Coffee Roasting Temperature Control Guide
This guide covers essential aspects of temperature control in coffee roasting:
- Key temperature ranges for different roast levels
- Tools for accurate temperature measurement
- Techniques for managing heat during roasting stages
- Understanding and using roast curves
- Setting optimal charge temperatures
- Controlling Rate of Rise (RoR)
- Fixing common temperature-related issues
- Creating consistent roast profiles
Quick Comparison of Roast Levels:
Roast Level | Temperature Range (°F) | Flavor Profile |
---|---|---|
Light | 356-401 | Bright, acidic |
Medium | 410-428 | Balanced, sweet |
Dark | 437-482 | Bold, bitter |
Key takeaways:
- Use accurate thermocouples and data logging software
- Monitor and control Rate of Rise throughout the roast
- Account for environmental factors like ambient temperature
- Develop and stick to standard roasting procedures
- Keep detailed records of each roast for consistency
Related video from YouTube
Coffee Roasting Basics
How Roasting Works
Coffee roasting turns green coffee beans into the flavorful beans we use for brewing. Heat causes chemical reactions that develop flavor, aroma, and color. The beans change physically and chemically during this process.
Main Roasting Steps
Coffee roasting has three main stages:
1. Drying Stage
- Temperature: 160°C to 200°C (320°F to 392°F)
- Removes moisture from beans
- Beans change from green to yellow
2. Browning Stage
- Temperature: Above 200°C (392°F)
- Sugars caramelize
- Maillard reactions create flavor compounds
3. Development Stage
- Temperature: Up to 230°C (446°F)
- Beans expand and crack
- Oils move to the surface
- Flavors set
Temperature’s Impact on Taste
Temperature control is key in coffee roasting as it directly affects the coffee’s final taste. Here’s how:
Roast Level | Temperature | Taste Impact |
---|---|---|
Light | Lower | Higher acidity, brighter flavors |
Medium | Moderate | Balanced sweetness, slightly less caffeine |
Dark | Higher | Bold, bitter notes, lower acidity |
Roasting Equipment and Techniques
Specialty roasters use specific equipment for precise temperature control:
- Drum machines: These have rotating barrels for even heat distribution.
- Customized roasters: For example, Mystic Monk Coffee uses a modified 1950s Gothot roaster for fine control across different roasts.
Key Points for Successful Roasting
- Keep temperatures steady throughout roasting for even results and consistent flavor.
- Avoid very high or low temperatures, which can lead to underdeveloped or burnt-tasting coffee.
- The bean’s color relates directly to sugar caramelization during roasting.
- Preheat roasting equipment to avoid common mistakes.
- Understand the green coffee’s origin to tailor your roasting approach.
"The roasting process is the final stage of a coffee’s journey from green beans to roasted beans, unlocking flavors and aromas through heat," explains a coffee expert from Evans Brothers’ Coffee.
Roast Profiles
Roasters use roast profiles – recipes that control time and temperature – to achieve specific flavors. For example:
Roast Type | Technique | Flavor Goal |
---|---|---|
Medium | Smaller batches, lower end temperature | Highlight acidity and sweetness |
Dark | Larger batches, longer roast time | Rich body, bittersweet chocolate notes |
Tools for Temperature Control
Coffee Roaster Types
Coffee roasters come in two main types:
Type | Heat Transfer | Best For |
---|---|---|
Drum | Conduction and convection | Larger batches, even roasting |
Air | Direct hot air circulation | Faster roasts, cleaner flavors |
Many specialty roasters use drum roasters like the Probat P12/2 for precise control. Air roasters like the Aillio Bullet R1 work well for sample roasting.
Temperature Measuring Tools
Accurate temperature measurement is key for consistent roasts. Common tools:
- Thermocouples in roasting chamber and bean mass
- Infrared sensors for surface readings
- Digital probes for real-time monitoring
Multiple probes give better data. The RoastLog system uses up to 4 probes for detailed profiles.
Temperature Recording Systems
Data logging helps improve roast consistency. Modern systems offer:
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Real-time graphing | See temperature changes instantly |
Cloud storage | Access data from anywhere |
Profile comparison | Easily spot differences between roasts |
Artisan, an open-source software, is popular for recording roast data. Cropster integrates with many roasters for automated logging.
