Green Coffee Buying Club

Coffee Discussion boards => Hardware & Equipment => Topic started by: wsikes on January 03, 2012, 02:51:02 PM

Title: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 03, 2012, 02:51:02 PM
I have a Behmor 1600 roaster and am quite satisfied with it, however, it is not a 1 pound roaster.  You CAN roast 1 pound of beans in it, but you will only get optimum results if you roast 12 ounces or less in it.  I paid ~$300 for it (including free shipping and free beans).  It was the most reasonable roaster at the lowest price I could find without building my own, which my health prevents me from doing.  The roaster is very good, but come on, it is not GREAT.  It has flexibility, but could have much more if it had different software and maybe a different heater element design.  I am not trashing the Behmor... it is the best roaster available at the price and it allows me to roast some very very nice coffee beans.
Having said that...
In this day and age where technology is king, we can buy a computer (that would have been classified as a supercomputer 10 years ago) for around $500 INCLUDING the monitor.  WHY can't we buy a really nice 1-2 pound coffee roaster for that price?  It's not rocket science... or is it?

Bill

Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 03, 2012, 03:08:23 PM
Economics & economy of scale. Would you rather build 20,000 roasters that'd sell for $500 each, or 100 roasters sold at $10,000 per unit? Remember, you can't just  build equipment; you also have to service it & provide warranty support.

It's just simpler to concentrate on the upper tier of the market. And remember, the lower end of the market is inhabited mostly by hobby roasters, and 1 pound is at the upper limit of what they'll consume before it stales. So I doubt if there's enough consumer demand to justify building such a model at a lower price point.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: grinderz on January 03, 2012, 03:47:42 PM
Why don't you troll the forums and see if someone would be willing to sell you one of their home built roasters? I can do a pound in my SC\GC with the bottom heat left on in the Stir Crazy and about a pound and a half in my HG/BM (heat gun bread machine), BTW.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 03, 2012, 03:50:51 PM
I built a drum roaster several years ago, I called it the redneck roaster, I used a foreman style grill and a paint can (new can no paint ever in it) and stainless steel screen, it easily did a pound and cost me about 125 tops to build.

on your question though, how big do you honestly think the market is ?  If you are roasting more than a pound at a time, are you really 'hobbyist' then?   why not do several batches of 12 oz, if you are doing 15 batches a week, again, you are not a hobbyist, you are more a commercial roaster, and the behmore or any other 'hobby' roaster won't hold up long at that kind of use... you complain and warranty issues arise.     Which is why they make 1500 dollar roasters that CAN hold up to that amount of work.

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 03, 2012, 03:54:42 PM
The UL listing is a pain in the ass for it yakster.
For the 120V though, if your heating element is cycling on and off then it's essentially at it's optimal temperature.  if you put 220 in there, yes it may get hotter faster, but will still shut off the elements until temp cools down to turn on temp again...   The only difference I possibly see is, it getting to the cycle temp faster initially and giving a longer period of up and down, but still...

I do believe they have a 'fix' you can do to it that will allow it to easily do a full pound but it voids the warranty or something if you do it.

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 03, 2012, 04:18:19 PM
Hobby roasters - built in ejection, limited controls, and CYA protection against getting sued by someone who doesn't know what he's doing.

Pro roasters - expectations that intricate controls will be enhanced by operator experience, and safety is part of the operators responsibility.

I'd put a Sonofresco into the former category. If it was any more limited in functionality it wouldn't be worth buying. As it is, it's only marginally better than a HT as a consumer roaster.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 03, 2012, 04:23:51 PM
I don't know about the cya part all too much.    Ive really cooked some roasts in my 'novice' roaster Tex  :o

But on that, if you really F up a roast that bad, I think id actually want it cooking off in a big heavy cast iron roaster than a flimsy pressed sheet metal one to be honest, more containment that way if you ask me.

just my two beans

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 03, 2012, 04:33:23 PM
I don't know about the cya part all too much.    Ive really cooked some roasts in my 'novice' roaster Tex  :o

But on that, if you really F up a roast that bad, I think id actually want it cooking off in a big heavy cast iron roaster than a flimsy pressed sheet metal one to be honest, more containment that way if you ask me.

just my two beans

Aaron

Containment isn't so critical - it's preventing an inrush of air that keeps any roaster from going up in flames. In a fluid bed roaster like the Sono, fresh air is part of the process. If the upper limit shutoff fails you've got a blow torch on your hands.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 04, 2012, 01:04:59 PM
Well if it happens in summer, you can smoke the skeeters out of your yard for about a month heh.

