Popcorn Popper Coffee Roasting

trogdor · 09-25-2009, 08:57 AM

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.

09-25-2009, 08:57 AM	#10
trogdor Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: marc Posts: 146 Trading: (1)	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.