The 9 Best Home Coffee Roasters For The Freshest Coffee
There’s a reason why you should say goodbye to pre-roasted beans from the grocery store. Roasting coffee on your own is like baking bread on your own. It comes with a few trials and errors at first, but once you get it right, you wouldn’t want your coffee any other way. Pave the way for […]
There’s a reason why you should say goodbye to pre-roasted beans from the grocery store.
Roasting coffee on your own is like baking bread on your own. It comes with a few trials and errors at first, but once you get it right, you wouldn’t want your coffee any other way.
Pave the way for your coffee-roasting journey with the best home coffee roasters that can deliver the best flavors out of your coffee.
Below are the home coffee roasters that stand out from those I’ve tested and the important things you should know as a customer.
I love this drum coffee roaster because it cleared the way for me to master roasting coffee at home.
This Kaldi coffee roaster is originally from South Korea.
You’ll need a separate gas burner as its heat source, which initially intimidated me. However, as I let the roaster sit on top of the gas burner, all I had to do was pour my fresh beans through its funnel, and the roaster evenly distributed the heat.
As I got used to this coffee bean roaster, its easy-to-read thermometer and probe rod helped me achieve precise bean temperature with every roast. Because of this, I got to release the ideal flavor notes of my beans successfully.
From using this home roasting machine, I’ve noticed that though it has the same capacity as the Gene Cafe CBR-101H without visibility, it is a quiet machine that allows you to hear the first and second cracks of your beans.
On top of this, this coffee roaster includes a sampler for you to see what stage your beans are at. To me, this home coffee roaster can give the ultimate hands-on yet coffeehouse-grade roasting experience.
If you’re close to clueless about roasting coffee beans, you’ll find the Taiwan-made Sandbox Smart R1 a valuable investment, as I did.
This special home coffee roaster is tied to a dedicated mobile app software, which allows you to experiment with different coffee roasts straight from your smartphone.
It may be a small machine, but it expands your network to other coffee drinkers worldwide using the same app. You can share your roast profiles to learn from them or the other way around.
Based on my firsthand experience, all my roast data was uploaded to the cloud. This allowed me to replicate successful roast profiles easily for other batches with just one button click.
Once you’re confident with your home roasting skills, you can switch to Manual Mode to give you more control over your machine’s power, fan, and speed settings. Still, the app can keep track of what you do.
I uploaded my records to my laptop and transferred them to a USB for other coffee lovers who don’t have the same roaster. You can also do the same if you have the Sandbox Smart R1.
Aside from its automation features, this drum roaster has a chaff collection tray at the bottom of the electric machine to ensure easy cleaning.
Unlike the Behmor 1600 Plus, it doesn’t come with built-in smoke suppression. You’ll have to roast in a well-ventilated area if you aim for darker roasts. But smoke won’t be an issue if you like the acid and sweetness of light and medium roasts.
For a more automated coffee brewing experience, you can supplement this technologically-advanced home coffee roaster machine with the best programmable coffee makers.
The Fresh Roast SR540 may look like a kitchen blender, but it allows you to roast coffee beans at an affordable price.
This home coffee roaster isn’t just like any other programmable coffee roasters I’ve tested because it features a 4-ounce maximum capacity with 9 adjustable temperature settings.
It relies on direct heat, but its fan speed settings, real-time temperature display, and timer ensure this air roaster doesn’t over roast your coffee beans.
As I tested the Fresh Roast SR540, I found its clear glass roasting chamber very convenient. I watched closely as my coffee beans roast throughout their entire roasting cycle.
It doesn’t end here. This roaster comes with a chaff basket and a 1-year warranty to see you through your home coffee roasting.
This budget home roaster is worth its price!
When roasting big batches of coffee beans, nothing compares to the Bocaboca Infrared Coffee Roaster. Its large capacity surely won’t put the roaster on overtime.
When I got into roasting bigger batches of coffee beans, a common problem usually had uneven roasts. After all, you’re putting a much larger load into your machine.
But that’s not the case with this drum roaster.
After experimenting with it, its innovative features prove effective and efficient.
For example, it utilizes infrared radiation as its heat source instead of gas. This raises the temperature quicker and produces uniform heating and moisture reduction.
On top of this, infrared heating delivers less acidity and bitterness in the resulting brew. This is complemented by the roaster’s air control feature, which allows you to control the incense for a more flavorful cup of joe.
Its transparent roasting chamber and stirring vanes further ensure even roasting.