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: hankua on January 05, 2012, 08:01:37 AM
Hey Aaron: Lloyd Grokett in Texas builds the Hand Cranked Coffee Roaster and sells on Ebay as http://myworld.ebay.com/lloyddster/?_trksid=p4340.l2559. (http://myworld.ebay.com/lloyddster/?_trksid=p4340.l2559.) (Lloyddster).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250949126999&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123#ht_500wt_1413 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250949126999&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123#ht_500wt_1413)

I've emailed back and forth with Lloyd about his machine, he's on version three already. Only builds several a year as a part time venture and the machine has what may be the basics of a great roaster. 3/16" carbon steel solid drum ventilated in the back. It can be motorized as well as the shaft hangs out the back enough to attach a pulley. The burners can be modified with more control, and a chaff collector and air fan could be attached to the tube in the front of the machine, like the Huky500 uses. According to Lloyd, the new tryer design is self-dumping and does not have to be turned.

His roaster has sold all over the US and overseas; the design concept is outdoor market roaster but could be adapted by a hobbyist.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 05, 2012, 08:30:56 AM
Hey Aaron: Lloyd Grokett in Texas builds the Hand Cranked Coffee Roaster and sells on Ebay as [url]http://myworld.ebay.com/lloyddster/?_trksid=p4340.l2559.[/url] ([url]http://myworld.ebay.com/lloyddster/?_trksid=p4340.l2559.[/url]) (Lloyddster).


Looks solid like a war tank.

I like it.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 05, 2012, 08:38:08 AM
Hey Aaron: Lloyd Grokett in Texas builds the Hand Cranked Coffee Roaster and sells on Ebay as [url]http://myworld.ebay.com/lloyddster/?_trksid=p4340.l2559.[/url] ([url]http://myworld.ebay.com/lloyddster/?_trksid=p4340.l2559.[/url]) (Lloyddster).


Looks solid like a war tank.

I like it.


Redundancy alert!


Maybe there are peace tanks somewhere?
(http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8908/800xo.jpg)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 05, 2012, 08:42:34 AM
I can see it now.

Why is your right arm so big?

From turning a coffee roaster for 3 hours

Right.....
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 05, 2012, 08:46:44 AM
Redundancy alert!


Maybe there are peace tanks somewhere?


Did you know there are different uses and build ups on tanks?

"After sustaining slight damage to one of the Leopards, the advancing peacekeeping tanks returned fire"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Amanda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Amanda)



Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 05, 2012, 08:59:00 AM
Redundancy alert!

Maybe there are peace tanks somewhere?

Did you know there are different uses and build ups on tanks?

Tanks for the clarification! ;D
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Charly on January 05, 2012, 09:01:30 AM
I can see it now.

Why is your right arm so big?

From turning a coffee roaster for 3 hours

Right.....

  My first commercial roaster was a home built, 6 lb. batch hand cranked unit that stuck into my brick oven. After a couple of years of daily multi batch roasting I did have one forearm just like Popeye's. True story  8)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 05, 2012, 09:04:47 AM
I can see it now.

Why is your right arm so big?

From turning a coffee roaster for 3 hours

Right.....

  My first commercial roaster was a home built, 6 lb. batch hand cranked unit that stuck into my brick oven. After a couple of years of daily multi batch roasting I did have one forearm just like Popeye's. True story  8)

HeeHee... Right, turning the crank. HeeHee...
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 05, 2012, 09:12:46 AM
  My first commercial roaster was a home built, 6 lb. batch hand cranked unit that stuck into my brick oven.

I thought you had bicycle pedals on that thing....I remember it that way anyhow.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Charly on January 05, 2012, 11:08:51 AM
  My first commercial roaster was a home built, 6 lb. batch hand cranked unit that stuck into my brick oven.

I thought you had bicycle pedals on that thing....I remember it that way anyhow.

 Bicycle sprocket, pedal replaced by wood handle
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 05, 2012, 12:57:13 PM
so there WAS wood involved in the huge forearm?   ;D

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 07:44:13 AM
Is it too much to ask for a Sonofresco clone for $300?   8)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: milowebailey on January 07, 2012, 07:50:32 AM
Is it too much to ask for a Sonofresco clone for $300?   8)

They make one

Coffee Roasting Tutorial: The Popcorn Popper Method (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTsC6JWM0qU#ws)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 07, 2012, 07:50:55 AM
Is it too much to ask for a Sonofresco clone for $300?   8)