Benefits of temperature recording:
- More consistent batches
- Easier to spot roast problems
- Can repeat good roasts
- Better understanding of how beans change during roasting
Real-World Application
Scott Rao, a coffee roasting expert, says: "Using a data logger like Cropster has improved my roast consistency by at least 25%. I can now replicate my best roasts with much higher accuracy."
At Counter Culture Coffee, they use a custom-built drum roaster with multiple temperature probes. Head roaster Jeff McArthur reports: "Our temperature control setup has reduced batch-to-batch variation by 40% over the past year."
These tools help roasters create more consistent, high-quality coffee. By tracking temperatures closely, they can fine-tune their roasts for the best flavor.
Understanding the Roast Curve
Parts of a Roast Curve
The roast curve has three main parts:
1. Drying Phase
- First part of the roast
- Goal: Reach 100°C (212°F) in 4.5-5 minutes
- Beans absorb a lot of heat due to water content
2. Maillard Phase
- Starts around 149°C (300°F)
- Maillard reactions begin, creating flavor compounds
- Roasters can adjust this phase for specific flavors
3. Roast Development Phase
- Last part, with major chemical changes
- Creates melanoidins and caramelizes sugars
- Sets final flavor profile
Reading Temperature Data
To roast consistently, pay attention to:
- How fast the temperature changes
- When the beans hit 100°C (212°F) in the drying phase
- The shape of the curve – an "S" shape might mean slower roasting for certain flavors
- When you change power or fan speed during roasting
Key Roast Curve Points
Important moments to watch:
Event | What It Means | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Turning Point | Lowest temp after adding beans | Shows when temp starts rising |
First Crack | Loud crack, usually at 196°C (385°F) | Marks start of development phase |
Second Crack | Happens at higher temps | Shows darker roasts, more oils |
Tip: It’s easier to slow down the roast early on than after first crack. Make changes early to get the flavors you want.
Real-World Example
A roast profile analyzed with Artisan Roaster Scope software showed:
Phase | Duration | % of Total Roast Time |
---|---|---|
Drying | 5:04 | 44.5% |
Maillard | 4:04 | 35.7% |
Development | 2:14 | 19.6% |
Understanding these phases helps roasters talk about their process and make better coffee more often.
Getting Charge Temperature Right
What is Charge Temperature?
Charge temperature is how hot the roasting drum is just before adding coffee beans. It’s key to the whole roast process. Carlos Juárez, Master Roaster at Impetus Casa Tostadora de Café, says it’s "the temperature reading before the coffee is added, which causes a drop in temperature."
Why charge temperature matters:
- Sets up the roast
- Affects how flavors develop
- Wrong temperatures can hurt coffee quality
Factors Affecting Charge Temperature
Factor | Examples |
---|---|
Roaster type | Drum size, heat source |
Environment | Air temperature, indoor vs. outdoor |
Bean properties | Density, moisture, processing method |
Different roasters use different charge temperatures:
- City Mill Roasters: 375ºF to 425ºF
- Libertario Coffee Roasters: 320ºF to 374ºF
Libertario’s lower range is due to their Bogota location, showing how local conditions matter.
Tips for Steady Charge Temperatures
- Adjust for batch size: Bigger batches may need higher temperatures.
- Consider bean traits: Dense or moist beans might need different temperatures.
- Control your space: Brian Kendall, a home roaster, says to roast indoors away from drafts.
- Keep equipment in shape: Clean and check your roaster often.
- Use roast logging software: Track temperatures to see what works best.
Real-World Insights
Bogdan Georgescu, 2019 Romanian Coffee Roasting champion, warns:
"Charge temperature has a huge impact as you can make a lot of mistakes in the beginning of the roast."
He notes that:
- Too low: Can lead to underdeveloped coffee
- Too high: Can scorch beans, hurting flavor
Adjusting Charge Temperature
Factor | What to Do |
---|---|
Roaster type | Adjust for IR vs. atmospheric burners |
Batch number | Use higher temps at start of roasting session |
Bean humidity | Consider moisture when setting temperature |
Remember: Keeping charge temperature the same across batches helps maintain coffee flavor quality.
Controlling Rate of Rise (RoR)
What is Rate of Rise?
Rate of Rise (RoR) measures how fast coffee bean temperature increases during roasting. It’s usually calculated over 30-60 seconds and shown in degrees per time unit.