This big roaster may look complicated, but cleaning it is easy. You only need to detach and wipe the drums with a wet cloth.
Although this is a pricey roaster, it has the same capacity as the Mill City 500-Gram Roaster for a much lower price. It also has everything you need already, such as a thermometer, cooler, and chaff separator.
Some coffee lovers may look for a coffee roaster that won’t make them look too extreme. For you, this is worth the shot.
Its unique design is retro-inspired and perfect for small-batch craftsmanship, especially if you’re only roasting beans for yourself or a small household.
It may look similar to the Huky 500T, but if you ask me, I prefer this more because it doesn’t take up as much space.
As your coffee beans roast inside its heat-resistant glass cylinder over its built-in lamp burner, you get to admire every stage of the roasting process.
This, in my home, made it a conversation piece more than a decor item.
The Japanese brand Hario fruitfully reflected their artistry and the value of patience with this coffee piece. This mini roaster transforms coffee from an ordinary beverage to a learning experience with every turn you make with its manual hand crank.
It can only roast 50 grams of beans. But hey, if you’re looking for something to enhance the aesthetics of your coffee gear arsenal, this one does the trick.
If you’re looking for the best-built drum roaster, I recommend the Dyvee Gas Coffee Roasting Machine.
Why? For starters, it’s made with a stainless steel frame and a fused quartz glass chamber. Not only does it allow you to see your roasted beans change color, but it’s also sturdy enough to withstand a big roasting capacity.
When I trialed this roaster, its stainless dock provided stability as it roasts over any gas burner.
I love how it’s easy to clean, too. It may not have a non-stick surface, but you only have to loosen its screws and cover, remove the glass, and wash it with water, as you would with your French press brewer.
This roaster has a longer roasting time than the other best home roasters I’m recommending, but its large capacity for fresh roast coffee makes up for it.
When you want to roast your own coffee beans without investing in dedicated coffee bean roasters just yet, you may be roasting your beans on a sheet pan in your oven toaster.
Say goodbye to this alternative and get the Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper instead.
It’s built to make popcorn without burning, but this popcorn maker can also allow you to roast coffee beans and nuts.
Its 9-inch wooden handle, crank, and built-in stirring mechanism give you better roasts than your oven toaster or frying pan. These features help you gauge the different roasting stages, too.
In addition, you can open its lid through your roasting time to check on the color of your beans.
This air roaster may feature a hands-on roasting method, but you can learn all the basics better without help from probes and the computer.
Based on my tests with this coffee roaster, it produces uneven roasts, especially if you rely on a stovetop burner’s thermal conduction and convection.
However, roasting on the barbecue grill can produce more even roasts since it has a wider heat base. As you make your dark roast, the breeze can easily carry the smoke and odor away.
If you’re not roasting beans or brewing coffee for a crowd, you’ll get a fascinating coffee roasting experience with the Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster.
It’s not compatible with induction cooking mechanisms. But you can put it over the gas stove, electric cooktop, and campfire to reach your desired roast level.
I was skeptical about manual home coffee bean roasters evenly roasting beans, but this tool is a game-changer. It has a specially designed waffle-shaped internal structure, producing uniformly roasted coffee beans.
As soon as this home roaster heats up, shake it. You’ll know that the sugar content of your beans has reached caramelization when you hear the first crack. Thankfully, hearing it won’t be as hard because of its rear hole.
This unique home coffee roaster is perfect for gifting and the best hot chocolate gift sets.
Don’t judge this strainer-looking roaster by how it looks. Cafemasy’s Coffee Bean Roasting Net might be your go-to for coffee roasting.
It’s a simple roaster with a stainless steel wire mesh and a multi-channel groove design at the bottom for easy rolling to ensure a uniform roast.
It comes with an easy-to-read thermometer, which gives you more control over the precision of your bean temperature.
When you’ve reached your preferred temperature, unlock its buckle and remove its detachable cover to be left with a cooling pan.
I’ve found from using this roaster that you can also get perfect roasts from manual coffee roasters as long as you’re attentive enough to pay attention to the cracks and color changes of your roasted beans.
The 9 Best Home Coffee Roasters
Be your own barista and take charge of your caffeine fix using the following best home coffee roasters available on Amazon:1. Best Overall: Kaldi Home Coffee Roaster
KALDI WIDE size (300g) Home Coffee Roaster Motorize Type...
- KALDI Motorize Coffee Roaster WIDE model (up to 300g)
- Flame arrest (mesh plate): A flame arrest system was...
