Posted Fri Feb 23, 2007, 9:56am Subject: What is your iRoast batch size?
I have been using the recommended iRoast batch size of 150 g (measured by mass on a scale) until now. I recently noticed when roasting some Bolivian Cenaproc that these beans really swell during roasting, and they were barely agititating near the end of the roast. The chamber seemed too full. Keep in mind, too, that I use a profile that keeps the fan on high the entire time, so they didn't slow down becauase of a drop in fan speed near the end of the roast. Yesterday, with a batch of SM Monkey blend, I noticed the same problem, only not as severe, near the end of the roast. I'm wondering if I would get a more even roast, and eliminate a few over-roasted beans per batch, with a smaller batch that agitates more freely.
So, do you guys usually roast 150 g, or something smaller? If I drop to a smaller batch size (I'm thinking 140 g), will my roast time probably need to increase or decrease with all othe things being equal? I would bet I'll need to roast longer, because the smaller batch size will result in lower temperatures in the roast chamber just like decaf beans with less chaff result in lower temperatures.
Peter
------------------------------------------------------ Know beans, know coffee. No beans, no coffee.
TroyR Senior Member Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 429 Location: St. Albert, Alberta Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: bezzera BZ02s Grinder: mazzer rio normale, solis... Vac Pot: bodum santos Drip: french press Roaster: i-roast 2
Posted Fri Feb 23, 2007, 2:45pm Subject: Re: What is your iRoast batch size?
I usually do 140g and even at 130g I have had agitation problems with the following beans. With Zimbabwe AAA from Earthson Coffee Roasters I get the stagnation near the end of the roast, this seems to be from bean size. With some Mountain Thunder Kona Peaberry I have agitation problems right from the get go. In fact it is so troublesome I usually have to loosen the Iroast2 lid and hold it in a position that allows agitation for the duration of the entire roast (hot hot hot). My problem with the peaberry I believe is a density problem, because it sure isn't a bean size problem.
charlesburd Senior Member Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Posts: 24 Location: jackson, wy Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: la spaziale mini vivaldi ii Grinder: ceado e7 Drip: presto Roaster: behmor 1600
Posted Fri Feb 23, 2007, 2:54pm Subject: Re: What is your iRoast batch size?
140g of metropolis greenline beans works like a charm for me. i get consistently good results. roasted beans are at their best four to seven days after roasting. cheers.
Dunkman Senior Member Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 11 Location: Greensboro, NC Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Feb 23, 2007, 3:21pm Subject: Re: What is your iRoast batch size?
I just had this happen for the first time today, with a 140g Brazil roast. Even during the cooldown the beans weren't moving very well, to the point where I stopped the cooldown early to get the beans out of there because I was afraid they were gonna either hit vienna or bake. First time it's happened for me, although I've only done 25 roasts so far. The hopper seemed really full, so I'm just assuming it was a bean size thing.
SJM Senior Member Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 1,478 Location: CA Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sun Feb 25, 2007, 2:02pm Subject: Re: What is your iRoast batch size?
So far I've been using 120 gm.
I suppose I could use more, but that seems to be half of each of the sample packs that Sweet Maria's included with my IR2 when I ordered it, and so I can roast each of those samples twice for comparison. Also since this is a one-latte-per-day household, that is enough to last for 4-5 days.
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