Build it and I'll be your first customer. ::) But first, what are its specs going to be?
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 08:10:38 AM
Thanks Milo...
I can tell you that my Poppery, Poppery II, and my W.B. Pumper were considerably less than $300.  I use a couple of them at a time simultaneously in warm weather.  I guess I could use multiple Behmors during cold weather, but there goes my budget.
Roaster prices are ridiculous... unless you have a lot more $$$ than I do.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 08:30:02 AM
Coffee roasters are not mass produced consumer goods and seem to be priced accordingly to their market.
As opposed to being priced according to build and marketing cost?
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 08:30:57 AM
Milo... you have too much time on your hands...  8)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: milowebailey on January 07, 2012, 08:37:33 AM
Milo... you have too much time on your hands...  8)
So you think I have too much time and too much money.... I don't think I have either, but it seems I have offended you somehow so I'll not offer you anymore of my time.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 08:55:39 AM
Milo... what did I say that offended you?  You think I never heard of a Popcorn Popper?  I'm not the afficianado that you are, so I am what... a moron?
Sorry I touched a nerve... guess I'll have to be very careful how I use my sense of humor, even if some other folks don't seem to feel the need.
I did not intend to offend you... and I guess you didn't mean to offend me by "introducing" me to the world of Popcorn Poppers.
Thank you, Milo.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 07, 2012, 09:30:29 AM
Oooh... I like when someone besides me or Peter get touchy with each other! So, we'll see the two of you behind the gym after last period?

Toe the mark... and fight!
(http://www.joeclipart.com/blog/images/2011/01/20110107billmurray.gif)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 07, 2012, 09:34:45 AM
and I didn't even have anything to do with this one.... sweet!!

That picture looks like Bill Murray

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 09:36:32 AM
Oooh... I like when someone besides me or Peter get touchy with each other! So, we'll see the two of you behind the gym after last period?
LOL... OK... so I WAY overreacted.  Actually we used to meet at the bridge in the woods across from the school.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 07, 2012, 09:47:01 AM
and I didn't even have anything to do with this one.... sweet!!

That picture looks like Bill Murray

Aaron


Like thisun better?
(http://photos.upi.com/topics-Bob-Hope-is-ready-to-take-on-Jack-Dempsey-for-a-TV-skit/7cc022f4a9ee5e21a36ca75e406c2e57/J_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 11:01:38 AM
Never used gloves Tex... my Dad used them when he fought in the ring, but not out of the ring.  Never found them to be necessary... gloves off!   :)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: peter on January 07, 2012, 11:14:34 AM
I don't think this is anything more than the typed word being insufficient to convey sentiment very well.  Everyone go back to their coffee-roasting.  <angel>
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 07, 2012, 11:36:54 AM
I don't think this is anything more than the typed word being insufficient to convey sentiment very well.  Everyone go back to their coffee-roasting.  <angel>


Doing a bit of roll playing as a nice guy today Peter?
(http://www.realbollywood.com/up_images/2728y.jpg)
It doesn't suit you!
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 12:09:24 PM
I don't think this is anything more than the typed word being insufficient to convey sentiment very well.  Everyone go back to their coffee-roasting.  <angel>
Peter...  I asked about why no one could build a larger roaster at a reasonable price and was enjoying the replies... even when the thread went off topic I did not say anything.  I made a comment when someone implied that maybe I should be made aware that some popcorn poppers can roast coffee.  I guess I should be thankful that some thought highly enough of me to let me in on the secret... I'll have to look into that more closely.  However, my original question was re larger roasters, not smaller ones.
So now Peter, you want me to not post on my thread any more?  Wow!  Would someone please tell me how this thing works?  Maybe I need to ask permission to post?  Ok Mr. Peter, I'm back to roasting my Rwanda in my Behmor... is that ok?
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: blzrfn on January 07, 2012, 12:32:36 PM
Dear Mr. Sikes,

it has come to my attention that you haven't quite caught on to the flow of things here at the GCBC.  We take coffee seriously, but enjoy treating the discussion more like a conversation at the pub more than in the lab.  You will find lots of great information in between side rants, misled assumptions from the big state down south, along with jibs and jabs out of nowhere (many times completely unrelated to the thread its posted in).  I think you are, in a way, going through a bit of hazing and these things are not meant to be taken at face value.  So join in if you wish, but I don't think anybody here actually thought you didn't know about popcorn poppers. 

Sincerely,
Me

PS- I too have fallen for a few of the tricky facetious side-comments, just sit back and wait for your opportunity to return the favor.   ;)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 12:45:15 PM
Thanks Dave... "hazing" was a word that came to mind but so far this has been far too mild to be using that word.  Maybe I should be more aware that it takes a lot more time on some sites to really become accepted.  I ran into this when I first joined a distilling site, but was accepted when the others realized that just because I was a new member didn't mean I was still in grammar school. (Of course all I distilled was good clean water... you know how bad this ground water is in WV.  ;) )  I ran into this when I started making wine, and also when I joined a few beer-making forums.  I really should not have been caught off-guard by this.
I apologize guys... Go ahead and rib... I'll behave.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 07, 2012, 12:59:14 PM
Thanks Dave... "hazing" was a word that came to mind but so far this has been far too mild to be using that word.  Maybe I should be more aware that it takes a lot more time on some sites to really become accepted.  I ran into this when I first joined a distilling site, but was accepted when the others realized that just because I was a new member didn't mean I was still in grammar school. (Of course all I distilled was good clean water... you know how bad this ground water is in WV.  ;) )  I ran into this when I started making wine, and also when I joined a few beer-making forums.  I really should not have been caught off-guard by this.
I apologize guys... Go ahead and rib... I'll behave.


