Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Walmart Presto PopLite Hot Air Popcorn Popper

I am told that you can roast a mean cup of joe with a popcorn popper.

If anyone knows about such things what are the requirments for a popcorn popper to roast coffee in?

How about the one above?

Any other thought and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.


Have a great day!!!!

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

That one has the hot air coming out of a mesh bottom. Look in the chamber and find one that vents on the sides of the chamber. The mesh could let chaff in and be a fire hazard. I have a popcorn pumper (i think). Sweet Marias list some models that they have found that work. Lots of good info :tu
http://sweetmarias.com/airpop/airpopmethod.php

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Correct. The mesh ones will burn your house down.

You want this:http://sweetmarias.com/airpop/airpopchamber.jpg

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

here is the one you want works great...http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-West-Ben...d=p3286.c0.m14

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Thanks for the info inmates!!! Glad I asked because I thought that they were all the same.

one of the ones sweet maria's recommend my gram had and I remember making popcorn together with it. She loved it and I can get one on ebay. I miss my gram but will be roasting beans in her honor.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Passing through Target yeaterday, I noticed the Westbend machines that are basically a frying pan with a turning rod to stir up the beans and a very simple dome over it.

Are those ok?

Burning down the house was a major reason I went with a machine specifically designed for the job, but know plenty of roasters do fine without.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

http://sweetmarias.com/airpop/airpopdesign.php

This will give the correct info on Popcorn poppers, I am not sure about the one from target do you have a link, maybe some else here knows?

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

No link, but it's weird how they say to NOT use anything where the hot air enters through the bottom and that is precisely how it enters with the Freshroast.....:confused:

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Nope the stircrazys don't get hot enough on their own, but....

They are half of the roasting sensation known as the SCTO, bottom is a stir crazy and the top u get a turbo oven. Very popular and easy to build, many here can tell you how.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Found a link Vic, and it looks like a cool project if you're somewhat handy.

http://biobug.org/coffee/turbo-crazy/

Not for me, as it seems like once you add it all up, you could just buy a Behmor and I tend to break stuff, but probably an easy job for someone with a little patience.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I have a black and decker popcorn popper that I use to roast small batches every week or two. Have no idea what the model is but it does indeed have vents that vent to the side of the chamber and no mesh.
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Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

i'd like to try this, keep this going guys...

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

My popcorn popper is on the way. Ill post my results and maybe a howtoo and ppros/cons
I still need too buy some green beans though. Sweet marias here I come

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I emailed sweetmaria's asking about sampler packs and recommendations for the first attempt. It seemed very pertinant and relevant to this thread so here is their response....


________________________
Hi Ken,

Thanks for the note. We do sell sampler backs at the bottom of the Green Coffee Page here- http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.greencoffee.mvc.php

Most of the blends we sell listed on the green coffee page under blends are suitable for espresso though you can create your own blends there is more information about that here-
http://www.sweetmarias.com/blending.php

Information about choosing coffee-
http://www.sweetmarias.com/choosingcoffeeFAQ.php

Edward's Popper Roasting Tips
http://www.edwardspiegel.org/easnuke...ithpoppers.htm

Hope that can get you started.
Best- Erica
_______________________________

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

If you haven't already, you should visit Sweet Marias website.

Someone really took the time to put together a very easy to understand instructional on roasting.

I refer to it all the time now.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I received my Popper in the mail and here's the picks. I'll be purchasing the beans soon and I'll be off to coffee nirvana, eventually that
is.

NOTICE THE VENTS ON THE SIDE (NOT THE BOTTOM) and the BOTTOM IS SOLID. I am told this is mucho importanto!!!
This is pic is looking down the throat.
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik...disp=inline&zw
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik...disp=inline&zw

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I think it has a sore throat, All I can see is a red x.
How's it working out?
I keep seeing those Westbend Popperies on Ebay for cheap and am tossing around the idea of picking one up for a second roaster and am wondering if you need to do all the roasting outdoors due to the chaff flying?

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I really don't understand the pop corn popper as a roaster in its stock form.
Roasting beans at a high heat with no temp control is a bit like throwing anything you are cooking in a 500f oven and calling it done when it browns. I really have never taster a thing out of a stock popper that didn't taste thin and with very little flavor development and to say that city to city + coffee tastes that way is just BS. Different beans need different approaches to roast them proper and that takes some control over the roasting process to get heat to the center of the bean not just the outside.

I say roasting over an adjustable gas burner in a pan and stirring with a spoon or whisk can give a novice much more control over a roast and a better understanding of how simple changes can bring out the most from a particular bean. Not to say that this method doesn't have it's drawbacks since it is very easy to burn the outside of the bean especially on the flat spots. Peaberry beans are the best way to learn this method since they have less flat spots because they are more round.

Just my :2.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

THis might work better.......


http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attach...1&d=1253883025
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attach...1&d=1253883065

As to Rob's comments. I have never roasted coffee in my life but am told that fresh roasted java is like an epiphany of epiphanies while in the most comfortable easy chair in Nirvana. It's a start for me and there may be better/easier methods. It seemed like I have heard a lot of good things about the popcorn popper method so I went with it.

