☕The best roasters for roasting coffee yourself for 2021

The history of the creation of equipment for roasting coffee beans

The first known frying devices were thin, perforated frying pans that were used over an open fire. The method of roasting coffee was invented in the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century.

roasting coffee over an open fire in a frying pan

The first cylindrical roasters are reported to have originated in Cairo in the 17th century. These devices sealed the grains, allowing the inside of the chamber to heat up. They also had hand cranks for progressively moving the grains while the device was held over an open fire.

Cylindrical roasters have been added to and adapted over the years, but the central concept remains the same. The design spread throughout Europe and America as colonialism led to the growth of the coffee industry.

Richard Evans patented Britain's first large coffee roasting machine in 1824.

The same book reports that in 1846 in Boston, James Carter patented a “pull-out” roaster.

In 1864, Jabez Burns received a patent for a commercial coffee roaster in the United States.

In 1868 in Germany, Alexius van Gulpen joined forces with Theodor von Gimborn and Johann Heinrich Lensing to create the company that would become Probat.

They filed a patent for the Kaffeeschnellröster ("quick coffee roaster") in 1880, which was critical to the development of the drum roaster.

Drum roasters, based on 19th-century patents, continue to be the most popular roaster design. But in the 1970s, fluidized bed or hot air roasters came onto the scene.

In a fluidized bed roaster, heated air is forced through a screen under the coffee beans with enough force to lift the bean. Heat is transferred to the grains as they fall around. Michael Sivetz, an American chemical engineer, patented the design in 1976.

Modern innovations in coffee roasting depend on key inventions made more than a century ago. Modern additions provide greater control over the roast, but they are essentially fine-tuning the 19th century drum roaster.

Closed coffee roaster with handle

Technological methods of roasting

Today, enterprises use the following technological methods of roasting:

• Roasting with direct heat . This roasting method uses a specialized mechanism with a huge drum that can hold up to two tons of raw grain. During continuous rotation, the drum is heated from below by air heated to the desired temperature. This technology makes it possible to roast coffee beans evenly.
• Roasting coffee using high frequency waves . By exposing coffee to ultra-frequency waves, the coffee is roasted from the inside. The thermal effect on grains is minimized. As a result, the grains will have a uniform taste. This is the most practical type of heat treatment of the product.
• Roasting coffee with infrared rays . These are high-tech machines with program control, where a given temperature is maintained. As a result of this processing, the grains are significantly swollen in volume. During the process, complete combustion of foreign impurities occurs.

Roaster designs

Roasters or fryers come in different designs. The design affects the thermodynamics of the roast, and different machines can make different coffees.

Small roasters typically use drum roasters, where the coffee beans are rotated in a drum that is heated from below by direct or indirect flame. Because of this, a large amount of roaster energy is generated. Roasting on this type of machine is very consistent, but the roaster has to think ahead and be careful. Drum roasters are best used for slow roasting because too high a temperature at the start of roasting can burn the outside of the grain.

Fluidized bed roasters have been used in industry for centuries. In these fluid bed fryers, the roaster is indirectly heated by hot air. This makes the device faster to control. Fluidized bed roasters allow you to roast beans faster without burning the outside and impart more flavor to your coffee.

There are also some hybrids between fluid bed roasters and drum roasters, which have a drum but are heated indirectly by hot air.

Manufacturers produce devices ranging from small specialized household appliances for frying to huge industrial ones.

Air roasters tend to be smaller, roast the beans evenly without burning, and are better suited for small batches. While drum roasters are typically larger in volume, the beans in them are often roasted (can be burned), require more attention, and produce more smoke.

air roasters

How to choose a roaster for your home

Only mini devices are suitable for home use: they consume moderate amounts of electricity and are also easy to operate. Mini units should be easy to disassemble, clean, and also be easy to use.

The small device processes up to 300 g of product at a time - standard indicators for a home appliance. It has additional features, such as the presence of a control panel.

The main types of home roaster are electric and gas. Roasting takes place in a drum. Coffee loading machines have a separate funnel. Each device has ventilation and the ability to remove the cake in a timely manner.

