“Aroma and Artistry: The Fascinating World of Coffee Roasting”
By Mark Stone, Avg Read Time: Approx. 10mins
Coffee Roasters:
Coffee roasters are machines used to roast coffee beans, transforming them from their green, raw state to the brown, flavorful beans we use to make coffee. In coffee roasting, Roasting coffee beans is a complex process that involves applying heat to the beans, causing chemical reactions that develop the coffee’s flavor, aroma, and color.
Coffee roasters come in various sizes, shapes, and types, ranging from small, home-use roasters to large commercial machines. The most common types of coffee roasters are drum roasters and fluid bed roasters, but there are also hybrid roasters and centrifugal roasters.
Regardless of the type of roaster, the goal is to create a delicious and flavorful cup of coffee by roasting the beans to the right degree of roast, which is often categorized as light, medium, or dark.
Verve Coffee Roasters:
Verve Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Santa Cruz, California, USA. The company was founded in 2007 by Ryan O’Donovan and Colby Barr, two friends who shared a passion for specialty coffee and a desire to create a coffee company that focused on sustainability, quality, and community.
Verve sources high-quality green coffee beans from around the world and roasts them in small batches to bring out their unique flavors and characteristics. They believe in building direct relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring fair prices and sustainable practices.
In addition to their roasting operations, Verve has several coffee shops in California, including locations in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Their coffee shops feature a clean, modern aesthetic and offer a range of espresso-based drinks, pour-over coffee, and other specialty drinks. They also serve food, pastries, and other baked goods made in-house.
Verve has won several awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2012 and 2014, and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in America” lists by publications such as Thrillist and Food & Wine.
Coava Coffee Roasters:
Coava Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Portland, Oregon, USA. The company was founded in 2008 by Matt Higgins, who began roasting coffee in his garage before opening the first Coava Coffee shop in 2009.
In addition to their roasting operations, Coava has several coffee shops in Portland, including a flagship location on Hawthorne Boulevard. Their coffee shops feature a minimalist and modern design, with a focus on showcasing the quality of their coffee.
Coava has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2016 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in America” lists by publications such as Food & Wine and Thrillist.
Grace Street Coffee Roasters:
Grace Street Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Washington D.C., USA. The company was founded in 2014 by Young Lee, a former lawyer who left his legal career to pursue his passion for coffee.
In addition to their roasting operations, Grace Street has several coffee shops in Washington D.C., including locations in Georgetown and downtown D.C. Their coffee shops feature a bright and modern design, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all customers.
Grace Street has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2018 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in D.C.” lists by publications such as The Washington Post and Eater.
Arcade Coffee Roasters – The Bakehouse:
Arcade Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Riverside, California, USA. The company was founded in 2012 by Steve Hall and Truby Chiaviello, who both have a background in the coffee industry and a passion for sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee.
In addition to their roasting operations, Arcade Coffee Roasters has several coffee shops in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, including The Bakehouse, which is located in Redlands, California. The Bakehouse is a bakery and coffee shop that features a rustic and cozy atmosphere, with a focus on using local and organic ingredients in their food and baked goods.
Arcade Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2019 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Southern California” lists by publications such as Los Angeles Magazine and Time Out.
Mothership Coffee Roasters:
Mothership Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The company was founded in 2015 by Juanny Romero and Blake Wingham, who both have a background in the coffee industry and a passion for sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee.
In addition to their roasting operations, Mothership Coffee Roasters has several coffee shops in the Las Vegas area, including a flagship location in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas. Their coffee shops feature a modern and minimalist design, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all customers.
Mothership Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2018 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Las Vegas” lists by publications such as Eater and Thrillist. They are also known for their innovative brewing methods, including their signature “Mothership Method” pour-over technique, which uses a specific coffee-to-water ratio and brewing time to achieve a consistent and flavorful cup of coffee.
Backstory Coffee Roasters – North Loop:
Backstory Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Portland, Oregon, USA. The company was founded in 2016 by husband and wife team, Tyler and Becky Larson, who have a passion for specialty coffee and a commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.