What I like
- Produces an even roast every time
- Can roast large capacity
- Durable and easy to clean
What I don’t like
- The machine can get very hot.
Dimensions: 6.69 x 14.57 x 18.11 inches | Weight: 12.79 pounds | Capacity: 300 grams | Roast Time: < 15 minutes | Source of Heat: Gas | Type: Drum
2. Best for Novices: Sandbox Smart R1
Sandbox Smart R1+C1,Coffee Bean Roaster and Cooling Tray,...
- ☕️ENJOY THE TASTE-electric heating direct fire type of...
- ☕️SIMPLE TO USE APP- roast your beans with smart coffee...
What I like
- It comes with pre-loaded curves for easy repeatability
- Light roasts, medium roasts, and dark roasts are easy to profile
- Features Bluetooth and app compatibility
What I don’t like
- It doesn’t come with smoke suppression technology.
Dimensions: 10.03 x 9.06 x 10.24 inches | Weight: 17.86 pounds | Capacity: 150 grams | Roast Time: 9 to 16 minutes | Source of Heat: Electricity | Type: Drum
3. Best Budget: Fresh Roast SR540
Fresh Roast SR540 Automatic Coffee Bean Roaster | Roast...
- ☕ Fresh and flavorful coffee guaranteed - Why roast coffee...
- ☕ Roast any kind of coffee even espresso up to Roast...
What I like
- It has a small footprint
- Features a 3-minute auto-cooling cycle
- It has a real-time digital temperature display
What I don’t like
- Its roast quality is inconsistent.
Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.75 x 12.88 inches | Weight: 5.64 pounds | Capacity: 120 grams | Roast Time: 5 to 10 minutes | Source of Heat: Electricity | Type: Fluid Bed
4. Best for Large Batches: Bocaboca Infrared Coffee Roaster
Coffee Bean Roaster Barrel Glass (500g/ 1.1lb)
- ★★Some parts are produced after receiving orders.At...
- It is a product that can taste tastes of Barista's technique...
What I like
- It has a half-kilogram capacity
- Features a heavy-duty glass roasting chamber
- Easy to clean even as a big machine
What I don’t like
- The machine has a high price point.
Dimensions: 19 x 7.7 x 8 inches | Weight: 28.5 pounds | Capacity: 500 grams | Roast Time: 12 to 15 minutes | Source of Heat: Infrared | Type: Drum
5. Best Design: Hario Retro Coffee Roaster
Hario Retro Coffee Roaster, 50g, Silver
- Practical capacity 50 grams of Green Beans
- Heat resistant glass body
What I like
- Features a retro-style design
- Stylish and reliable
- It has a small footprint
What I don’t like
- It can only roast at a small capacity.
Dimensions: 5.47 x 10.39 x 7.48 inches | Weight: 3.45 pounds | Capacity: 50 grams | Roast Time: 15 minutes | Source of Heat: Gas | Type: Drum
6. Best Drum: Dyvee Gas Coffee Roasting Machine
DYVEE Coffee Roaster Gas Burner Coffee Roasting Machine...
- KAKA-G400 Using Quartz glass drum, 304 s/steel frame, 201...
- Our coffee roaster Design for 400grams, better for...
What I like
- Large capacity
- It can be operated over a gas burner or kitchen stove
- Supported by an electrical motor
What I don’t like
- It takes longer to roast beans.
Dimensions: 8.46 x 8.27 x 14.96 inches | Weight: 11.46 pounds | Capacity: 400 grams | Roast Time: 20 minutes | Source of Heat: Gas | Type: Drum
7. Best Multi-Purpose: Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper
Franklin's Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Machine...
- Make DELICIOUS and authentic movie theater popcorn at home,...
- REAL wood handle & EXTRA LARGE 6 qt aluminum pot distributes...
What I like
- It can be used to make popcorn, roast coffee, and roast nuts
- It comes with a wooden handle and a stirring mechanism
- Large capacity
What I don’t like
- It may produce uneven roasts.
Dimensions: 11.6 x 8 x 16.6 inches | Weight: 2.4 pounds | Capacity: 250 grams | Roast Time: 11 to 15 minutes | Source of Heat: Gas | Type: Fluid Bed
8. Best for Small Batches: Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster
Sale
Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster
- Material: Body- Ceramic, Grip-Genuine cowhide
- Eco Ceramic Roaster: 100% ceramic
What I like
- It comes at a budget price
- It has a high waffle-embossed interior
- The handle is made from natural cowhide
What I don’t like
- It is a completely manual coffee roaster.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 2.9 x 5.1 inches | Weight: 0.75 pounds | Capacity: 70 grams | Roast Time: 10 to 15 minutes | Source of Heat: Gas | Type: Fluid Bed
9. Best Portable: Cafemasy Coffee Bean Roasting Net
Home Coffee Bean Roaster Tool - CAFEMASY Portable Stainless...
