Coffee Bean Roasting Using Current Popcorn Makers

dasher86 on 26/11/2018 - 16:10

I want to get into coffee roasting for personal consumption at home.
This is to be more of a hobby than anything else and I will probably do ~150grams per week.

All the research I have in regards to popcorn makers online is fairly old.

Does anyone use a popper to roast beans and had any experience with any of the current models?

I'm currently looking at the two models and tending towards the sunbeam - prior target machines have been recommended on coffeesnobs however not sure how they compare to the new model.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Sunbeam-CP4600-Popcorn-Maker-White…
https://www.target.com.au/p/target-popcorn-maker-tarpm245/60…

Any other model recommendations that can be easily obtained?

Food & Grocery Coffee Coffee Beans

Comments

  • altomic on 26/11/2018 - 16:34

    honestly, start trawling google

    I looked into it years ago -low coast coffee bean roasting using a popcorn maker or bread maker.

    popcorn makers were much of a muchness for roasting. - so a cheapy will suffice.

    this guide i found the most helpful for instructions.

    • dasher86 on 26/11/2018 - 16:44

      thanks for the reply.
      I did trawl google as above.
      I just wanted to know if anyone had an experience on some of the current ones on the market as there can be variations and mods required etc, the least modding the better.

  • carlJack on 26/11/2018 - 19:23

    I did it couple of years ago.I used the same sunbeam popcorn maker. It was fine.

    • dasher86 on 26/11/2018 - 20:05

      Thanks for the feedback.
      So you no longer roast your own?

      • carlJack on 26/11/2018 - 21:54

        yes.I stopped it when I couldn't find green beans for cheaper. It was fun while it lasted.

  • WreckTangle on 26/11/2018 - 19:59

    Have also done this with a Homemaker one. Very easy to burn the beans as it happens quite quick and can make lots of smoke. Great fun though!

  • JIMB0 on 26/11/2018 - 20:21

    I do it in the oven on a tray. Works well enough if you turn them often. Do it while cooking something else to save on gas.

    • dasher86 on 26/11/2018 - 20:57

      it's okay. i don't pay gas. but my oven is electric :/

  • tanksinatra on 26/11/2018 - 20:24

    I did it a few years ago with a popcorn maker using a narrowed tin can as a funnel.
    It worked well but was very fast and tended to over roast the beans.

  • hasselbladsnapper on 26/11/2018 - 21:37

    Had a go with home roasting, with a thick cast iron pan on the gas stove. Just about impossible to control the process, overoasting happens very fast. Advice - just stick with a good professional commercial roaster!!.

  • dasher86 on 11/12/2018 - 11:31

    thanks all i went with the sunbeam popcorn roaster listed.
    now to get some green beans.

  • Jules1234 on 07/03/2019 - 13:29

    Hi dasher,

    Wanting to get into home roasting myself. Interested to hear how you went with the Sunbeam roaster? Does it work well? Did you have to make any mods?

    Cheers,
    Julian

    • dasher86 on 07/03/2019 - 13:49

      works well. I haven't made any mods.
      I only roast 80gs at a time and give it adequate cooling down time before doing a second batch.
      its about a ~30 min process to do 160gs so can take some time.
      I wouldn't want to do more than 160gs in one sitting. machine can get hot.
      I leave the plastic bit off.
      I believe i managed to get the sunbeam popper for about ~$20 from the good guys on sale.

      And i still use it to make popcorn =P

      • Jules1234 on 07/03/2019 - 13:59

        Legend! Thanks mate - will pick one up tonight :)

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