Between Batch Protocol - the key to consistent sample roasting
Over the last year, we have been in conversation with Scott Rao about how to make the ROEST sample roaster better, and how to make it replicate batches more precisely when using power profiles or our new inlet temperature sensor. We know how important it is to get the end result as precise as possible, to achieve consistency in your roast. We are now upgrading our firmware with automated Between Batch Protocol profiles, so you can get the best out of your coffee and roasting sessions.
Much of our conversation has been about data, roast replication, and the role of a between batch protocol (BBP) in improving replication. I’m proud to say those conversations contributed to the addition of an inlet-temperature probe and an automated BBP feature. The results are fabulous.
- Scott Rao
When the BBP target is reached, the machine will let you know by showing a message on the screen and by sound.
What is Between Batch Protocol? As important as it is to heat up the machine before starting the roasting process, so is the between batch protocol. It is a way to reset the thermal energy in the roaster, at a desired temperature level before charging the next batch.
Between Batch Protocol and Air temperature profiles
Our automated BBP is important for Power Profiles and Inlet Temperature Profiles. Profiles that are based on Air Temperature or Bean Temperature, will however take most of the thermal energy into account automatically. So for these, it’s not as important - especially for efficient sample roasting.
Let’s talk about consistency
If you’ve never heard about Between Batch Protocol before, it is a common practice among roasters, to help them achieve the most consistent roasts. And to achieve that, it’s important to have the same starting point on your roaster. Between Batch Protocol (BBP) is one of several factors that helps you get an even and stable roasting session.
There are also other factors that will help you succeed in achieving consistency. It’s recommended to only roast one batch size over a period of time, so the roaster can replicate what you are already doing, batch after batch. It’s all about mastering repeatability.
Scott Rao mentions a few strategies in his books on how to improve consistency, that we agree on, whether you do sample roasting or production roasting:
Roast your least important coffee first.
Roast smaller batches before larger batches.
Roast lighter batches before darker batches.
Organize batches to avoid making more than one change in batch size during a roasting session.
By having a BBP profile on your ROEST Sample Roaster, you don’t have to worry about batch sizes, lighter vs darker coffee, or other aspects.
Why you need Between Batch Protocol
You may have experienced variations in your roasting, even if it has been with the same coffee, same batch size, and same profile. The reason for this could be that the starting conditions haven’t been the same. Without the same environment in the roaster, it’s nearly impossible to achieve the same result on your roasts.
As the day goes, and you continue to roast throughout the day, heat is adapted to the roaster and the beans. If the roaster isn’t cooled down between the roasts, it will continue to get hotter and therefore roast the beans faster.
Between Batch Protocol is a way to reset the thermal energy in your roaster between batches. By using this profile on your ROEST Sample Roaster, you will have the same starting conditions as you had on your previous batch. When sample roasting, your main goal is to achieve the most consistent result on every batch. By using BBP together with the profile you have chosen, it’s more likely to get that.
A screenshot of our Web Portal with an overlay over two roasts using BBP profile between the batches.
If you are curious about our Between Batch Protocol profile and would like a demo of how it works, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to show you how!
Liked reading this? Check out our article about Inlet Temperature Profiles.
