Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

[hotjava]

Hi, I got myself a Tempo popper yesterday to convert into a roaster. I see Aldi are about to sell a physically identical but differently branded unit for $15 and Im sure it is available in many other different guises as well.

I can really see this model taking off as an introductory roaster at that price if it works well for the purpose.

Do any CSers have any experience with this popper that they can share? Im already thinking about possible modifications to make to this unit but am unsure which will be required or useful.

I already have a DMM and probe thermocouple that I will fit for temperature monitoring. I was also thinking of separating the heater and fan functions for greater control and to enable a cool-down fan-only mode.

I see that some other poppers suffer from being too fast and that additional ventilation aided in slowing them down. I was thinking of adding crude temperature control via an adjustable vent to the bottom of the unit - much like the vents on a Weber bbq. Any thoughts on this idea?

(now to organise some green beans

thanks,
Arne

[brett230873]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

After the first dozen roasts, my Tempi roasters tempered and I am able to do 11/12 minute roasts for 100gm batches. Anything larger and I use the BBQ roaster. I havent modified my roasters (other than to drill holes in the bottom and one in the side for the probe) because they work fine and are safe just as they are (once you are used to their idiosyncrosies).

[hotjava]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Thanks Brett

11/12 mins sounds pretty good - how does that compare to pre extra holes? Was it previously around half that? Roughly how many and how big did you go with the extra holes? A picture would be good.

Did you drill for the probe straight into the side about 1/3 the way up (perhaps 5-10mm above the vents)? I was thinking this might be the place to do it.

In particular what idiosyncracies did you find?

cheers

[krusty68]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Hi Brett, any chance of some pictures of your mods? Im off to Aldi tomorrow to enter the world of home roasting.

Thanks,

Grant

[hotjava]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Has anyone got a (inexpensive) recommendation for the chimney? (apart from a tin can) I got a 450ml SS travel mug at Kmart today but it doesnt seem to be a very good fit. I thought some people have used these. Damn - stumble at first hurdle ...

[Gra]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Has anyone got a (inexpensive) recommendation for the chimney? (apart from a tin can)

Some have used chrome exhaust tips from Super Cheap Auto.

Cheers Gra..

[flynnaus]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Stick with the soup can. It does the job well. Its only really needed to contain the beans (as they would otherwise spill over the top when they expand)

When I was using a popper I tried tracking down an exhaust extension but it was expensive. I think the CSer who used it had one lying around

I thought of using the glass chimney from a kero tilly lamp but:
- I couldnt find my old one.
- I spent some time visiting camping and disposal stores for one and no one seems to sell them.
- theres a guy who sells them online but they cost $14.

[phrostyboi]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

ive got one of these and had it for around 6 months i think, going to grab a couple of aldi ones as well so i can shorten my weekly roasting time - when you live near the beach its a pain to find time to roast because of the rain...

I find that I can get a 5 or 6 minute roast with 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup gives about 5 minutes

[Dimal]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

I actually use a Lantern Chimney and it works great for me. Allows me to see the beans really close-up as the roast progresses, especially during and after First Crack.... 8-)

Mal.

[flynnaus]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

I actually use a Lantern Chimney and it works great for me.

You still use your popper?

[PS Congrats on reaching such an auspicious number of posts: 8888! ]

[matt_Hellyar]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

wow Mal, that is a very luck number in China

[Luke_G]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Has anyone got a (inexpensive) recommendation for the chimney? (apart from a tin can)

The tin can is the best value chimney money can(or doesnt have to) buy!

Not only have you already got one but when it starts to get coffee residue on it just chuck it and slap another one on.

You might find it cheap and a little bit tacky but you will end up thinking that about the whole popper set up eventually. Good for now but far from good

I loved popper roasting initially but after a couple of years i got a Hottop roaster and now i cringe when i look at them...ive been giving them away to workmates to try get them inspired.

[Dimal]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

I actually use a Lantern Chimney and it works great for me.

You still use your popper?

[PS Congrats on reaching such an auspicious number of posts: 8888! ]

Thanks Steve,

I just noticed that... Ive gone and ruined it now though :

Yep, still have my poppers and still use em when developing profiles for new beans, new crops, etc.... Batches are kept to 80-100g and this helps to minimise losses. Its also nice and quick and doesnt require me dragging out all the Corretto paraphernalia.... :P

Mal.

[flynnaus]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Ive gone and ruined it now though

Youre a mod. Cant you wind back the odometer?

Yeah, there have been times when a quick roast on a popper would be preferable to having to drag out the corretto.

[hotjava]

Re: Tempo Popper (or equivalent)

Any suggestions on the best positioning for the thermocouple probe?

I gather the tip needs to be in the bean mass - so would drilling a hole horizontally into the chamber just above the vents be the way to go?