more specialized models in the market. It relies on infra-red technology for its heat, so it contains a Pyrex glass drum contributing to its high-end roast production. This heat source is the least taxing.
The infra-red technology ensures a consistent and even roast. The BOCABOCOA has specialized stirring vanes that evenly distribute the cherries and the heat. Unique to this product is the air control hole that allows in the right amount of air, contributing to the taste and aroma.
The heat-resistant glass drum is transparent, so you can watch the beans change from green to golden brown. Visibility is essential over and above straightforward enjoyment. It allows you to set the proper requirements for your preferred roast- light, medium, or dark.
Also, visibility is relevant as you don’t need to sample to roast to determine its progress. For example, the Kaldi features a sampler unsuitable for the beginner or intermediary coffee craftsman. Watching the roast is fun and fascinating.
Additionally, glass is easier to clean than most other materials. The Pyrex heat-resistant glass won’t crack due to the high temperature. The BOCABOCA is a straightforward device that is easy to disassemble when cleaning.
As it’s a South Korean designed product, the temperature range is measured in degrees Celsius, from 30 to 230 degrees Celsius. If you’re used to Fahrenheit, you’ll need to convert. The temperature and timer are on two separate dials that are simple to adjust and manage. The timer reaches 15 minutes.
Another great feature of the BOCABOCA is its cooler. However, the cooler is sold separately, which is unfortunate as cooling is a necessary aspect of roasting. The cooling tray has a rapid cooler power switch and an efficient fan.
The BOCABOCA is available in two sizes- 250g and 500g. Both models are similar versions and vary in roasting volume. Otherwise, their performance, style, function, and features are alike.
- Roasting Capacity: 250g and 500g versions
- Size or Dimensions: 13”D x 7”W x 6”H
- Heat Source: Electricity andInfra-red technology
- Type (Air or Drum): Pyrex heat-resisted glass drum
- Smoke Suppression: Has an air control system that emits coffee incense
- Chaff Collection: Yes
- Who is it for: Intermediate-level roasters
- Cost: $485 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
| Clean, stylish aesthetic | Expensive |
| Easy to clean | It takes longer than most |
| Sturdy glass drum | On the heavy side, it can be cumbersome |
| Accommodates rapid cooling with a built-in cooler | Awkward to close the lid if the drum is filled with cherries |
| Detaches chaff from cherries while roasting | The cooler is purchased separately. Adding to the expense |
| Built-in timer which assists beginners and intermediate level roasters | Must convert degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit |
| Promotes precision roasting | Chaff collector is installed with cooler- purchased separately |
| Efficient energy consumption | |
| Noiseless- can hear the first crack of the roast bean | |
| An air control system that produces aromatic coffee incense |
BocaBoca Competitor- If you don’t appreciate the wooden look of the BOCABOCA, another contender for an intermediate roaster is the Gene Café CBR-101, cited as America’s most favored home roaster. It’s ideal for both family and small businesses.
Roasting Tip- Ensure you place your roaster where there’s plenty of fresh air and good ventilation. So, the smoke from the roast has the means to escape. Good air circulation includes using an extractor fan, opening windows, fans, or roasting outdoors.
Expert- Sandbox Smart R1 Home Roaster
The Sandbox Smart R1 Home Roaster is sleek and sophisticated in its minimalist design. It has no additional parts or complicated extras- LED screens, probes, thermometers, or gas burners.
This ultra-simple black box increases beginner roasters’ desire to explore the craft further. The beauty is that you can change the settings to manual and develop your skill hands-on.
However, this is for those well acquainted with roasting and who love to develop the perfect roast profile. It operates via Bluetooth. You can control the settings of the Smart R1 with an app on your Apple or Android and Bluetooth.
It’s effortless to learn, and managing the app is simple. Every roast setting and outcome can be recorded and uploaded to the cloud- you can develop your profiles. There is an interactive community whereby you can discuss, share, and get assistance.
Remember that the slightest deviation to your roast settings, fan speed, temperature, time, or drum rotation will significantly change the roast results. So, keeping a record is a valuable feature. Although roasts have three general categories (light, medium, dark), it’s a highly intricate process.