By all means, go ahead and bitch slap Peter all you want - we'll sit back and enjoy the show!

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/Steve_YYZ/Animated-GIF/1znpppl-1.gif)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 07, 2012, 01:07:25 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/Steve_YYZ/Animated-GIF/9monday34.jpg)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 07, 2012, 01:30:01 PM
Dude, don't take everything here, and in most cases anything said here so seriously and at face value.  Very few of us do.   ;)
We all know that peter is a good trouble maker but have learned over the years to just ignore most of his rantings and ravings as those of a man being denied sufficient coffee.

It's not that you have to 'fit in'  or go through any 'hazing' or 'prove' yourself to anyone.   To be honest, it's when people stop 'picking on you' that you need to be worried  ;D
Nobody thinks you are an idiot, or a moron, or just 'stupid' because you are a 'noob' or even perceived to be a noob.

Think about it, if we really thought you were that stupid, we would not bother taking to you at all, I mean, why bother if you were stupid?????  We would just smile politely, point towards the big state at the bottom of the mess of them, you know the one near the middle of the mess and tell you that is where home is at and shoo you on your way.

Feel better now?

Aaron... the forum (_*_)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 02:05:05 PM
Tex... I'll leave all of the "Light Work" for you... you can take care of Peter.  Looks like you're right in it already... keep up the good work.
Aaron... Thanks... if this is anything like real life I'll probably be a magnet for all the town, er, forum drunks... or more probably, a magnet for those who can't afford enough of their own wine, beer, or whiskey to get drunk.
All is good... just roasted a pound of Rwanda Bourbon and can't decide whether to brew it or just wash it down with a good shot... of whiskey.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Bill
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: staylor on January 07, 2012, 02:11:36 PM
Can we get back on topic?

I'm looking for a good inexpensive 1lb roaster, my budget is $12. It would be nice if the vendor also throws in 3-4lbs of green beans.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 07, 2012, 02:15:29 PM
Well, you can wait until one of your neighbors throws out a washing machine.  there is your drum and motor to spin it.   Wait for another neighbor to throw out one of those big flat screen TV's, the old style ones.  there is a fresnel lens.  Set it up on a sunny day, put the beans into the drum aim it, sun roasts beans, drum spins and turns and keeps them agitated, when they are done, hit the rinse cycle and the fast spinning will help cool them too.   Well hell, put water into the thing and you got yourself a 15 gallon automatic self dispensing coffee urn too!!

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: EricBNC on January 07, 2012, 02:19:03 PM
Can we get back on topic?

I'm looking for a good inexpensive 1lb roaster, my budget is $12. It would be nice if the vendor also throws in 3-4lbs of green beans.

I have a Toastmaster Fluid Bed Roaster and 3-4lbs of green island coffee (from the exotic and majestic Republic of Dominica!) that is priced to move at $11.99 USD  ;)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: staylor on January 07, 2012, 02:21:51 PM
Can we get back on topic?

I'm looking for a good inexpensive 1lb roaster, my budget is $12. It would be nice if the vendor also throws in 3-4lbs of green beans.

I have a Toastmaster Fluid Bed Roaster and 3-4lbs of green island coffee (from the exotic and majestic Republic of Dominica!) that is priced to move at $11.99 USD  ;)

I'll take it, as long as it comes with a lifetime warranty with a no questions asked guarantee. Oh, and on-site repair. Aaaaaannnnnnddddddd an occasional free house cleaning. Thanks.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 02:36:11 PM
Can we get back on topic?

I'm looking for a good inexpensive 1lb roaster, my budget is $12. It would be nice if the vendor also throws in 3-4lbs of green beans.

I have a Toastmaster Fluid Bed Roaster and 3-4lbs of green island coffee (from the exotic and majestic Republic of Dominica!) that is priced to move at $11.99 USD  ;)

I'll take it, as long as it comes with a lifetime warranty with a no questions asked guarantee. Oh, and on-site repair. Aaaaaannnnnnddddddd an occasional free house cleaning. Thanks.
Eric,
I'll pay you $12 to keep the DR beans...
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: peter on January 07, 2012, 02:59:00 PM
Can we get back on topic?

I'm looking for a good inexpensive 1lb roaster, my budget is $12. It would be nice if the vendor also throws in 3-4lbs of green beans.

