Looking to purchase a coffee roaster. Any suggestions?

[Oscar Gonzalez]

I am in the market for a new or used roaster. I would also appreciate it if someone can recommend one to me.

I am currently looking at the Diedrich IR-3 roasters. I like the capacity and aesthetics of this type of roaster. Please advise of the pros and cons of this roaster or if you know of another brand of roaster that is comparable in performance, but not quite as expensive.

Please advise as to whether or not the Level 1 Automation of the IR-3 is worth the expense, both in the short run and the long run.

I am not familiar with any other brands, other than the Probat "Probatino" roaster. It appears as though the capacity of the Probatino does not compare to the IR-3.

I prefer to purchase something that has a good track record for reliability; I am going to delivering the roaster to the Cancun, Mexico area, so easy access to replacement parts and good service is crucial.

I would not mind purchasing a used roaster if it is in excellent condition.

Thank you.

[ColinO]

Hi Oscar,
I run a small company that builds fluid-bed roasters out of Portland Oregon. If you are interested in a fluid-bed take a look at our web page at www.heisroasters.com or send me an e-mail (e-mail posted on site).

Colin

[Steve Belt]

Hi Oscar,

I just purchased an IR-3 myself about a month ago. I would have preferred an IR-7, but I got a pretty good deal on the IR-3. Hopefully, I outgrow this one in the next 2 years, and I can keep it around for samples.

At any rate, regarding automation, honestly, I wouldn't get the automation. On the Diedrich, the automation puts you pretty far away from the roaster, making it difficult to see, hear, and smell what's going on, while at the same time, using the computer to change the roasting profile. It's especially difficult when you are experimenting with various roasts.

I'd just go the artisan route, and roast by your senses for a while. Possibly add some data gathering/logging on yourself, but adjust the roaster by hand. All sorts of factors can influence a roast, so even if you get something dialed in pretty close, it's still going to vary a bit from day to day and week to week.

[james kirk]

scaa is having their expo in aneheim ca. april 15-18 you could talk to sales reps. from many roaster manurfacters.

[Steve]

I'm stuck...manual or auto....as much as I agree with Steve B on his hands on perspective...I also see many hours in the future being wasted because I didnt do automation...HOWEVER.....i dont think you get the full understanding of roasting unless its done manually.......SO MUCH TO LEARN!!!! UHG!!!

Who has come across the best deals, and is deidrich will to deal on the price???

[Roman Leal]

Hey Oscar,

I've been using an IR-7 for the past 6 months and I've really loved it. I attended the Diedrich seminar and had the opportunity to roast on both automated and non-automated and I would definitely recommend non-automated. Keeping good roasting logs with a manual machine will give you just as much ability to achieve consistency in your roasts as you would have on an automated machine.

I don't think that Diedrich would be willing to negotiate on prices. If you're on a tight budget you might have to look into a used machine.

[jon]

Hi
Been using a IR-3 for a couple of years now and all is well. Manual... no question. Keep it clean and well lubed and you will have NO problems. Buy it new from Diedrich and give them what they want. It is worth every penny and the support you get "after" the purchase is priceless. If you plan on a wholesale business, go for the IR 7 or bigger.

j

[Chris]

The simpler the equipment the easier to maintain. the complex the controls the greater the cost of the parts and maint.

Hi, I chris, 30+ manufacturing. QC/QA R&D prod development.

Rule one : determine your level of comfort (Time in front of the machine) that your willing to put up with.
(2): how much experience do you have in roasting coffee. at the capacity you are looking to buy?
(3); Used equip has three problems to over come. a) used problems, b) original design flaws that will haunt you, c) availability of parts.
Generally; a refurbished machine will cost from 50 to 75% of original cost and should run like new. (coffee roasters are a small clan and well known among themselves, if there is a bad player they usually don last long.)

We use a probat L50 with NG jetting. it was built in 1968 and refurbished twice. the last time in 2005, we run the production line on a 10hr shift with a two hr clean and inspect.

controls: simple A/B universal with a honeywell auto pilot flow control.

We look at fluidized bed roasting built several but same problem in all weight loss was higher than conventional systems other than that they are great.

Fluidised bed systems by their nature are as cost effective as standard convective heat sys. on small scale less than 10Kg very good greater than 10kg cost are too high. 25%+ loss.

But..... these roaster will produce a faster roast more evenly roasted and brighter flavours than conventional.

(is it worth it?)

Parts? if the company is global and been around for a while (25yrs+) then the odds are good to fine parts new for used for your machine. A new drive belt for our roaster is $230 usd. I have one made locally for about 100. replaced every 5yrs (only needed 2)

Hope this helps.

ck