The roaster is simple to assemble, and the parts are easy to replace. The drum is made from high-quality stainless steel- heated by halogen bulbs. Another great feature is that it’s quiet, and you can hear the timeline of the bean’s roast.
Chaff collection is always worthwhile, as it can get messy roasting beans. The Smart Box R1 has a chaffing tray at its base. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a smoke suppressor system, so expect it to get very smoky. The cooling unit is sold separately.
- Roasting Capacity: 100g
- Size or Dimensions: 10”D x 9”W x 10”H
- Heat Source: Electricity
- Type (Air or Drum): Drum (radiant)
- Smoke Suppression: No, keep in a well-ventilated area
- Chaff Collection: Collection tray at the base
- Who is it for: Expert-level coffee craftsmen
- Cost: $750 on Sandbox Smart Website
| Pros | Cons |
| Can fashion desired roasting profiles and record your progress | No smoke suppression system |
| User-friendly app | Bean visibility is limited- There’s a small window into the process |
| Can switch to manual | Lighting within the drum is inadequate |
| Stainless steel drum | The cooling unit is sold separately |
| Halogen bulbs are easy to replace | Expensive |
| Small roasting capacity ideal for personal brew and experimentation | |
| Rests at three to four minutes between roasts |
Sandbox Smart R1 Home Roaster competitor- The Quest M3 is an exceptional coffee roaster suited for experts. Whereas the Sandbox runs on Bluetooth technology, the Quest M3 is entirely manual. They’re hand built and possess no advanced technology. However, it’s an outstanding roaster and a worthy contender.
Roasting Tip- At no time must the roaster be unattended. Roasters reach very high temperatures and pose a danger to small children and pets.
Small Business- Aillio Bullet R1 V2
The Aillio Bullet R1 V2 is a high-tech, high-priced roasting machine. This large machine has many features that produce a consistent, premium roast. It has a roasting capacity of 2,2 pounds, great for large batches in one setting. You can prepare a roasting schedule for your small business.
The Aillio Bullet R1 V2 entered the market in 2016 and has rapidly emerged as a highly sought-after roasting device. Many enthused coffee artisans have made a burgeoning hobby a serious career as they’ve embraced this device.
You can connect the Aillio Bullet R1 V2 to your computer with a USB cable. There is specialized software called RoasTime that is a part of the purchase. Ideal for expert craftsmen, the software logs, monitors, and tracks each roast, its settings, and its progress.
RoasTime is a profiling software that saves various roast profiles for future use. It provides insight into the real-time progress of your roast and allows you to make necessary amendments on the laptop.
The Aillio Bullet R1 V2 is powered by electricity, which uses electromagnetic induction heating that operates on supremely efficient technology. On their website, this technology is cited to be highly responsive, and the Bullet can roast 2.2 pounds in just over ten minutes.
Aillio’s founders’ brothers, Jacob and Jonas Lillie, introduced a significant innovation in bean roasting- an infrared bean temperature sensing system (IBTS). An infrared probe gauges the temperature as the beans roast. This probe presents exact temperature measurements more so than the conventional ones.
Also, the Bullet has a digital instrument panel that lets users manage pre-heat settings, fan velocity (12 speeds), drum rotation rate, and nine power adjustments. As it’s manufactured in Taiwan, the temperature is measured in degrees Celsius. So, the temperature range is from 160°C to 310°C.
A major disadvantage of the Aillio Bullet is that it lacks a smoke suppression system. Instead, it has a smoke vent, so you must place it outside when roasting or provide extra ventilation. Some reviews even suggest getting a fan to assist with the overwhelming smoke.
The Bullet is unquestionably a superior product. For a small business roasting 2.2 pounds of beans affords entrepreneurs a real opportunity to profit and gain a respectable reputation for consistently premium quality beans.
Aillio’s website states that the Bullet offers precision and control and that the only limitation is one’s imagination. Essentially, this is a worthwhile investment.