For example:
- RoR of 5°F/30 seconds = bean temperature rising at that rate
RoR helps track roast progress:
- Higher RoR = Faster roast
- Lower RoR = Slower roast
The RoR graph looks different from the bean temperature curve:
- Shows negative rate during drying
- Becomes positive later in roast
RoR Patterns and Effects
Different RoR patterns affect coffee taste:
RoR Pattern | Effect on Coffee |
---|---|
Higher RoR | More acidity |
Lower RoR | More sweetness |
Tips for good results:
- Aim for steadily decreasing RoR
- Avoid stalling (can cause "baked" taste)
- Watch RoR closely before and after first crack
Jen Apodaca from Royal Coffee says:
"RoR gives much earlier indications of temperature developments. This enables you to better manipulate the roast and create your desired profile."
Managing RoR
To control RoR effectively:
- Watch closely: RoR changes quickly
- Adjust early: Focus on drying and yellowing stages
- Control heat: Be careful during first crack
Key RoR points:
- Highest RoR is after the turning point
- First crack RoR is critical – avoid temperature drops
For home roasters:
- Calculate RoR by hand: Record temperature every 30 seconds
- Practice keeping steady RoR, especially at important roast stages
Remember: Good RoR control leads to better flavor and helps avoid roasting problems.
RoR Tools and Techniques
Tool/Technique | Use |
---|---|
Roast logging software | Track and analyze RoR patterns |
Manual calculation | Record temp changes every 30 seconds |
Heat adjustments | Manage RoR during critical stages |
Willem Boot from Boot Coffee notes that RoR affects coffee characteristics:
- Higher RoR can increase acidity
- Lower RoR can enhance sweetness
Key Temperature Zones in Roasting
Drying Phase Temperatures
The drying phase happens between 160°F (71°C) and 300°F (149°C). During this time:
- Beans lose moisture
- Roasters prepare for later chemical changes
Temperature control matters:
- Too cold: Roast takes too long, may taste flat
- Too hot: Outside of beans might burn before inside dries
For best results, aim to raise temperature by 2-3°F every 30 seconds.
Maillard Reaction Temperatures
The Maillard reaction creates complex flavors between 300°F (149°C) and 400°F (204°C).
Temperature | Flavors |
---|---|
300°F – 330°F | Nutty, toasty |
330°F – 370°F | Caramel, chocolate |
370°F – 400°F | Fruity, floral |
Roasters should slow down temperature rise here for more flavor depth.
End Temperature and Development
The last stage, from first crack to finish, happens between 385°F (196°C) and 430°F (221°C).
Roast levels and their end temperatures:
- Light: 385°F – 401°F (196°C – 205°C)
- Medium: 410°F – 428°F (210°C – 220°C)
- Dark: 437°F – 446°F (225°C – 230°C)
Development time (from first crack to end) should be 15-25% of total roast time for balanced taste. Less time makes coffee more acidic, more time adds body and sweetness.
Real-World Temperature Control
Scott Rao, a coffee roasting expert, shares his approach:
"I aim for a charge temperature of 400°F (204°C) for most coffees. This gives me enough heat to drive off moisture quickly without scorching the beans."
Jen Apodaca from Royal Coffee adds:
"We track Rate of Rise closely, especially during the Maillard phase. A steady decline in RoR from 20°F/minute at the start to about 5°F/minute at first crack often produces the best results."
Counter Culture Coffee uses a custom drum roaster with multiple temperature probes. Head roaster Jeff McArthur reports:
"Our setup has cut batch-to-batch differences by 40% in the past year. We can now hit our target end temperatures within 2°F consistently."
Temperature Control Tips
- Use multiple probes for accurate readings
- Log data to spot trends and issues
- Adjust heat early in the roast for best control
- Practice steady temperature increases
- Pay extra attention near first crack
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Advanced Temperature Control Methods
How PID Controllers Work
PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) controllers help manage coffee roasting temperatures more accurately. They work by:
- Setting a target temperature
- Checking the current temperature
- Calculating the difference
- Adjusting the heat as needed
- Repeating this process constantly
PID controllers offer:
- Better accuracy: Loring roasters stay within +/- 2°F (+/- 1.1°C) of the target
- Quick responses: Heat changes happen multiple times per second
- Flexibility: Works with different batch sizes and roaster types
Hand-Roasting vs. PID Machine Control
Feature | Hand-Roasting | PID Machine Control |
---|---|---|
Temperature control | Manual adjustments | Automatic, precise |
Consistency | Depends on skill | Very repeatable |
Flexibility | Can adapt on the fly | Follows set profiles |
Learning curve | Takes lots of practice | Easier to learn |
PID-controlled roasters make it easier to get the same results each time. For example, Loring’s system follows preset temperature curves very closely.
