Roasting Your Own Beans

[brooklynpiper]

I recently was given a few green coffee beans and did a simple roast -- no special equipment. I thought it was a lot of fun though and wanted to see if anybody else on the forums there is roasting their own coffee?

Any tips would be appreciated, especially where you like to get your beans

 

[jpmcwjr]

Usta roast my own, starting as you did. Got a Behmore (sp) and used it successfully, but then moved back to a place that's loaded with local roasters plus a Peet's, so roaster is put away.
I recall there was (is) a thread with solid recommendations on roasting machines.

 

[physiognomy]

It has been a while, but I’ve always received quality green and good service from Sweet Maria’s and Klatch. Probably my two favorite sources.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I started roasting years ago, but haven’t done it in quite awhile (apartment living put the halt on that). I buy green beans from Sweet Maria’s as well and also mainly use a Behmor. I usually go a little into second crack for a City + roast. Now that I have a house, I’ll probably get back into it.

 

[CoffeeAndBourbon]

I roast almost weekly for myself and two neighbors. I have a Behmor 1600. It's a good compromise between batch size and roast control.

I get my beans from Sweet Marias as well. Great selection too.

 

[kcghost]

One you have to admit the smell of roast coffee is absolutely heavenly. It doesn't matter whether you like coffee of not.

 

[Zero]

From what I've read, the Behmore 2000AB Plus coffee roaster is replacing the 1600 series. You might want to look it over.
Behmor 2000AB Plus Coffee Roaster | Behmor Home Coffee Roaster

Behmor 2000AB Plus Home Coffee Roaster

Check out the deal on Behmor 2000AB Plus Home Coffee Roaster at Roastmasters.com

www.roastmasters.com

 

[CoffeeAndBourbon]

I did an upgrade a few years back, but I do need to look ingot this one

 

[Zero]

I don't own a roaster, but this thread has piqued my interest.

 

[Zero]

Sweet Maria's has a pretty good variety of roasters and green coffee beans at various prices.
Roasting

https://www.sweetmarias.com/roasting.html

 

[Zero]

I forgot, I do have a roaster and I'm currently sitting inside of it. Although it doesn't roast coffee beans, It does roast balls... which doesn't smell as good as roasted coffee.

 

[starrynight]

Side question: Is it economical to roast?

 

[Zero]

Side question: Is it economical to roast?

I was trying to do the math in my inebriated brain today. Looking at Sweet Maria's website (didn't look at the whole catalog), it seems that you can purchase a pound of green coffee beans for less than $8. The cheapest roaster that they had to offer was the POPPER for a whopping $99 (for roasting light to medium roast). Not to mention the fun and experience in doing it. My God, I love the smell of coffee!

 

[kschatey]

I have a Fresh Roast 800 with 12" Razzo Roasting chamber. Love it so far. Welcome to the hobby!

 

[physiognomy]

Side question: Is it economical to roast?

Ha! Definitely can be in theory if you are buying $$ fresh-roast on the regular… not really in practice imho. More a fun hobby that can/will snowball like pipes & tobacco. I can see coming out ahead eventually if you were disciplined and maybe sold on the side. The challenge is managing green bean/shipping costs and making up your roaster cost before upgradeitis sets in. Pretty easy to start with a popper, then move up to a Behmor, HotTop, etc. Pretty soon that 3.5k Bullet R1 is calling my, sorry, your name. It surely will nail the roast on that $20-$30/lb Geisha. All part of the fun. LOL!

 

[jpmcwjr]

After the purchase of the roaster, beans, and a bit of electricity, in a year or so you should be ahead of the game. I.e., economical.

 

[kschatey]

Side question: Is it economical to roast?

Depends on your coffee preferences and your goals.

 

[starrynight]

I’m in the Seattle area so a typical 1lbs bag is $18-22.

It definitely sounds like I “need” to get into the hobby!

 

[Zero]

I’m in the Seattle area so a typical 1lbs bag is $18-22.

It definitely sounds like I “need” to get into the hobby!

I count My blessings that I can buy a pound of whole beans for $5.99, for now. Those prices you mentioned are crazy.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Well, Thanks!

Just ordered four pounds of dark roast whole beans. About $8/pound.