Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

[greenman]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

The little birdy is correct Greenman Cheesy
Now that I have made the decision I am excited. Will keep yall posted on progress.
Many thanks to Mark at Coffee Roasters Australia; great advice, service and patience.

Congrats McC, looking forward to seeing your new toy in action

[sidewayss]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

Noice one McCartan,

I reckon you should host at least one Beanbay Pick-up so we can get the chance to see your baby in the flesh .

Am sure Greenman and these guys will only be too happy to help you out with tweaking tricks, and Marks always helpful as you know.

Enjoy your new family addition. Hopefully they know which address to send it.

Gary at G

[McCartan]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

New addition to the family (Torrefattore) on its waaaaay West! Will let you know when it arrives. Would be much more excited if my lovely husband was not currently in hospital but thankfully he is recovering and will be home tomorrow.

[greenman]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

New addition to the family (Torrefattore) on its waaaaay West!  Will let you know when it arrives.  Would be much more excited if my lovely husband was not currently in hospital but thankfully he is recovering and will be home tomorrow.

Exciting about Torre, I bet the online tracker will be working overtime until arrival day!!, not so good about himself, give him our best wishes.
T&P

[sidewayss]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

New addition to the family (Torrefattore) on its waaaaay West!  Will let you know when it arrives.  Would be much more excited if my lovely husband was not currently in hospital but thankfully he is recovering and will be home tomorrow.

Great to know its on the way.

My best wishes to his health and yours. May you enjoy many more years of good coffee with your great roaster.

Will you be keeping the coretto for memories?

Gary at G

[McCartan]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

Will you be keeping the coretto for memories?

Thanks for the good wishes (G@G & Greenman). No doubt once I get familiar with the new addition, I will pay the coretto forward; it came from Greenman and will hopefully move on in the near future.

[McCartan]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

The new baby is in Perth.........I want him here, now! Waiting to hear if he is arriving "home" today or Monday. Getting impatient. You remember that feeling Greenman?

[McCartan]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

Hes here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[greenman]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

The new baby is in Perth.........I want him here, now!  Waiting to hear if he is arriving "home" today or Monday.  Getting impatient.  You remember that feeling Greenman?

Dont remind me!!!
When do I get to see the goods???

Congrats on the arrival of your new baby

[McCartan]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

OK, confession time! Absolutely ruined my first roast of 1.2kg Gambella Sundried (they were getting old anyway!!!) totally incinerated and approaching charcoal . Phoned Greenman in a state of panic for some advice.
Second attempt with 500gms Harrar much better, pulled shortly after 1C, looking good.
Third attempt with 500 PNG Wahgi AA, took it slower after onset of maillards (turned off 1 element) and finished before 2C.
Bit too nervous to go any further after the initial disaster but great fun nonetheless and really excited about this great roaster (named Yasser!!! politically incorrect for an Israeli machine).
Having such great support from Greenman and other CSers makes the journey easier.
Thank yall so very much and also thank you to the powers that be that none of the neighbours phoned the fire department cause there sure was a lot of smoke :-[. Ah well, a lesson learned

[sidewayss]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

Whoops.
Throw the Gambella into your garden or compost.
Perhaps grab a bag of Brazilian when youre learning so you dont feel so bad

Always an exciting but head scratching exercise when a new roaster is in residence. A steep learning curve.

Yes, am sure with Greenmans guidance, you will be roasting super beans hopefully soon.

Not much wind expected this week, so there might be a few noses sniffing the air in your area.

Gary at G

[el_carnicero]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

what is the optimum batch size for torrefatore? how is the air flow if batch were loaded close to max. of 2kgs?

[cuppacoffee]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

what is the optimum batch size for torrefatore? how is the air flow if batch were loaded close to max. of 2kgs?

Your first question is a little difficult to answer. The intended maximum weight per batch is 2kg and the roaster manages this comfortably. However, physical bean sizes and density vary, so something like the volume of 2kg of monsoon malabar would be too much to roast at one time.

There is more than enough airflow through the drum to manage a 2kg roast.

[greenman]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

There is more than enough airflow through the drum to manage a 2kg roast.

I concur with Dennis, I generally do 1.8kg roasts as they give me 1.5kg roasted but I often do a 2kg batch with great results. Roasted 225g of COE Colombian last week, thats the beauty of this little roaster it is so versatile

[beabeabeaner]

Re: Solar Autoroast and Torrefattore 2kg discussion thread

I have found profiles a bit slower with bigger roasts, i usually do 1.25 or 1.7 kg roasts. I reckon the cooling system is being pushed at 2 kg and I turn the beans to help cooling for all roasts.
Here is what works for me
Preheat for 20 min or till outside hot to touch all 3 elements going
Drop beans at 160-180(enviro sensor) dep on size of roast. All further decisions made with bean temp probe.
Start fan 6 sec / interval 120 sec after 4-5 min
Bean temp around 150 drop to 2/3 elements
Around 180 back up to 3 then 1 element at around 190.
first crack around 197
Extra fan bursts with first crack/rfc
Elements usually back up to 2/3 after rfc but what happens here depends on the gradient. I find it can stall if I dont go back up- depends on the bean.
Extra fan bursts can help control temp(?)
I mostly drop on second crack start or before , 4-6 min after first crack, around 215-220.
Roast times are 15-20 min.

A few screw ups along the way - like forgetting to turn up thermostat after the drop and preheating without drum going. Thats learning I suppose!

I would be interested how this compares to others approaches.

Interested in cleaning routines, as I have not done much!
I often open door with fan on after preheat to blow out  a lot of ash and wonder if there is still more trapped inside, and if this matters.
I have not cleaned the outlet to cyclone yet but am thinking about it.
The cooling tray - should it look clean or oily?