What to look for when choosing a fryer

The main considerations when choosing any machine are what degree of bean roast you want, how big a batch of coffee you want, and how much money you want to spend on this investment.

Some roasters are suitable for dark roasting. To achieve dark and buttery beans, it is better to select an air roaster for the desired batch.

The ambient temperature will affect how hot the machine gets when operating. Very low ambient temperatures will require the machine to work harder to reach roasting temperature. As a result, roasting times may be longer than ideal and may cause the roaster to burn faster than usual.

Another key factor that affects every machine is the line voltage, which can vary and can even fluctuate within a single outlet, depending on what else is on that circuit.

Rating

Electric Stainless Steel Glass Window Coffee Roaster Machine

pros

• unique compactness
• optimal capacity
• easy operation

Minuses

• not found

From 3066 ₽

300g 3D hot air coffee roasting machine

pros

• optimal capacity
• high-quality assembly
• high quality roasting
• glass case allows you to observe the process

Minuses

• not found

From 41883 ₽

Automatic Portable Coffee Roaster DIY

pros

• original design
• allows you to learn how to properly roast beans
• easy to use

Minuses

• not found

From 17096 ₽

Lk317 Portable Coffee Roaster

pros

• originality of appearance
• large capacity
• four levels of doneness from light to black
• process automation

Minuses

• not found

From 7181 ₽

Mini Coffee Bean Roasting Machine

pros

• Can operate on electricity and gas
• Batch frying time 10-15 minutes
• High quality of the finished product

Minuses

• not found

From 31440 ₽

This model is an excellent personal business assistant for coffee shop owners: fast work, minimal involvement of service personnel, and the ability to visually control the roasting process. There are four high-quality motors for rotating the drum, air blowing, and smoke extraction.

Home roaster lifespan

All small roasters typically operate for an average of two years. They will last longer if you use the machine less often and if you clean the machine regularly. If you use the machine intensively and prefer a dark roast (coffee oils accumulate and clog the machine) and do not keep the screens clean, then their life will not be long.

Drum roasters last longer. You can replace the heating element or fan, for example, when these parts fail.

All machines have design problems that can lead unnoticed to either increased maintenance and repairs or unevenness and early failure. I don't want to overly scare you by imagining possible problems, but it's safe to say that no car is perfect.

All cars have their pros and cons. Again, keep in mind that some roasting methods work better for some than others.

popper

Other factors to consider

How long do you fry?

As mentioned earlier, different roasters have different capacities. Before purchasing this device, pay attention to how much coffee you (and other people) consume per week. This time period is ideal as the beans will remain fresh.

Once you know your average coffee consumption, check your roasters' capacities and eliminate models that are too large or small. This will allow you to significantly narrow your search.

Is there a cooling function?

The cooling function is a must if you are serious about roasting coffee. If there is no such mechanism, the beans will continue to roast even after you turn off the heat because the internal temperature of the beans will remain high. This can cause the beans to roast unevenly or burn. This means that popcorn makers should not be used for a long time.

How dark a roast do you want?

When the beans reach a darker roast level, there will be a lot of smoke. Some cars have safety systems that can eliminate this problem, but smoke is virtually unavoidable. Unless the room you're roasting in has very good ventilation, DO NOT go to dark levels.

This could cause the fire safety system to go off and the neighbors to start panicking. In addition, it is simply unsafe to inhale smoke in large quantities. If you still like a dark roast, you should take this into account, buy something that will reduce the amount of smoke to a minimum and improve room ventilation.

How complex (more expensive) machine is needed?

When choosing a machine, other than need, it's helpful to know how you typically approach projects, whether you prefer a simpler, more intuitive approach, or whether you prefer a machine with more bells and whistles and the like.

The simplest machines are also good. There are home roasters that roast the beans very quickly and are affordable for most people and are suitable for entry-level roasters.

