Home Coffee Roasting – Worth the Hassle?

Roasting coffee at home is all the rage these days, as people strive to make their favorite drink exactly how they like it.

While the process may seem daunting at first, home roasting is rather simple – and the results are well worth your time.

When I started home roasting, the idea was to get fresh coffee as quickly and easily accessible. As someone who’s always been curious about how it all worked in my kitchen, this seemed like a great way for me to learn more about the whole coffee-making process.

So, why bother roasting your own coffee at home?

Taste

The number one reason people roast their own coffee is for the taste.

You don’t have to be a coffee aficionado to feel the difference between fresh, home-roasted coffee and the pre-ground stuff you’ll find at the grocery store.

It’s also worth noting that the coffee you buy at the store is typically roasted months ago, meaning it’s already stale by the time you get your hands on it.

Coffee that’s been fresh-roasted at home simply tastes better.

Plus, you get to enjoy the satisfying smell wafting through your house.

Saving Money

Roasting your own beans can help you save some money in the long run.

Green beans are cheaper than roasted ones.

You can get 20% off if you buy them unroasted, but they will lose about 15%-20% of their weight during the process from a loss in moisture content.

However, even with this weight loss, you’ll still end up saving money.

All you need to start roasting is a cheap popcorn popper. You can get it for as little as 20 dollars at a thrift store or at Sweet Marias.

The oven and other manual methods you already have in your kitchen can be used as well.

However, when you roast coffee in an electric oven, it takes longer than when done on the popper, and it’s harder to get an even roast.

In addition, coffee beans have to be constantly mixed manually, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Control the Batch

As much as I love getting my coffee from a local roaster, the freshness and taste never last more than a week.

When roasting yourself, you can make as much or as little as you want – and it will always be fresh.

This is great if you have family and friends over often, or if you just want to make sure you always have fresh coffee on hand.

Do It Your Way

Coffee roasting is a process of experimentation.

When you roast your coffee, you have complete control over the flavor.

Want a light and fruity coffee? Roast your beans for a shorter amount of time. Prefer a rich and chocolatey cup? Roast for a bit longer.

You can control the roast, the grind, the brewing method, and every other variable to make coffee that’s exactly to your taste.

Whether you want a light, fruity coffee or a dark, rich roast, it’s all up to you.

There’s no waste because you only roast what can be used in a week or two.

Storage Time

Roasted beans only last for a few weeks before they start to go stale, but unroasted beans can be stored for months and up to a year.

This means that you can buy in bulk and save money, while still having fresh coffee whenever you want it.

Hobby

A lot of people find the whole process of roasting coffee to be therapeutic.

It’s a simple task that can be done while you’re doing other things around the house, and it’s gratifying to see (and smell) the beans going from raw to roasted.

You can even invite friends over and make a social event out of it.

It’s a fun hobby that can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be.

Diversity

You can easily switch between light and dark roasts, or even different beans altogether.

There’s a huge variety of green beans to choose from, so you can always try something new.

You can make roasts that are specifically tailored to whatever mood you’re in. Sometimes it’s nice not having a specific type of drink but always knowing there will be something delicious on offer no matter the time.

Satisfaction

Something is satisfying about knowing that you roasted the beans that went into your morning cup of coffee.

It’s a great way to start the day – and it’ll give you a new appreciation for your favorite drink.

Fast and Easy

In just five to eight minutes, you can roast enough coffee for two pots of full-pot standard drip-brew.

You don’t need to be a coffee expert or have any expensive equipment.

It’s really that simple, and it’s a great way to get the perfect cup of coffee every time.

Bottom Line

So, should you start home coffee roasting?

Absolutely! Home coffee roasting is a fun and rewarding hobby that can save you a lot of money in the long run. Not to mention, it allows you to customize your coffee roasting to get the flavor profile you desire.

There are a few different methods for home coffee roasting, but my personal favorite is using a popcorn popper. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients.

There are many reasons to roast your own coffee beans at home. The most obvious reasons are that it is cheaper and you can control the quality of the beans.

But there are also intangible benefits to roasting coffee at home.

These points are difficult to put into words, but they include a richer multi-sensory experience and an understanding of complex roasts.

In addition, you’ll impress any lover with this skill. So, if you are looking for a new hobby, home coffee roasting is a great option. Give it a try!