Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Despres on April 9, 2008 at 7:59am

Hi, David. There are several ways to start out. There are popcorn poppers - the Poppery is good, I'm told; there's a heat gun and dog bowl as well. Both of these are fairly inepensive at the thrift stores and could get you going pretty quickly.

Then there's the Fresh Roast 8 which is a fluid air bed roaster. I started with this one and am very pleased with. I still use it despite having upgraded to a Gene Cafe.

Good luck and be sure to let us know what you decide!

John

Permalink Reply by Stickman on April 9, 2008 at 4:43pm

Thanks John,
I looked into both of the small roasters you suggest and I want something bigger. 1-5 pounds/roast.
I appreciate your help with this.
David

Permalink Reply by Carol Sanner on April 11, 2008 at 12:09am

My first roaster was a Sonofresco, manufactured in Seattle area. Nice, 1 lb fluid based roaster, portable works off propane. Nice for instore roasting and you can take outdoors to markets or fairs. Sells for about $3000 new. Check out at :
www.sonofresco.com
Good luck,
CJS,
Glacier Valley Roasters.

Permalink Reply by Stickman on April 11, 2008 at 5:21pm

Hey! Thanks for the info. I'll look into it.

Permalink Reply by Hugh Mooney on April 29, 2008 at 6:37am

Starting with a one to five pound roaster is a pretty expensive way to start "experimenting." I started with a Gene Cafe - nets out about eight ounces - last December - about $500 including shipping and some beans to get started. I just upgraded to a Diedrich HR-1 - nets out about 12 ounces - runs about $4200 or so new. Perhaps something like a 1-kilo (2.2 pound) Topper might be in the budget. There are a lot of choices when you get into the $5,000 - $7,000 area.

Hugh

Permalink Reply by tom on May 6, 2008 at 12:59pm

Hey David,

I work at Alliance World Coffees, and we have a smaller roaster we are looking to sell. It's a 2.5 kilo Toper Roaster. If you're interested let me know.

-tom

Permalink Reply by Stickman on May 6, 2008 at 7:59pm

Thanks Tom. I'd be interested in more details. Send me an email or something when you get a chance. Where are you located?
David

Permalink Reply by John Despres on May 9, 2008 at 6:44pm

I am just now getting my own home built roaster up to snuff. I'm rofiling and having a great time with it. It does up to a pound and is a blast to use. You can see the story here http://homeroasters.org/php/forum/viewthread.php?forum_id=32&th...

Next project will be to build a low carbon footprint roaster that can do 2 pounds.

John

Permalink Reply by Tom C on May 13, 2008 at 9:45am

David,

I started with the sonofresco too. It's a fluid-bed, 1lb roaster with 9 profile pre-sets. Bought a second one, then finally had to buy a 7lb "real" roaster. Great roaster to learn the basics on. Drawback are price ($3,995 new), and the glass roasting unit that breaks easily, and costs $175 to replace.

Permalink Reply by Pangi on May 15, 2008 at 6:07pm

Hi guys, I have been roasting for a while now with a mod. popcorn machine and very happy with my results. I'm looking to venture into this on a deeper level and am looking at a 2kg Ambex or mabe bigger. I am in the process of trying to figure out what restrictions there are on having one of these babies in m garage. The local DEP are unfortunately v. helpful. Those of you who have had small machines at home....can you help me? Do I even need to go through the city if I get a small 2kg roaster?

Permalink Reply by Stickman on May 15, 2008 at 8:34pm

Thanks Tom.
I have looked into the Sonofrescos. I thought the 9 profiles might be too limiting. Is there any room to play between their preset parameters?
I appreciate your time.

Permalink Reply by John Despres on May 16, 2008 at 5:52am

I think as long as you're not entering the commercial food industry and roasting for yourself, you'll be fine.

You'll need to check with the local authorities, but I'd say go for it but run the chimney high.

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