There are home roasters small enough that you don't need much coffee, ideal devices that can only roast once or twice a week. There are simple models that work on the principle of popcorn machines, as well as models that allow you to easily determine the coffee profile by controlling the level of heat and air flow.

There are also models that are very intuitive and easy to use, but have limited profiling capabilities.

Some new roasters want a big machine with bells and whistles right away, which is risky. Because a large batch size at once means that if you misjudge the degree of roast, you will lose a lot of coffee. But if you spend money on a smaller car first and then realize it's too small for your needs, that move will also cost you more.

More expensive drum roasters can usually roast larger batches and have additional built-in features. They have a programmable control panel that gives you incredible control over your roast level and allows you to use software like Artisan to determine roast characteristics.

More and more machines allow roasting to be programmed, as it is best to tailor roasting methods to the beans whenever possible.

This also allows the machine to be adapted to low or high voltage, low or high ambient temperatures.

Roasting coffee beans always produces smoke.

Some cars have ways to control smoke. They come with a catalytic converter that helps reduce smoke so it produces very little visible smoke (unless you're roasting a large batch or roasting until dark). The devices also have an air outlet pipe on which you can place a hose to direct the smoke out.

As we described in the previous article, at home, coffee beans can be roasted using a popcorn machine or a special household roaster.

coffee roasting

Popular models

Even though a coffee roaster is still a rather outlandish kitchen accessory, the modern market offers enough models for home use. Unlike factory ones or those used by professional baristas, they are easy to use. You just need to pour coffee beans inside, set the desired mode and wait, enjoying the pleasant aroma.

So, which models are most popular among coffee lovers?

Fresh roast plus 8

This roaster is ranked first on this list because it is the easiest to use. Green beans are poured into a glass flask, and the husks that form during the roasting process accumulate in the upper separator. The roasting of the beans itself is carried out by convection - in a stream of hot air. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, which is an advantage.

One of the downsides is the noise - the device is quite loud. However, the capacity is no more than 60 g, which is optimal for home use.

Nesco Coffee

Well designed model. Up to 120 g of coffee is loaded into it. Roasting occurs in the same way as in the previous model, in a glass flask with a stream of hot air. During the roasting process, the coffee is mixed with an auger.

This roaster is good for light to medium roasts. A strong degree can be achieved, but it will take more time. So lovers of strong drinks should think twice before purchasing this look. On average, roasting beans takes 15 minutes. 5 minutes are allotted for subsequent cooling.

Compared to other household roasters, most of which move quickly from the first to the second click, this one has a pronounced range - you can more accurately set the roasting time. There is a digital time indicator.

The catalytic converter works well in it, eliminating some of the smoke. Unlike other home models, this one produces significantly less smoke.

Behmor 1600

A very spacious model for home use - it can roast up to 500 g of coffee beans. The loading level is 100, 250 and 500 g. It is worth noting that the more grains are fried, the more smoke is released. Therefore, it is better not to load more than 100 g, otherwise additional exhaust hood will be required, since the built-in smoke absorber will not cope with everything.

This type belongs to the drum type of roasters. Its device includes halogen quartz heating elements. During operation it is very quiet when compared with other air-ceiling models. Therefore, it will be easy to hear the first and second clicks.

It has a bright display with a timer that counts down the frying and cooling time. There is a multi-programmable remote control for all loads, which can be used to control the roasting process. The functionality also includes automatic overheating protection and protection against programming errors.

The device is made of stainless steel, but is quite massive - it weighs 20 kg. This is a minus, on the one hand, but on the other, precisely because of its volume, this roaster copes well with uniform roasting of low or medium degrees. It is not suitable for deep frying.

When choosing a place for a roaster in the kitchen, you need to rely on the degree of its load - the larger it is, the closer it should be to the hood.

Roasting coffee on a popcorn machine (popper)

Coffee roasters, similar to a popcorn popper, come in two different designs: one that looks like a pot, and one that is an alternative method of cooking on the stovetop. The other looks like a blender and is an electrical device.