I have a Toastmaster Fluid Bed Roaster and 3-4lbs of green island coffee (from the exotic and majestic Republic of Dominica!) that is priced to move at $11.99 USD  ;)

I'll take it, as long as it comes with a lifetime warranty with a no questions asked guarantee. Oh, and on-site repair. Aaaaaannnnnnddddddd an occasional free house cleaning. Thanks.
Eric,
I'll pay you $12 to keep the DR beans...

Bravo, old chap!  That's the kind of post we're looking for!
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: EricBNC on January 07, 2012, 03:01:00 PM
Thank you for your kind offers of patronage - currently I am set up to take Paypal in Dominican Republic funds - fitting actually since it pays homage to the Goddess Caffeinia.  :D

(http://i42.tinypic.com/16nhn7.jpg)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: staylor on January 07, 2012, 03:06:46 PM
Thank you for your kind offers of patronage - currently I am set up to take Paypal in Dominican Republic funds - fitting actually since it pays homage to the Goddess Caffeinia.  :D


Hahaha, that's awesome.

I don't remember drinking coffee when I was in the Dominican, though I seem to remember some rum being involved.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 07, 2012, 03:17:37 PM
Dude, don't take everything here, and in most cases anything said here so seriously and at face value.  Very few of us do.   ;)
We all know that peter is a good trouble maker but have learned over the years to just ignore most of his rantings and ravings as those of a man being denied sufficient coffee.

It's not that you have to 'fit in'  or go through any 'hazing' or 'prove' yourself to anyone.   To be honest, it's when people stop 'picking on you' that you need to be worried  ;D
Nobody thinks you are an idiot, or a moron, or just 'stupid' because you are a 'noob' or even perceived to be a noob.

Think about it, if we really thought you were that stupid, we would not bother taking to you at all, I mean, why bother if you were stupid? ??? ?  We would just smile politely, point towards the big state at the bottom of the mess of them, you know the one near the middle of the mess and tell you that is where home is at and shoo you on your way.

Feel better now?

Aaron... the forum (_*_)

I'm not sure it's an insufficiency of coffee as it is a surfeit of frou-frou.

Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 07, 2012, 03:40:52 PM
 I don't remember drinking coffee when I was in the Dominican, though I seem to remember some rum being involved. [/quote]



Staylor, I believe we would get along famously.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Jeffo on January 07, 2012, 11:51:25 PM
wsikes I can't help but notice our cat is starting to look like you in the winter when the hair grows.

Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: J.Jirehs Roaster on January 08, 2012, 07:18:05 AM
Tex... I'll leave all of the "Light Work" for you... you can take care of Peter.  Looks like you're right in it already... keep up the good work.
Aaron... Thanks... if this is anything like real life I'll probably be a magnet for all the town, er, forum drunks... or more probably, a magnet for those who can't afford enough of their own wine, beer, or whiskey to get drunk.
All is good... just roasted a pound of Rwanda Bourbon and can't decide whether to brew it or just wash it down with a good shot... of whiskey.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Bill

Hmm???  Wilder Bill???


(Wild) Bill
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 08, 2012, 08:31:09 AM
wsikes I can't help but notice our cat is starting to look like you in the winter when the hair grows.
Jeffo,
I'll take that as a compliment.  That's a good-lookin' cat!

Bill
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 08, 2012, 08:43:33 AM
Tex... I'll leave all of the "Light Work" for you... you can take care of Peter.  Looks like you're right in it already... keep up the good work.
Aaron... Thanks... if this is anything like real life I'll probably be a magnet for all the town, er, forum drunks... or more probably, a magnet for those who can't afford enough of their own wine, beer, or whiskey to get drunk.
All is good... just roasted a pound of Rwanda Bourbon and can't decide whether to brew it or just wash it down with a good shot... of whiskey.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Bill

Hmm???  Wilder Bill???


(Wild) Bill

Not as wild as I was in my younger days... More like a member of the "Over the Hill Gang."  My wife just calls me an "Old Goat."  What does she know?  She tended bar and I was the bouncer.  The bar where I met her burned to the ground shortly after it the owner got shot and killed but in the day we never thought one little ole shooting was that bad as long as it was the other guy gettin' shot.   I really enjoyed bouncing at the bar where "Alabama" played when I was younger.  Lots of girls and hardly ever a fight. Those were the "Good Old Days."
Maybe I am just an Old Goat.

"Not-So-Wild Bill"
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 08, 2012, 08:50:25 AM
My wife just calls me an "Old Goat."

We already have Old Goat....

And Wild Bill..

You might have to settle for the Bearded Bouncer....or maybe the Bouncing Bearder. I like Bouncing Bearder.  8)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 08, 2012, 09:39:43 AM
My wife just calls me an "Old Goat."

