Coffee roasters - the mechanical device, not the human profession - come in all shapes and sizes. Prices range from a few dozen dollars to nearly a thousand. Of course, as with any manufactured product, price doesn't necessarily correlate exactly with quality. Beyond looking to a reliable brand, here are a few tips about what to look for, based on your goals.
What part will you play in the process?
Some roasters are designed very simply and leave more of the technical work to you. They merely serve as the heating device while you are responsible for measuring and mixing to get the desired result.
The simple models seal tightly to keep the heat and steam inside. They have a handle specifically made to allow you to swirl the beans and the steam keeping everything in motion so that the beans do not cook to the bottom and the heat is evenly distributed.
There are certain features you cannot do without. A temperature gage, for example, is necessary to maintain the proper temperature at all times.
At the other extreme are roasters that do it all for you. Pop in a pre-determined volume of green beans from a bag, close the lid and walk away for a few minutes.
These deluxe models have inbuilt thermometers, thermostatically controlled heating mechanisms, clever air-flow control geometry and rotating canisters and a timer to automatically shut off the device at the proper time.
Even the fanciest high tech roasters do nothing for the inevitable cloud of smoke in the room that goes along with roasting coffee.
How effectively do they heat and circulate air?
Air roasters work by rotating hot air in through the beans while also keeping the beans in motion. This will roast your coffee beans evenly and in some models even clean away the unwanted residue left over when the shell of the bean expands and bursts.
Many models are made of glass so that you can see what is happening and roast to the extent that you want. On many roasters you can make that determination before you begin to roast because they have settings where you can indicate whether you want a dark roast or a light roast.
What part will you play in the process?
Some roasters are designed very simply and leave more of the technical work to you. They merely serve as the heating device while you are responsible for measuring and mixing to get the desired result.
The simple models seal tightly to keep the heat and steam inside. They have a handle specifically made to allow you to swirl the beans and the steam keeping everything in motion so that the beans do not cook to the bottom and the heat is evenly distributed.
There are certain features you cannot do without. A temperature gage, for example, is necessary to maintain the proper temperature at all times.
At the other extreme are roasters that do it all for you. Pop in a pre-determined volume of green beans from a bag, close the lid and walk away for a few minutes.
These deluxe models have inbuilt thermometers, thermostatically controlled heating mechanisms, clever air-flow control geometry and rotating canisters and a timer to automatically shut off the device at the proper time.
Even the fanciest high tech roasters do nothing for the inevitable cloud of smoke in the room that goes along with roasting coffee.
How effectively do they heat and circulate air?
Air roasters work by rotating hot air in through the beans while also keeping the beans in motion. This will roast your coffee beans evenly and in some models even clean away the unwanted residue left over when the shell of the bean expands and bursts.
Many models are made of glass so that you can see what is happening and roast to the extent that you want. On many roasters you can make that determination before you begin to roast because they have settings where you can indicate whether you want a dark roast or a light roast.
About the Author:
Are you looking for tips for making expresso or other coffee-centric topics? Look no further than the Coffee Poet blog, where we share your love of a great java. Visit http://www.coffeepoet.com for more great tips and advice.
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