I am interested in trying both methods. There both inexpensive.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

There is no better feeling then drinking a fresh roast that you made but roasting beans does not guarantee good coffee. A popper may be the easiest to use, plug it in, throw some beans in, roast them. The process to get good to excellent roasts is a wee bit more complicated, with mods a popper will give excellent results.

A pan on the stove is also low budget and easy but there is no noise to cover up the 1st and 2nd crack, smell and color are also much easier to judge then a popper so I think it is easier to learn more about the roast process to develop the skill required to create a great cup of joe.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I will definatley try it also. I didn't know it was an option but will definately give it a shot. What kind of beans should I get for the first attempt?

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I'm a babe in the woods when it comes to roasting, but at this point, the Freshroast plus8 was 80 bucks well spent and I have now roasted a dozen times with great success and am drinking a latte from the CCM Costa Rica hardbean as I am reading this thread and am in, uh, nirvana.:banger

Granted, the Freshroast roasts in small batches, but that seems to be a plus for me as I enjoy watching the roast and do it every 2-3 days now.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I started with the popcorn popper method, but quickly moved on. I use the heat gun/dog bowl method now. Easy, more control over the roast, very little extra equipment needed. Needs to be done outside or on the porch or something, though. I have a nice large metal dog bowl, put the beans in, put it on my gas grill with the gas on low, and then fire up the heat gun. I roast on low for ~3 and 1/2 minutes, then switch to high until done. Stir constantly with a metal spoon (wrap the handle and your hand in a towel to avoid burns). The roast can be slowed down by moving the heat gun a little farther out, and sped back up by bringing it in closer.
One tip: if you roast with the heat gun completely vertical, it will get very hot and eventually poop out. The heat gun needs to be angled so the whole body isn't directly over the bowl. If the handle of the heat gun starts heating up a lot, readjust the position. Also, get the extended warranty on the heat gun if you can. Roasting is hard on them. In my experience they tend to last a bit over a year if you roast several batches a week.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

It is worth a try since almost everybody has the equipment to pan roast anyway.

As for selecting beans... I think sweet maria's descriptions can help to find a flavor you like to help choose.

http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.greencoffee.mvc.php

I would suggest for new roasters to look for beans that can handle a variety of roast levels as well. By choosing a bean that can take city+ to full city+ will let you discover the sounds and smell and colors and still have a drinkable cup. To roast a coffee that is limited to a smaller window of roasts before you even know what the level of roasts look, smell, and sound like is more likely to give a bad cup.

As for peaberry beans SM's has 4 of them right now. Peaberry is just a bean that is easier to roast in a pan but is also a tad more expensive so it may be worth picking as I suggest above for a while.

Btw I am not saying pop corn poppers can't do the trick and with simple mods like a couple of 100 foot extension cords you can play with the voltage to the heating element or to add a dimmer switch would improve what it is capable of. Every popper even the same ones will vary so some that love this method and moding will buy 6 poppers to pick the one that best fits their needs.

Roasting your own opens up the entire world of beans you can get and allows full control of the roast level. There exist roasters that will roast this way for you but it costs a pretty penny. Hell I still buy roasted beans once in a while to keep me honest about my own roasting so I don't mind paying $38 plus shipping for 2lbs.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

When I went shopping at Sweet marias I noticed they rate the roasting range in "city" ranges which may be confusing to some.

city=lighter roast
city+=slightly darker
Full city=dark roast

If I am missing something let me know, like where does french roast and espresso roast fit in to the scheme of things?

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Roast levels and pics

What do you like to drink now? Even if you like Charbucks french roast I won't think any less of you, but as you can see when looking to choose some beans there are many to choose from.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I agree with Rob on this one, if roasting your own coffee succesfully is all down to
hearing certain audible clues, you don't need an air popper fan covering up the clues.
I have never roasted my own coffee, but I DO KNOW that air poppers are not even good
at popping corn. A whole lot of popcorn that salt won't stick to. It might be fun for a few
raosts, but I would think if you have a goal, and a goal by the way that is not necessary
to enjoy the final product, coffee, I would save my money for that goal and wait it out to
get something purpose-built.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I must admit. Sometimes I like Charbucks but sometimes I also think it tastes burnt. So far the best coffee i have had has been through a press.

That was a great link Rob!

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Take a look at some Kenya's, not my favorite but they work well in a french press and are a hard bean that can take a lot of heat, most Kenya beans don't like to get to 2nd crack.

Costa rica is another good choice for FP and usually can handle more levels of roast

Sumatra is a bean that can usually go from city to vienna so may be a good starting point.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I was under the impression you went with the i-roast. Keep putting some money aside for a big boy roaster since I get the feeling you will get into this end of the hobby and wear the freshroast out in less then a year.

I will stick to my guns and say there is no better purchased home roaster then the Hottop B. There is the Quest M3 roaster that is stirring up interest so it is also something to keep an eye on. Looking at the price of these roasters scares most people away but after wearing out a Behmor in 6 months of heavy roasting I knew I needed something that could stand the test of time, 2 years into the HT B and a few mods the thing is bullet proof and anything that can go wrong is easily replaced at home.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Nah, switched to the Freshroast last minute.