We already have Old Goat....

And Wild Bill..

You might have to settle for the Bearded Bouncer....or maybe the Bouncing Bearder. I like Bouncing Bearder.  8)

Just call me "Sweet William"... cough cough.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 08, 2012, 09:43:46 AM
Van Halen - Diver Down - Big Bad Bill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RPx6A3gKiA#)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 08, 2012, 09:50:46 AM
Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now...
I like that.  I am big (6'1" 300+) but not bad (now).
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 08, 2012, 10:01:46 AM
Speaking of coffee roasters... check out Modelmaker's new thread "Dream Roaster."
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: rasqual on January 11, 2012, 08:14:21 PM
And remember, the lower end of the market is inhabited mostly by hobby roasters, ...

... and so those 1 lb roasters are competing with hopped up DIY methods that can do a half pound -- and most folks in the market for a 1 lb roaster will be willing to simply do two batches instead.

Then there's the matter of if it won't profile, it's not worth the leap from a DIY method where you at least have manual control and superb cooling. If you're going to pay a lot anyway, you'll likely be willing to pay more for good control.

Personally, I can't see a 1 lb roast as a sweet spot. Maybe for folks who refuse to freeze their coffee for a few weeks' storage for private use, I s'pose.

I definitely like my 10 oz batch for the popper and 3  to 6 lb batch for the OS/roaster. The former lets me do one-offs for customers (I only sell 1/2 lb bags) or batches for my own short-term consumption, whereas the latter lets me batch multiple customers (or larger quantities for customers) as well as stock up for myself or for the church.

Personally I find that committing to freezer storage and having multiple purposes for roasted coffee (customers, church, workplace, myself) allows me to be insanely flexible and work with that several-pound sweet spot.

Actually, I have an idea for an array of unique 1 lb roasters for coffee shop use -- "roast to order while you hang out" -- but it got sidetracked seven (is it seven?) years ago by the OS/roaster for the F/M. And I don't want to own a coffee shop, so...
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 11, 2012, 10:05:38 PM
As am I.   8)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 12, 2012, 06:09:11 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing what Joe "@behmor" Behm has up his sleeve for the SCAA Event in April as foreshadowed by this tweet ([url]http://twitter.com/behmor/status/156560093075345408[/url]):


If they can figure out how to eject/quick cool that would be interesting.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: BoldJava on January 12, 2012, 06:12:34 AM
he has been tweeting about a new roaster <?> since Christmas during his trips to China.  He calls it Gort, whatever it is.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 12, 2012, 06:30:30 AM
The Gortmore 2012.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: MGLloyd on January 12, 2012, 07:33:48 AM
So, what happens when we say 'Gort, Klaatu barada nikto' to the roaster? 
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: John F on January 12, 2012, 07:41:18 AM
So, what happens when we say 'Gort, Klaatu barada nikto' to the roaster?

Be worth an extra $100 if it had a beam of light shoot out of it's eye.  8) 8)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: mp on January 13, 2012, 01:29:32 PM
Thom from Sweet Marias talked for a second about the new Behmor on the webcast today... talked about being able to change the profile.

I may have to start saving my money and look for a show deal in April.

Sure drop a bomb on us with out leaving a web site link.

 ;D
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 13, 2012, 01:48:20 PM
Wouldn't be the first time vaporware was brought up in pubic discussions to gauge public interest - old marketing ploy. ::)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: peter on January 13, 2012, 01:57:01 PM
Wouldn't be the first time vaporware was brought up in pubic discussions to gauge public interest - old marketing ploy. ::)

Are you in a particularly crotchety mood today?

Thom from Sweet Marias talked for a second about the new Behmor on the webcast today... talked about being able to change the profile.

I may have to start saving my money and look for a show deal in April.

Good thing you'll be the only one with that idea.  ;)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 13, 2012, 02:26:14 PM
Wouldn't be the first time vaporware was brought up in pubic discussions to gauge public interest - old marketing ploy. ::)

Are you in a particularly crotchety mood today?

Thom from Sweet Marias talked for a second about the new Behmor on the webcast today... talked about being able to change the profile.

I may have to start saving my money and look for a show deal in April.

Good thing you'll be the only one with that idea.  ;)

Working on it anyway. The cast comes off for good on Monday and this one is really getting ripe!

As for profile tailoring, the guys up at Sonofresco have mentioned that they might go that way, sometime - very vague about a timeline though. I'm already 1st in line for a retrofit.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 13, 2012, 02:32:04 PM
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154 (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154)
Sweet Maria's webcast
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: peter on January 13, 2012, 03:50:38 PM
Having something in a cast can really suck. 