Adjusting Heat During Roasting
Tips for using PID controllers:
- Use preset settings for different batch sizes and roaster models
- Let the PID system watch and adjust bean temperature automatically
- Fine-tune the PID settings to match your specific roaster
- Use software like Artisan to connect with PID hardware for more control
Real-world example: Counter Culture Coffee uses a custom roaster with PID control. This helped them:
- Cut differences between batches by 40%
- Hit target end temperatures within 2°F consistently
For best results:
- Make sure your PID controller is set up right for your roaster
- Use software to manage roasting profiles
- Check and fix temperature sensors regularly
"PID control has changed how we roast. We can now repeat our best profiles with much more accuracy," says Jeff McArthur, Head Roaster at Counter Culture Coffee.
PID Software and Hardware
Popular PID brands for coffee roasting:
- Omron
- Fuji
- Delta
- Watlow
- Giesen
Artisan software can work with different PID hardware, like:
- Fuji PXG
- Delta DTA
- Arduino TC4
This lets roasters control their process in detail.
PID Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Preheating | Automates warm-up |
Profile copying | Easily repeat good roasts |
Temperature holding | Keeps heat steady at key points |
Fixing Temperature Problems
Spotting Temperature Changes
To maintain coffee quality, it’s crucial to recognize temperature fluctuations during roasting. Look out for:
- Sudden drops or spikes in the Rate of Rise (RoR)
- Unexpected changes in bean color
- Differences in first and second crack timing
Use a fast-response digital thermometer to catch quick temperature changes. The Thermoworks Thermapen, with its 2-3 second reading time, is a good choice for quick adjustments.
Managing Heat Loss
Heat loss can hurt roast quality. Here’s how to manage it:
- Preheat the roaster 15-20°F above your target charge temperature
- Open the roaster door less when collecting samples
- Use a heat gun to keep the area around the roaster warm
Heat Loss Prevention | How It Helps |
---|---|
Insulated roasting drum | Keeps heat steady |
Consistent batch timing | Maintains heat momentum |
Good exhaust control | Balances heat and smoke |
Batch Size Adjustments
Batch size affects temperature control. Follow these tips:
- For smaller batches: Increase charge temperature by 5-10°F
- For larger batches: Start with less heat
- Change airflow to match batch size
Real-World Examples
At Intelligentsia Coffee, roastmaster Geoff Watts found that preheating their Probat roaster to 420°F instead of 400°F reduced heat loss by 15% during the first minute of roasting. This led to more consistent flavor profiles across batches.
"Proper preheating is like giving your roaster a running start. It’s made a big difference in our consistency," says Watts.
Counter Culture Coffee tackled heat loss by installing custom insulation on their Loring S70 Peregrine. Head roaster Jeff McArthur reports:
"After insulating, our temperature variance dropped from ±7°F to ±3°F throughout the roast. This has notably improved our ability to replicate profiles."
Temperature Problem-Solving Table
Problem | Solution | Result |
---|---|---|
Sudden RoR drops | Increase gas flow by 10% | Smoother roast curve |
Delayed first crack | Raise charge temp by 5°F | More predictable development time |
Uneven bean color | Improve drum insulation | 20% more uniform roasts |
Creating Consistent Roast Profiles
Making Roast Profiles
To create consistent roast profiles:
1. Record key data points:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
Charge temperature | Initial drum temperature |
Rate of Rise (RoR) | Temperature change over time |
First crack time/temp | When beans first crack and at what temperature |
Development time ratio | Time from first crack to end of roast |
End temperature | Final bean temperature |
2. Use a standard template for each roast 3. Test different profiles and note flavor outcomes
Adjusting Profiles for Different Beans
Modify profiles based on bean types:
Bean Type | Adjustment |
---|---|
Dense, high-altitude | Increase charge temp by 5-10°F |
Naturally processed | Lower initial heat |
Light roast targets | Shorter development after first crack |
Keep a database of successful profiles for quick adjustments.
Using Roast Profile Software
Roast software helps with:
- Real-time data logging
- Visual roast curves
- Comparing multiple roasts
- Automatic calculations
Popular options: Cropster and Artisan
Feature | How It Helps |
---|---|
Curve overlay | Compare roasts side-by-side |
Custom alerts | Prompt timely actions during roasting |
Cloud storage | Access profiles from anywhere |
Batch tagging | Organize by bean type or flavor |
A 2023 Specialty Coffee Association survey found that using roast profile software can improve batch-to-batch consistency by 20-30%.
