Choosing a Good Coffee Roaster

Coffee roasters vary in almost every way from extremely technical to very simple. The cost varies as greatly as the styles you can choose from. Certain manufactures are trusted to make a quality product and these are not always the most expensive. But in addition to quality and cost there are other factors to be considered.

What part will you play in the process?

Some roasters are designed very simply and leave more of the technical work to you. They merely serve as the heating device while you are responsible for measuring and mixing to get the desired result.

The simple models seal tightly to keep the heat and steam inside. They have a handle specifically made to allow you to swirl the beans and the steam keeping everything in motion so that the beans do not cook to the bottom and the heat is evenly distributed.

There are certain features you cannot do without. A temperature gage, for example, is necessary to maintain the proper temperature at all times.

Other roaster models need almost no help from you. The instructions give you the amounts. Then you simply attach the cover and wait.

This sophisticated type of roaster has everything built in and removes all guess work. It has a temperature gage which constantly monitors the heat and adjusts itself accordingly. There is no need for stirring because there are built in mechanics that keep the hot air circulating and the beans in perfect motion. These models even shut themselves off when the beans are ready.

Even the fanciest high tech roasters do nothing for the inevitable cloud of smoke in the room that goes along with roasting coffee.

Efficient air circulation and heat

Air roasters work by rotating hot air in through the beans while also keeping the beans in motion. This will roast your coffee beans evenly and in some models even clean away the unwanted residue left over when the shell of the bean expands and bursts.

Many models are made of glass so that you can see what is happening and roast to the extent that you want. On many roasters you can make that determination before you begin to roast because they have settings where you can indicate whether you want a dark roast or a light roast.

Looking for information about making espresso or other coffee-centric topics? Look no further than the Coffee Poet blog, where we share your love of a great java.