- Roasting Capacity: 2.2 Pounds (1 kg)
- Size or Dimensions: 23”D x 12”W x 16.5”H
- Heat Source: Electricity
- Type (Air or Drum): Drum
- Smoke Suppression: No smoke suppression system,smokevent at the back, roast in a well-ventilated area
- Chaff Collection: Chaff segment at the back
- Who is it for: Expert-level roastmasters, small coffee business owners
- Cost: $3 499 on Aillio Website
| Pros | Cons |
| Unmatched technology | It doesn’t have an adequate smoke suppression system- it gets very smoky |
| Unique, innovative strides like IBTS | Expensive |
| Large roasting capacity-2.2 pounds | Its roasting capacity is a minimum of 300g, which is about a week’s worth of coffee, so it’s expensive to experiment. You must possess expert-level knowledge. |
| Precision | |
| Simplicity | |
| Affordable for its size, capacity, and high-tech features | |
| Induction heating reduces energy waste- It’s an eco-friendly roaster |
Aillio Bullet R1 V2 Competitor- The Mill City 500g Roaster is a possible alternative to the Bullet. However, it’s more expensive. The higher price is due to the heavy-duty, high-quality materials used to manufacture the machine. It’s an industrial type of roaster that will serve your small business well.
Roasting tip- The cooling period is crucial to the roasting process. If your freshly roasted beans are prevented from cooling, they’ll continue to roast from the latent heat circulating within the device. As an aspiring roastmaster, you must determine the best way to cool your beans. Some devices have a built-in fan that blows cool air when the roast is complete.
Best Splurge- Hottop KN-8828B-2K+
The Hottop KN-8828B-2K+ is a top-tiered roasting machine. It has many excellent features that promise quality roasts every time. A primary advantage is the level of precision afforded to the expert coffee craftsman.
The Hottop uses electricity as its heat source. Roasters can adjust the fan speed, heat, and time on the dials positioned on the device. An LED screen shows the adjusted settings. Impressively, the Hottop saves up to three preferred profiles.
As with the Aillio Bullet R1 V2, the Hottop has a USB port that connects to a computer or laptop. It’s advised that you download Artisan. Artisan is a cutting-edge computer software program for roasting coffee. Many varying features allow nascent craftsmen precision with their roast.
The Hottop is a sturdy device that promotes longer roasts, larger batches, and refined roast profiling. Also, this machine has a cooling cycle, which benefits the beans and brew. You must accommodate for the excess smoke produced by the Hottop.
- Roasting Capacity: Seven to eleven ounces (250g to 330g)
- Size or Dimensions: 19”D x 10”W x 14”H
- Heat Source: Electricity
- Type (Air or Drum): Drum
- Smoke Suppression: It has smoke vents, yet it emits a lot of smoke
- Chaff Collection: Yes, reviews complain it doesn’t capture chaff efficiently
- Who is it for: Intermediate-level coffee artisans with knowledge of computer software.
- Cost: $1 800 on Hottop Website
| Pros | Cons |
| High-tech, high-end design and aesthetic | Significant chaff build-up |
| Connects to computers | Inadequate chaff tray |
| Contains cooling tray | It emits a lot of smoke |
| Keeps track and saves the requirements for a preferred roast- three programmed roast profiles | The ten-minute cool-down period required |
| Noiseless | |
| Full-functioning air vents | |
| First-rate air filter system- lessens smoke production | |
| Upgradable | |
| Top-of-the-line stainless steel |
The Hottop KN-8828B-2K competitor- The Kaleido Sniper M2 Coffee Roaster, competes with the Hottop KN-8828B-2K on varying levels. It’s also a high-tech machine within the same price range as the Hottop. Also, it possesses a unique science-fiction look. It’s full of quirks and tricks to keep things interesting for gadget geeks and coffee buffs.
Roasting Tip- It’s an excellent idea to record your roasting progress. Note the temperature, drum or fan rate, roast duration, and the results. Jotting down your progress will allow you to reproduce the successful roasts and amend aspects of the failed batches.
Best Handheld- Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handheld Roaster
The Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster is an enjoyable, economical solution for beginner roasters. Its appealing aesthetic and simple design showcase how the coffee culture has captured the collective global imagination.
Innovative and fresh, this handheld coffee roasting solution is priced at under $40. It’s entirely ceramic (100%) with a genuine cowhide handle for a cool steadfast grip. It’s simple to clean, transport, store, and use. It’s more affordable and heat-resistant than stainless steel.
Roasting coffee over an open flame is a centuries-old tradition. The Nuvo Eco has reignited the desire behind this beloved pastime. To get an even roast, all that’s required is to rattle the cherries within the ceramic dish over an open gas flame for about 12 minutes.
