What are you roasting today?

[BSB]

Originally Posted by ApexAZ

I can easily control my temps to < 500*. Do you think that would still be too hot? Also, is there any reason why you couldn't limit the amount you put in there? I've never used a drum roaster, but my thought is that you don't have to fill it.

Although truthfully, the popper seems to work fine. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Probably the biggest benefit of having something better would be to see the coffee without disrupting the agitation. With the popper, I have to stop, open it, look inside, then resume. I feel very rushed when doing this as I don't want to scorch any beans.

I also end up roasting in the dark on weeknights, which makes it hard to see, even with a good flashlight. This would be problematic for any type of outdoor roasting method during the winter months though.

500 is plenty hot! don't know if you'd have issues.
Looking for me is to see how the beans are moving, not color. They start to move a certain way, when they are just to FC. I weigh my roasts and do almost exactly the same everytime, so you get to know.