In the following article, we will present you a thorough informational guide on how to roast coffee beans at your home. We will cover the following topics:
- Best methods for roasting coffee beans
- Understanding each coffee roasting method thoroughly
- Tips on how to do it promptly and without issues
- What you shouldn’t do when it comes to roasting coffee at your home
Introduction
We can all agree that buying already roasted coffee is risky because you have no idea what is inside. Therefore, we can conclude that it is always better to learn how to roast coffee beans at your home. But, is that a complicated process?
No, it is not. The roasting process will provide you a clear perspective on your favorite beverage. Finally, you will be able to make a perfect cup of coffee without additives and other things that commercial coffees contain.
On the other hand, getting to know how to roast will increase the satisfaction of making a perfect cup for your preferences. Of course, you have to follow steps and preparations as well as ensure that coffee you have is fresh.
Why Roast Coffee Beans At All?
While looking back in the past, we can easily say that when coffee became popular in Europe, everyone had their ways and techniques of preparing.
The technology advanced to the point where we could purchase coffee on every corner without considering the taste, feeling, and appreciation of that particular cup. So, it is easy to answer the question of which is better: Ground Coffee vs. Whole Bean Coffee.
Nowadays, coffee becomes less comfort and satisfaction, and more of a need. If you want to enjoy the natural feeling of coffee, you should try to roast your own. Once it becomes the part of your everyday ritual, you will understand the difference.
Making the dark roast coffee beans is the passion that will never fade away. At the same time, it will increase the comfort and satisfaction during your break. Let us start.
What To Know Before You Start Roasting Coffee
The first and primary thing that you need before deciding to roast coffee at your home is fresh coffee beans. The man idea is to choose the most convenient way to roast it. There are different methods, but in this particular guide, we will present you four of them.
We don’t know if you have seen the organic, unroasted coffee, but it looks drastically different than the ones you drink every day. It looks more like green beans, and it changes completely during the roasting process.
The main reason is that the moisture gets out of the beans during the roasting process. That makes it expand and get dry so that you can use it afterward. The process converts natural sugars into CO2 gas, and some of them get caramelized so that you can enjoy in better flavor.
As soon as you finish the roasting process, the green beans will ultimately transform into brown, which is much larger and lighter than the unroasted alternative. When you finish coffee roasting at your home, you can store it accordingly in some of the Best Coffee Canisters.
- First, you will need fresh and green coffee beans. Note that you have to find and buy pre-roasted beans because that is the only way you can create a satisfactory coffee for your everyday
- Choose a convenient method that will evenly roast each bean that you put inside – We will talk about it thoroughly down below.
- As soon as you roast them, have in mind that you need to cool them immediately. It is a crucial step for making a quality-roasted coffee.
- Don’t worry about smoke and odor, because that is the indispensable part of the roasting process.
10 Steps of Roasting Coffee At Your Home
The easiest way to use home roasting methods is to follow ten simple steps that will help you finish the job with additional efficiency. Of course, some levels are for people who enjoy bitter tastes. In case that you don’t like to have a strong coffee, you should stop when it becomes dry enough to ground.
We will present you home coffee roasting methods as well as the conditions and taste that will affect the enjoyment afterward. That way, you can rest assured and find the perfect balance between the taste, smell, and strength.
- During the first step, beans will remain green in essence, even when you apply the heat.
- After a few minutes, you will notice that beans color will become yellowish. It will also start to emit a specific
- At this point, people freak out because beans will start to steam. You don’t have to worry because at this moment water inside the beans will begin to evaporate. That will produce the first crack.
- Yes, as soon as it cracks, the roasting starts. You will notice a cracking sound, which means that beans began to caramelize. The sound is similar to popcorn popping.
- The next point starts a few minutes after a first crack. If you are a fan of light coffee that will have a mild taste, you can take it out at this stage and start grinding. Of course, have in mind that this is a minimal level of roasting that is acceptable for brewing.
- As roasting continues, migration of oils in combination with caramelization will reach another level of roasting. You will feel the smell that resembles coffee that you drink in regular shops. It is a most common combination of strength and taste that will appeal to most coffee lovers.
- There is a tiny difference in taste and smell that will undergo between the previous and the next step. However, you should be careful because seconds will count. The idea is to take them out almost to the verge of second cracking.
- When you wait long enough, you will notice the second crack will appear more violent. It means that beans entered another level of roasting that will increase the intensity of flavor and strength.
- The next step will create a more pungent smoke due to high-intensity sugar burns and caramelization. You should be careful at this point because you don’t want to ruin the flavor by waiting too long. The overall structure of beans will break down, and this represents the limit of roasting that will maintain the excellent overall character and strength.
