Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

[redzone121]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

Andys Multimeter on its way, freak that was quick, cheers again Andy !

[>CoffeeRoasters]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

I though Attilios comments were which I would like to add to.

Totally agree, in our experience if a roaster is not roasting at full batch effectively in most cases it is because the burner is not sufficient or set up correctly for that machine. The other issue could be that the venting is providing poor airflow. In most instances this can be fixed fairly easily, by callibarting the burner, fitting a more suitable one or improving the fluing of the machine.

3 Phase motors are not necessary on most roasters up to 10-15kg. I have seen 3 phase motor bearings go just as single phase do. You can have exactly the same problems. It all depends on the roaster, the load it is carrying and the practicality of it. A three phase motor is not going to be practical in a shop roaster. You can get good quality motors locally for not a lot of money.

I think it is very hard to make a distinction between a bigger roaster producing better coffee than a smaller roasters if that is what was meant. If it was for sampling purpuses then yes I would say this is right as it is very hard to replicate the same profile from a small roaster to a large roaster, even in the same models. But there are so many things at play and the volumes play a big part in this. A good roaster will know how to make the necessary adjustments once they get used to their system.

I think at the end of the day the person doing the roasting plays the biggest part in the outcome from choosing good quality beans, working out the profile and then executing it through the roaster. The roaster is the tool used and people get used to their tool of trade and learn how to get the best out of it. Roasting has been around for a long time and great results can be achieved on some of the most basic of tools.

I think it is scare tactics when people are told they need to spend exhorbitant amounts of money to be able to roast good coffee. That is not true and it is discouraging for the smaller micro roasters who are extremely passionate about what they do and require a decent return on their investment. We should be encouraging people to roast as it will benefit the industry as a whole. Greater competition leads to better practices and a better product for the consumer. Where do you start, well in most instances it is with small roaster and I know I can get as good a quality roast out of a 2kg roaster as a 30kg roaster. We test different configurations all the time with burners and venting. There are many views out their that the larger Industrial roasters cant replicate what smaller roasters can do. It is very subjective and we deal in shop up to very large industrial roasters and all have their advantages and disadvantages.

Most of the smaller roasters jump at the chance to enter roasting competitions to test their product against the trade. I dont think the same can be said for some of the larger coffee distributors who might not want to have their product compared against someone roasting on an inexpensive shop roaster. I have great respect for the large roasting companies that do take part in these competitions that are not afraid to battle it out with the small players.

Look at coffee machines for example. There are lots on the market and many of the inexpensive machines will produce as good a cup as ones twice their price. Look at the Coffeesnobs data logger for $100 as an inexpensive tool helping roasters gain consistency in their profiling. In a lot of instances you pay more for the flashy lights and shiny panels. Marketing can be a great tool to sell you something for a lot more. A while ago everyone used to rubbish anything coming out of China now the majority of the worlds manufacturing is done there.

I say roast, share and most of all have a go. Start small, hone your skills, build your clientelle and then when the cash flow and capital is there you can afford to spend on the fancy gadgets.

Food for thought....Mark

[redzone121]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

As always Mark your opinion is of great value to all of us here from the Newbie like myself to the professional. Your service and help in the past weeks has been exceptional.
Thanks too Attilio you make some excellent points and it all helps us newbies see another side to things.

Cheers

redzone

[redzone121]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

Arrives this afternoon........................

[Koffee_Kosmo]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

Arrives this afternoon........................

I am waiting as well

Is it there yet :P

KK

[WSullivan]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

You must be jumping out of your skin!, are ya gunna chuck 5 kg straight in? how many kgs to you have to play with?

[redzone121]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

After much anticipation it didnt arrive
Long story (I am not even interested in) he says he will deliver during the week.......Note to self: Dont burn the guy before it gets here

My happiness is not based on my roaster arriving : whatever.

redeerzone

[WSullivan]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

bummer

My happiness is not based on my roaster arrivingRoll Eyes whatever.

hmmmmm, i dont know about that ;D

[redzone121]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

You must be jumping out of your skin!, are ya gunna chuck 5 kg straight in? how many kgs to you have to play with?

Ah no not 5kg and will have to set up over the next few weeks. How many kgs? not many actually but have a new contact in Auckland and have been sampling SOs and playing with blends etc so will be able to order large amounts at very short notice and get within a day or 2. Will keep roasting with trusty set up for a bit yet, just hooked it up to CS software and getting a mate to make some new bits for it (the wooden parts started smoldering) Cheers. Chris

[redzone121]

Re: Looking to buy a 2kg - 5kg roaster

UPDATE: This Saturday............impatient ? mmmmm.....well the guy is throwing in a 70kg gas bottle for the delay ! Good job I didt torch him.....much :-[