How To Begin Coffee Roasting At Home

Have you wanted to try roasting coffee beans at home but don’t know where to start?

You’re not alone. Many home coffee roasters agree that getting started is the hardest part of home roasting. But once you get the hang of the roasting process, the payoff is being able to create your perfect cup of coffee tailored to your taste.

Read on for some of our best tips for how to start with coffee roasting at home.

Coffee Roasting 101 

Don’t worry about being bogged down by a bunch of tools. The two most important things needed when roasting your own coffee beans at home are heat and time.

There are a variety of tools you can use to roast your green coffee beans. Many of them you likely already have around the kitchen!

Some experts say you can use these tools to roast coffee at home:

• A pan/grill
• An oven
• A popcorn popper
• A purpose-built home coffee roaster

A home coffee roaster typically gives you the most consistent results as you can better control the heat.

It’s important to roast your beans at a consistent temperature and continue to stir them so they don’t burn and receive an even roast. After about three to five minutes the beans will produce an audible crack, known as the “first crack.” 

The time you spend during this stage can indicate different roast levels. After this first crack, your beans are light brown and roasted, perfect for light roasts. A few more minutes and the “second crack” is heard, creating a medium roast. Another 30 seconds to a minute after the second crack and you can achieve dark roasts like a french roast.

Let your fresh roasted beans cool in a metal colander or on a baking sheet and make sure to remove the chaff (the husk of the raw coffee bean). Then, wait at least 24 hours before you grind and brew your beans!

Coffee Roasting at Home Tips and Tricks

If you’re ready to roast coffee at home, keep these tips in mind. They can help you create a perfect cup of coffee comfort that competes with your favourite coffee shops.

Every Bean is Different

There are four main types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. But even in these categories, there are hundreds of different beans to choose from each with its own unique flavour profile and more.

Where your beans come from can also affect how they taste once roasted. Coffee beans that are grown in higher altitudes often have a better flavour and aroma, but that’s all up to personal preference.

Your Tastes Can Change

Do you know that your taste can change over time? It’s true that you might prefer light roasts when you’re younger but crave a french roast as you get older age. Since your taste can change over time, make sure you experiment with new roasts every so often to see if you can find your new favourite.

Keep Detailed Notes

Since all coffee beans are different and heat and roasting time can have an effect on the finished product, it’s best to keep notes on your process. Experiment with different temps and times to find your perfect roast and keep notes so you can recreate it.