What Coffee Roaster do you use at home?

[bbycrts]

I've got a Nesco that hasnt been used in a few years...

My Nesco went up in flames in my workshop. I got too comfortable with it and left it unattended (I learned that it says not to for a very good reason!). Fortunately it wasn't near anything else that could catch fire so I dodged a bullet, but it could have been tragic. Always stay with your roaster!

I have a Behmor now and love it though their touted smoke suppression technology is a joke. My shop has an exhaust fan that I run while roasting in addition to opening the window wide. Chaff removal isn't great, either - but roasts are very consistent and I love that I can do a pound at a time!

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I have a Behmor now and love it though their touted smoke suppression technology is a joke.

Do you find the smoke to be an issue even when roasting to a City+, or is the smoke an issue only when getting closer to Second Crack?

 

[rekoob]

Using the air popper models here. I have a hot plate popcorn popper that I have been meaning to mod to work just haven't got around to it yet.

 

[bbycrts]

Do you find the smoke to be an issue even when roasting to a City+, or is the smoke an issue only when getting closer to Second Crack?

I generally roast right to second crack (the moment I hear the first pop of second crack I hit the cool button), but the smoke is definitely building up in the shop before that.

The Nesco handled smoke better...it just wasn't so good with flames.

 

[nateburn]

I've been roasting with the Behmor 1600 for about 1.5 years. I love the consistency of the roasts. I usually roast 14 oz to City+. Perfect for espresso and a really flavorful drip. One of my elements burned out or got broke somehow. I called Behmore and they overnighted me another one with instructions on how to install the new element. Their customer service is friendly and helpful.

 

[bbycrts]

Smoke aside (and it doesn't bother me...) the Behmor is a terrific roaster. I love mine.

 

[Brickman]

I've used the 1600 for the past year, what's the upgrade about?
The only issue I have with it is that you cannot roast a full pound past medium roast at best. I usually get dark roast only if I use less than 12 oz's of beans and run it the maximum time allowed. For me it's not a huge problem because I'm not a fan of really dark roasts like French or Italian but it should be easier to roast the advertised full pound.

Preheat your beans. Set the Behmor to P1 and pick a weight. Let it run on high for 2 minutes. Once it hits 2 minutes hit off and then immediately set the weight and power levels and roast as usual. With this method I can hit the dark roasts. My biggest issue is the smoke at 1 lbs is more than the machine can handle so I have to roast outside.

 

[Bigscience]

I just got the 1600 plus and have used it a about 10 times. First batch was at Kingsford+ an then my next one went to whatever less than city is called, suburb? I think I'm starting to get the hang of it though. I'm looking forward to reading up on this new hobby of mine and overdoing it like everything else.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[Dhelderman]

Whirly Pop here. My dad and I bought my mom a $1,000 Hottop a few years ago and it works fine, but it's crazy expensive and really doesn't allow for great control over the roast, in my opinion. I have now done about 4 roasts on the Whirly Pop and about have it down. I got a Whirly Pop and a 4 lb green coffee sampler from Sweet Maria's for around $40 shipped. Works like a charm, and you have total control over the roast level.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I started on the Whirly Pop and I really enjoyed it a bunch. I consistently got some very good coffees out of that thing too. Biggest downside was standing there cranking the thing for 13 mins or so!

 

[Dhelderman]

I started on the Whirly Pop and I really enjoyed it a bunch. I consistently got some very good coffees out of that thing too. Biggest downside was standing there cranking the thing for 13 mins or so!

I guess I may be a little weird, but I find it kind of cathartic and relaxing.

 

[BrianMac]

Fresh Roast SR700, great fun.