Information/Reviews of Roasters. NO DISCUSSION

[Javaphile]

This thread is for the posting of basic information/reviews of roasters and is intended to be used as a starting point for those looking at acquiring a new machine.

For ease of reading posts should be made using the following format:

Machine Name:
Price Range:
Features (Capacity, programable etc):
Notes:

This thread is not for any discussion, only informational posts in the above format. Any posts made not of this type will be deleted.

Unless you have some additional information about a machine that has already been covered please do not make an additional post.

Please use the regular forum for any discussion or questions.

For further information on a particular machine use the search button at the top of the page, or alternatively use your favorite search engine and add the string site:coffeesnobs.com.au to limit the returns to only this site.


Java "Data! We must have more data!!" phile

[TC]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Machine Name: Gene Cafe

Price Range: Circa $780
Features

Batch size of 300g and easily viewable roast. Complete control of roast profile via rotary knobs for temp. (max 250 deg. C) and time (max 30 min.). Off axis rotation leads to really even roast and excellent chaff removal. No filters to replace.

Notes:
Back to back roasts possible after completion of roast and cooling cycle can be aborted to use fan style coller if desired. Roaster then cools to about 70 deg. C before allowing another roast. This roaster makes more noise than the hottop, however the chaff catcher tends to amplify cracks and they are generally easy to hear.

Available via GoBarista, Talk Coffee and The Coffee Barun.


Discussion Thread... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1128873789

[gregpullman]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Machine Name: Hottop KN-8828P

Price Range: circa $1400

Features:
* Fully programmable with 10 roast memory locations
* Batch size of 300g (250g optimal as with the Gene Cafe)
* Roast time between 10 and 24 minutes (21 + 3 minutes of plus time) with a maximum temperature of 222 degrees C
* Very quiet roasting process meaning cracks are extremely easy to hear
* Low smoke roasting process due to replacable smoke particle filters, but these add about 50c per roast
* Large fan-forced cooling tray with agitator arm which cools beans from 200C to room temperature in about four minutes

Detail:
The philosophy of the Hottop P controller is Program first, then roast. Before you start the roast, you create a profile using 8 different roasting segments, each of which can have a setting for temperature, time and fan speed. Once youve created the profile it can be given a name and saved into one of 10 non-volatile memory locations. While initial programming is slow, once youve done one you can quickly copy and paste to any of the other memory locations and refine the roast parameters, so subsequent refinements are quick. Once the roast is underway you have limited control, being able only to adjust the temperature of the active segment, unlike the B controller where the roast profile is built by you as you roast. Your program instructs the P controller what temperature to aim for at what point, so you dont have to learn the thermodynamics of the roaster (as you do with the B controller) as the Ps brains will take care of actual heater power and gentle ramp up/down of power as required to reach the set point at the required time.

The P is about the closest you can get to a set-and-forget roasting solution. You create the initial program and can then pretty well sit back and watch it follow the program until its time to eject the roast, only getting involved to accept the safety alerts and to eject the roast. By contrast the Bs programs are time-based so its sometimes necessary to make a change a bit earlier or later time-wise than you may have when you created an initial program (e.g. if ambient temperature is quite different), which means you have to pay a lot more attention to the control panel. With its multi-colour LCD display and upmarket silicon control panel buttons, the P is also a very schmik looking controller, far prettier than the controller on any other domestic roaster be that Hottop or anyone else. Its lower in-roast flexibility compared to the B controller is a minor gripe, however its a necessary trade-off for a controller of this program, then roast philosophy.

Notes applicable to all Hottops:  
The drum is cooled / heated to 75 degrees C before the start of each roast so the roast always starts at the same temperature. This normally takes about seven to eight minutes from the finish of a roast - five minutes for bean cooling and another couple of minutes to drop the temperature below 75C. These times are approximate if you pull out the rear filter and open the chaff tray a bit during cooling, otherwise it takes about double that. The temperature sensor sits in the roasting chamber, so temperature readouts on the control panel bear a very close correlation to the actual bean temperature. While its a relatively new controller to the market (released February 2007) , there is no indication of roast memory at this point - and since the controller adjusts heater power to match the requested profile its unlikely to occur although the real test will come with time. Doesnt deal with chaff particularly well - the finished roast normally has some fragments, and some of what comes off the beans during the roast sits on ledges inside the unit rather than making it to the chaff tray. Build quality generally very good and no recurrent history of problems.

