Fresh Roast Plus 8

[Fumes]

Originally Posted by ashtonlady

Hard cracking that sounds like popcorn is the first crack, the lighter is the 2nd crack and if you don't want burnt beans you don't want to go past this one.

Past the start of second crack and you're in FC territory, very soon into FC+. The sugars in the bean are carbonizing, the beans are getting oily, and you're probably seeing and smelling strong smoke.

Hmmm guess I'll need to figure out what the various levels are from experience...

You're right -- experimentation is the best way to go. Photos of roast levels are really hard to interpret.