In addition to their roasting operations, Backstory Coffee Roasters has several coffee shops in the Portland area, including a location in the North Loop neighborhood. Their coffee shops feature a bright and modern design, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all customers.
Backstory Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2020 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Portland” lists by publications such as Willamette Week and Portland Monthly.
Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Café:
Seven Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Seattle, Washington, USA. The company was founded in 2006 by Kevin McGlocklin, who has a background in the coffee industry and a passion for sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee.
In addition to their roasting operations, Seven Coffee Roasters has several coffee shops in the Seattle area, including a location in the Pike Place Market. Their coffee shops feature a modern and minimalist design, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all customers.
Seven Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2016 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Seattle” lists by publications such as Seattle Met and The Stranger.
Crave Coffee Roasters:
Crave Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. The company was founded in 2013 by Bryan and Kendra Siddle, who have a passion for specialty coffee and a commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.
In addition to their roasting operations, Crave Coffee Roasters has several coffee shops in the Santa Fe area, including a flagship location in the Railyard district. Their coffee shops feature a cozy and inviting design, with a focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
Crave Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2018 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Santa Fe” lists by publications such as Santa Fe Reporter and Edible Santa Fe.
Red Light Coffee Roasters:
Red Light Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. The company was founded in 2012 by Jeni and John Ricks, who have a passion for coffee and a commitment to sourcing high-quality, sustainable coffee beans.
In addition to their roasting operations, Red Light Coffee Roasters has a coffee shop located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Their coffee shop features a modern and minimalist design, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all customers.
Red Light Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine in 2019 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Salt Lake City” lists by publications such as The Salt Lake Tribune and Utah Style & Design.
Addison Coffee Roasters:
Addison Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Addison, Texas, USA. The company was founded in 1984 by Joel and Cindy Jeldres, who have a passion for coffee and a commitment to sourcing high-quality, sustainable coffee beans.
In addition to their roasting operations, Addison Coffee Roasters has a coffee shop located in Addison, Texas. Their coffee shop features a cozy and inviting design, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all customers.
Addison Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Best Coffee Roaster” by the Dallas Observer in 2017 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Dallas” lists by publications such as D Magazine and Eater Dallas.
Babylon Coffee Roasters:
Babylon Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Woodside, New York, USA. The company was founded in 2017 by Abdul Pitre, who has a passion for coffee and a commitment to sourcing high-quality, sustainable coffee beans.
In addition to their roasting operations, Babylon Coffee Roasters has a coffee shop located in Woodside, New York. Their coffee shop features a cozy and welcoming design, with a focus on creating a community-focused atmosphere for all customers.
Babylon Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Best Coffee Roaster” by Edible Queens in 2019 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in New York” lists by publications such as Time Out New York and Eater New York.
Black Ring Coffee Roasters:
Black Ring Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Portland, Oregon, USA. The company was founded in 2012 by husband and wife team, Kevin and Emily Fuller, who are passionate about sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee beans.
In addition to their roasting operations, Black Ring Coffee Roasters has a coffee shop located in Portland, Oregon. Their coffee shop features a cozy and welcoming design, with a focus on creating a community-focused atmosphere for all customers.
Black Ring Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards and accolades for their coffee, including being named “Best Coffee Roaster” by Willamette Week in 2019 and being included on various “Best Coffee Shops in Portland” lists by publications such as Portland Monthly and Eater Portland.
Types of Coffee Roasters:
Drum Coffee Roaster:
A drum coffee roaster is a type of coffee roasting machine that uses a rotating drum to roast coffee beans. The drum is heated by either gas or electricity and the beans are constantly rotated to ensure even roasting.
Drum coffee roasters are the most common type of commercial coffee roaster, and are used by many specialty coffee roasters around the world. They come in a range of sizes and capacities, from small countertop models to large industrial machines that can roast hundreds of pounds of coffee at once.
One advantage of drum roasters is that they provide a high degree of control over the roasting process, allowing the roaster to adjust factors such as temperature, airflow, and roast time to achieve the desired flavor profile. However, drum roasters can also be more expensive and require more maintenance than other types of roasters.
