nearly a thousand. As with any product, the price you pay for it doesn't always
correlate with the quality. Besides looking for a reliable brand, here are a few
tips on what to look for when buying a coffee roaster.The bottom of the range
Roasters are basic stove top models which are just a saucepan with a tight lid
and a special handle that contains a crank to allow the beans to stir up the
beans during the process. It is essential to keep stirring the beans as they
roast to prevent them from burning on the bottom as well as to keep the hot air
inside the saucepan circulating evenly. Temperature control is vital for proper
roasting so even if you are purchasing a base model be sure to buy one that has
a thermometer in the lid. At the other end of the scale are roasters that do
pretty much everything automatically. All you have to do is put in a measure of
green beans, close the lid and walk away for a few minutes. These deluxe models
have built-in thermometers which control the heat and air-flow along with
control geometry and rotating canisters and of course an all important timer to
automatically shut off the device when the beans are done.The most common types
are air roasters that work along the same lines as popcorn makers whereby hot
air is circulated through the mixture, while an agitator moves the beans around
in the canister. This process produces a well uniformed roast. When you are out
shopping for a coffee roaster it is important that you remember to look for a
product that has the ability to circulate air evenly over the beans to heat them
uniformly. Avoid roasters with a heating source only at the bottom because they
constrict air flow, which makes for an uneven roast. Drum roasters eliminate
this problem, by their rotating drum design that uses gravity to move the beans
around rather than relying only on a stirrer fitted to the bottom of the
machine.Most of these machines allow you to monitor the entire process through a
see-through glass insert. This feature is a must for those who like to
experiment and fine-tune the roast to their liking. One thing to also consider
is the greater the quantity of beans you use, the more smoke will be created so
be prepared to ventilate well.Commonly these types of upmarket roasters also
have pre-set amounts on the dial so you can set them from light to dark. Some
models even filter out the chaff produced as the skins burst from the expansion
of the bean. Today coffee roasters are no longer solely for professional use as
good quality home devices are now readily available which have the added benefit
of being able to roast quite larger quantities of beans. If you are into
catering for dinner parties and other types of home entertaining then certainly
I would recommend you look into adding a roaster to your kitchen
appliances.Enjoy!