- 【Handy Coffee Roaster Tool Packing】- Including 1pc...
- 【Home Coffee Roaster Material】- Stainless steel wire...
What I like
- Lightweight and portable
- Straightforward usability
- It has an ergonomic design
What I don’t like
- Roasting with it demands attention.
Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.4 pounds | Capacity: 100 grams | Roast Time: 10 minutes | Source of Heat: Gas | Type: Fluid Bed
Comparing The Top Home Coffee Roasters
| Home Coffee Roasters | Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Roast Time | Source of Heat | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaldi Home Coffee Roaster | 6.69 x 14.57 x 18.11 inches | 12.79 lb. | 300 gm | < 15 minutes | Gas | Drum |
| Sandbox Smart R1 | 10.03 x 9.06 x 10.24 inches | 17.86 lb. | 150 gm | 9 to 16 minutes | Electricity | Drum |
| Fresh Roast SR540 | 6.75 x 6.75 x 12.88 inches | 5.64 lb. | 120 gm | 5 to 10 minutes | Electricity | Fluid Bed |
| Bocaboca Infrared Coffee Roaster | 19 x 7.7 x 8 inches | 28.5 lb. | 500 gm | 12 to 15 minutes | Infrared | Drum |
| Hario Retro Coffee Roaster | 5.47 x 10.39 x 7.48 inches | 3.45 lb. | 50 gm | 15 minutes | Gas | Drum |
| Dyvee Gas Coffee Roasting Machine | 8.46 x 8.27 x 14.96 inches | 11.46 lb. | 400 gm | 20 minutes | Gas | Drum |
| Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper | 11.6 x 8 x 16.6 inches | 2.4 lb. | 250 gm | 11 to 15 minutes | Gas | Fluid Bed |
| Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster | 9.5 x 2.9 x 5.1 inches | 0.75 lb. | 70 gm | 10 to 15 minutes | Gas | Fluid Bed |
| Cafemasy Coffee Bean Roasting Net | 6.8 x 4.4 x 2 inches | 0.4 lb. | 100 gm | 10 minutes | Gas | Fluid Bed |
How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Roaster
Ponder the following questions to find the best home coffee roaster for your coffee-making needs.How Much Coffee Are You Roasting?
Know the capacity of your coffee roaster. Going beyond it won’t give you the best roasts and, therefore, the best coffee. If you drink coffee twice daily, you’ll need about 175 grams of roasted beans per week for fresh brews. That’s a bit over one-third of a pound. This is if you’re brewing for yourself only. The math changes when you’re also brewing for your roommate or your household. Sure, you can roast per batch. But you must know if your roaster can roast back-to-back batches since some roasters can’t. If you have around an hour or two to spare, you’ll have to wait for your roaster to cool down.Drum or Fluid Bed?
The roaster type you go for can affect the size, roasting time, and of course, the heating mechanism of your roaster. Here’s how they differ: Drum Roaster Drum roasters tumble coffee beans in a rotating cylinder or so-called drum. You can imagine a small metal barrel with an axle here. The beans are heated from the bottom to enhance their flavor body and sugar caramelization. Roasting time often ranges from 14 to 20 minutes for this type of roaster. Many professional roasters are drum roasters because they can accommodate higher capacity. You can’t have an even roast for a big volume of beans with nothing but a blast of hot air. Because of this, drum roasters tend to have bigger sizes as well. Fluid Bed Roaster Fluid bed roasters, on the other hand, tumble coffee beans on a bed of hot gas, hence their name. They don’t involve any rotating mechanism, so the hot air keeps the beans tumbling. Because of this, they are called hot air roasters or simply air roasters. Hot air roasters heat beans quickly to produce delicate aromas in your resulting brew. If you want to experience the aroma of wine in your coffee, it’s surely possible with this type of roaster. Fluid bed roasters typically have a smaller capacity, but their roasting time is shorter at around 8 to 12 minutes only. If you come across a plug-in hybrid roaster, it is a cross between fluid bed roasters and drum roasters.Electric or Gas-Powered?
