Wanting to start roasting and grinding

[slimm]

I am looking to start roasting and grinding my own coffee. I am asking for advice on equipment to purchase. I have looked at roasters and grinders but want the opinions of others that have been hear as to try and aviod pitfalls and re-purchases. I occasionally drink espresso, however my wife is the one that I want to do this for. She loves coffee and I want to be able to give her truely great coffee. I have looked at Behmor and IRoast 2. I do not have HotTop kind of money. As far as grinders, I am thinking maestro plus. Any and all info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan

[mhortsch]

In almost the same boat, but have done my research (with the help of moo). I have to wait till it warms up to start my project.

SC/CO is the way to go, or at least the way to start. There is a really good thread on here (or threads), and a good site out there showing how to do it.

http://turbocrazy.atspace.com/index.htm

I could probably just paste Moo's PM from a month back, but what fun would that be.

Ill let them tell you about the grinder...

[ghostrider]

I started with the popcorn popper set up for roasting, and have since built a SC/CO. I've thought about a Behmor, but at this point I think I'm sticking with the ease of use the SC/CO gives me. No real learning curves or programs to learn.

I have the Maestro Solis grinder, and it works well for just about every method I've tried from french press, pourover, drip, mokapot, vacpot, espresso and turkish.

SC/CO can be put together for under $100.

[Syekick]

SCCO is the way to go for quantity (and good roast coffee) for under $100. That is as long as you do the modifications correctly unlike my poor attempt. (By the by all - I'm rebuilding my SCCO for another "shocking" summer!) I've used several methods including a cast iron skillet and wooden spoon. I finally bought the Behmor around Thanksgiving, after the SCCO "incident." I'm roasting 1 to 3 pounds a week, easily, without a lot of fussing. While I have not used the IRoast2 or such, I simply wanted to roast more coffee than they can handle at one time. I wanted to roast and drink,drink,drink. Not roast, drink, roast, drink, rinse and repeat, etc.

Mister French (Moo) "claims" to be building a 10 pound roaster. We haven't heard more about that in a while so it must have been all bluster.

Enough finger pointing and head shaking.

You can easily and cheaply try this with the Air Popcorn popper. If you're certain this is where you want to go and want to do quantity, SCCO or Behmor top the list.

Just read the rest of the threads for opinions on grinders, hot water, bean age / freshness/ storage, grind size, brew methods and more, more more. I'm certain you'll find someone to agree with! I only hope you don't fall in with that "bad" crowd here that believe you must "suffer" for good coffee. Mokapot vs Brikka There, I've said it.

Enough finger pointing and head shaking. (Forgive me, I tend to repeat myself at my age.)

If you want to try fresh, pre-roasted beans and can not find them locally, I highly recommend Killer Beans and Uncle Beanz. Both owners can be found here often and can provide excellent advice, roasts and other products. (Disclaimer - No relationship, just an satisfied customer.)

[smokehouse]

Originally Posted by slimm

I am looking to start roasting and grinding my own coffee. I am asking for advice on equipment to purchase. I have looked at roasters and grinders but want the opinions of others that have been hear as to try and aviod pitfalls and re-purchases. I occasionally drink espresso, however my wife is the one that I want to do this for. She loves coffee and I want to be able to give her truely great coffee. I have looked at Behmor and IRoast 2. I do not have HotTop kind of money. As far as grinders, I am thinking maestro plus. Any and all info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan

The term we use around here now is EvanS type money.

[opus]

Another vote for SCCO. Iroast is too small. I don't have a favorite burr grinder, but then I don't do espresso either. I would start with the SCCO or popper for that hands on experience so important to understanding and becoming one with the roasting experience. Be the bean Bobby.

[slimm]

Thank you guys very much. I will keep reading and asking questions.

Ryan

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Syekick

(Moo) "claims" to be building a 10 pound roaster. We haven't heard more about that in a while so it must have been all bluster.

SCCO is good, does a pound and is pretty cheap but it's not the easiest to learn with.

Six of one bean, half dozen of the other.

Le MonsteRoast is pacing itself. Not to worry.

[opus]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

SCCO is good, does a pound and is pretty cheap but it's not the easiest to learn with.

That's Moo for you...............................always looking for the easy way out.