9 Top-Rated Home Coffee Roasters In 2023

"The fresher the coffee, the better," – this is one thing that all coffee lovers will agree on. Most coffee enthusiasts know that one of the best ways to get a fresh cup of coffee is to grind your coffee beans right before brewing. However, when and how the coffee beans are roasted also plays an equally important part.

Experts say coffee beans taste best when used within two weeks of roasting. But this isn't usually achievable when it comes to store-bought coffee. While some brands roast their coffee beans right before shipping, most don't. The solution? Home roasting!

Given that the thought of home roasting intimates most home brewers, coffee roasters are fairly limited in the market. But if you're ready to take on the challenge, we'll introduce you to the 9 best home coffee roasters in 2023. They're relatively easy to use, convenient, and hassle-free.

Before we go any further, let's look at the two main categories of coffee roasters you'll stumble upon- manual and electric. Manual coffee roasters are more affordable but often come with smaller capacities. Electric coffee roasters, on the other hand, are easier to use but typically consume electricity or gas. Our list includes both kinds of roasters, so you can choose one that checks all the boxes for you!

Why Roast Coffee At Home?

Home roasting takes some time, effort, and a little investment. So, is it worth it? Well, that depends on how serious you are with your coffee-drinking ritual.

If you're just a casual drinker, we don't think investing in a coffee roaster is the right choice for you. However, if you're a coffee connoisseur and love your coffee more than most people, you might want to step up your game with a home coffee roaster.

Roasting coffee at home will give you ultimate control over your brew's flavor. Of course, it needs some practice, but you'll get the hang of it with time. And before you know it, you'll be sipping on the freshest, most aromatic, and tastiest cup of coffee every day without stepping outside! Isn't that the dream?

Benefits Of Home Roasting

Here are some of the biggest benefits of roasting coffee beans at home:

Save Money

Buying a new coffee roaster means spending some money now. However, this purchase could save you money in the long run. How? Because unroasted or green coffee beans cost less than their roasted counterparts!

Uncompromised Flavor

For anyone who knows their coffee, flavor is everything. No wonder we spend days perfecting the art of coffee making, be it finding that sweet spot in our espresso machines or getting the perfect grind size. However, if you still fail to achieve that amazing coffee flavor despite your best efforts, perhaps it's time to start roasting your beans.

Trust us, freshly roasted beans taste outrageously delicious compared to coffee made from store-bought beans.

Create Your Blends

For those at-home baristas, home roasting allows you to make your own coffee blends. All you have to do is incorporate different varieties or origins of green beans to create unique combinations. Who knows, you might just discover the brew of your dreams!

Extended Shelf Life

For many, coffee isn't a luxury but a habit. However, running to a Starbucks kiosk every morning isn't economical for most people. So, how do you fulfill your daily caffeine need without giving up on flavor? Simple; home roasting.

Coffee beans start to lose flavor once they come in contact with heat, such as when roasted. On the other hand, raw coffee beans last for years on the shelf without losing any flavor. That means you can stock up on raw beans and roast only as much as you need at a time.

Pure fun

Finally, you should consider roasting coffee at home because it's simply fun. It can be your new "me-time" ritual, stress-buster, or hobby. Truly, it's incredibly rewarding to spend time making something you enjoy.

Our 5 Best Picks For Home Coffee Roasters

Here are our top 5 picks for the best home coffee roasters at a glance:

Kaldi Wide Home Coffee Roaster – Best Overall

Jiawanshun Electric Coffee Roaster – Best Electric Coffee Roaster

Fresh Roast SR540 Coffee Roaster – Best Coffee Roaster For Home

Nuvo Eco Handy Ceramic Coffee Roaster – Best Budget-Friendly Coffee Roaster

Hario Retro Coffee Roaster – Best Manual Coffee Roaster

9 Best Home Coffee Roasters: Detailed Review, Pros & Cons

Kaldi Wide Home Coffee Roaster

Let’s start with a no-brainer; the Kaldi Wide Home Coffee Roaster, which also happens to be our top pick for 2023. If you’re all up for home roasting and ready to splurge on your new coffee kit addition, this is the roaster of your dreams!

It looks and functions like a coffeehouse-worthy machine and will take your at-home coffee experience to the next level. The Kaldi coffee roaster is one of the more advanced and expensive roasting machines today. But its features and performance make it a worthy long-term investment.