Your heat source can affect the uniformity of your roast depending on the volume of beans you’re roasting. Electric roasters feature a motor that heats up once you turn them on. In contrast, gas-powered roasters may require a separate gas burner or a built-in burner that you need to connect to a propane tank. Many high-capacity roasters are gas-powered because you can roast a high volume faster with gas.Do You Want a Roaster With Chaff Collection?
Chaff is the thin outer skin of your coffee bean. It dries up and looks similar to flakes as your bean roasts. As such, it’s a byproduct of roasting your beans. Its buildup can affect the efficiency of your roaster. So you can think of waste collection here. Better coffee roasters often have a tray or basket to collect chaff; you must blow off chaff with manual coffee roasters.How Will You Handle the Smoke?
Like in cooking, you’ll have to deal with smoke in coffee roasting. This is because coffee beans contain natural oils. When the oil heats up, it produces smoke. Especially if you intend for a dark roast, you’ll have to manage a lot of smoke in the process. Your coffee roasting machine should preferably have a vent or mechanism for smoke control. However, you can position countertop fluid bed roasters under your range hood for this. It’s a different story if you have large roasters. You’ll need to consider the engineering of your roasting space and have a more complex ventilation system.How Much Roasting Space Do You Have?
Now that we’re talking about roasting space, the construction and dimensions of your roaster should fit in your space. Go for smaller roasters if you want a low-profile home appliance. But if you want bigger roasters, you might have to make room in your garage or basement.How Involved Do You Want to Be?
In other words, do you want to give your attention or have automation in your roasting process? If coffee roasting is a serious hobby and learning experience for you, you should be ready to give the attention manual roasters require. Otherwise, you can roast your own coffee beans with just a flip of a switch with automated roasters.Tips & Things to Keep in Mind When Roasting Coffee Beans At Home
Roasting indoors can feel like setting sail without a direction, especially if it’s your first time. These are my tips and reminders for you to get successful roasts:- Start with cheap beans. Don’t go on buying green coffee beans that are expensive to give room for trial and error.
- Have good ventilation. Exhaust fans or open windows can help you handle smoke better.
- Record your roasts. Keep track of your temperature, fan settings, and roasting time to adjust or repeat your roasts.
- Don’t get too excited. Ensure you don’t overload your roaster to ensure its longevity and consistency.
- Pay attention to your roaster. Please don’t leave it unattended, especially with children or pets, since it can get very hot.
- Degassing is important. Leave freshly roasted beans to rest for 2 days to release gases like carbon dioxide that form inside the beans.
- Store roasted coffee beans properly. Keep them in an airtight container away from sunlight and moisture to prolong their shelf life.
- Don’t put roasted beans in the refrigerator. The fridge isn’t an option for storage because coffee beans work as a deodorizer. They can absorb the odors in your fridge.
- Grind on demand. Don’t grind your beans in advance to enjoy the flavor notes of your coffee.
FAQs Related To Home Coffee Roasters
On top of this mountain of information, you may still have unanswered questions about roasting coffee at home.
What you’re wondering about could be a FAQ. See below for its answers:
Is Roasting Coffee at Home Cheaper?
Yes, it is in many instances.
Green beans are much cheaper than a bag of freshly roasted whole beans, especially if you’re buying from artisan coffee shops. You can enjoy the same flavor notes if you buy a quality roaster.
Roasting your own beans will save you car trips to the coffee shop and, of course, money in the long run.
While at it, you might want to check out the best cappuccino maker to elevate your specialty coffee experience at home further.
How Long Does Roasted Coffee Stay Fresh?
Coffee begins losing its flavor around 7 to 10 days after the roasted beans.
Don’t waste too much time with your freshly roasted coffee beans. Brew them immediately in your favorite coffeemaker and enjoy the best-tasting espresso like you’re in France or Italy!
What Are Green Beans?
Green coffee beans are, in reality, seeds from the coffee cherry fruit.
A green bean isn’t a bean, nor is it a nut. It’s also more yellowish than green when it arrives at your door.
But green coffee is the term for raw beans that have not been roasted yet. The brown color of coffee beans that you often see is already the result of the roasting process.
Do Shiny Coffee Beans Make Better Coffee?
Not necessarily.
The shine is often associated with the natural oils in coffee beans, but not all produce the same oil. This means you can’t use oiliness or shine as a basis for coffee’s freshness.
Dark roasts are usually shinier than medium and light roast beans.
If you’re dealing with darker coffee, shiny or oily beans don’t necessarily make tastier coffee. On the other hand, if your medium or light roast coffee is shiny or oily, it may not be as fresh anymore.
