just getting into the roasting business

[getrejuvenatedin2011]

I think that is an awesome goal that you have set for yourself. I have a better suggestion, why not become a coffee distributer for a Coffee Company, yes, that's right, you can own your own coffee business. I will Inbox you some information if you are interested. Good Luck with whatever your endeavors.

 

[Larry]

Hey Jimbo,

Not sure if you decided on a machine yet but in my opinion you should check out a Toper Cafemino. It does small batches and they offer it in both an electric and gas model. I bought one about two years ago, I'd say and it has not done me wrong so far! I have not had a single major issue with the machine so far *knock on wood!* If you're in North America like me, Robust Roasters sells these Toper roasters. They helped me a lot last year install my machine. They provided quick service with me through the phone.

Whichever roaster you choose, I hope all goes well and it's great to hear another person entering the coffee roasting family. Happy Roasting!

-Larry

 

[zehirli1963]

nice topic, thank you good information

 

[jimbo]

Thanks to all for your input. So this IR7 I am looking at buying does not have a bean sensor. Just an analog thermometer for the drum temp. Will this make learning to roast and developing profiles much harder than if I had those sensors. Can I purchase them and retrofit them on a 91 IR7? If so, what is the cost in doing so?
Thanks.

 

[ACRM]

Hi Jimbo,

Retrofitting sensors is a very simple and inexpensive process for anyone who is a little handy. Other than finding the right unit and matching sensor type, it's only a matter of drilling a hole and tapping a thread in it. Determining the best location for the bean sensor is an interesting process and I know there's an excellent article online about it which I will try and find and post a link. One thing to remember though is that with all the different temperatures you read about in roast profiles, every sensor in every drum seems to give a different temperature so to a large extent you will be looking for consitant readings from your unique installation ie don't worry if your temps never line up with other roasters'!

One other thought is to incorporate a data logger when you're fitting your bean temp sensor. You can find them for about $100 online and you can download all your data to a spreadsheet. All that information can make your profile development even more interesting.

 

[jimbo]

Thanks ACRM. I contacted Coffee Tec in the S.F. Bay Area, and the guy was super helpful and knowledgeable. I did not get the guy's name, but he spent over an hour talking with me about my situation (the roaster I am looking at, how to best install it in my garage, general coffee roasting issues) He said the same thing you did about installing the probe, so those concerns have been put to wrest, especially now that you have backed up what he has said. He did, however, try and sell me on a Sonofresco, which, he claims, has solved many of its issues and is a perfect little no brainer roasting machine perfect for filling small online orders. Do you, or anyone else out there have any experience with the new and improved Sonofrescos?
I am still planning on getting the IR7, but the convenience of doing one pound orders sounds like it might be worth it. I am just wondering what other people's experience is with them. One review I read claimed it was nothing more than a WAY overpriced popcorn popper.

 

[Hankua]

Hi guys: I imported a Taiwan roaster myself in September, and for the money it's really sweet. I'm a home roaster but this baby is a fully blown out miniature commercial roaster with all the toys. I'll post more info later, and there are many builders over there. Support is going to be sketchy, but if your on a budget, the prices are hard to beat. Yang-chia machine works 800n is what I have, overkill for a home roaster but hey, you only go around once.

 

[scottryan]

What is the price for that one, Hankua? Can you get it in a propane model?

 

[Hankua]

85,000 NT (taiwan dollars) which includes crating for shipping. It only comes in LPG or propane. Marcus is Germany learned how to roast on an 800n and then moved up to a shop roaster. You can sell it in a year for most of what it cost. My wife is Taiwanese and has visited the factory and spoke with the owner (Mr. Yang). He does not speak English, so you would need to hook up with someone Chinese locally to communicate with him on the phone. I have a buddy in CA that has one for two years, and Marcus has his for the same amount of time. Cast iron drum, adjustable drum speed, precise gas control with a needle valve, pid, adjustable air valve, separate bean cooler with it's own fan and stirrer, cyclone chaff collector, etc.

This machine is basically the same as Mr. Yang's big roasters, just done in miniature. Capacity is 200-520 grams, and can roast 1lb to a rolling 2C is less than 15 minutes. So you can play around with all the roasting parameters very easily with this baby roaster.

 

[TAILDRAGGERP]

new to roasting would like to start my own internet sales also , very interesting thread

 

[Silverspoon]

Does anyone have experience with the Taiwan roasters versus the Turkish roasters? From visiting a few roast shops it seems like the Taiwan roasters are very good and don't need much modification while the Turkish roasters are more robust but need new thermometers and the motors need to be changed to do a variable speed.

 

[Hankua]

What brand of Taiwan roasters have you seen? There is a coffee/tea trade show in Taipei this week, and there should be plenty of roasters there. I bought a shop grinder from You-Wei Col Ltd, and have their brochure which has roasters as well. (My wife brought the grinder back from Taiwan for me; as she's Taiwanese.) They have an agent who can correspond in English and you can get prices from him. You Wei Co., Ltd.. I did hear second hand that a coffee shop in Taichung liked his roaster, but that is really sketchy.......

Yang-Chia roasters have cast iron drums and variable speed drum motors; which are unusual features....

 

[Alun_evans]

Here Here DD! You know, roasting coffee WELL is not straightforward. Roasting average quality in a market already satuarated by average roasters I would not think is an option if you plan to sink your money and your life into teh coffee business. I agree with Dave- look at an apprenticeship somewhere. You will get dirty, be abused, work insane hours- and at teh end of it you should have a good understanding of coffee and indeed have a clear idea of whether you want to go ahead with your plans.

I look at those that post on this site that I know are experienced and quality roasters- I think all of them (me included) were taught the art of roasting by someone who themselves was an experienced roaster.

Good luck- take these comments as positives

I really recommend you think a bit more about your plans.
Roasting coffee IS NOT straightforward.
Running a business is not straightforward.
Think about working for an existing roaster for at least a couple of years, at least.
You won't even know what's important to learn, in the first few months.
You may be the roasting prodigy the world has waited for, but more likely, you'll prove to be another drop-out from the school of hard knocks.
I wish you good luck, whatever you choose to do.

 

[Alun_evans]

Does anyone have experience with the Taiwan roasters versus the Turkish roasters? From visiting a few roast shops it seems like the Taiwan roasters are very good and don't need much modification while the Turkish roasters are more robust but need new thermometers and the motors need to be changed to do a variable speed.

Have PM'ed you Sly. I have no problem with Turkish Roasters. Have spent time at the factory in Izmir and I am very happy with the quality of what they produce. Thermometers and Motors are as good, maybe better than I have seen on some roasters from what you would expect to be more tech savy manufacturers. In the thermometers generally these are European or American anyway

 

[klanmckay]

The roasting business is one of the best business to start because it is good and also it is one of the profitable business.To start the business you have to first decide the size and the scale of this operation.Decide the menu for your concern business.