Hi guys,

I was going through the Coffee Lover thread and I realized not much of discussion on roasting coffee. Occasionally some sifu would talk about roasting but conversation would somehow sidetracked to other aspects of coffee. I am starting this thread so that we can discuss in depth with regards to coffee roasting.

Any home/micro roasters sifu in the club? Would like to ask opinion on choice of roasting machine. I'm currently roasting with popcorn popper but think is time to take the plunge and get a proper machine.

I have short-listed three machines

1. Aillio Bullet R1



Pros:
- Looks. Really nice looking and small form factor
- All electric. Can use anywhere
- 1 kg capacity. Just nice for sample roasting and even small scale production
- Fully interactive with software for roast profiling

Cons:
- Expensive. 2624 USD
- New product. Just passed early release. Sorted out main problems but basically still a new product. No expert reviews yet

2. Hottop KN-8828B-2K+



Pros:
- Small form factor
- All electric
- Uses software as well for profiling
-Reliable, established brand
- Cheaper 1600USD

Cons
- Only 300g capacity

3 Sonofresco 600g/1.2kg roasters



Pros
- Simple operation.
- Easy maintenance. Only one moving part which is the fan. Since warranty would be difficult for import item, this is a plus point
- ?Air roaster (maybe cons to some people who prefer drum-roasting)
- Cheaper cost of running. Uses gas - just connect to cooking gas tank and electric for the fan
- Essentially a commercial machine, built to last
- Large capacity

Cons
- Large form factor. the 600g version is smaller but of course less capacity
- Expensive 600g 2595usd and 1.2kg 3595 usd
- Software need to add another 750 usd and also less robust compared to previous two.


Any sifus here have experience with these machines? Would really appreciate if can provide input. Of course there are other more professional sampler roasters options such as Quest M3, Huky 500, North Roasters but those are too big/bulky and the Wife says nono cos its ugly. Haha.

It will be great if can discuss on roasting experience and profiles here, too

Hi KK131, nice to see fellow popcorn coffee roaster here. Yeah same issue I have encountered. The problem is we are quite limited with the control of variables with the popcorn popper. The temperature rise too fast and there are no time for the flavour to develop. I find it good for dark roasts but very risky for specialty coffees that shine with light to medium roast. Initially had the idea of modifying the popper too but the cover melted and I realized I have reached the limit of using popper for roasting coffee.

Wow, you have went through the various levels of roasting equipment! I'm not too much of a DIY guy so skipped the heat-gun/dog bowl idea. Thought of getting a proper machine so that I don't need to have upgraditis later.

Agree with the Bullet R1, but quite concern with the some issues they are facing now like infrared sensor haywire due to coffee oil and moisture problem with the circuit board (seemed to be resolved with applying silicone). Scared I spend a bomb to buy a white elephant at home. Who is the lucky fella with the R1?

How is your Kaldi? It does cross my radar during my search but overlook it as it does not have any software function for profiling right?
Wife doesnt like the industrial look of Huky. I might consider Quest. But still needs rigging to Artisan software compared to Hottop

I did go through the choices but somehow the slightly reputable ones like North Coffee and Bideli are still very expensive. Bideli quoted me 3300 usd for their 1 kg version and North even more expensive.
Then there are all the questionable options like the hotplate roaster.

Bro respect your DIY courage.

How is using Kaldi with our stovetop? Is it difficult to control the heat?

Wow. You took the plunge and went for the machine! Did you buy the pre-order version or the new version?
Did you order through their website and they sent directly to your house? Was there any additional tax?


What do you mean when you said it is hard to master a good roast? Does it have a very steep learning curve? I am considering to buy one but undecided whether it is worth the investment.

Good to know you did not get an additional 30% tax on your R1. That would've hurt. Which roaster did your friend purchase? Good to know which one the Customs would consider a commercial machine.

R1 does sound like a lot of work. Do you need to open up to clean the R1 each time? That's one of the reason I am considering the Sonofresco fluid bed roaster. Seems simple enough with one moving part only which is the fan. Cleaning should be a breeze too as the coffee container can be removed and cleaned separately. Only issue is the consistency as the variables are harder to measure (airflow vs drum rotation) Not many articles on fluid bed roasters. Any body with experience on commercial fluid bed roasters?

ymeng85 sifu. Saw in the coffee lover thread that you took the path from coffee lover to roaster to opening your own cafe. Very inspired!

Wanna know how you improve your roasting skills? Through self learning or got take up SCA course as well?