DoubleRistretto wrote:
Hi guys - I love my espresso and have been thinking for a while that it would be good to start experimenting with roasting at home. Can anyone give me any idea of what equipment is needed? thanks dR
Depends on how high tech you want to go DR, I use a Corretto set up with excellent results, they are inexpensive to set up, my usual roast is 625 grams of green beans, roast level is very consistent and repeatable. My feeling is that a well set up Corretto will beat the pants off of these table top type commercial roasters available from a number of suppliers, seems these things have a smallish bean capacity, and owners are constantly asking for assistance with problems. What you need to get started is a good heat gun, I use a Bosch variable heat and fan speed gun with a digital readout, don't make the mistake of buying a cheap one, they don't work well and have reliability problems. About $130, I know, its the most expensive item on the list but worth every cent, the results and ease of temp adjustment are streets ahead of cheap heat guns. A single loaf bread maker modified to agitate continuously. (Try cash converters or second hand stores) A digital multi meter/data logger. (must have) Less than $100 A bean cooling system. (easy to make) Cost me about $30 to make up. A set of scales. If you just want to ease in try buying the heat gun and roast a few batches with a stainless bowl and wooden spoon, you will get good results using this method however you do get sick of stirring after a while and the bread maker upgrade will take care of that. Don't try to take advice from a number of people using different methods and machines, you will finish up hopelessly confused. Let me know if you want more detailed info. 🙂