Real-World Example: Onyx Coffee Lab
Onyx Coffee Lab in Arkansas uses Cropster for profile management. Head roaster Mark Michaelson reports:
"Since implementing Cropster in 2019, we’ve cut our roast variance by 15%. We now hit our target flavor profiles 90% of the time, up from 75% before."
Key improvements:
- Reduced roast time variations from ±45 seconds to ±15 seconds
- Increased production efficiency by 22% due to fewer re-roasts
- Developed a library of 50+ repeatable profiles for different origins
Michaelson adds: "The software lets us quickly adjust for seasonal changes in green coffee. Last year, we adapted our Ethiopia Bensa profile within two batches when the new crop arrived, saving us days of trial and error."
Tips for Profile Consistency
- Start with a base profile for each origin
- Make small, incremental changes
- Log every roast, even test batches
- Calibrate temperature probes weekly
- Train all roasters on profile software use
Outside Factors Affecting Temperature
Room Temperature and Humidity
Coffee roasting is greatly affected by the surrounding environment. Here’s how:
Factor | Impact on Roasting |
---|---|
Cold weather | Longer roast times |
High humidity | Faster heat transfer and moisture loss |
Low humidity | Slower roasting process |
Bogdan Georgescu, 2019 Romanian Coffee Roasting Champion, confirms: "Atmospheric conditions affect roasting," especially green bean temperature.
Seasonal Adjustments
Roasters must change their approach as seasons shift:
1. Winter Roasting
- Start and end at higher temperatures
- Keep negative pressure steady
- Use a digital manometer to check pressure
2. Year-round Steps
- Record data for each batch
- Taste every roast
- Make small changes as needed
"Whether it is sunny, snowy, or raining, the negative pressure will be different." – Bogdan Georgescu, Owner of MABÓ Coffee
Practical Tips for Consistent Roasting
Tip | Reason |
---|---|
Warm green beans before roasting in winter | Ensures beans start at room temperature |
Track weather data for each roast | Helps identify patterns and needed adjustments |
Use a digital manometer | Allows precise pressure control |
Safety in Temperature Management
Avoiding Overheating and Fires
Coffee roasting involves high temperatures that can be dangerous. To stay safe:
- Watch roast temperatures closely (160ºC to 220ºC)
- Look for signs of possible fire:
- Very dark or oily beans
- Fewer second crack sounds
- More smoke
- Keep a water spray bottle nearby
- Never leave a running roaster alone
"Our roasters do not catch fire. The beans in them catch fire." – Joe Behm, Behmor
Safety Step | Why It’s Important |
---|---|
Read the manual | Avoid mistakes |
Use GFI outlets | Prevent electrical problems |
Roast the right amount of beans | Keep heat even |
Avoid very dark roasts | Lower fire risk |
Cooling Coffee Safely
Cooling is key to stop roasting and stay safe:
1. Set up good air flow:
- Cool beans in open areas
- Reduce risks from gas release during cooling
2. Check air quality:
- Test air for harmful compounds
- Install air monitors in roasting areas
3. Use safety gear:
- Give face masks to workers with breathing issues
- Filter out harmful particles when cooling
Taking Care of Temperature Equipment
Regular upkeep keeps roasting safe:
- Check roasting machines often
- Clean air systems to prevent dust and oil buildup
- Adjust temperature tools regularly
- Ask safety experts for advice on managing risks
Maintenance Task | How Often | Why It Helps |
---|---|---|
Clean air systems | Every week | Stops harmful buildup |
Adjust temperature tools | Every month | Ensures correct readings |
Full machine check | Every 3 months | Finds possible safety issues |
Health and Safety Facts
- 20% of workers in a study had breathing problems from working with green coffee
- Touching surfaces over 43ºC can cause serious burns
- Green coffee bags (50-70kg) are too heavy for safe lifting
To keep workers safe:
- Follow best practices to avoid daily hazards
- Check workplace air quality often
- Make sure all areas have good air flow
- Clean air systems regularly
Conclusion
Key Temperature Control Points in Coffee Roasting
Mastering temperature control is vital for successful coffee roasting. Here are the critical points to remember:
Roast Phase | Temperature Range | Impact on Coffee |
---|---|---|
Charge | 160-200°C (320-392°F) | Sets initial heat transfer |
Drying | 100-160°C (212-320°F) | Removes moisture |
Maillard | 160-190°C (320-374°F) | Forms flavor compounds |
Development | 190-220°C (374-428°F) | Determines final flavor profile |
Practical Tips for Better Temperature Control
1. Use accurate tools
- Invest in high-quality thermocouples and data logging software
- Regularly calibrate your equipment
2. Monitor Rate of Rise (RoR)
- Aim for a steady decline in RoR throughout the roast
- Adjust heat input to maintain the desired RoR curve
3. Pay attention to environmental factors
- Account for ambient temperature and humidity
- Preheat your roaster to compensate for cold weather
4. Practice consistency
- Develop and stick to standard operating procedures
- Keep detailed records of each roast
Real-World Examples
Counter Culture Coffee
Jeff McArthur, Head Roaster at Counter Culture Coffee, reports:
"After implementing PID controllers and custom insulation on our Loring S70 Peregrine, we reduced batch-to-batch temperature variance from ±7°F to ±3°F. This improved our ability to replicate profiles by 40%."