Some prefer that it’s manual, as it’s nostalgic to our roots and coffee culture. Additionally, it’s affordable, so it’s great for aspiring savants to know all that roasting has to offer. However, the craftsman’s horizon expands when technology is introduced to the coffee roasting field.
An advantage of the Nuvo Eco is its roasting capacity. You can roast about 30 to 70 grams of coffee beans- a double espresso consists of 18 grams of coffee. So, it has an intimate quality suited for a handful of friends. That is, 30 to 70 grams produces two to three coffee cups.
For a medium roast, it takes a little over ten minutes. As it begins to heat, gently shake the Nuvo Eco and listen for the first bean to crack. Once it reaches your preferred roast (light, medium, or dark), pour the contents through the hollow handle.
The compact, transportable Nuvo Eco makes it a nifty traveling companion. It’s a convenient roaster as the leather-bound handheld shaft is hollow. You can easily pour out the contents from the ceramic bowl through the shaft. This makes it easy to clean.
One thing to be mindful of is that it doesn’t come with a protective lid. Therefore, as the beans heat, they gain kinetic energy and tend to pop out of the ceramic bowl- exercise mindfulness and caution when roasting. The hot beans may harm and scar- wear protective gloves.
- Roasting Capacity: 30 to 70 grams (30g guarantees even roast, and 70g may be too much)
- Size or Dimensions: 9.9”D x 3”W x 6.4”H
- Heat Source: Gas Powered, open flame, or stovetop (not for use on induction cooktops)
- Type (Air or Drum): Conductive heating
- Smoke Suppression: No, roast outside or where there’s good ventilation.
- Chaff Collection: No, be mindful of the mess. Yet, a hollow handle will help rid chaff.
- Who is it for: Campers, hikers, backpackers, tourists, adventurers, aspirant roastmasters
- Cost: $30,30 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
| Roasts small amounts well and limits waste | Limited roasting capacity- 30 g |
| Quiet | Potentially harmful- Wear gloves |
| Portable and convenient | Operates entirely manually- limits knowledge otherwise gained through tech exploration. |
| Compact and simple design | It produces a lot of smoke |
| Easy to clean and store | Potentially fragile, the ceramic might crack or break. |
| Affordable | Instructions not included |
| It’s completely manual- It allows coffee craftsmen to regain the sense of historic coffee culture. | It may require too much effort. |
| It gives roasters complete control | It doesn’t work on induction cooktops, as ceramic material won’t create the magnetic energy required to transmit energy. |
| Cool to touch- Cowhide handle | One can’t view the roast’s progress |
| Lightweight | Short handle- inconvenient |
The Nuvo Eco Competitor- The Cafemasy Coffee Bean Roasting Net is another handheld roaster that ranks highly. It’s affordable at under $30. It’s small, portable, easy to use and clean. It roasts up to 100g in ten minutes. Yet, 50g guarantees a more uniform roast.
Roasting Tip- Don’t wait for too long to grind your beans, as their flavor is in their freshness. One of the better roasting schedules is to plan per week and grind immediately after degassing period.
Best Large Capacity- Behmor 2000 AB Plus
This award-winning, matte black coffee roaster looks like a microwave oven. It has a sizeable roasting capacity of one pound. It offers roasters control and exactness. It has a multi-speed drive motor, easy-to-adjust time control, and five pre-programmed roast profiles.
A primary first-rate feature is the patent-pending smoke suppression system. It’s the only roaster on this list that has one. This takes away the overwhelming problem of smoke and ventilation. This, the large capacity, and the pre-programmed profiles make it an exceptional buy for its money. Moreover, it’s affordable at under $500.
It also has a manual override option, which is important for beginners. Therefore, you can designate drum rotation speed and temperature. It has a cooling system for a quick finish. As it has a large roasting capacity, there is also a chance to earn profits from the beans roasted.
