Is this an ok roaster?
 

I plan on roasting a pound or so a week, so I am wondering if this Iroast machine would be good or will I be upgrading before long?

I am looking for something easy to use and am nearly certain I won't be roasting more than 2 pounds maximum a week.

http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.hearthwareiRoast2.php

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

I'd call the IRoast a great (maybe perfect) way to learn home coffee roasting; after gaining some good experience it will not likely be the way you'll want to roast 1-2 lbs week.

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

I'm probably gonna get this to start.

I like the fact that you can hit preset roast cycles and apparantly get good results.

It should be fun figuring it out and hopefully not burn down the house in the process.

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

I would try a hot air popper and just use your ears for a first roaster, Pete. Good learning curve, cheap, and you can decide on a roaster with a higher capacity if you think it is worth it. Then again.. What the hell do I know?

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

That's the attitude :tu. Plan on spending money twice.

Figure on 10 double shots per roast roughly, thats one day of espresso for me and no moka pots, lol.

I really don't think air poppers are much good with out mods to give some control over the roast. If you are handy this is one way but since you have good out door roasting weather you could also build a BBQ roaster.

For the spend and go sort of person I can only say Hottop "B", it is the best especially with a bean mass probe added. The Gene Cafe is by far the easiest I think to get very good roasts out of almost immediately for newbs, plus there are some mods to gain full control over the heater instead of just on and off. Down side is neither of these roasters are what I would call wife or wallet friendly.

So after the new espresso machine and the new grinder I might suggest a stovetop popper to see if roasting is in your blood.

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

:tpd:

An excellent first roaster. Small batch size and noisy, but still a great way to start out. After a while you learn how to judge the roast from the smell more than the sound. I still use mine for dry process beans and when I want more control than I can get with the Behmor.

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

I've never used the iRoast, but my biggest comment is that if you are planning to roast up to 2 lb per week I'd say that the iRoast is a somewhat expensive way to learn roasting and/or see if roasting is in your blood. If you end up not liking to roast then it's nearly $200 gone. If you get the bug then I'd hazard a guess that you WILL want to upgrade capacity, if nothing else.

Take a look at the FreshRoast8. It has a 3oz capacity vs up to about 6 oz for the iRoast. So it's similar to an air popper but it's a much cleaner set up. So again, my comment is based on the assumption that you may ultimately be spending money twice, so maybe save the $110 or so up front.

Other than that I have always heard that the iRoast works great, if you don't mind the noise. On the other hand I guess you could settle in to 2lb/week with the iRoast (if you have the time) whereas it would be a full time job with the FreshRoast.

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

Good thoughts all around.

I'm positive a popcorn popper would save a lot of money, but fear it would become too much of a pita to keep me interested.

I also looked at the stvetop and metal dog bowl methods, but keep getting drawn to easy settings and neatness.

I've read that the Iroast sounds a lot like a hair dryer when it's running, but will probably do most of the roasting in the garage anyway.

I'm still in the research stages and doubt I'll do anything before the year is up, as my coffee budget is way past the limit.

Thanks for all the input guys.

PS, I just checked out the Freshroast 8 like advised and at half the price, with 4 pounds of green beans, it definitely might make the purchase come sooner.

Is this easy to use?

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

I have an iroast that I used until I got a hottop, would agree it's an excellent first machine. Still have mine as a backup

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

More and more, the Iroast seems to be winning. Maybe I'll ask for one for Christmas or look for a used one....

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

I have the Iroast and am very happy with it. I'm not a home roast expert, but get good results with it... and that's the point -- getting something that is usable and enjoyable while learning how to make a great pot. :banger

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

Super easy. No profiles just a timer. Turn timer and the fan and heat start. In this way it is fairly airpopper-like. Also has good chaff collection. Very easy to mod the fan speed to quicken or slow down your roasts.

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

Freshroast 8.

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

All righty, Norm is endorsing the Freshroast8.
After reading more, it's pulling away as the lead roaster

Re: Is this an ok roaster?
 

I agree with Norm. I started with a Freshroast 8 and then upgraded a couple of years after I had learned what I needed. I also found that once I started roasting I drink less coffee, that is higher quality. Have fun.