At time of writing, available from Pullman Espresso Accessories via www.thingscoffee.com.au

[gregpullman]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Machine Name: Hottop KN-8828B

Price Range: circa $1200

Features:
* Fully programmable with 3 roast memory locations
* More manual controller than the P
* Batch size of 300g (250g optimal as with the Gene Cafe)
* Roast time between 8 and 25 minutes with a maximum temperature of 222 degrees C
* Very quiet roasting process meaning cracks are extremely easy to hear
* Low smoke roasting process due to replacable smoke particle filters, but these add about 50c per roast
* Large fan-forced cooling tray with agitator arm which cools beans from 200C to room temperature in about four minutes

Detail:
The B controller differs from the P in that it is a very manual controller. This means that the adjustments to roast parameters are performed by the user during the roast, rather than being pre-defined before the roast as you do with the P. The B controller has a colour segmented LED display control panel and 3 memory locations. Before you start the roast, you enter a total roast time and target temperature and start the roast. As this is a manual controller, these are simply auto-eject points rather than target time and temperature - that is, if the roast time or roast temperature reaches either of the points you set, it will be ejected. Of course you can adjust these up or down as required during the roast. Once the roast is underway you then manually control the heater power and fan speed to build a profile as you go. Once the roast has finished you can save the program you just created, however theres no way to edit it at all other than performing another roast and making the adjustments as you go once again. Initially it has a steeper learning curve than the P controller as you have to learn the thermodynamics of the roaster, i.e. how long it takes for a control panel change to show up in the drum. As a result its easy to stall the first few B roasts while learning this (unless you have some sample programs to refer to), however once you get the hang of it its the more flexible of the two controllers because you can adjust all parameters at any point in the roast.

While it may not look as fancy as the P controller, its undoubtedly the most flexible Hottop controller and notably cheaper. The main disadvantage is that you cant erase a program completely and start with an empty program or edit the program upfront. This means if you roast with an existing program (as you often would want to otherwise whats the point in having them) you sometimes have to do battle with the pre-programmed adjustments coming in before you want them, e.g. if you decided you wanted the fan to come on later youd have to wait for it to automatically turn up and then turn it back down.

Notes applicable to all Hottops:  
The drum is cooled / heated to 75 degrees C before the start of each roast so the roast always starts at the same temperature. This normally takes about seven to eight minutes from the finish of a roast - five minutes for bean cooling and another couple of minutes to drop the temperature below 75C. These times are approximate if you pull out the rear filter and open the chaff tray a bit during cooling, otherwise it takes about double that. The temperature sensor sits in the roasting chamber, so temperature readouts on the control panel bear a very close correlation to the actual bean temperature. While its a relatively new controller to the market (released July 2007) , there is no indication of roast memory at this point - and since the controller adjusts heater power to match the requested profile its unlikely to occur although the real test will come with time. Doesnt deal with chaff particularly well - the finished roast normally has some fragments, and some of what comes off the beans during the roast sits on ledges inside the unit rather than making it to the chaff tray. Build quality generally very good and no recurrent history of problems.

At time of writing, available from Pullman Espresso Accessories via www.thingscoffee.com.au

[4latte]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Machine name: Imex CR100

Price range: $125 - $140

Features:

* 120gm recommended batch size
* Inexpensive to run
* Compact
* Easy to use
* Built in chaff catcher
* Variable roast timer setting
* Easy to clean

Ideal for newbie roasters, a step up from popcorn machines. Using the air bed method the beans are swirled around for up to 13 minutes (which you can extend by adjusting the timer knob). There is an automatic 4 minute cool down cycle when roasting is completed.

Purpose built in Korea as a home roaster, the machine is good for a couple of roasts per day, which is usually enough for even the most dedicated home coffee drinkers. With no control of the profile, all you can control is the roasting time, and freom very light roasts up to french "toast" are possible. Due to the relatively low heater element wattage, a change in the ambient temperature has a marked effect on roasting times.

With not a lot of smoke production due to the small batch size , the machine can be used inside, for example, under a kitchen exhaust fan. 98% of the chaff is caught in an internal basket, but some tiny flakes usually manage to escape.

With a clear glass lid you can observe the beans as they spin and rotate the timer knob to turn off the heating element before the original set time has elapsed. The machine exterior does get very hot during operation and care is needed, especially if children are around. A minimum 20 minute wait between roasts is recommended by the manufacturer to avoid overheating the element.

At time of writing, available through Vitali Group.

[Dimal]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

KKTO Roaster Development and User Feedback threads...

Roaster Development... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1228631426

User Feedback... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1261484678

[Dimal]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Discussion thread on "FZ-RR 700 Baby Roaster"

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1277375158

[Dimal]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Hearthware i-Roast --- Latest digital model

Discussion Thread...http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1124115705

[Dimal]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Roast: Testing Behmor

Discussion Thread... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1262756782

[greenman]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

Torrefattore 2kg fully manual  professional electric shop roaster
from Coffee Tech Engineering (Israel)

Technical Specifications
Batch Capacity 2.0 KG
Chaff Collector Included
Exhaust Diameter 60 mm (~2½’’) in DIAMETER
In Drum Cooling Drum 6" blower
Outer Cooling in tray

240v 20amp circuit required.
Heating Elements 3 X 1000W 2K operates 2 elements 1K 1 element
Gear Drive Motor 0.12 HP
Gear Ratio 1:40-1:50
Cooling Blower (in drum) 0.38 A
Cooling Fans (in tray) 0.42 A
Dimensions 53(w) X78 (d) X77 (h)
Weight  45Kg
Materials
- Stainless Steel- Carbon Steel- Aluminum Rims- Phenol Knobs
Early days with Torre but the results so far have been impressive, heat control is quite responsive, having full control over air flow during roasting is a big plus, still a lot to learn but more than happy at this stage

[TC]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters

[split] [link=http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1275727286/10#10][splithere][/link][splithere_end]

[Buschy]

Re: Information/Reviews of Roasters.