The device has several components, such as an easy-to-read thermometer, a probe rod for accurate temperature measurements, a bean hopper, and a chaff holder to collect coffee dust. The roaster comes equipped with Kaldi’s self-developed perforated drum with a whopping capacity of 300 grams. Furthermore, the stirring drum uses 2mm-thick stainless steel has three stirring blades, and a 3mm perforation for even roasting every time!

This Kaldi device is designed for serious home roasters who want to perfect their roasting game. It really is a roasting workhorse that focuses on one primary task, i.e., producing 10/10 coffee beans in terms of quality and precision. Once you set it up properly, all you have to do is toss in your beans and place the roaster over a gas burner, and it will take care of the rest!

What We Like:

• Produces evenly roasted beans every time
• Easy to use
• Fully motorized
• Easy cleanup
• Innovative air roasting technology
• Packed with useful roasting accessories

What We Don’t Like:

• Expensive

Jiawanshun Electric Coffee Roaster

For those looking for a beginner-friendly, easy-to-use electric coffee roaster on a budget, it can’t get any better. The Jiawanshun electric roaster is a huge jump down from the Kaldi device in terms of price. It comes under $100. And performance-wise, it won’t disappoint either!

You get two different models to choose from – 110 or 220 volts. The coffee bean roaster has a large roasting tray that can roast 300-500 grams of beans at a time. It also has temperature settings between 100° and 240° C, allowing you to find your ideal roast level. However, note that the darker the roast, the longer the roasting time. Nevertheless, thanks to its in-built rotating arm, the Jiawanshun device produces even roast no matter how dark you go!

When it comes to design, this one has a sleek, minimalist body with a modern aesthetic. Its non-stick chassis adds more to its beauty while making cleanup a breeze! What we liked best about this roaster is its versatility. Besides evenly roasting your coffee beans, it does a superb job of roasting peanuts, popping popcorn, and the like.

Our only complaint with the Jiawanshun coffee roaster is that it doesn’t include a chaff collector. That means you’ll have to manually separate the chaff from the beans. However, this feature is usually available only on higher-end models like Kaldi.

What We Like:

• Durable stainless-steel built
• Affordable
• Adjustable temperature knob
• Easy to use
• Multi-use
• Large capacity

What We Don’t Like:

• Takes some time for dark roast, up to 20 minutes
• No inbuilt chaff collector
• No inbuilt bean cooler

Fresh Roast SR540 Coffee Roaster

A successor of Fresh Roast’s SR500 model, the SR540 coffee roaster is a step up from the Jiawanshun roaster in terms of features and roasting time. But it does cost double the price of Jiawanshun.

With a slim, vertical, and simple structure, the Fresh Roast SR540 is user-friendly and fun. It mimics a modern-day blender. With a simple turn of a knob, you can switch between nine roast levels. It also has a few advanced features that you usually expect from high-end models, like an inbuilt bean cooler, real-time temperature display, chaff collector, and a one-year warranty.

The machine is easy to clean too. However, you’ll have to remove and empty the chaff collector on top after each roast. Compared to its younger sibling SR500 which the company discontinued in 2019, the SR540 has upgrades like an improved control band, larger roasting chamber, wider fan range, and three extra roast levels.

Despite its larger roasting chamber, the size of the product might still be small for some people. It holds just 4 ounces of beans. Hence, it’s more suitable for personal use. Besides that, Fresh Roast SR540 is highly sought after by newbie roasters, highly reviewed by industry experts, and affordable.

What We Like:

• Upgrade from the company’s SR500 model
• Easy to clean
• Bean cooler and chaff collector available
• Portable
• Easy to store
• Mid-price range

What We Don’t Like:

• Relatively small capacity
• Emptying the chaff collector can get messy if you’re not careful

Nuvo Eco Handy Ceramic Coffee Roaster

With no bells or whistles, the Nuvo Coffee Roaster is one of the most popular entry-level home coffee roasters for novice coffee roasters. It has a straightforward design and roasts beans the traditional way. It just requires some wrist action from you to get you that perfect, aromatic roast.

You need to place the roaster over a gas stove, campfire, or electric cooktop while you hold the leather handle and regularly rotate the roaster every 15 seconds. The beans go inside the circular chamber, which is built in a way to trap heat. It is a manual coffee roaster and takes about 10-15 minutes of roasting time, depending on your preferred roast level.

One of the best things about this device is that it allows you to experience the roasting process up close. Thanks to the open chamber, you can see the coffee beans turn from pale green to glorious brown color. Also, while the open chamber emits very little chaff, you can simply blow into the hollow handle to separate them from the beans.

