Diedrich IR12 roast capacity

[jimbo]

Diedrich says that their IR12 and IR5 roasters can roast as little as a pound at a time. Does anyone know if this is accurate, and if accurate, is it difficult to control the roast in small batches. I have read that on other machines, going under 50% capacity is possible but becomes exceedingly difficult the smaller you go in batch size, that you REALLY have to know your stuff and know your roaster. I am going to be learning how to roast and don't want to waste a bunch of money on ruining larger batches of beans. If I can do a pound at a time now, and then increase as demand increases without having to purchase a new machine in a year would be preferable to getting a small roaster now (i.e. a 3lb roaster), then looking for another one down the road.
Thanks,
Jim.

 

[bprotsman]

I periodically roast under 50% capacity on Diedrich's and with some adjustments like Gas and airflow it can be done. I recently roasted 8lbs on a 24k and it turned out great. Just gotta watch time/temp and adjust your gas/airflow accordingly.

I will say for me at about 75% capacity seems to work best but experiment and have some fun with it.

Good luck

 

[coffeejoes]

I have a IR12 and have roasted as little as 2# with consistent results. It may be hard but not impossible to roast small batches. I would suggest finding a used IR machine to learn the ropes and then sell when you are ready to move up. It will probably be worth what you paid for it.

 

[jimbo]

Thanks for the info and advice. It looks like I am going to purchase a 91 Diedrich IR7. Cold feet and doubts are starting to set in as it comes time to fork over the $. At the same time I can't wait to get it set up and start roasting!