- You don’t want to pass enter this particular step because it means that you have burned coffee beans. In case that you haven’t stopped roasting, the smell will become intense to the point when it reaches the terrible odor. The beans will burn, and the process of cleaning will frustrate you along the way.
Removing Chaff and Cooling the Beans
You should have in mind that during the process of roasting, coffee beans will leave the outer skin, and chaff is all that’s left behind. That is the main reason why you should cool the beans as soon as you finish roasting.
NOTE: Even if you leave a small quantity of chaff on beans, that won’t affect the taste of your coffee.
How To Store Coffee Beans
The idea is to wait for 24 hours before you start brewing and grinding. That way beans will reach mature flavor that will increase the taste and strength.
When it comes to storing coffee beans, we recommend you to use an airtight container, because it will protect the beans for one week. However, you should consider that coffee is the best when it is fresh. That is why you should roast small quantities that you will be able to brew in the next seven days.
Best Methods For Roasting Coffee at Home
Now, we will conduct a thorough explanation and guide on how to use different roasting methods in your household.
The first thing that you need to start roasting is to purchase green beans. We have mentioned above that it is essential to have fresh, green beans that you can use for roasting.
You should purchase the consistent coffee beans that are similar in color and size so that you can enjoy in the perfect combination of taste and strength.
Roasting is another step that will transform green beans into brown and black ones that you will be able to use for brewing afterward. There are different methods such as using the home roasting machine, grill/pan, oven, or popcorn machine.
We will provide you a thorough explanation of each method with its advantages and disadvantages:
#1. Roast Coffee Beans In A Pan/Grill
This particular method is convenient because most people have rack or pan in their households. However, most people use non-stick or coated pan, which could create a bitter taste in brewed coffee. That is why you should avoid them, and follow the guide that we have prepared for you.
Basic Requirements
- Green beans
- Hot plate or grill
- Thick pan
- Wooden spoon
- 2 x metal colander
- Oven mitts
- Airtight storage container
Steps To Roast Coffee in a Pan / Grill?
- First, you have to create an area with maximized ventilation. We recommend you to open windows and turn on the exhaust fan because it can get smelly and smokey. On the other hand, it is much better to do it outside.
- Turn on the medium heat approximately around 450 degrees F. However, if you have problems in finding the right temperature, don’t worry, because the first time is always challenging. The best way to do it is to experiment.
- Add the layer of green beans, but don’t overdo it. Leave enough space so that you can stir it without too much hassle.
- For roasting beans, you have to dedicate yourself to stirring all the time. You should never let them stay on one side too long. The idea is to heat them up evenly.
- After five minutes max, you will notice the first crack. You have entered into the light roast. If you are more into the lighter taste, you can take it right away and skip to the cooling steps.
- A few minutes afterward, you will hear the second crack that will create a medium roast coffee. It is the best time to take it out and cool it down. If you wait too long, that can result in burned beans. You don’t want that to happen.
- Place beans in the metal colander that you have prepared. You have to cool them as soon as possible because that process will remove unwanted chaff.
- Leave them at least 24 hours before grinding and brewing.
- Convenient and simple to handle
- Most people have all necessary equipment
- You have to consider that it will produce too much smoke
- It is challenging to get the proper temperature the first time
#2. Roasting Coffee In The Oven
Roast in an oven is one of the most favorite methods among DIY enthusiasts. However, you should have in mind that it can get too smoky, so you have to consider making proper ventilation.
It is essential to avoid ovens that blow a gale because that could create a mess that you won’t be able to clean afterward.
Basic Requirements
- Green beans
- An oven
- Oven tray – we recommend you to consider the perforated type
- Metal colander
- Airtight container
- Oven mitts
Steps To Roast Coffee In An Oven
- First, you have to pre-heat an oven up to 500 degrees F. You should have in mind that different ovens will provide you various heating measures. The idea is to find the heat that will work for you, so it is good to experiment.
- You have to increase the ventilation because this particular process will provide you lots of smoke. Keep the oven door closed and maximize ventilation.
- We have mentioned above that it is best to use the perforated tray when learning how to roast your beans at home. Spread it around the plate, but only one layer. Try not to stack them, because you will increase the amount of smoke.
- You don’t need coffee roasting equipment because the oven is common among homeowners. Make sure that tray doesn’t have holes because that could create damage in case that bean slips between gaps.
- If you don’t have a perforated tray, there is another option. You can place a baking paper under the beans and use regular oven tray. You have to shake them as they roast to get the excellent
- Use the middle shelf, because it will produce the consistent temperature compared with other two.
- After five minutes you will hear the first crack, which means that you can take them out in case you are a fan of lightly roasted coffee.
- One minute afterward, you will hear the second crack and then wait for another 60 seconds to take it out of the oven.
