Need advice on a roaster

[winderbean]

Hi all!

I am considering purchasing a 12 - 24 lb (batch) roaster for my retail biz but need some advice on which roaster to buy. I have read up on Ambex and Diedrich but have also heard some good things about Primo and Toper. Can anyone shed some light on which might be best. Roasting experience wil be onboard before we make this purchase.

Obvisously, consistency of quality is my most important consideration. With maintenance and support following a close second.

Also, is it better to go with and IR roaster or flame?

 

[topher]

I have an Ambex and love it...I am buying a Toper....learned on a Diedrich...never used a primo. Have seen the Primo though...and all I can say is it is LOUD!!! I would stick with either an Ambex or a Toper

 

[winderbean]

topher...Thanks. I was leaning in the Ambex direction but any reason you don't recommend Diedrich?

 

[Coffee Guy]

Okay, I'll chime in on the Diedrich 8) We use one, and I swear by it...I know that Topher has used a number of different roasters so he probably has a better overall feeling on different types of roasters. But I love my Diedrich, it has been a very dependable roaster and the tech support is awsome!

 

[topher]

well...as I said I learned on one....but that was a long time ago. I have used Probat and Ambex more recently. We are buying a Toper in a week or so....The 120 kilo Toper is $90,000 for everything...The same in Probat was close to $250,000....oh well if you have any more direct questions just send me a pm
Good luck,
Topher

 

[La Crema Coffee]

My roster chioce

http://www.diedrichroasters.com/

 

[BeanGrinder]

Hi all!

I am considering purchasing a 12 - 24 lb (batch) roaster for my retail biz but need some advice on which roaster to buy. I have read up on Ambex and Diedrich but have also heard some good things about Primo and Toper. Can anyone shed some light on which might be best. Roasting experience wil be onboard before we make this purchase.

Obvisously, consistency of quality is my most important consideration. With maintenance and support following a close second.

Also, is it better to go with and IR roaster or flame?

Deidrich will tell you that the IR roaster is far superior to the atmospheric burner and that you can eve taste the difference in the coffee. The IR is more expensive, but is also (supposedly) more fuel efficient. It's times like these I wish we had an independent, unbiased master roaster who could shop test roasters and give us objective feedback. But the science of coffee roasting is less important than the art of coffee roasting. Much has to do with the bean, the master roaster at the machine and the degree of comfort to which he can operate his equipment - whatever the brand. That's why there are as many different opinions here as their are forum participants. So, buy Ambex!

Just kidding...what I really want to say is that you should spend time operating the different roasters and get a "feel" for them. When you've found the one with the most likeable featuers, you'll know what to buy. You're welcome to visit my shop for some hands-on...I'm sure most of the roasters here would extend the same invitation.

 

[nzroaster]

I'll chome in for the IR Diedrich. Although i havent used many roasters, I find that the IR burners suit my style very well. I've also noticed that on dark roasts the IR burners produce less of the smoky flavours.

Just my 2c though...

 

[nzroaster]

I'll chime in for the IR Diedrich. Although i havent used many roasters, I find that the IR burners suit my style very well. I've also noticed that on dark roasts the IR burners produce less of the smoky flavours.

Just my 2c though...

 

[Coffee Guy]

O.K.....My turn, I agree we also use a Diedrich IR and found that in addition to creating great roasts, it also roasts everything pretty even straight across the board. i.e., the heat is distributed evenly across the entire drum. As long as you keep everything clean on a regular basis, and have the abilily to clean the tiles from time to time, you will enjoy many roasts hassle free...

 

[True Sipping]

roaster preferences

A checkmark for the Diedrick IR from me. I especially like the choice of LOCAL SPARE PARTS IF EVER NEEDED . . . thanks to Grainger! Also can't beat Diedrick factory for help.

Lots of personal taste and experience and just plain comfort feeling go into which roaster is best.

 

[topher]

GRAINGER ROCKS!!!!! :wink:

 

[Chris Kay]

Re: roaster preferences

A checkmark for the Diedrick IR from me. I especially like the choice of LOCAL SPARE PARTS IF EVER NEEDED . . . thanks to Grainger! Also can't beat Diedrick factory for help.

Lots of personal taste and experience and just plain comfort feeling go into which roaster is best.

Most roaster parts you can find anywhere....

 

[True Sipping]

roaster parts anywhere. . .

Hey Topher. Tell the story about the Probat cooling tray replacement availability & cost . . .

You're right, most parts are available anywhere. . . but Grainger is most anywhere. My point is, when ya need da part, why go shopping. Diedrick also is excellent in express shipping what Grainger doesn't have. Most of the bigger manufacturers understand that future sales depend on parts NOW.

 

[topher]

haha...they wanted something like a $1,000 for a new cool tray grate I had two made at a local sheet metal shop for under $600 I love the roasters but they are expensive. By the way I heard of a 2 bag probat for sale..rumor has it it is going for $25,000 w/ afterburner :shock: