To roast or not to roast?

[kbrookes]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

I think youll find them more than acceptable - itll be interesting!

Ive found home-roasted beans need a much finer grind however (not sure if this is everyones experience). I dont know the EM0480 at all, but considering youre on a VBM a grinder upgrade might be necessary to really get the most out of your home roasts.

[shapeshifter]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

Kelsey I have found exactly the same thing, I often end up close to choking when I forget to change the settings for beans Ive roasted to beans I buy, I have never been able to keep the same settings, no idea why though.

[kbrookes]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

I feel like Im starting to get a handle on adjusting the grind for various beans. I know that with Pioneer Roastery beans that I need to back off and dial much coarser than any other bean. Di Bella comes in second.

I had some awful locally roasted beans over the weekend (Id run out and was desperate and my home roast hadnt matured enough yet) that tasted insipid. They needed just as fine a grind as my home roasts. Colour me confused.

[bennett]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

I dont know the EM0480 at all, but considering youre on a VBM a grinder upgrade might be necessary to really get the most out of your home roasts.

Dont worry I have a Mazzer Mini - check my profile. The Sunbeam is only for plunger and travel.

[kbrookes]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

Ah, dont know how I missed that! Just saw the VBM and the sunbeam in there and thought

[sidewayss]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

Analyzing your situation with a couple of kids in tow, The i-coffee, Behmor, Genecafe and the Hottop are immediate choices that come to mind together with a timer.

Set your roaster up and roast. Set timer on to time to a minute or two before the cycle finishes, then attend to your kids and endless chores around the house, preferably within earshot and vision in case something happens.
When the timer goes off, then return and tend to the roaster.

How consistent is up to you, but i suggest if you can, stick to single origins or blends that are processed (ie. washed and hard processed kept separately) in the same way so they roast evenly.

Good luck with your choice and enjoy this next part of your coffee adventure.

Gary at G

[sorrentina]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

Brilliant post Amanda- you summed it up very nicely.

"why arent I already roasting?"

indeed- that is the question!

[>CoffeeRoasters]

Re: To roast or not to roast?

and the lack of consistency can actually be a bonus sometimes, making it more interesting.

Agree...great for discovery