Adjustable roasting parameters
There are many parameters you can adjust before or during roasting. You will find some of them on the main touchscreen, the rest are located in ROAST SETTINGS.
Sections:
Main screen parameters
These are the adjustable parameters located on the main screen of your roaster.
1. DEVELOPMENT TIME. You can change the development time during the roasting process without switching to manual mode. Tap on DEVELOPMENT TIME and adjust the time using the rotary knob. Once “First Crack” is registered, the timer will start and cannot be changed. By tapping the countdown, you can cancel the auto drop and drop the beans when you want to.
2. AIR TEMPERATURE (ET).
This is the primary variable for adjusting a roast. The sensor sits in the upper mid-section of the drum. This temperature responds very rapidly to changes in heat input. If adjusting the ET, you will switch to manual mode (Manual ET Profile).
3. BEAN TEMPERATURE (BT) AND DRUM TEMPERATURE
Instant temperature measurement of the bean surface. Adjusting BT on the screen will not switch to manual mode. Instant measurements of the drum temperature are also visible below the BT temperature.
4. FAN.
The fan setting changes the speed of the exhaust fan. Note: If you have a fixed ventilation hose out of the room and smell roasted coffee, this can be because the exhaust fan setting is too low.
IMPORTANT: The higher the airflow, the more energy is used in temperature-based profiles. More increased airflow will have an impact on the roasting time. However, the effect is not as significant as you might have experienced with traditional open drum roasters. We suggest adjusting the temperature or power to adjust the total roasting time. We have roasted great coffee on both low and high airflow. It depends on the profile overall – and of course – the coffee.
5. POWER.
When controlling the power, any changes made to the power percentage on the screen is directly changing the power input to the heating elements. You will switch to manual mode if manually adjusting the power (Manual Power Profile).
Roast settings parameters
These are the adjustable parameters located in your roaster via ROAST SETTINGS.
1. REDUCE PWR AFTER FC.
If you roast using a Power profile, this setting can automatically reduce the power after a First Crack event has been registered.
For example: if the power setting in the profile is 80%, then a 10% reduction would mean that the power is reduced to 72% (10% of 80% power is eight percentage points).
Watch this video to learn more about this useful feature.
2. WAITING TEMPERATURE (charge temperature).
The starting air temperature for Power Profiles. You can set a preheat temperature when creating a profile as well, but if you wish to vary between batches, for example, you can leave that field blank and just adjust from the screen in between batches instead.
IMPORTANT: The waiting or charge temperature is set in the profile creator for temperature profiles. Depending on the profile, it can be beneficial to have a higher or lower starting temperature than the profile itself. A high charge temperature will increase the conductive heat transfer at the beginning of the roast, as the roasting chamber will store more heat. A lower charge temperature will help reduce energy consumption if the machine is idling for more extended periods between roasts and will also shift the heat transfer more towards convection in the beginning.
3. DEVELOPMENT (AUTO DROP) SETTING.
Choose between percentage (%) and seconds (SEC) for development time after First Crack. If percentage is used, the development time will be calculated from the total time.
4. MAIN MOTOR SPEED.
Manual adjustment of the drum speed. It can be adjusted at all times during a roast without switching to manual mode.
IMPORTANT: Changing the Main Motor Speed (RPM) of the paddles agitating the coffee will have a much more significant impact on the roast than changes made to the airflow. Initially, higher RPM equals a faster roast. With higher RPM, the coffee is “thrown” into the hot air and spread more evenly in the chamber. With higher RPM, the coffee will be exposed to the hot air more efficiently. Still, it will also impact the precision of the bean temperature sensor since the sensor will pick up hot air and bean surface temperatures.
5. BUZZER TEMPERATURE.
The buzzer will make a sound when a set bean temperature is reached. This is helpful if you do not want to miss, e.g., the First Crack event.
Watch the video below to see how to set up the Buzzer on your roaster.
6. YELLOWING BT THRESHOLD.
The bean temperature which must be reached for ROEST to mark a Yellowing event. Note: It is set at 175 degrees Celsius by default which is valid for a 100g profile. If you roast a different batch size, you should adjust it.
7. FIRST CRACK DETECTION.
If you have purchased a ROEST sample roaster with the FC detection system, tap ON to activate this feature. Here you can adjust the following parameters:
7.a. BT Threshold: Bean temperature that has to be reached in order for First Crack detection to start registering single cracks.
7.b.Trigger count: You can choose how many cracks are needed in order to register the First Crack event automatically. We recommend 3-5 cracks.