The roaster holds up to 70 grams of beans per session. So, it’s obviously not for the crowd. However, if you want to experience the art of traditional coffee roasting while immersing yourself in an aromatic escapade, you might just fall in love with the Nuvo coffee roaster!

What We Like:

• Sleek and antique design
• Easy to use
• Very affordable
• Great for beginners

What We Don’t Like:

• Small capacity
• Requires some effort

Hario Retro Coffee Roaster

Hario is one of the newer brands to enter the space of coffee roasters, having been founded in 2021. It currently operates as the only heatproof glass factory in Japan. In fact, the Hario glass used in this coffee roaster can withstand temperatures up to 800° C!

The Hario Retro Coffee Roaster will take you back to simpler times with its retro-style glass chamber and a classic hand crank. It is easy to use and clean and always produces great coffee. Besides, its retro design is so attractive you can leave it on display when not in use.

Again, the thing about this roaster is that it gives you the experience and not just a beverage. You can watch your coffee beans turn brown with every turn of the crank while the glass roaster heats over an alcohol flame.

The body is made from aluminum and stainless steel. Hence, it will last you for years to come. You can also choose from three colors- silver, red, and black. As for the capacity, the Hario coffee roaster holds up to 50 grams of beans per roast, which is relatively small.

What We Like:

• Easy to use
• Traditional design and method
• Gives you a chance to experience the roasting process
• Excellent Japanese quality
• Durable

What We Don’t Like:

• Small capacity

Great Northern Popcorn Stovetop Popper

Many popcorn poppers can evenly roast coffee beans, making an excellent low-budget alternative. Sure, the Great Northern Popcorn Popper doesn’t have a fancy smoke suppression feature or a chaff collector, but it’s a dual-use item that does the job well!

The Great Northern Popper is a high-capacity roaster that requires a hands-on approach. You can work it over a gas or electric stove, an open fire, or a BBQ grill. Enjoy it like in the ‘50s, or go rough like a cowboy; that’s up to you!

While using the popper over a stovetop does give you some control over the temperature, we recommend using it outdoors unless you have a super-ventilated kitchen.

So, how do you roast coffee beans in this popcorn popper? It’s easy. Just throw in your beans, and place the popper over your choice of heat. Then, consistently rotate the in-built stir paddle with the help of the wooden handle. By doing so, you ensure an even roast.

On a side note, the Great Northern Popper does a fantastic job as a popcorn popper. It produces theater-style popcorn in a short amount of time. So, if you love popcorn and coffee equally, this is a great buy.

What We Like:

• Stirring provides even roast
• Easy to use
• Easy storage
• Budget-friendly
• Large capacity
• Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like:

• It’s an alternative, so it doesn’t roast beans as well as coffee roasters do.
• No smoke suppression. Hence, more suitable for outdoor use.
• No precise control

DYVEE Gas Coffee Roasting Machine

DYVEE coffee roaster is a multi-use coffee roasting machine, excellent for roasting coffee beans, peanuts, chestnuts, dried fruits, etc. With a sleek design and stainless-steel body, this gas coffee roasting machine is a no-brainer for coffee connoisseurs who want complete control over their roast levels.

Since the product features a transparent quartz drum, you can watch the entire roasting process. Hence, you can closely monitor your coffee beans and know when to stop.

Unlike traditional manual roasters, it’s much more convenient with this one. The wooden handle here is added more for aesthetics. Yes, you don’t have to manually crank it. Instead, the roaster is powered by an electric motor that rotates the drum to facilitate even roasting.
You can say that the DYVEE coffee roaster is somewhat a combination of a manual and electric roaster. It gives you a more up-close experience like most manual roasters do, but with the added convenience of an electric roaster. Given its features, the product comes at a moderately high price point.

The roaster also has an impressive roasting capacity. Its glass drum can hold up to 400 grams of coffee beans, enough for brewing 48 cups of delicious coffee. However, most customers recommend you roast only up to 300 grams of beans per batch for optimal results.

The only thing to note about this roaster is that it doesn’t come with a roasting timer or thermometer. Hence, it requires you to be on your toes. If you’re just starting out, you might want to use a timer for the first few batches to find your preferred roast level.