The first is essentially a large stainless steel pot with a handle on a holder that connects to a stirring mechanism at the bottom of the vessel. With it, you roast the beans just like you would in a frying pan, but the handle provides an easy way to stir the beans without stirring with a wooden spoon.

It can produce any degree of roast, from City Roast to dark French/Spanish Roast. It is difficult to achieve a light roast with this method.

The beans can be observed during roasting, as half of the lid folds back and rises up. Since there is no fan or motor, the crackling noise is very easy to hear with this method. This method produces a roast similar to drum roasting.

Roasting Tools: Coffee roaster, gas or electric stove, thermometer, two metal colanders for cooling and an oven mitt.

The roasting process takes between 8 and 15 minutes, and you need to stand and watch the entire time, slowly turning the popper occasionally.

After about 6 minutes you will hear the “first crack” and see smoke. Wait 1 minute and reduce the heat slightly (or remove the popper from the heat), not so much as to slow down the frying, but enough so that the process does not progress too quickly. Start checking by lifting the lid at intervals of about 30 seconds or less. The second crack should occur somewhere between 9 and 12 minutes, depending on the level of roast.

Electric roasters

The operation of electrical devices is based on heating the heating element. The total period of work is up to 6 years. The beans in the devices are fried as evenly as possible - it is possible to lower and increase the temperature. The main problem: it is difficult to achieve a sharp increase in temperature.

For you:

Features of a pod coffee machine

Modern models are equipped with manual or semi-automatic control. Available profiles:

• French press;
• filter coffee maker;
• other roasting methods.

Home appliances are installed near the hood.

Daniil Lobadin

Co-founder and head of the family manufactory Lobadin Coffee Roasters

Yes, yes and yes: A GOOD oven for roasting grains is a must-have, without which you cannot get a multifaceted drink, rich in flavor and aromatic nuances. Our Lobadin Coffee Roasters manufactory uses an American Loring convection roaster. The pleasure is not cheap, there are fewer such cars in Russia than there are fingers on our hands, but what potential the car has, oh, just ecstasy! The beans in this roaster are fried with hot air, and not burned, as is usually the case in cast iron ovens (and we know that the “distance” from French roasting to over-roasted beans is very small :)) And thanks to this, we can endlessly experiment with specialties , “pulling” ever new combinations of tastes and aromas from the grain) As for the home roaster... Well, they gave people a task! In our opinion, this matter is better left to the pros - no offense, but listen... We don’t try to milk a cow ourselves to get milk - we leave the work to those who know how to do it, and then add the resulting milk to our coffee. True, without experience, without excellent equipment, it is very, very easy to spoil the grains! The taste of coffee is affected by every second, every change in temperature, and almost every movement of the roaster!

— Daniil Lobadin Co-founder and head of the family manufactory Lobadin Coffee Roasters

Fluid bed roasters

Somehow, sometime ago, someone discovered that you could roast coffee using an electric popcorn popper.

Currently, similar devices have been developed specifically designed only for coffee. These are known as "fluidized bed roasters". This roasting method uses the movement of hot air to heat the coffee and stir it enough to achieve an even roast.

home roaster

When you choose one for your coffee roaster, make sure it has vents on the walls of the inner cylinder and not a mesh grill at the bottom.

Air roasters have heat and fan speed controls, a glass roasting chamber for excellent visibility, and a husk-style debris collector for easy cleanup. These units fry batches up to 5 ounces (7 kg), offer an efficient cooling cycle, have intuitive controls, and are easy to clean.

There are designs with a glass chamber for even larger batches.

fluidized bed roaster

This is a good entry-level roaster for a few reasons: the upside is that it won't break the bank, but it has a small, light, and simple design without a lot of moving parts. It just needs to be turned on or off. Despite its simplicity, once you get the hang of it, you can achieve a wide range of roast levels.

