Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

[vyapada]

Hi all,

Im completely new to roasting and have a question I cant seem to find answered elsewhere... I thought Id ask here because the site has been very helpful so far, thanks!

I recently bought a second hand black and decker popper (now just waiting on my first batch of green beans!) and fired it up for a few seconds to see how it went... seemed to go ok but the air smelled a bit like the old electric bar / radiative heaters... is this normal?

I was just worried that it might already be on its last legs.

Regards and thanks for reading!

[Dimal]

Re: Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

Welcome "vyapada".... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

More than likely mate, the Popper hasnt been used for a long, long time before you grabbed it. Just run it a couple of times for say, 10 minutes (empty), allow to cool before recommencing and it should then be fairly odourless.

If you have never roasted coffee before, its highly recommended that you become familiar with the inns and outs of Popper Roasting by perusing the thread above, linked here.... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1174699442

Lots of info in there about how to get the best out of your popper but if you still need more advice, a quick question or three will receive a good response. All the best mate and Happy Roasting..... 8-)

Mal.

[Firepower]

Re: Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

the air smelled a bit like the old electric bar / radiative heaters... is this normal?

think that may be dust or dirt heating element, should be ok next time you use it as the dust would have burnt off.

im no expert but im guessing thats the reason , other might have more expertise.

[vyapada]

Re: Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

Hi Mal and Firepower,
Thanks very much for your thoughts, Ill give it a few dry runs and see how it goes.

Cheers also for the links, its great to get lots of opinions about the process, what to expect and what to try and change if the process doesnt go so well.
Ive been perusing here and lots of other sites to try and get an idea... still, ya know what they say about plans and first contact with the coffee!   :

[Dimal]

Re: Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

still, ya know what they say about plans and first contact with the coffee!   :

Only too well mate.... ;D

Mal.

[vyapada]

Re: Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

Hey all,
I tried getting rid of the smell but to no avail. Maybe my nose is just a bit sensitive.
The roast went well, though, no burned beans but I think I might be baking them. I have edited this post to create a new one in the roasting section looking for comments, ideas etc.

Cheers!

[Dimal]

Re: Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

Hmmm....

Maybe its just some butter remnants that managed to find its way down in to the heating element chamber. Youd have to reckon itd disappear after a while, what ever it is.... :-?

Mal.

[vyapada]

Re: Question about 2nd hand Black and Decker hot n pop air smell

Hi Mal,

You are probably right! I took a peek inside while I was adding mesh for an air filter and there are some flecks of burned something inside. Otherwise it looked fine.