DIY drum roaster 1-2kg

[KJM]

Re: DIY drum roaster 1-2kg

does the solid drum slow that responsiveness down?

Since youre from SA - drop in and see Mark Barun. Hes built himself a roaster (a large roaster!) called "The Awesome". If the drum material is thinner than 6mm Ill eat my hat (with suitable beverage ;D).

It does work just fine.

/Kevin

[Nodnerb]

Re: DIY drum roaster 1-2kg

Sounds like a cool project

Make sure you keep us updated with progress

[Javaphile]

Re: DIY drum roaster 1-2kg

Im sure it does to some degree, exactly how much will depend on the thickness and type of metal used for the drum as well as the type, size, and placement of the burners used. But no matter what those variables are, with-in reason of course, gas will remain much more responsive than electric.


Java "Blame the slow response on the turkey!" phile

[prloring]

Re: DIY drum roaster 1-2kg

Thanks Java, thats what I was leaning to also.does the solid drum slow that responsiveness down?

[Javaphile]

Re: DIY drum roaster 1-2kg

Personally Id go with gas and variable air flow. While electric works gas gives you an instant response to changes in the heat where-as with electric you have a long lag time from the time you twist the knob before the heat at the bean changes.


Java "Got em both" phile

[prloring]

Hey all.
Ive been ready and imagining for a good few months now about building a 1-2kg drum roaster that will closely mimic the commercial ones. Ive read and reread most of the threads from other roasting forums but am still undecided whether to go gas or electric.
If I use gas I will use a solid drum (perf at the back) and a BBQ gas burner with preheated variable fan forced air much like the probats. If I go electric I will use two stripped down turbo ovens or a few long halgen globes, perforated drum and fan forced variable air. Whichever design I go for, Ill still have a front loading bean hopper/chaff chute, front mounted exit door and cooler similar to most commercial roasters.
So....to me, gas seems simpler but electric seems to be more controllable, thoughts? Are perforated drums a no no with gas? Is variable airflow control something to strive for (seen as others, and myself, get pretty good results with turbo oven designs with no control over airflow)?
Anyway, even if you think its been said before, Id love to hear peoples thoughts or possible pitfalls with a project like this. Also, to ease peoples minds, I do have good friends who are both awesome at metal work and coffee machine tech/electricians so although I will do a lot of the work myself I wont be licking wires to see if theyre live any time soon.