Designs are available with advanced control capabilities: you can regulate and control the temperature, fan speed, and frying time.

kit for roasting coffee at home: air roaster with green coffee samples

Rating of inexpensive quality roasters

Kofe-Kofe WCR/850-W (34089845)

The electric device is designed to roast green beans in small quantities without leaving home. The manufacturer has equipped his brainchild with an innovative temperature control system, which allows you to change the process at your discretion. It's quite simple to use. You need to pour the beans into a special container and set the required temperature. Uniform roasting is achieved through constant stirring.

Thanks to the non-stick coating, the beans will never burn. The beans are obtained with the required degree of heat treatment, and the organoleptic characteristics are much higher than those of purchased products. In one session you can fry 750 grams of grains. Suitable for both home use and small coffee shops.

The body is made of durable aluminum. The diameter of the structure is 17 cm. The power indicator is 800 W. To operate, you need a voltage of 220 volts. The product's own weight is 3.75 kg. Sold in durable packaging with dimensions 40*30*30 cm.

You can purchase the product at a price of 7,280 rubles.

Kofe-Kofe WCR/850-W (34089845)

Advantages:

• versatility;
• reliability;
• practicality;
• ease of use;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Kofe-Kofe WCR/1200-W (34089848)

To operate the coffee roaster, you will need a 220 V electrical network. It has significant power - 1200 W, despite its compact size (diameter - 27 cm). Can be used both in coffee shops and at home. Doesn't take up much free space. I am ready to cook up to 750 grams of tasty and aromatic beans at a time. Easy and simple to operate. Does not require careful care. Roasting occurs evenly, burning is prevented by the non-stick coating. The degree of processing can be adjusted.

How much do the products cost? The sellers are asking 8,820 rubles for it.

Kofe-Kofe WCR/1200-W (34089848)

Advantages:

• practicality;
• compactness;
• efficiency;
• functionality;
• durability;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• depends on the availability of electricity in the network.

Nuvo Eco

Manual ceramic model. Will help you enjoy a drink with a unique taste and aroma. In one session, up to 70 grams of beans can be thermally processed. The process takes place over an open fire. It requires constant presence and attention to achieve the desired result. For a large company the capacity of the product is not enough, but for several people it is the best option.

The average cost is 2280 rubles.

Nuvo Eco

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• small sizes;
• weight;
• thoughtful design;
• practicality;
• efficiency;
• acceptable price.

Flaws:

• not suitable for a large family.

Presto PopLite

A real popcorn maker, which is intended, among other things, for heat treatment of coffee beans. It is extremely popular due to its versatility and ease of use. When carrying out manipulations, great attention and great caution are required. The maximum permissible volume is 90 grams. It is advisable not to use it at home. The manufacturer has equipped its products with an automatic husk removal system and built-in ventilation. An ideal option for amateurs who just want to learn how to make delicious and aromatic coffee.

The purchase price is 1385 rubles.

Presto PopLite

Advantages:

• a budget option;
• practicality;
• efficiency;
• reliability;
• attractiveness of the design solution.

Flaws:

• none.

Nesco 481825-PR

The stove belongs to the professional class. Suitable for both beginners and experts. Power is 1425 W. Capacity – 17 l. The versatility of the model is impressive. It can both cook a turkey carcass and roast coffee beans. The maximum heating temperature is 232 degrees. You can experiment with different roasting methods. The result is a drink of amazing taste that will cheer you up in the morning and make life wonderful. The parameters are quite large, so you need to allocate a lot of free space for it in the kitchen.

Purchase price – 6950 rubles.

Nesco 481825-PR

Advantages:

• practicality;
• versatility;
• functionality;
• value for money;
• long service life;
• opportunity to purchase in the online store.

Flaws:

• takes up a lot of space in the kitchen.

Great Northern Popcorn

Stainless steel is used in the manufacture of products. Suitable for various stoves. The roasting process is fascinating. The result is excellent. It is considered a multifunctional and capacious device. The manufacturer equipped his brainchild with a built-in bean mixing system, thanks to which roasting is carried out evenly. The device is quite compact. It is easy to operate. For storage you will need a small free space (a shelf in the closet). Does not require careful care.

The sellers are asking 7,000 rubles for the product.