Overall, drum coffee roasters are a popular choice among coffee roasters due to their versatility and control over the roasting process.
Fluid Bed Coffee Roaster:
A fluid bed coffee roaster is a type of coffee roasting machine that uses hot air to roast coffee beans. The beans are suspended in a bed of hot air, which agitates them and helps to create an even roast.
In a fluid bed coffee roaster, the coffee beans are typically heated by an electric coil or gas burner, and the hot air is blown through a perforated plate at the bottom of the roasting chamber. The coffee beans are then suspended in the hot air, where they are roasted and agitated until they reach the desired level of roast.
One of the advantages of a fluid bed coffee roaster is that it can roast coffee beans quickly and efficiently, as the hot air circulates around the beans and evenly roasts them. This can also result in a cleaner, brighter flavor profile compared to a drum roaster.
However, fluid bed roasters can be less forgiving than drum roasters, as they require precise control over temperature and airflow to achieve consistent results. They are also typically smaller than drum roasters, making them more suitable for home roasting or smaller commercial operations.
Overall, a fluid bed coffee roaster can be a good choice for coffee roasters who want to produce high-quality coffee with a unique flavor profile, and who have experience with the roasting process and the equipment involved.
Drum and Fluid Bed Hybrid Roaster:
A Drum and Fluid Bed Hybrid Roaster, also known as a “hybrid roaster” or “combo roaster,” is a type of coffee roasting machine that combines the heating and agitation methods of both drum and fluid bed roasters.
In a hybrid roaster, the coffee beans are first roasted in a drum, similar to a traditional drum roaster. However, instead of being cooled outside the drum, they are transferred to a fluid bed chamber where they are agitated by hot air to complete the roasting process.
This hybrid approach can offer the best of both worlds, allowing roasters to take advantage of the even heat distribution and control over the roasting process that drum roasters offer, as well as the quick, clean roast and air agitation that fluid bed roasters provide.
Hybrid roasters are often used by specialty coffee roasters who want to experiment with different roast profiles and create unique flavor profiles in their coffee. However, they can also be more expensive than traditional drum or fluid bed roasters, and require a higher level of skill to operate effectively.
Overall, a Drum and Fluid Bed Hybrid Roaster can be a good choice for experienced coffee roasters who want to experiment with different roasting methods and create unique flavor profiles in their coffee.
Centrifugal Coffee Roasting:
A Centrifugal Roaster is a type of coffee roasting machine that uses centrifugal force to roast coffee beans. In a centrifugal roaster, the coffee beans are held in a rotating drum that is heated by gas burners or electric heating elements.
As the drum rotates, the coffee beans are lifted and tumbled by the centrifugal force, creating a more even roast and reducing the risk of scorching. The roasting process typically takes less time than with a traditional drum roaster, as the coffee beans are exposed to heat and air more quickly and efficiently.
Centrifugal roasters are also designed to be more energy-efficient than drum roasters, as they use less fuel or electricity to heat the roasting chamber. Additionally, they are often easier to clean and maintain than drum roasters, as there are no internal paddles or vanes to scrub.
One of the potential drawbacks of a centrifugal roaster is that it may not produce the same depth of flavor or complexity as a traditional drum roaster, as the tumbling action can result in a lighter roast with less caramelization. Additionally, centrifugal roasters can be more expensive than drum roasters, and may require a higher level of skill to operate effectively.
Overall, a centrifugal roaster can be a good choice for coffee roasters who want to roast coffee quickly and efficiently while still producing high-quality coffee with a unique flavor profile. However, it may not be the best option for those who prioritize depth and complexity in their roasts.
Home Coffee Roasters:
Home coffee roasters are small-scale coffee roasting machines designed for home use. They allow coffee enthusiasts to roast their own coffee beans at home, giving them greater control over the roast level and flavor profile of their coffee.
There are several types of home coffee roasters available on the market, including:
- Hot air roasters: These use hot air to roast coffee beans and are typically the most affordable option for home roasting.