Parameters that will not affect automatic mode
The following parameters can be adjusted without switching to manual mode:
Development time
Fan
Reduce PWR After FC
Development time (Auto drop)
First Crack settings (BT threshold and Trigger count)
Main motor speed (RPM)
Parameters that will affect manual mode
If you are roasting in automatic mode, ROEST will switch to manual mode if you adjust the following parameters:
Air temperature
Power
However, the First Crack detection will not be affected if already active.
You can read more about roasting here.
First Crack detection
The automatic first crack detection turns your coffee roaster into a fully automatic roaster delivering higher consistency between your roasts. It registers the first crack for you and finishes the roast without any assistance.
Sections:
Warning
First crack detection is meant to be a tool for data gathering and automation. The roaster can never be left alone in automated mode and requires supervision.
Benefits
Saves you time - no need to monitor the roasting process.
Increases consistency.
Turns your ROEST into a fully automatic roaster.
Easier roasting for everyone, no roasting skills required.
If your ROEST machine does not have an FC detector, you can buy it here and easily install it on your roaster.
How to turn it ON
After receiving your ROEST, the First Crack Detection is turned OFF. Follow these steps to turn it ON:
1. Tap on the time to open the menu
2. Tap on ROAST SETTINGS
3. Tap on FIRST CRACK SETTINGS
4. Turn it ON
You will see “AUTOMATIC FC” on the main touchscreen when First Crack Detection is ON
How to turn it OFF
If you want to roast without First Crack Detector, you can turn it OFF.
1. Tap on the time to open the menu
2. Tap on ROAST SETTINGS
3. Tap on FIRST CRACK SETTINGS
4. Turn it OFF
First crack settings
When turning on First Crack Detection, the following parameters can be adjusted:
BT Threshold
This setting determines the bean temperature that must be reached for First Crack Detection to start registering single cracks. It is set at 185 degrees Celsius by default. You can adjust the temperature to your liking by tapping the number and then using the rotary knob to change the value.
Trigger count
Here you can set how many cracks are needed to register the “First Crack Event” automatically. It is set at five by default. We recommend 3-5 cracks. You can adjust the number of cracks to your liking by tapping the number and then using the rotary knob to change the value.
Watch the video below to see in detail how to set up the FCD on your roaster.
Registering a first crack event
After tapping “yellowing” or after the BT threshold has been reached, the first cracks can be registered. Once the set trigger count has been reached, the Auto Drop countdown will start.
Option 1: Main touchscreen
Option 2: Roast settings-FC settings
Screen during roasting
Event resgistered as First Crack
Total cracks registered automatically
ROEST automatically starts the auto drop based on the crack count settings
First Crack Detection is ON
Roasting graph
You can see the intensity of the first cracks, also known as crack rate.
Automatic roasting
Warning
Automated mode with or without First Crack Detection is meant to be a tool for data gathering and automation. The roaster can never be left alone in automated mode and requires supervision.
Automatic roasting with First Crack Detection (FCD)
When receiving your ROEST, the First Crack Detection is switched off. Before roasting, you must turn it ON to activate it.
ROASTING
Once the machine has reached the target temperature for the selected profile (or waiting temperature when using a Power profile):
1. Add green beans to the hopper and pull the charge handle. Make sure all the beans enter the roasting chamber.
2. When First Crack Detection is ON, beans are roasted from the start until the end without any action needed. Wait for ROEST to release the beans in the cooling tray and let the beans cool down for about 90 seconds. You can start a new roast while the beans are cooling.
You can override the Development Time countdown if you want to release the beans immediately. Tap the Development time countdown area, and the automatic drop is canceled and “DROP NOW” enabled. Tap again to release the beans.
Automatic roasting without First Crack Detection (FCD)
ROASTING
Once the machine has reached the target temperature for the selected profile (or waiting temperature when using a Power profile):
1. Add green beans to the hopper and pull the charge handle. (Make sure all the beans enter the roasting chamber).
2. When you hear cracks, you must manually register the First Crack event: Tap “Next Event: FIRST CRACK”.
Tap “NEXT EVENT” in the upper left corner of the main touchscreen until you see FIRST CRACK.
3. When the development time countdown is over, ROEST releases the beans into the cooling tray. Let the beans cool down for about 90 seconds. Collect the beans or add another round of beans and start roasting while the previous batch is cooling down.
Watch the video below with detailed steps of automatic roasting without First Crack Detector.
From auto to manual and back
When you roast in automatic mode, and you intentionally or by accident adjust a parameter (power or temperature) that turns on manual mode, you can still go back to automatic mode by going to profiles and selecting the profile you are roasting with again.