Great Northern Popcorn

Advantages:

• reliability;
• not afraid of mechanical damage;
• strength;
• functionality;
• attractive appearance;
• safety;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• not found.

Household drum roasters

The third device is drum household roasters . In this roasting method, coffee beans are placed in a cylindrical drum, which rotates and exposes them to a heating element. The twist creates just enough excitement to get a nice even roast.

Drum roasters more closely mimic the action of large commercial roasters. From the outside it looks like a microwave oven.

These types of units come with a catalytic converter, which means it offers superior smoke control.

Such machines can roast up to half a kilo of coffee at a time.

Also, the device works so quietly that you can hear the first crack. They come with pre-programmed roast profiles, or you can define your own. Also has a thermometer that shows the temperature inside the drum. Frying time can be 20 minutes depending on the desired degree and quantity of roasted beans. Such devices are not recommended for darker roasts.

household drum roaster

Distinctive features of household roasters

The market is filled with devices for both industrial and domestic use. The main difference between them is the volume of raw materials used at a time, dimensions and weight. As for home devices, they are compact and portable. They operate almost silently. You can only hear a slight crackling of the grains, the volume of which doubles. When making the container, durable glass is used to make it possible to observe and control the interesting process.

Household roasters are designed for a small volume of raw materials, since there is no need to make large reserves. In order for the device to serve for many years, it is necessary to know and follow the rules of its operation. Experts advise taking into account the following subtleties:

1. There should be a kitchen hood above the operating roaster. The frying process is accompanied by the appearance of unpleasant odors, which must be quickly removed from the room. If you overcook the beans until they turn dark brown, they may become smoky.
2. You must not leave the unit until the action is over. It must not be left unattended. If smoke appears in the room, you need to press the button to quickly cool the ingredients after processing.
3. The maximum permissible load must be observed. If you overdo it with volume, the quality of the spent grains will significantly decrease.
4. If you have chosen the wrong program, you can change it manually.
5. The cooling process must not be interrupted.
6. Heating occurs up to a temperature of 200 degrees. To stop the process, emergency cooling is required within a matter of seconds. Experts recommend turning off the unit a little earlier to prevent the grains from burning.
7. In the manufacture of almost all models, materials such as plastic and glass are used. When using the device, you must be extremely careful and attentive.
8. Peeling occurs using a special container. This is one of the important elements of the unit. The presence of small particles or debris leads to a deterioration in the quality of the drink. Experts recommend cleaning the tank of husks after each use of the device.
9. Do not use the beans immediately after frying. They need a break from heat treatment. This will give you the opportunity to fully enjoy the unique and unforgettable taste and aroma of the prepared coffee.

Where to buy the products is not a question. It can be found at any specialized retail outlet. You will be offered a choice of both inexpensive designs for the home and professional units, the cost of which varies from 100,000 to 2,000,000 rubles. You can order products online in an online store, after first making sure of the integrity of the supplier.

Important Variables When Roasting Coffee

In general, when roasting coffee you need to monitor the following variables:

• date, time and climate
• coffee bean type and weight
• roasting method
• amount of heat, temperature changes and roasting duration
• time to reach the first crack, temperature of the first crack
• time to reach the second crack, temperature of the second crack
• total roasting time and temperature reached
• final color and roast level
• tasting indicators about taste, smell, body.

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Gas roasters

A gas device saves money - it is cheaper than an electric one. A high-quality burner, according to experts, will last up to 20 years. Gas models run on either natural gas, propane or butane.

What is the difficulty of working with a gas roaster: experience is required. Roasting occurs very quickly. First, the grains begin to warm up, and moisture is immediately released - it sharply reduces the overall temperature.

The first crack is a special moment in roasting, characterized by a sudden release of a large amount of moisture. Immediately the temperature of the grain decreases. The gas device works in such a way that it is difficult to achieve a gradual decrease in temperature.

When choosing a gas device, it is important to take the time to consider the presence of a double drum. Thanks to their unusual structure, the grains heat up more evenly - the temperature drops and rises smoothly.