The New Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster is a great value
I recently purchased the new Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster. It is the only home roasting device that is capable of roasting up to 1 lb of green coffee beans per batch. While most home roasters use “hot air” like a popcorn maker, the Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster uses quartz heating elements. They provide consistent heat that can be regulated using 5 different heating profiles. Behmor plans to offer an upgrade control panel in the near future that will allow specific temperature settings to be used. By the way, A small “Lab Roaster” will cost several thousand dollars and take up more room, but the Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster prices out at around 300 dollars and is a little bigger than a toaster oven.
Capacity & Smoke Complaints?
One of the biggest complaints home roaster have it capacity. Most home units only roast 4-8 ounces at a time. As mentioned earlier, the Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster can roast up to 1 pound of coffee. The drum roasting device turns and the fins inside the drum help move the green beans around providing a consistent roast. The stainless steel wire drum allows the chaff to fall off the bean and is captured in a special collector, reducing smoke and mess. Speaking of smoke, the Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster has a built-in smoke-reduction system that will allow you to roast inside. I place my roaster under our hood fan in the kitchen because there is some smoke when I roast some coffee approaching second crack.
Will it Roast Dark Enough?
This is a quite machine that plugs into any house 110 electrical outlet. During the roasting process I have used several different roasting profiles and have gotten pretty comfortable with the consistent performance of the Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster. Yes, there is a window to monitor the roasting process and the large digital counter will automatically push the roasting process into the cool cycle if you like OR you can manually deduct or extend the roasting time to achieve that custom roasting level you desire. I have heard others complain that this roaster does not roast to darker levels but I think these people are trying to roast over 1 pound at a time AND have not figured out how to use the different roasting profiles. More than once I have messed up and gone way past second crack and burned a batch! Never leave your roaster.
Is The New 1600 any different?
YES! My new roaster has an upgraded fan and a variable speed setting for the drum. As mentioned earlier, the electrical panel is also scheduled to be upgraded offering a variable temperature adjustment. I have not seen these yet but a future review will provide more details. Now, where did I purchase mine from? Sweet Marias was my choice. They have a deal where you get 8 lbs of coffee with the roaster. It is a great way to break in your roasting skills and experience coffee from all around the world. For those who are searching for a home roaster, seriously consider the Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster. This is a easy to use roaster that will provide years of roasting pleasure.