Manual roasting
Manual roasting is available for Power Profiles and Air Temperature (ET) profiles. We recommend using Power Profiles for manual mode.
Sections:
Important information
• If the air temperature is adjusted while roasting with a Power profile, the profile will turn into a manual ET profile.
• You can use automatic First Crack detection while roasting in manual mode. Even when roasting manually, it will register the First Crack and start the automatic countdown. If you want to perform a fully manual operation, turn First Crack detection off.
Manual roasting with power profile
PREHEATING
1. Select a power profile, close the drum and wait for the roaster to have reached the waiting temperature.
2. If you want ROEST to automatically register the First Crack, turn on First Crack Detection.
3. You can adjust the waiting temperature if you wish:
Adjusting the waiting temperature
ROASTING
Once the machine has reached the WAITING TEMPERATURE, you are ready to start roasting.
1. Add green beans to the hopper and pull the charge handle.
2. By adjusting the power, you will switch to the Manual PWR profile - tap on POWER and use the rotary knob to change the value.
You are currently in Manual Mode. Read about all parameters available to adjust in the article “Roasting parameters”.
When the First Crack Detection is on, ROEST automatically registers the FC - even when roasting in manual mode.
3. End the roasting process your preferred way. See the three ways how to end a roast here.
4. Collect the beans or add another round of beans and start roasting while the previous batch is cooling down.
Manual roasting with Air Temperature (ET) profile
PREHEATING
1. Complete the “BEFORE ROASTING-PREHEATING” steps to select an ET profile.
2. If you want ROEST to automatically register the First Crack, turn on First Crack Detection.
ROASTING
Once the machine reaches the targeted temperature, you are ready to roast.
1. Add green beans to the hopper and pull the charge handle. (Make sure all the beans enter the roasting chamber).
2. By adjusting the Air Temperature (ET), you will switch to the Manual ET profile - tap on AIR TEMP and use the rotary knob to change the value.
You are currently in Manual Mode. Read about all parameters available to adjust in the article “Roasting parameters”.
When the First Crack Detection is on, ROEST automatically registers the FC - even when roasting in manual mode.
3. End the roasting process your preferred way. See the three ways how to end a roast here.
4. Collect the beans or add another round of beans and start roasting while the previous batch is cooling down.
Roasting from start to end
How to roast in 6 quick steps
1. Close the drum to preheat (drop handle in downward position)
2. Select profile: tap on timer -> Select Profiles
3. Charge beans to start roasting
4. Register first crack
5. Bean drops automatically after the set development time
6. Open the drum to cool down the machine, or keep it closed to continue roasting
Switch on the back of the roaster
2.a. Connect to Wi-Fi. Read how to do it here. If you wish to download new profiles, watch live view on Web Portal or store roasting logs, you must be connected.
(Skip step 2.a. if you are using ROEST without Wi-Fi).
2.b. PREHEATING: Close the drum by moving the drop handle to the downward position.
Drum closed - Handle down
OPEN drum
CLOSED drum
3. Select a profile.
1. Go to the Main Menu
2. Tap “PROFILES”
3. Choose a profile
The roaster will start preheating to reach the target temperature of the chosen profile. The roaster is ready for roasting once it has reached the target, which will take a few minutes.
To learn more about roasting profiles, read here.
Start roasting
When the drum has preheated to the target temperature:
1. Add green beans in the hopper and pull the charge handle (make sure all the beans enter the roasting chamber).
2. The roasting process has started.
During roasting
The automatic mode is set by default on your roaster. However, you are always free to change to manual roasting:
1. Adjust power or air temperature while roasting to switch to manual mode.
2. When you hear the cracks, tap the “First Crack” button (unless your roaster has a First Crack Detection system).
ROASTING EVENTS
Read here to learn about the three types of events you can register while roasting.
Tap on PRESS TO CANCEL DROP
Tap on DROP NOW when you are ready to drop the beans
The beans will drop inmediatly
3. Manually open the drum by moving the drop handle to the upward position. If you want to do another roast, close the drum again.
Drum open - Handle up
OPEN drum
CLOSED drum
You can start a new roasting process while the beans are cooling down, with the same profile, or by selecting a new one.
IF YOU’RE DONE ROASTING: cool down the roaster and turn it off.
1. Open the drum by moving the drop handle to the left upward position.
2. Wait for the temperature to cool down to about 45 degrees Celsius.
3. Turn off the roaster.
4. Empty the chaff drawer (Note: remember to reset the chaff counter next time you turn on the roaster).