As for profile tailoring, the guys up at Sonofresco have mentioned that they might go that way, sometime - very vague about a timeline though. I'm already 1st in line for a retrofit.

Milo will be most appreciative!   ;D
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: mp on January 13, 2012, 08:51:44 PM
[url]http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154[/url] ([url]http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154[/url])
Sweet Maria's webcast


I didn't see the new Behmor mentioned in this video.

 :-\
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: farmroast on January 13, 2012, 09:16:18 PM
My guess is the new behmor will have better profiling abilities and should be able to upgrade an old one. But still won't have any BT or ET readings. I doubt it physically will be any different except for the control board, but we'll see. 
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: RobertL on January 13, 2012, 09:46:18 PM
My guess is the new behmor will have better profiling abilities and should be able to upgrade an old one. But still won't have any BT or ET readings. I doubt it physically will be any different except for the control board, but we'll see.


I think Joe should reverse the rotation of the drum and redesign the fins to keep the beans opposite of the heating elements like the HT does. Just my opinion though...
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: EricBNC on January 13, 2012, 11:34:41 PM
[url]http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154[/url] ([url]http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154[/url])
Sweet Maria's webcast


I didn't see the new Behmor mentioned in this video.

 :-\


Over on H-B Dan posted a recording of the stream

http://www.home-barista.com/home-roasting/sweet-marias-first-ever-live-interactive-webcast-1-13-t20140.html#p236029 (http://www.home-barista.com/home-roasting/sweet-marias-first-ever-live-interactive-webcast-1-13-t20140.html#p236029)

- towards the very end (at 1:01:35), when he is showing his collection of Probat roasters, Tom does mention the new Behmor model which will allow:

 "more program-ability where you can set curves and do some interesting things"

- which should be nice.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: mp on January 14, 2012, 11:57:30 AM
[url]http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154[/url] ([url]http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19741154[/url])
Sweet Maria's webcast


I didn't see the new Behmor mentioned in this video.

 :-\


Over on H-B Dan posted a recording of the stream

[url]http://www.home-barista.com/home-roasting/sweet-marias-first-ever-live-interactive-webcast-1-13-t20140.html#p236029[/url] ([url]http://www.home-barista.com/home-roasting/sweet-marias-first-ever-live-interactive-webcast-1-13-t20140.html#p236029[/url])

- towards the very end (at 1:01:35), when he is showing his collection of Probat roasters, Tom does mention the new Behmor model which will allow:

 "more program-ability where you can set curves and do some interesting things"

- which should be nice.


Now I see why I missed it ... it was less than a 15 second plug.

Thanks for pointing the exact location out.

 :)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 14, 2012, 03:11:25 PM
but even if you can 'set' a curve so to say,  the things heater keeps kicking in and out as it reaches ideal temp... that interruption would kind of ...foul... a curve to begin with no?

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: BoldJava on January 14, 2012, 03:51:57 PM
Joe posted this curve-ball on his Twitter stream answering question about will roasters purchased today be obsolete in April.

 behmor: @Stevedarty it's not a roaster that we are working on...

...

Control board that can be integrated into existing roasters?

Time will tell.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 15, 2012, 10:37:28 AM
My guess is the new behmor will have better profiling abilities and should be able to upgrade an old one. But still won't have any BT or ET readings. I doubt it physically will be any different except for the control board, but we'll see.


I think Joe should reverse the rotation of the drum and redesign the fins to keep the beans opposite of the heating elements like the HT does. Just my opinion though...

That would only slow down the roast even more.  Personally, I would like to see them add another heating element but that would probably make it unfeasible in 120V configuration.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: RobertL on January 15, 2012, 12:12:25 PM
My guess is the new behmor will have better profiling abilities and should be able to upgrade an old one. But still won't have any BT or ET readings. I doubt it physically will be any different except for the control board, but we'll see.


I think Joe should reverse the rotation of the drum and redesign the fins to keep the beans opposite of the heating elements like the HT does. Just my opinion though...

That would only slow down the roast even more.  Personally, I would like to see them add another heating element but that would probably make it unfeasible in 120V configuration.

I think it would give the roaster a better balance of radiant and convection heat. When I roasted with a Behmor I always thought the beans were too close to the elements and received too much radiant heat.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: wsikes on January 15, 2012, 12:35:35 PM
My guess is the new behmor will have better profiling abilities and should be able to upgrade an old one. But still won't have any BT or ET readings. I doubt it physically will be any different except for the control board, but we'll see.


I think Joe should reverse the rotation of the drum and redesign the fins to keep the beans opposite of the heating elements like the HT does. Just my opinion though...

That would only slow down the roast even more.  Personally, I would like to see them add another heating element but that would probably make it unfeasible in 120V configuration.

I think it would give the roaster a better balance of radiant and convection heat. When I roasted with a Behmor I always thought the beans were too close to the elements and received too much radiant heat.

