CHOICE tests of home roasters

[act180]

Re: CHOICE tests of home roasters

Thank you everyone for the advice/experiences. So much better than any magazine article. One thing a magazine article gives though is scoring and comparisons against each other which no-one else seems to really do. It is a pity Choice is often a bit superficial - its just another opinion after all but I find them to be consistent, definitely independent, and generally a pretty good guide.

By wanting to roast inside, I do mean inside the (heated) house. Too many times Ive NEEDED to roast some beans in the dark outside in bad weather so I can have a cup the next morning.

I guess what everyone is saying either way I go Ill be happy. Im going to think on it a bit. The i-Coffee has a lot going for it and probably the only thing that concerns me is the lack of control and size. Maybe some day Ill end up with both, that would be ideal.

Thanks again guys, very helpful

[DavidW1960]

Re: CHOICE tests of home roasters

I love my Behmor but I think youll be unhappy with it. Using it inside.

[shapeshifter]

Re: CHOICE tests of home roasters

I love my Behmor but I think youll be unhappy with it. Using it inside.

LOL David I dont know why you keep saying that hed be unhappy using it inside, I just completed the following roast inside not half an hour ago

[DavidW1960]

Re: CHOICE tests of home roasters

Because its smokey and smelly.

Id hate for him to get ne and be disappointed and seeing as roasting inside is one of his prime criteria I cant recommend it. I love mine and would get it gain if I was choosing today but I dont roast inside - well I do in my shed but no worries there.

Lovely roast.

[lemoo]

Re: CHOICE tests of home roasters

i roast indoors all the time and have never been unhappy lol

[Kafine]

Thundering Gerkins The switching off problem in the I Coffee was in one batch only. I have one of these and the work around discussed in the I-Coffee thread works. What i have found now is that mine has lost some heat and i am struggling to reach temps quick enough. My first crack has stretched out some 5-6 mins longer to around 16 -17 mins and second crack comes 8 mins later if at all. Mine is one of the timer problem batch but the slow down is concerning and i have today ordered a Behmor.

[thundering_gerkins]

Thundering Gerkins The switching off problem in the I Coffee was in one batch only. I have one of these and the work around discussed in the I-Coffee thread works. What i have found now is that mine has lost some heat and i am struggling to reach temps quick enough. My first crack has stretched out some 5-6 mins longer to around 16 -17 mins and second crack comes 8 mins later if at all. Mine is one of the timer problem batch but the slow down is concerning and i have today ordered a Behmor.

Thanks for the info.
I ended up buying the I Coffee roaster a few weeks ago, and all seems fine so far.
Have done 8 roasts and i'm very impressed with it's consistancy. Very even roast colour compared to the popper.
I believe the I Coffee's are generally reliable, bugger to here it's on the way out.
Any warranty left on your unit?

[Kafine]

I fixed it so don't worry. The screws that hold the agitator into the roasting pot had come loose and was holding it away from the heat element. I am sure you will enjoy the I-Coffee as it is a very consistent roaster that produces great coffee. Just remember to watch each new bean as some take off while others just flow. Me now i have both and look forward to learning the Behmor. The main advantage is being able to roast larger batches as i now use more with family and friends paying more visits.

[thundering_gerkins]

Glad you fixed it, I'll have to keep that issue in mind.
I'd love to know what you think of the behmor compared to the I-Coffee.
Are you planning any side by side comparisons of the roasters? NAH.... you'll be busy getting your head around the behmor
Enjoy.

[sorrentina]

Hey Guys,

sorry I missed this thread and your posts Kafine- sorry to hear of your low heat issue- but happy to hear of your solution. I have not heard of this before but will keep it in mind now if the issue crops up again.

Having used both roasters extensively I am confident to say they both produce excellent roasts. Each has advantages over the other- and these have already been covered on the various threads here. Simply put Behmor can roast more and offers more roast profile tweaking options: I-Coffee is smaller- and roasts easier indoors with a fast clean up and better chaff catching. I-Coffee is possibly more simple to master but less tweakable.

Kafine: here is my own Behmor profile that I use exclusively: I set the machine to 1 pound- then P4, and C. 450 grams.

The roasts go for around 20 to 23 minutes to the start of second crack. Around the end of first crack I start opening the door periodically to slow the roast a little. (You may need to add a little time around now if the timer is running out). You have to watch carefully for second crack and hit cool as soon as it starts. 2nd crack will continue into the cool cycle. I let it cool for 30 seconds with the door open. Then I turn the machine off and with a tea towel and oven gloves remove the roast basket as quick as I can and cool the beans externally. I find it better to cool the beans outside the machine as second crack can really get away from you fast... If you use the internal cool cycle you want to hit before 2nd crack - maybe even a minute.

[luke151165]

I have only one problem with CHOICE reviews...... only those who submit for reviews get a workout.

Unfortunately if you aren't in the review good or bad it seems the ones not in are bad.....

SOme of the best don't need reviews. They are just great cause they are designed well.

Choice should review themselves and see how they do..... we can vote