What We Like:

• Can monitor the roasting process
• Automatically rotates to ensure even roasting
• Large capacity of up to 400 grams
• Easy to use and clean

What We Don’t Like:

• No temperature control
• Limited Versatility

Nesco 4818-12 Roaster Oven

Here’s something powerful, massive, and versatile for large families that love coffee. The Nesco 4818-12 is a beast of a roaster oven with 18 quarts (17 liters) capacity. It is available in three styles – porcelain, patriotic, and special edition. In addition, it comes in six different colors. One variant even has a striking print of the US flag.

This machine isn’t a coffee roaster per se. However, with its 1425 watts of power and ability to withstand high temperatures of up to 450° F, it does an amazing job at roasting your coffee beans. Besides, it can be your all-in-one oven for roasting meat, baking cookies, and pies, or even cooking stews and soups.

The best thing about this roaster oven is its unique circle of heat construction. Meaning it’ll roast your coffee beans evenly from the sides and not from the bottom. This reduces the risk of burning the beans.

Another excellent feature is its wide range of temperature settings from 200° F to 450° F. So, whether you like light, medium, or dark roasts, the Nesco 4818-12 makes it all possible with just a turn of the knob. Cleaning the device is also a cinch, thanks to its removable parts!

If the 18 quarts is too big for you, you can pick the 6-quart mini variant that uses 600 watts of power. Regardless, the Nesco 4818-12 makes an excellent pick for people that roast large amounts of coffee on the daily.

What We Like:

• Easy to use
• Great for large families
• Versatile
• Temperature settings available
• Easy to clean and maintain

What We Don’t Like:

• Porcelain might discolor with time.

Cafemasy Coffee Bean Roasting Net

The cafemasy coffee roaster is simplicity at its best. It is also one of the best handheld coffee roasters on the market, with a straightforward design. The roaster looks like a tea strainer with a mesh cover on top. And like with any manual coffee roaster, the Cafemasy device requires a more hands-on effort from your side.

The most impressive thing about this roaster, which you might not expect from such a modest-looking device, is its heat thermometer. Just pin the thermometer from outside the net and monitor the heat temperature for precise roasting.

Additionally, the Cafemasy roasting net has a multi-channel groove design that makes it easier for the beans to roll and change position during the roasting process.

Note the roaster has a total capacity of 100 grams of beans. But filling up the entire net might not leave enough room for the beans to move around. Hence, it’ll result in uneven roasting.

For best results, roast 50 grams of beans per batch. Hold the roaster over an open-flame burner and consistently shake it to avoid burning the beans.

What We Like:

• Very affordable
• The heat thermometer comes with the package
• Easy to clean
• Straightforward design
• Beginner-friendly

What We Don’t Like:

• Very small capacity
• Completely manual

Types Of Coffee Roasters

Generally, there are three main types of coffee roasters. We've explained each one in detail below:

Drum Coffee Roasters

Let's start with the most popular coffee roasting machine on the market today. The drum-type coffee roaster includes a rotating drum-shaped roasting cage design, hence the name. They use indirect heat or conduction for roasting the beans. For example, the DYVEE coffee roaster.

In other words, the coffee beans aren't heated directly here. Instead, the drum gets heated, usually over an open flame. And the beans inside come in contact with the drum's heated surface and begin roasting.

Drum and hot-air coffee roasters are both great in terms of quality and flavor. However, while drum roasters are best for larger batches, the latter has smaller capacities.

Now, this doesn't mean the larger the capacity, the better. It ultimately depends on your coffee needs. If you drink several cups of coffee daily or have a large family of coffee drinkers, you should opt for drum roasters. Contrastingly, if 1-2 cups of coffee per day is enough for you, go with air coffee roasters. Remember, roasted coffee beans gradually lose flavor once they're heated.

Hot Air Coffee Roasters

Hot air coffee or airflow roasters use one of the most advanced heating technologies in the world of coffee roasting, i.e., hot air technology. For example, the Kaldi Wide Home Coffee Roaster. In this type of roaster, heat is applied directly to the beans.

The beans are suspended in a convection current of hot air. Consequently, the hot air roasts each bean evenly. Hot-air coffee roasters are the most sophisticated and precise machines since they rely on advanced temperature control sensors. Unlike drum roasters, the temperature sensors display the real-time temperature at which the beans are roasting. In a drum roaster, the thermometer shows the temperature of the air inside instead of the drum's, which is the actual heat source. This may lead to hotspots and uneven roasting.

The biggest drawback of hot-air coffee roasters is their price. Enjoying world-class home coffee roasting does come with a price, after all!