Figured it would take longer, but I am already looking at Hottops...

Not scared.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I do believe I warned you about this :D, I guess the up side is you didn't spend the $200 to have upgradtitus so soon after purchase. I am hoping to upgrade my thermo coupler soon to one I can usb to graph out roast profiles, hopefully I will be able to have this done before you upgrade.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Even though my Behmor has almost lasted two years of Hard roasting, I have to agree.
That is where the cheap air-poppers have true value - such a small investment is easily tossed aside when you want/need/evolve to upgrade.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

popcorn poppers do an outstanding job at roasting coffee, so good that some never move on to something else.;)

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Whether they do or they don't, I have one now so I'm gonna use it and find out! ;)

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Vic, are you saying an unmodded popcorn popper can roast with an experienced user as well as a Hottop or any machine that gives full control over profile. :r;s

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

What I'm saying Rob is there is no "better" , simply what the roaster is looking for.

Does my Iroast, or a popcorn popper for that matter, do a better job if I'm looking to bring out certain attributes of a bean, say the brightness of a kenyan, than my Hottop does?

Maybe it does.

My point is you cannot compare air roasting to drum roasting and conclude one is the better than the other, because they are designed to produce different results. It's like saying grilled chicken is "better" than roasted chicken. All depends on the taste you're looking for, and personal preference.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Roasted chicken is far better then grilled chicken and smoked chicken kicks both their butts :D.

I will not argue the air vs drum but I will argue profile vs no profile. Drum or air when the ability to break a roast up into 3 segments of profile, drying, pre first crack, and first crack on, control over the outcome of flavor can be changed. I think a modded hot air roaster is in the same game as any roaster you can buy.

I feel like popcorn roasters are a bit like the Silvia, a huge fan base with lots of internet info but far from the ultimate answer. I do think for anyone that wants to get into roasting or to try it on a low budget there are better ways to learn without all the noise and lack of control and even the high fan speed with fast roast times keep a newb from getting the basics down and many give up before they give it a real chance and sell on ebay. I want newbs to have a fighting chance at this hobby not get discouraged by limitations of equipment, I am sure we can agree that this is a wonderful skill to possess and I don't think I will slow down the sale of popcorn poppers by having this opinion. ;)

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I think we basically agree Rob. I just think those who are new need to learn basics prior to worrying about profiles. Hell, I've been doing this for several years, and I get intimidated and confused at times, especially when things don't bring the results I planned for. :r

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Well, whatever happens, it's comforting to know that blowing the best part of a grand on a Hottop roaster isn't necessarily inevitable, however likely it seems.

Looking forward to comparing my progress with Kenstogie's.

I'm tryin to take baby steps over here....

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

I use this:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/w...ee_roaster.jpg

Cost: $ 0.00, friend didn't want it...
Added a smoker thermometer - $ 20.00

Use on stove top. Add about 8 oz of beans at around 400 degrees,
Usually get first crack around 5 minutes, turn off heat, get second crack, and
dump in to screen colander at about 6 or 7 minutes.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

http://www.amazon.com/Wabash-Valley-.../dp/B00004SU35
23.56 quite reasonable.
THere seems to be many options. If you can keep the beans moving and constant steady temp you are in good shape I am guessing.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

These are great and swamper gives a profile as well :tu. Sweet Maria's has these with clear lids for $35 and talks about the SS versions they no longer sell.

Stove top popper

Swamper, I suggest also using a timer and after finding where first crack starts try cutting the heat before it starts. Trying to get 3-5 minutes from start of 1st c to the end of roast (whether this is city of vienna) will give some desirable results.

There are many ways with your setup to profile the roast, if you like I would gladly share my opinions on how to.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Please do Rob. Anything you can share will benefit us new roasters.

BTW, where the heck has Moo disappeared to? These threads have been very helpful to read, but are missing some sort of comedy that only Moo can provide.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Hmmm, reading all those reviews makes me want to buy it for the popcorn... lol

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

D'uh? Have a crowd of bicycle riders over for the weekend. Was drinking the last of the CR Taz while out back roasting 2-lbs of Aricha27 in the BBQ grill and, simultaneously, another pound of Santos in the SCCO. The rare home double-roast!

I love the theater popper roaster; all it lacks is a variable thermostat, chaff extractor, auto-cool cycle, fuses, viewing window and a couple of motors. :) Nice going, Swampps.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

What is this? I have seen this first time.

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

Here's the next step, seen at www.sweetmarias.com

http://www.sweetmarias.com/homemade-...oaster_04a.JPG

Re: Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting
 

My stock of coffee is getting low so I finally ordered up my first batch of green beans from Sweet Maria's. I got the 4 lb sampler pack of mixed stuff. I dunno if it was the best choice but it's done now and I can't wait. My intent is to post my results here.

http://www.sweetmarias.com/Merchant2...Category_Code=
http://www.sweetmarias.com/Merchant2...pler.8pack.jpg