Those who wish to roast their own coffee do so because they want to get the freshest flavored beans and the perfect roast. One of the most important things about getting a good roast is having a good roaster. Finding the perfect roaster can prove difficult, but is worth it. There are some machines on the market that are great for those learning to roast for the first time. Many of these “starter” roasters are also great for the more seasoned. Those new to roasting should choose a roaster with a small chamber. This allows for a faster roasting time.
Those who are more experienced or want to become more experienced, should invest in a drum roaster. A drum roaster is popular because there is a viewing window which allows those roasting the beans to watch the progress. It is also important for those buying a new roaster to consider the size of the roaster. The roaster should allow for enough space in the owner’s kitchen for other appliances. The perfect roaster will be small and allow precise roasting times and temperature that the owner can control.
When shopping for a roaster it’s a good idea to understand how the potential purchase operates, what quality roast it offers, and how much work is required in the usage and maintenance of the machine. There are many different types of roasters. An air roaster roasts beans with a hot stream of air which is why it is one of the more popular methods. A drum roaster is highly popular, but those using these must pay attention during the roasting process.
Home coffee roasters come in two types and these are fluid bed roasters and drum roasters. Fluid bed roasters are so similar to air popcorn poppers, that an air popcorn popper may be used in a pinch. These roasters take approximately 7-20 minutes to roast depending on the roaster, the bean, and the desired darkness. These roasters are easy to clean an maintain. A drum roaster is simply an oven in the shape of a drum with a viewing window.