SR540 Automatic Coffee Bean Roaster | Roast Coffee At Home | Variable Heat Settings | Convection Fan Control | Digital Status Display | Speed Roasting System | The Freshest Roast On Earth

I started roasting coffee about 25 years ago and have tried quite a few roasters. My old fresh roast, which is one of the originals, finally quit on me after about 20 years of constant use. That was a pretty good run. This newer one has a wider capacity glass chamber that allows for better air movement and a more even roast. I will roast a few times and blend the beans (some darker, some lighter). It's extremely easy to roast your own coffee, and green beans are less expensive and stay longer in the pantry (years, actually). A pound of green beans costs less than one latte at the coffee shop. For comparison, I have tried different roasters over the years, but I always go back to the Fresh Roast because it's just easy to use. I have an outdoor plug and roast on the porch outside because they do let off some smoke, I would not use this inside without proper ventilation, but that's par for the course with any roaster.

First of all, I'm not going to use fancy words like city roast that I have no idea what they mean. This will be a very pedestrian review.Can't believe we waited this long to roast our own coffee beans. We have never bought coffee that was better than what we have roasted so far with this machine. We set the temperature at 8, the fan at 9, and the time at 12 minutes. After three minutes we reduce the fan to 6. This makes for a very beautiful, oily bean and a smooth and very dark roast. We generally use the french press and not quite boiling water. We tried it with Mexican beans, which seem to be the best so far, although the Sumatra is also outstanding if we don't make it too dark. Trial and error, and honestly, should be done outside as it gets very smokey. After two minutes the smoke detectors go off. Going to buy another one as a backup in case this one ever fails, although it's quite robust and seems well made, and green coffee beans keep a long time, and we can buy in bulk and save money.UPDATE: Still love it. Have been roasting Dominican Honey-wash beans and the flavor is unbelievable. Have adjusted start time to 6 minutes (or until first crack) at fan of 9 and power at 7, then reduce to 6 and 4 for about 5 minutes, then back up to 6 and 7 to finish it off. This is with 6 scoops of beans (scooper that came with roaster). We also keep the lid off for a couple minutes as the beans dry a bit so they don't overheat at the bottom, then put the lid back on and just watch carefully. Caution, this will cause chaff to fly out, so do this outside. Reducing from 8 to 7 on initial power seems to reduce smoking and burning of beans, and we end up with a wonderful, oily, caramelized bean that brews so wonderfully it needs no creamer or sugar. Thinking of getting a 580 just to be able to roast more at a time. This is our first roaster, and I would give it 6 stars if I could.

This is my 2nd one of these roasters. Lost the first one in a house fire. You have a lot of control with this roaster. You can turn the heat up or down, you can turn the fan up or down. It is easy to hear the first (and second) crack even when the fan is going full blast. Just be careful with it. The top makes it a little top heavy, so if you store or move it between roastings, like I do, be very sure you hold the glass part, not just the lid and the base. I am very glad I bought this same roaster again. It is well worth the money!

I've been roasting coffee for several years now using a variety of methods including a converted hot air popcorn popper motor and HVAC pipe for the chimney. I ordered this because it can roast a higher volume per roast, I also have the ability to control the fan speed, temp, timer and the clear glass let's me watch the roast and it catches the chaff extremely well for disposal or compost.It recommends using 4 level scoops of beans, but I have done 5 and a bit and turned the fan up a level or two to overcome the extra weight of unroasted beans. If your beans aren't fluffing up and agitating at all, then you either put too much in or need to up the fan speed a level or two. Each batch takes 6-10 minutes including a cooling period as well. I've made 6 batches since I got this and had to adjust the settings a bit after the first two roasts but that is what makes this roaster great is the ability to adjust to your preference. I recommend watching the first couple roasts and adjust as needed.All in all, I absolutely love it! One thing to mention to anybody new to roasting coffee is that the process creates a fair amount of smoke no matter what method you use, and WILL fill the home with smoke and set off your smoke alarms, so make sure to set this up outside, or next to a window with exhaust fan, or do what I do and set it up in your fireplace and open the flue, this works well for roasting in winter.

First, it arrived fast. Out of the box the unit is nice and seem built durable enough for home use. Size is just right for a permanent spot on the counter. Setup was easy enough. Roasting was fun and easy. During roasting I place mine on the stove so the vent hood fan can draw any smoke away. (Note that if your hood doesn't vent to the outside this may not help much). Your home will still smell of roasted coffee though which is not objectionable to me. Getting the type of roast one desires is simply a matter of timing. The chaff basket collects chaff as designed. The only item i cannot review is durability over time. Hopefully it will last and so far seems like it will. I am enjoying this roaster, am pleased with the purchase and would recommend it.