Machine Name: Akaneks AKES 1 1KG Sample Roaster – Electric

Price Range: Circa $4450 AUD May 2011 (Roaster, table with castors and sea freight FOB Brisbane $3000, add $1600 for customs related fees, road transport to N. Qld, state electrical safety compliance certificate.)

Features:
- Table top model
- Chrome or brass trim
- Digital thermometers for drum and exhaust
- Cooling tray with mixer arms
- Chaff collector
- 4 motors (drum, exhaust fan, cooling fan, mixer)
- Color (black, green or red)

Specifications:
- Manufacturer – Akaneks, Izmir, Turkey
- Batch Capacity – 1 KG
- Roasting time – 15>20 Minutes/batch
- Capacity – 3>4 KG/H
- Weight – 90 KG
- Length – 97 cm
- Width – 95 cm
- Height – 90 cm
- Heating – Semi thermal transfer
- Heater capacity – 2 x 1500 watt
- Voltage – 230v
- Number of motors – 4
Drum motor - .12 KW
Exhaust motor - .12 KW
Cooling fan - .18 KW
Mixer – 3.7 watt
- Motor manufacturer – Nerimotori, Italy (CE compliant)
- Temperature controller manufacturer – EMKO, Turkey (CE compliant)

Notes:
I am a novice commercial drum roaster so I cannot compare the machine’s performance with other drum roasters. However, I can make a few observations based on my experience with it to date.

Exterior fit and finish look to be of high quality. It is a very solid machine and is built like a tank. 90kg. 

To date, it has worked seamlessly but it is still early days I will update this post should I start encountering any problems, or have new observations I feel are worth adding.

The motors run fairly quietly, I was expecting the machine to make more noise. However it is a fairly large machine (even though it’s a baby in the commercial roaster world) and does have a presence when turned on. Nothing to cause irritation or concern in my opinion.

I have been roasting with a Corretto setup for the past 3 years and this provides a whole different experience for the home roaster. Good fun and less fuss compared to my old setup once I had everything sorted out. The machine easily roasts 1KG at a time.

I haven’t quite figured out the 2 digital temperature controllers. They read much lower (i.e. 30+ degrees in some instances) than the thermocouple probes I have retrofitted to the drum and exhaust for data logging. Will investigate and update.

To date, my experience with purchase and use has been very positive. 

[JKM]

Machine Name: North Coffee Roasters Model TJ-067

Type: Electric & Gas 1kg

Price Range: AU$5000 March 2014

Features (Capacity, programable etc): Small enough to sample roast, test different beans, trial different blends, learn the differences/advantages between single origin and blend roasting. Basically this machine gives you the ability and capacity to learn how to roast on a commercial scale.

Also large enough to output full 1kg batches or 4 x 250gram batches for wholesale to friends, family, customers online, speciality websites i.e. global bean shed or to sell to cafes.

Can easily hook up a multimeter with usb to connect to your computer/laptop in order to data log roast profiles.

Currently working on a computer control system to allow the roaster to replicate any roast profile exactly and toggle from manual roasting to hands free computer controlled consistency.

Specifications (electric model):

• Capacity: 200 grams to 1 kilogram batches
• Voltage/Frequency: 220V/50-60Hz
• Roaster dimensions: 800mm x 600mm x 860mm
• Roaster weight: 90 kilograms
• Heating: 5 x 700W elements
• Main motor: 90W
• Cooling motor: 50W
• Stirring motor: 15W
• Exhaust motor: 50W
• Chaff collector weight: 20 kilograms

Electric Features:

• Commercial quality components
• Full batch capabilities (1.2 kilograms green)
• Variable temperature control
• Variable exhaust fan speed (drum air flow control)
• Large capacity cooling tray (cools to room temp in 2 mins)
• Large capacity chaff collector (roast 15+ batches before emptying)
• Fully electric, no gas cylinders or gas line connections
• World Electrical Safety Standards (IEC report, CE & ROHS)

Notes: Online reviews part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEQRfqGzp_4
part 2 - North Coffee 1kg Electric Coffee Roaster Review part 2 - YouTube

Australian Distributor: Rent A Roaster, Sydney
commercial link removed per http://coffeesnobs.com.au/coffee-har...posting policy