I'm thinking the Behmor could more heat to make the profiles more flexible... doesn't matter if it is radiant or convective, as long as it isn't conductive.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Ascholten on January 15, 2012, 02:57:39 PM
The thing with the behmore it IS cycling off and on pretty constantly through a better part of the roast cycle, especially once you enter crack range.  This means it supposedly IS getting up to temp, at least it thinks so.  Perhaps the air outside the drum is hot nuff to say it is but inside with the beans it aint?   Maybe a fan inside to blow more of the hot air around inside to get more of it to the beans?   Or possibly have the temp cycle at say 15 degrees higher to add more heat to the beans?

not sure but something should not be too hard to figure out.

Aaron
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: mp on January 15, 2012, 07:45:03 PM
Maybe they have in mind of giving Milo some competition and put out their version of the MiloWidget via the Arduino Board.

 :)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 15, 2012, 08:27:57 PM
Maybe they have in mind of giving Milo some competition and put out their version of the MiloWidget via the Arduino Board.

 :)

You mean they might beat milo to the punch despite his speedy development of the m:widget?
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 16, 2012, 05:19:54 AM
He can only go so fast without HIS Sonofresco :)
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Roasting Realtor on January 16, 2012, 10:51:39 AM
I don't think this is anything more than the typed word being insufficient to convey sentiment very well.  Everyone go back to their coffee-roasting.  <angel>


Doing a bit of roll playing as a nice guy today Peter?
([url]http://www.realbollywood.com/up_images/2728y.jpg[/url])
It doesn't suit you!


This picture is so wrong.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 16, 2012, 11:26:34 AM
Can we get back on topic?

I'm looking for a good inexpensive 1lb roaster, my budget is $12. It would be nice if the vendor also throws in 3-4lbs of green beans.

I have a Toastmaster Fluid Bed Roaster and 3-4lbs of green island coffee (from the exotic and majestic Republic of Dominica!) that is priced to move at $11.99 USD  ;)

I'll take it, as long as it comes with a lifetime warranty with a no questions asked guarantee. Oh, and on-site repair. Aaaaaannnnnnddddddd an occasional free house cleaning. Thanks.
Eric,
I'll pay you $12 to keep the DR beans...

It doesn't take long for a rookie to catch on, does it?

To quote T. Edison, "There are  no rules here, we're just trying to accomplish something."

Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: mp on January 16, 2012, 02:41:45 PM
He can only go so fast without HIS Sonofresco :)

Good point.  He can only test his code changes so far before he needs to actually fire up his Tex's Sonofresco.

 ;D
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 16, 2012, 03:43:47 PM
He can only go so fast without HIS Sonofresco :)

Good point.  He can only test his code changes so far before he needs to actually fire up his Tex's Sonofresco.

 ;D

Not so! I volunteered to let him come down and put a beta unit on his MY Sonofresco. I'll bet he could figure out how to rig a USB cable to the milowidget so he could monitor it via the internet anytime he wanted to do a roast. Don't underestimate his brilliance as a problem solver!

Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: grinderz on January 16, 2012, 03:56:45 PM
How would milo get the beans into the hopper from here -- let alone get the beans from there to the jar on his counter? <scratches head/>
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: J.Jirehs Roaster on January 16, 2012, 05:48:24 PM
How would milo get the beans into the hopper from here -- let alone get the beans from there to the jar on his counter? <scratches head/>

with the programmable 'worm hole' board that plugs right on to the Arduino
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 16, 2012, 06:08:00 PM
How would milo get the beans into the hopper from here -- let alone get the beans from there to the jar on his counter? <scratches head/>

Those are just details for milo to work out. I've a lot of confidence in da man.
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: mp on January 17, 2012, 06:42:05 AM
How would milo get the beans into the hopper from here -- let alone get the beans from there to the jar on his counter? <scratches head/>

Those are just details for milo to work out. I've a lot of confidence in da man and his roaster.

There ... I corrected it for you.

 ;D
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: Tex on January 17, 2012, 08:01:33 AM
How would milo get the beans into the hopper from here -- let alone get the beans from there to the jar on his counter? <scratches head/>

Those are just details for milo to work out. I've a lot of confidence in da man and his roaster.

There ... I corrected it for you.

 ;D

You da man Mikey!
Title: Re: Why isn't it possible for a company to build a good inexpensive 1 pound roaster?
Post by: mp on January 17, 2012, 10:24:55 AM
How would milo get the beans into the hopper from here -- let alone get the beans from there to the jar on his counter? <scratches head/>

Those are just details for milo to work out. I've a lot of confidence in da man and his roaster.

There ... I corrected it for you.

 ;D

You da man Mikey!

 ;)