Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting

Originally Posted by germantown rob

Roasted chicken is far better then grilled chicken and smoked chicken kicks both their butts .

I will not argue the air vs drum but I will argue profile vs no profile. Drum or air when the ability to break a roast up into 3 segments of profile, drying, pre first crack, and first crack on, control over the outcome of flavor can be changed. I think a modded hot air roaster is in the same game as any roaster you can buy.

I feel like popcorn roasters are a bit like the Silvia, a huge fan base with lots of internet info but far from the ultimate answer. I do think for anyone that wants to get into roasting or to try it on a low budget there are better ways to learn without all the noise and lack of control and even the high fan speed with fast roast times keep a newb from getting the basics down and many give up before they give it a real chance and sell on ebay. I want newbs to have a fighting chance at this hobby not get discouraged by limitations of equipment, I am sure we can agree that this is a wonderful skill to possess and I don't think I will slow down the sale of popcorn poppers by having this opinion.

I think we basically agree Rob. I just think those who are new need to learn basics prior to worrying about profiles. Hell, I've been doing this for several years, and I get intimidated and confused at times, especially when things don't bring the results I planned for.

[floydpink]

Well, whatever happens, it's comforting to know that blowing the best part of a grand on a Hottop roaster isn't necessarily inevitable, however likely it seems.

Looking forward to comparing my progress with Kenstogie's.

I'm tryin to take baby steps over here....

[Swampper]

I use this:



Cost: $ 0.00, friend didn't want it...
Added a smoker thermometer - $ 20.00

Use on stove top. Add about 8 oz of beans at around 400 degrees,
Usually get first crack around 5 minutes, turn off heat, get second crack, and
dump in to screen colander at about 6 or 7 minutes.

[Savor the Stick]

Originally Posted by Swampper

I use this:



Cost: $ 0.00, friend didn't want it...
Added a smoker thermometer - $ 20.00

Use on stove top. Add about 8 oz of beans at around 400 degrees,
Usually get first crack around 5 minutes, turn off heat, get second crack, and
dump in to screen colander at about 6 or 7 minutes.

Well if there is going to be a little hijacking of the OP I'll throw in.....I use this one--twice so far. First roast I scorched but drank just for the experience....not too bad. The second I installed a temp probe and started on lower heat at 300 degrees (8 oz of beans). 1st crack was about 5-6 mins...2nd crack about 2 mins later. Roast temp did not get over 350 degrees....very nice roast good color distribution...very tasty brew.
I need to invest in a dedicated timer just for my coffee roasting. I enjoyed the learning experience.

Happy Roasting