- Drum roasters: These use a rotating drum to roast the coffee beans and are the most traditional type of coffee roaster. They can be more expensive than hot air roasters but offer greater control over the roast profile.
- Hybrid roasters: As mentioned earlier, these combine the heating and agitation methods of both drum and fluid bed roasters, and are a relatively new option in the home roasting market.
When choosing a home coffee roaster, it’s important to consider factors such as capacity, cost, and ease of use. It’s also important to consider the quality of the beans being roasted, as using high-quality, fresh beans is key to producing delicious coffee at home.
Overall, home coffee roasting can be a fun and rewarding hobby for coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with different roast profiles and create unique flavor profiles in their coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the 2 types of coffee roasters?
The two main types of coffee roasters are drum roasters and fluid bed (or hot air) roasters.
- Drum Roasters: These are the more traditional type of roasters and are commonly used in small to medium-sized coffee roasting operations. Drum roasters have a rotating drum where the coffee beans are roasted, and the heat is applied directly to the drum from gas burners or electric elements. The beans are constantly stirred to ensure even roasting and to prevent scorching.
- Fluid Bed Roasters: These use hot air to roast the coffee beans, suspending them in a column of hot air. This method allows for faster roasting times and produces a brighter, cleaner cup of coffee. There are two subtypes of fluid bed roasters: air roasters and tangential roasters. Air roasters have a vertical chamber where the beans are suspended in the hot air, while tangential roasters have a horizontal chamber where the beans are tumbled in a stream of hot air.
What is the best machine for coffee roasting?
There are many different coffee roasting machines available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific needs and preferences. The “best” roasting machine for coffee ultimately depends on factors such as your desired roast level, batch size, budget, and level of automation.
Some popular options for coffee roasting machines include:
- Diedrich IR-12: This is a high-end drum roaster that offers precise temperature control and consistent roasting results. It is often used by professional roasters and specialty coffee shops.
- Aillio Bullet R1: This is a relatively new and popular home coffee roaster that uses a combination of drum and fluid bed roasting to offer fast and even roasting. It is highly customizable and offers a wide range of roast profiles.
- Hottop KN-8828B-2K+: This is another popular home coffee roaster that uses a drum roasting method. It offers precise temperature control and is relatively affordable compared to some other high-end roasting machines.
- Probatino: This is a small-batch drum roaster that is often used by artisanal coffee roasters. It is highly customizable and allows for precise temperature and airflow control.
Ultimately, the best roasting machine for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to do some research and read reviews from other coffee roasters before making a purchase.
How many coffee roasters are in Chicago?
There were approximately 70 coffee roasters in Chicago. It’s also possible that this number may not include all coffee roasters, as some smaller or newer roasters may not be as well-known or may not have been included in previous counts.
Which coffee roast is least bitter?
In general, lighter roasts tend to be less bitter than darker roasts. This is because darker roasts are roasted for longer periods of time, which can result in a more bitter taste due to the breakdown of sugars and other compounds in the coffee beans.
Lighter roasts, on the other hand, preserve more of the natural flavors and sweetness of the coffee beans, resulting in a brighter and less bitter taste. However, it’s important to note that different coffee beans can have different flavor profiles, even when roasted to the same level, so the taste of a particular roast can still vary.
Overall, if you prefer a less bitter taste in your coffee, you may want to try a light or medium roast rather than a dark roast.
Is it worth home roasting coffee?
Home roasting coffee can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby for coffee enthusiasts. It allows you to have more control over the roasting process, experiment with different roasting profiles and techniques, and enjoy fresh coffee that has been roasted to your specific taste preferences.
In addition, home roasting can be more cost-effective than buying pre-roasted coffee, especially if you buy green coffee beans in bulk. Green coffee beans can also have a longer shelf life than pre-roasted coffee, so you can store them and roast as needed for maximum freshness.
However, home roasting does require an initial investment in a roasting machine and the necessary equipment, and it can take some trial and error to achieve the perfect roast. It can also be time-consuming, as each batch of coffee will require a certain amount of attention and monitoring.
