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Originally posted by Bullitt link=1202211550/0#2 date=1203388695
As Dennis noted there are a number of factors to consider...
Gas is commonly used as heat source to roast beans,
however most of the gas fired roasters heat a drum of some sort,
or maybe a pan for the masochists (yes Ive done it...too much stirring),
anyway back to topic.
In those cases the heat from the combustion is transferred to the drum which in turn heats the beans, so not much chance of combustion gas flavour in the beans...
Most commercial drum roasters (both solid and mesh) draw combustion gases through the drum.
As Dennis noted there are a number of factors to consider...
Gas is commonly used as heat source to roast beans,
however most of the gas fired roasters heat a drum of some sort,
or maybe a pan for the masochists (yes Ive done it...too much stirring),
anyway back to topic.
In those cases the heat from the combustion is transferred to the drum which in turn heats the beans, so not much chance of combustion gas flavour in the beans, however,
In the case where you had a mesh drum and combustion gases could flow through the drum to heat the beans directly you question/concern is valid....no sure how much it affects the beans tho.
I have seen pictures of many variations of BBQ roasters, some of which this would be an issue, I have seen one fitted with heat bricks between the burners and the drum, cant remember what type of drum it had, probably not as efficient heat transfer, but probably minimises combustion gas flavour affecting the beans.
Based on what Ive researched, combustion gases from lpg, natural gas, or any other fuel for that matter, do have the potential to taint coffee flavour. And yes, it is common to use LPG.
I guess the average bbq would also taint flavour, and maybe thats why theyre so popular!
I know gas emissions are taken into consideration in the pursuit of the perfectly roasted coffee bean - IMO some just do it better than others.
As a rule of thumb, if fuels are burnt efficiently this should reduce those nasty gases. Various types of burning systems also require various amounts of fuel (demonstrated with energy consumption labels on appliances). Well designed air-flow systems are another important factor to keep most of these gases away from the beans.
Hope that helps with your query - happy roasting and bbqing.
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