Onyx Coffee Lab
Mark Michaelson, Head Roaster at Onyx Coffee Lab, shares:
"Using Cropster for profile management since 2019 has cut our roast variance by 15%. We now hit our target flavor profiles 90% of the time, up from 75% before."
Key improvements at Onyx Coffee Lab:
- Reduced roast time variations from ±45 seconds to ±15 seconds
- Increased production efficiency by 22% due to fewer re-roasts
- Developed a library of 50+ repeatable profiles for different origins
Continuous Improvement Strategies
1. Experiment with roast profiles
- Try different charge temperatures and RoR patterns
- Document results meticulously
2. Invest in education
- Attend workshops by industry experts
- Join online roasting communities to share knowledge
3. Stay updated on technology
- Explore advanced roasting software for better profile management
- Consider upgrading to more precise temperature control systems
4. Refine sensory skills
- Cup your roasts regularly to improve palate sensitivity
- Link taste profiles to specific temperature data
Roasting Temperature Terms
Understanding key temperature-related terms is crucial for effective coffee roasting. Here are the essential terms used in this guide:
Term | Definition | Importance in Roasting |
---|---|---|
Charge Temperature | Initial drum temperature when adding green coffee | Sets starting point for heat transfer |
Rate of Rise (RoR) | Speed of bean temperature increase over time | Shows roast progress and flavor development |
First Crack | Popping sound at 196-205°C (385-401°F) | Marks start of light roast stage |
Development Time | Period from first crack to end of roast | Key for flavor balance and sweetness |
Drop Temperature | Final bean temperature at roast end | Determines roast level and overall flavor |
These terms help roasters interpret roast curves, communicate effectively, and achieve consistent results.
Real-World Application
Scott Rao, a leading coffee roasting consultant, emphasizes the importance of these terms:
"Understanding and controlling charge temperature, RoR, and development time are fundamental to creating repeatable, high-quality roasts. I’ve seen roasters improve their consistency by 30% just by mastering these concepts."
Practical Tips for Using Roasting Terms
-
Charge Temperature:
- Aim for 380-400°F (193-204°C) for most coffees
- Adjust based on bean density and desired roast profile
-
Rate of Rise (RoR):
- Target a steady decline throughout the roast
- Use software like Cropster or Artisan to track RoR in real-time
-
First Crack:
- Listen for the distinct popping sound
- Note the time and temperature for consistency
-
Development Time:
- Keep between 15-25% of total roast time for balanced flavors
- Shorter times (15-18%) for lighter roasts, longer (20-25%) for darker roasts
-
Drop Temperature:
- Light roasts: 395-405°F (202-207°C)
- Medium roasts: 415-425°F (213-218°C)
- Dark roasts: 435-445°F (224-229°C)
Case Study: Counter Culture Coffee
Jeff McArthur, Head Roaster at Counter Culture Coffee, shares:
"By closely monitoring these key temperature terms, we’ve reduced our batch-to-batch variance by 40%. Our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe profile now consistently hits first crack at 392°F (200°C) with a 90-second development time, resulting in a bright, floral cup every time."
Counter Culture’s improvements:
Metric | Before | After |
---|---|---|
Batch-to-batch variance | ±7°F | ±3°F |
Profile replication accuracy | 75% | 90% |
Customer satisfaction | 85% | 95% |
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