Home Roasting

Roasting your own coffee at home might seem like a daunting endeavour, but it's much more accessible than you might think. In this guide, we'll walk you through three popular methods for home-roasting coffee.

Before you begin

1. Ensure Adequate Ventilation:

Before you start roasting, ensure proper ventilation. Coffee emits smoke during roasting, so roasting outdoors is ideal. If roasting indoors, use a well-ventilated area near a window and employ fans to dissipate the smoke.

2. Maintain a Roasting Log:

Keep track of your roasting process by maintaining a roasting log. Documenting variables such as timing and outcomes will aid in refining your roasting skills.

3. Timing Determines Roast Level:

The roast level depends on when you halt the roasting process. Light roasts are stopped between the first and second crack. Medium roasts cease shortly after the second crack, while dark roasts continue for a few minutes after the second crack, taking care not to burn the beans.

Cast Iron Skillet

Roasting coffee using a cast iron skillet is a favored method for its even heat distribution. To maintain the purity of your roasts, designate a skillet solely for coffee roasting. Here's how:

Preheat the cast iron skillet to around 500 degrees.

Add enough green coffee beans to form an even layer in the pan.

Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the first crack sounds.

After the first crack, observe the beans darkening and listen for the second crack.

Experiment with roasting times between the first and second crack to achieve varying roast profiles.

Cool the roasted beans quickly using two colanders.

Leave the coffee to rest overnight before grinding and brewing.

Popcorn Maker

The popcorn maker method mimics industrial coffee roasting by evenly circulating hot air. Follow these steps:

Plug in and turn on the popcorn maker.

Drop about 120 grams of green coffee beans into the chamber.

Stir initially to facilitate movement.

First crack occurs within 2-3 minutes; monitor the color change.

Cease roasting between the first and second crack for a light roast.

End the roast after the second crack for medium, or a bit later for dark roast.

Allow residual heat to complete the roasting process.

Rapidly cool the beans between two colanders.

After cooling, let the beans rest overnight before grinding and brewing.

Oven Roast

Oven roasting offers larger yields with less effort. Try this method:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Spread an even layer of green coffee beans on a large cookie sheet.

Place the sheet on the middle rack and monitor the beans.

Maintain even colour distribution; briefly remove and redistribute if necessary.

Listen for the first crack after 5-10 minutes.

End the roast between the first and second crack for a light roast.

Roast until just after the second crack for medium; be cautious not to burn.

Quickly cool the beans by transferring them between two colanders.

Let the coffee rest overnight before grinding and brewing.

Roasting coffee at home is a rewarding experience with these straightforward methods. Each approach offers distinct flavour profiles, allowing you to tailor your roast to your taste preferences. As you experiment, remember to log your outcomes to refine your skills over time. Whether you choose the cast iron skillet, popcorn maker, or oven method, your journey into the world of home coffee roasting is sure to awaken your inner barista.