- Place it in a metal colander, and cool them down so that you can enjoy in optimal taste. This process will reduce the amount of chaff on beans.
- Wait for 24 hours, before grinding and using it.
- Convenient and straight forward
- Everyone has an oven
- Coffee lovers think that this particular process cannot make splendid and premium coffee
- Too much smoke
- Slower when compared with other roasting methods
#3. Roasting Coffee In A Popcorn Popper
You are probably wondering: how to roast coffee beans in a popcorn popper. It seems illogical because popcorn poppers are best for making quality popcorns. However, by using certain types of poppers, you will be able to roast beans with the excellent efficiency.
However, you should be careful and take some necessary precautions before you start popcorn pumper coffee roasting. It is important to have side vented heat machine so that you can reduce the risk of burning beans.
Basic Requirements:
- Green beans
- Popcorn machine that contains side vented heat
- Metal colander
- Wooden spoon
- Oven mitts
- Airtight container
Steps To Roast Coffee In A Popcorn Popper?
- It is vital to ensure that ventilation is perfect. You should open all windows that are near to you. In case that you have the opportunity, it is much better to roast it outside, otherwise your house will be filled with smell and smoke.
- First, you should pre-heat the machine for approximately 30 seconds.
- We recommend you to measure half cup of green beans and put it inside the machine. You shouldn’t overdo it because that will reduce the chance of rotation.
- Use a wooden spoon to make beans move during the roasting process.
- The idea is to be careful and be present all the time.
- After five minutes, you will hear the first crack.
- The second one will appear two minutes afterward. Wait for 30 seconds more and then turn it off.
- In case you wait longer, there is a chance that you will burn the beans.
- Place them in a colander because cooling is essential in getting the fantastic
- Wait for 24 hours before you start grinding and brewing
- Roast in a popcorn machine is simple to use
- You will get perfect roast
- It will rotate beans automatically
- You must have a proper machine with side heat
- It can break easily
- You have to follow safety measures before you start roasting
#4. Roasting Coffee In A Coffee Machine
The best and most professional way to roast coffee is to use the home roasting machine. However, you will have to make an additional purchase to get best home coffee roaster. Even though Home Coffee Roasting Appliances are expensive, they are much more convenient than other methods that we have mentioned above.
Basic Requirements:
- Green beans
- Coffee Roaster
- Airtight container
- Over mitts
Steps To Roast Coffee In A Coffee Machine
- Similar to other roasting methods, even this particular one will emit lots of smoke, which means that you have to prepare ventilation. But if you want to learn how to roast coffee beans commercially, this is the best way possible.
- As soon as you turn on the machine, you can add green beans. In most cases, you will get a user manual, but most machines work in a similar
- You should always be around during the process. Some more expensive and high-end machines are entirely However, the process can vary from machine to machine.
- Check for the first and the second crack. As soon as you reach the perfect measure, you will be able to turn the machine off and star cooling the beans.
- Some machines have add-on cooling process, while others require from you to do it manually.
- After removing chaff, you should store it for 24 hours to let beans mature.
- The best way to professionally roast coffee beans
- Long lasting way
- Clean and simple to use
- It is way more expensive than other methods
Frequently Asked Questions
So here are some of the home roasting FAQs and green coffee FAQs so that you can find additional information.
Q: How long does it take to roast coffee beans?
A: The longevity of process depends on the method you prefer. The best solution is to choose grill or coffee machine, while the oven is the slowest method on this particular list.
Q: How to store home roasted beans?
A: The best way to protect the freshness is to choose an airtight container. You can find wide-array of containers for an affordable price, and up to expensive, high-end models with handy features.
Final Verdict
Finally, the answer to the question, should you roast your coffee at home, depends on your preferences. When it comes to coffee Beans vs. Ground Coffee, people have individual tastes and needs.
If you are a coffee lover and enthusiast that loves to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee, we recommend you to try it at least once. It is simple, and you won’t need too much time. As a result, you will be able to drink homemade coffee, which is much better than ground coffee beans.
We have presented you thorough guidelines and other useful information that will help you create a thorough understanding of the entire roasting process. It is essential to follow safety measures and to always research before doing something yourself. That way, you will reduce the inconvenience of damaging your home appliances. It is simple as that.
I have been wanting to roast my own beans for the longest time. Your article convinced me that I could do it at home. Thank you!!
Thank you Joe 🙂
Wow this post is packed with information you have covered everything. I am definitely going to try roasting my own coffee. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Cheryl 🙂
This is such a comprehensive guide to roasting coffee beans at home. Excellent suggestions, I will be bookmarking this guide for use in the future. Thank you!
Thank you Heather for this amazing feedback 🙂