Popcorn Makers

Popcorn makers like the Great Northern Popper aren't technically designed to roast coffee. However, they utilize direct heat or convention, similar to air roasters. Hence, they can also do a decent job at roasting your coffee beans. If you opt for this type, just remember that you might have to compromise on flavor or quality. The best thing about roasting coffee beans in a popcorn maker is that they're super affordable and beginner-friendly.

Learn The Basics Of Roasting Coffee At Home

When it comes to home roasting, your sense of sight and smell are your best friends. Even more so if you use manual or drum coffee roasters, that's because each coffee roast level has a different characteristic, smell, and color. So, you need to monitor the beans closely to get your preferred roast. Here's a quick run-down of the different coffee roast levels:

Green: It means they're still raw.

Yellow: The green hue will start turning yellowish once it starts heating. You may also notice a grassy smell.

Steam: The constant heat from the roaster will release water from the beans. Hence, you may see some steam or smoke. While some roasters come with inbuilt steam or smoke suppression, it's unlikely for the roasting process to be completely smoke- or steam-free.

First Crack: Beans will expand, and you'll hear a cracking sound. The first cracking sound indicates the caramelizing of sugar. The beans will have reached a pretty light to medium roast level at this stage.

Second Crack: The second crack means your beans enter the dark roast level. You will see some oily sheen on the beans' surface at this stage. After the second crack, more roasting means more bitterness.

Burn: Following the second crack, they'll burn if you continue roasting your beans. Consequently, you'll detect a pungent smell, and the beans' surface will turn extra oily. Such beans will not taste good at all.

Pro Tips:

• A light roast coffee is when the bean's internal temperature is between 355°F and 400°F.

• A medium roast coffee results from roasting temperatures between 410°F and 428°F.

• Medium-dark roast coffee fall within the temperature range of 437°F and 445°F.

• Dark roast coffee requires you to roast to a temperature between 465°F and 482°F.

• Beginners should roast just until the past of the first crack. Taste it first, then decide if you should go any further.

• The darker you roast, the more smoke your roaster will produce. So, unless your machine has a smoke suppression system, you might want to roast outdoors.

• A bean cooler is necessary for a coffee roaster, especially if you're serious about home roasting. Why? Without a bean cooler, the beans will continue to roast due to their internal heat, even after you've stopped roasting them. This could lead to uneven or burnt beans. To avoid this, consider buying a separate bean cooler in case your machine doesn't have a cooling mechanism. Here's our top pick: DYVEE Electric Coffee Bean Cooler.

FAQs

Is home coffee roasting cheaper?

Yes, home coffee roasting is cheaper than getting yourself a cup of Starbucks daily. One of the biggest reasons is that green, raw coffee beans are cheaper than their roasted counterparts.

Are shiny coffee beans better?

Not necessarily. Not all coffee beans produce the same amount of oil. Hence, the shininess of a bean isn't an accurate parameter to judge the coffee's quality.

How long do roasted coffee beans last?

Experts say that roasted coffee beans stay fresh for 7-10 days after they've been roasted.

Is coffee roasting dangerous?

Yes, coffee roasting can be dangerous, just like anything else in life. It ultimately boils down to how prepared you are. Research well, read about the dos and don'ts of home roasting, and prioritize safety at all times.

What is the price of a coffee roaster?

You'll find cheap coffee roasters in under $100, while higher-end models usually go up to $700- $800. The price depends on the brand, roaster type, and features.

How to store coffee beans?

Always store coffee beans, whole or ground, in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

How long do coffee beans need to sit out before brewing coffee?

Letting your coffee beans sit out before brewing means allowing them to degas. In other words, allowing the carbon dioxide to separate from the roasted beans. Degassing coffee beans needs around 2-12 days. If you brew your beans right after roasting, they might not taste as flavorful.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Dark Roast.

References:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/top-home-coffee-roasters-765541

https://www.homegrounds.co/best-home-coffee-roasters/

https://www.batchcoffee.co.uk/stories/home-coffee-roaster

https://www.seriouseats.com/why-you-shouldnt-roast-coffee-at-home-pros-cons-green-coffee-roasting-kit

https://coffeeaffection.com/is-roasting-your-own-coffee-beans-worth-the-time-effort/

https://sonofresco.com/benefits-to-roasting-your-own-coffee-at-home/

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/cheaper-richer-tastier-coffee-how-to-roast-your-own-beans-at-home/

https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/best-coffee-bean-roaster/

https://www.batchcoffee.co.uk/stories/different-coffee-roasts