- Roasting Capacity: One to one-and-a-quarter pound
- Size or Dimensions: 12”D x 17”W x 10.25”H
- Heat Source: Electric
- Type (Air or Drum): Stainless steel mesh drum
- Smoke Suppression: Patent-pending smoke suppression system
- Chaff Collection: Yes- perforated steel tray and fan that separates the chaff from the bean
- Who is it for: Intermediate and expert levels- it’s simple to understand and has pre-programmed profiles, Entrepreneurs
- Cost: $479 on Roastmasters Website
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable for its roasting capacity and high-tech features | Poor visibility- small windows and orange heat bulbs obscure the view |
| Large roasting capacity | Chaff may not separate on some occasions |
| Patent-pending smoke suppression system | It may be too complicated for beginners |
| Noiseless | |
| Consistent even roast, every roast | |
| It has a chaff collector | |
| Can switch to manual | |
| Easy to operate | |
| Profit earning potential | |
| Cooling-cycle system |
Behmor 200AB Plus Competitor- For an affordable large-capacity home coffee roaster, Yuchengtech hasseveral models under $200 and $100. They’re straightforward and have various features that give them value for their money. Also, these are great for beginners.
Roasting Tip- The coffee culture has a unique vocabulary. Knowing the language surrounding the craft will assist you during social interactions that provide recommendations and guidelines. For example, there is a roasting timeline whereby different points detail the quality of the roast- first crack, the second crack, city, city plus, full city, Vienna, French, and Italian.
Best Budget- Fresh Roast SR540
The Fresh Roast SR540 is an excellent purchase for your money. That is, it’s this list’s best value. If you do your homework on the best coffee roasters, the Fresh Roast SR540 frequently appears as the best overall, best all-rounder, best novice, best budget, and editor’s choice.
For novice roasters, the Fresh Roast SR540 allows you more roasting options to learn and progress. There’s increased control for the user as there are nine manual settings for both heat and fan. Also, it has a temperature gauge which indicates the levels of heat.
As it’s approximately as large as a blender, it fits neatly within any kitchen area. Unfortunately, the Fresh Roast SR540 doesn’t provide a means to reduce the smoke. So, ensure there’s adequate ventilation. It uses convection heating with hot air circulated by a fan- guaranteeing an even roast.
The cherry container is transparent, which is ideal as you can monitor the heat transfer through the bean, and the different stages of roasting, from light, medium, to dark. However, its capacity is relatively limited- four to five ounces.
The small roasting capacity is not too bad, as beginner roasters can experiment with a small amount. It won’t strain your budget. Also, you can roast more than one batch a day. However, know that back-to-back roasting isn’t a great idea, as the beans must have a cooling period- 30 minutes.
Although an advantage of the Fresh Roast SR540 is its chaff collector, it usually doesn’t adequately gather the bean chaff. It’s been advised that a hair dryer or portable fan will assist in removing the remaining debris. Chaff has a significant impact on your brew’s taste. It’s better to remove the residue.
There have been a fair number of complaints that the fan strength is lacking. If the fan is set to any level under six, it won’t move the beans enough for an even roast. Additionally, the heat setting of eight isn’t sufficient for an adequate roast.
The best settings for an even roast on the Fresh Roast SR540 are time- nine, heat- nine, and fan between eight and nine.
- Roasting Capacity: Four ounces, one-quarter pound
- Size: 7.5”D x 7”W x 11”H
- Type (Air or Drum): Fluid air bed, convection heating
- Heat Source: Electricity
- Smoke Suppression: None, so it’s best to use your kitchen’s range hood. Otherwise, ensure proper ventilation.
- Chaff Collection: The chaff is caught in the lid.
- Who is it for: It’s mostly for beginners and intermediate roasters buying on a budget.
- Cost: $209 on Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use and clean | It doesn’t accommodate smoke suppression |
| Helps beginners learn | Limited roasting capacity |
| Allows greater control | The engine may not last past a couple of years |
| It can be switched to manual | The fan may not create sufficient circulation at the start of the roast. You might have to tip the device to encourage bean movement. |
| It isn’t messy as it has a chaff lid | Below standard chaff collector |
| Compact size | |
| It’s quiet | |
| Affordable | |
| Transparent container | |
| It has a cooling system | |
| It comes with one year warranty |
Fresh Roast SR540 competitor- The JAVASTARR Electric Coffee Roaster is half the price of the Fresh Roast SR540. However, it doesn’t offer the same control level and versatility. It’s a sleek, compact model that promotes convenience over craftsmanship. It’s for absolute beginners.
Roasting Tip- Allow your freshly roasted beans a couple of days to degas before brewing. If your beans don’t degas, it’ll result in uneven extraction, ruining your brew.
How Do I Choose A Home Coffee Roaster?
For all aspiring roastmasters, coffee is a niche craft, and roasting your coffee is a seemingly daunting task. But no worries, you’ll learn as you go, and we’re here to help. Becoming a coffee craftsman is undoubtedly worth the birthing pains and effort.
When choosing the correct home coffee roaster, it’s essential to first research different products and how each can suit your requirements and preferences. Additionally, it’s necessary to know what you want, as the range and varieties of coffee roasters are extensive.
The following are criteria to assist you when deciding on the right coffee roaster. These include budget, build quality, materials, roasting capacity, ease of use, roaster size, type (drum vs. fluid air bed), operation style (manual vs. programmable), and heat source (electric vs. gas-powered.)
Budget (Budget, Mid-Range, Or Premium/Commercial)
The budget depends on your goals, ambitions, and spending capacity. Remember all the added variables when buying a coffee roaster, like the coffee cherries, software, ventilation equipment, propane, cooling trays, etc.
Additionally, if you’re a beginner, know you’ll develop your craft. Your device must be able to accommodate your evolving abilities. Do research and stay in touch with your favorite roasting brands. Designers are consistently improving on existing models. Prioritize accordingly.
Build-Quality & Materials
When you buy a roaster based on quality, you must also ensure that they allow for convenience. For example, an excellent roaster will hinder a budding coffee craftsman if the operations are too complex and multifaceted to navigate.
Stainless steel drums are a better-quality material. It promotes longevity and robustness. Also, it transfers heat efficiently. Teflon coating ensures non-stick and ease of cleaning which is always an advantage. Transparent material allows roasters to view the process- this assists learning.
Amount Of Coffee You Plan On Roasting
The amount of coffee you plan on roasting is the key determining factor when acquiring a coffee roaster. The capacity limit of a coffee roaster can’t be exceeded, as the cherries won’t roast adequately.
The capacity of a roaster sets your coffee schedule as you want to ensure as fresh a brew as possible. So, roasting capacity determines the roasting frequency. Also, roasting capacity is determined by personal need and use.
Generally, to roast small amounts per week, you’ll need an air roaster with a moderate-sized hopper. For larger quantities, it’s sensible to get a drum roaster. Drums roast via direct heat, which spreads quickly and evenly.
Roasting coffee beans requires time. Therefore, it isn’t feasible to roast daily. The beans need about two to fourteen days to degas adequately. Degassing is necessary as carbon dioxide is a product of roasting. The beans emit the most carbon dioxide during the first 24 hours after the roast. If you brew during this time, it’ll tarnish your batch.
Ease Of Use
Roasting coffee beans can get very complicated very quickly. Even if the device is driven by technology, grasping the varying features required to roast the perfect batch remains a challenge. It is an art, and successive degrees of proficiency may take a couple of years to reach.
One of the reasons why roasting is a long-acquired skill is that it’s complex on a chemical level. You may grasp the basic principles, but there’s an intricacy involved in fashioning the correct settings. Therefore, if you’re a beginner, purchase a roaster explicitly designed for entry-level novices.
Small changes in the roasting setting will yield significantly different results. Overall, roasting coffee can be delicate, and the results are sometimes unpredictable.
Another great tip is to get a handheld roaster like the Nuvo Eco or the Cafemasy Roasting Net. Handheld roasters remove any intimidating feelings and overwhelming perceptions of roasting machines. It reminds roasters that the very essence of roasting is simple heat transfer and movement. People have been at it for centuries.
Roaster Size
It’s best to have roasters that fit neatly and easily on countertops. Consider the space you’re operating in. Remember that it’s a complex craft, so you’ll need to maneuver around your roaster effortlessly.
Fluid/Air Bed vs. Drum
Firstly, there are two types of drums belonging to various coffee roasters- perforated and solid. A benefit of drum roasters is that you can check the beans as the roasting process progresses. Additionally, roasting is comparatively quicker as a hot metal surface immediately impacts the cherries.
A solid drum roaster relies on conductive heating. Conductive heating is heat transmitted via the direct interaction between metal and beans. In contrast, a perforated drum is both conductive and convection heating. Convection heating relies on air to transfer heat.