Overall, whether home roasting is worth it depends on your personal preferences and how much you enjoy the process of roasting your own coffee. If you love experimenting with different flavors and enjoy the process of roasting, then home roasting can be a worthwhile endeavor.
Is fast or slow roasting better for coffee?
Both fast and slow roasting methods can produce delicious coffee, but they can have slightly different flavor profiles and characteristics.
Fast roasting generally produces coffee with a lighter body, brighter acidity, and more pronounced fruity and floral notes. This is because the fast roasting process doesn’t allow as much time for the coffee beans to caramelize and develop deeper, richer flavors.
On the other hand, slow roasting tends to produce coffee with a heavier body, more muted acidity, and deeper, more complex flavors with a slightly caramelized or chocolatey taste. This is because the slower roasting process allows the coffee beans to develop more of their natural sugars and oils.
Ultimately, the best roasting method for coffee depends on personal taste preferences and the desired flavor profile for the specific coffee bean being roasted. Many roasters experiment with different roasting times and temperatures to find the ideal balance of flavors for each coffee they roast.
How much does it cost to roast a pound of coffee?
The cost to roast a pound of coffee can vary depending on several factors, including the cost of the green coffee beans, the cost of utilities, and the cost of the roasting equipment. On average, however, the cost to roast a pound of coffee can range from $0.20 to $1.00.
The cost of green coffee beans is typically the biggest expense in roasting coffee. The price of green coffee can vary widely depending on the quality, origin, and availability of the beans. Specialty-grade coffee beans can cost anywhere from $4 to $20 per pound or more, while lower-quality beans can cost less than $1 per pound.
The cost of utilities, such as electricity or gas, can also add up over time. Roasting coffee requires a significant amount of energy to heat the roasting equipment to the desired temperature and to keep it at that temperature for the duration of the roast.
Lastly, the cost of the roasting equipment itself can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the equipment. Some home roasting machines can cost less than $100, while professional-grade roasting machines can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Overall, the cost to roast a pound of coffee can range from relatively inexpensive for a small-scale home roaster to significantly more expensive for a larger, commercial operation.
What cities in the US drink the most coffee?
According to a study by NPD Group, the top 10 U.S. cities for coffee consumption are:
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
- Philadelphia, PA
- Houston, TX
- Washington, D.C.
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Boston, MA
What are the disadvantages of coffee roasting?
There are several disadvantages associated with coffee roasting:
- Energy consumption: Coffee roasting requires a significant amount of energy, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
- Equipment costs: Commercial coffee roasting equipment can be expensive, making it a significant investment for businesses.
- Safety risks: Coffee roasting involves working with high temperatures, and improper handling of the equipment or the roasting process can result in fire hazards or personal injury.
- Quality control: Achieving consistency in the roasting process can be difficult, especially for small-scale roasters. This can result in inconsistencies in the flavor and quality of the coffee.
- Shelf life: Roasted coffee beans have a limited shelf life, and the quality of the coffee can deteriorate quickly after roasting. This can make it difficult for businesses to manage inventory and ensure consistent quality for customers.
Which coffee roasting has a stronger taste?
In general, darker roasted coffee tends to have a stronger and bolder taste compared to lighter roasted coffee. Dark roasted coffee beans have been roasted for a longer period of time, resulting in the beans becoming darker in color, more oils on the surface, and a more developed flavor profile. This process also causes the caffeine content of the beans to decrease slightly. As a result, dark roasted coffee often has a rich, bold flavor with notes of chocolate, caramel, and even smokiness. However, it’s important to note that taste preferences are subjective, and some people may prefer the milder taste of a lighter roast.
Conclusion:
Coffee roasting is an important step in the coffee making process that plays a crucial role in determining the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the coffee. There are various types of coffee roasters available on the market, including drum roasters, fluid bed roasters, and hybrid roasters. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suited for different types of coffee roasting needs.
Overall, coffee roasting is an art and a science that requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the complex chemical reactions that occur during the roasting process. With the right equipment, knowledge, and passion, anyone can become a skilled coffee roaster and create delicious, high-quality coffee blends that are sure to please even the most discerning coffee drinkers.