Typically, a solid drum roaster belongs to simple roasting devices and uses any heat source- gas or electricity. As the drum heats, it rotates, and the cherries come into direct contact with its interior surface. Then, quickly, they’re roasted.
A solid drum is appropriate for dark roasts. You’ll find that the more affordable roasting machines consist of a solid roast drum.
As the name implies, a perforated drum is a solid drum with holes. The heat supply creates a hot-air current that moves between the holes and within the drum. Accordingly, the perforated drum allows for a more even roast. Also, it requires less heat.
Unfortunately, a drum roast produces coffee with highly acidic notes. You’ll learn that a premium blend requires a significant reduction in acidity. Yet, the drum does guarantee a uniform and consistent roast.
A fluid bed roaster uses a hot air current of pre-heated air circulated by fans. The cherries sit on top of the airflow and appear as if they’re floating. Movement is a critical factor in the roasting process, and the constant airflow of a fluid bed roaster finely transfers heat throughout the bean.
Manual vs. Programmable
Although a programmable coffee roaster is easier to use, a manual is affordable and exactly what the beginner coffee craftsman needs. Manuals require more attention, and for novice roasters, it’s necessary to be attentive to the roasting process.
Truly, roasting is an art, and coffee is a lucrative culture. Enjoy discovering your perfect roasting requirements. Learn what doesn’t work for you and what needs to be done to correct poor batches. So, if you’re a beginner, a manual roaster is a win-win, as it’s cheap and requires hands-on attention.
A programmable roaster will allow you to monitor and track your roasting progress. As mentioned above, developing a roasting profile is the difference between entry-level and proficient. Programmable will usually have a manual override.
Electric vs. Gas-Powered
Electric roasters have a self-enclosed heat source. The roasters that rely on electricity are simpler than gas-powered ones. The one disadvantage is that you need an outlet that’s within reach. Often roasters don’t have smoke suppression systems, so you must roast outside. Again, you’ll need an outlet outside.
Gas-powered roasters are more varied. Usually, a stovetop is sufficient. Yet, some roasters supply a propane tank, and all that’s required is for you to refill it. Although gas-powered roasters are flexible, they’re not as efficient as electric ones.
Is It Worth It To Home Roast Coffee?
Yes, it’s worth it to home roast coffee. You can save over half the amount on pre-roasted beans annually. In addition to the economic value, roasting is a profitable and rewarding hobby. There is much in skills, knowledge, and experience gained in roasting cherries.
As mentioned above, coffee is a centuries-old tradition and global phenomenon. Also, it’s a billion-dollar industry whereby many facets of society can contribute and profit in this endeavor. Roasting a batch at home fills your time with delectable aromas and cherished memories.
Pros Of Roasting Your Own Coffee
The following is a list of advantages of roasting your own coffee:
- Economical- Saves a significant amount of money yearly. For example, coffee cherries cost 50% to 75% less than pre-roasted.
- Roasted guarantees fresh flavors
- You can determine the roast level (light, medium, and dark) and experience each firsthand
- Skill development
- Broaden personal horizons
- Contributes to an enriched quality of life
- Massive profit potential
- It gets easier with time and practice
- Coffee is a culture and a community with like-minded people
- Home-roasted beans have a long shelf life
- Aromatic sensations
Cons Of Roasting Your Own Coffee
The following is a list of disadvantages of roasting your own coffee:
- Roasting coffee is complex and takes some time to perfect
- It’s a skill that requires study, research, money, time, commitment, and experimentation. Essentially it requires significantly more than a simple hobby. It may be too costly.
- Results are unpredictable
- It may get frustrating and requires a lot of patience
- It gets very smoky
- Due to the chaff, it gets very messy
Conclusion
Roasting coffee beans at home has many advantages. Choosing the right home coffee roaster requires research and expert advice, depending on your skill level. Acquiring a home coffee roaster is a long-term investment with significant profit-earning potential. Also, it’s great to develop a skill in coffee crafting for its centuries-old, cultural, and international appeal.
Resources
Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Homebrewers Outpost Behmor 2000AB Plus Coffee Roaster
Amazon.com: Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster : Home & Kitchen