7 Best Home Coffee Roasters (2024)

All coffee lovers know that the fresher the beans are, the better the coffee will taste. Coffee experts have confirmed that the best time to use roasted coffee beans is between 2 and 14 days after roasting. After that, coffee starts losing its taste, flavor, and aroma.

So even if you buy well-roasted coffee grounds, they will not let you enjoy the exact taste that you should be enjoying. In order to do that, you need to use freshly roasted beans. And for that, you need to roast the coffee beans just before you brew them.

This is possible when you start roasting coffee beans at your home. For that, it is good to have a home coffee roaster.

So if you have made a decision to buy a coffee roasting machine for home use, you have made the right decision. A good household coffee roaster can make your coffee roasting process very easy.

You just have to take a bunch of coffee beans that you will be using in the coming week roast those beans using a coffee roasting machine, and use those roasted beans for the rest of the week.

Now, the question is what kind of coffee roasting machine should you buy for home use? 

Have no worries.

In this article, I will give you the list of best home coffee roasters using which you can roast coffee beans at your home easily. But before that, let's discuss what factors you should look for before buying an at-home coffee roaster.

Things to consider when buying a home coffee roaster

1) Right roasting capacity

If you are a single person who brews and drinks coffee, then even a roaster with a 300-400 gm roasting capacity will work for you. But if you have lots of people to serve coffee then you should buy a roasting machine with a high roasting capacity.

The home coffee roasters I have mentioned here come to have different roasting capacities so you can choose any of them based on your needs.

2) Silent and smoke-free

If you don’t want to irritate your ears with noisy sounds, you should consider buying a silent home coffee bean roaster. So before you make a purchase, you must ensure these two key qualities.

3) Good temperature control

Temperature decides the roast level (light, medium, or dark) and the roast level decides the caffeine level or the flavor of the coffee.

So, eventually, the temperature will be the deciding factor in how your coffee will taste. So, you should be looking for the temperature range that any home coffee roasting machine provides. Ideally, a good coffee bean roaster should provide a temperature range between 100-240 degrees Celsius.

All the roasting machines I have listed here provide an ideal temperature range that you need to roast the coffee beans perfectly.

4) Fast

According to people, good domestic coffee roasting equipment should roast coffee beans uniformly but roasting speed is one of the aspects of a good roaster. A good coffee bean roaster should not take more than 35-40 minutes to roast 800 grams of coffee otherwise, you will need to spare lots of time to get fresh roasted coffee beans.

5) Includes cooling mechanism

When the roasting process stops, and if the coffee beans are not cooled enough, their internal heat will continue to roast them. In such a case, you need a coffee roaster that provides cooling too.

Most of the roasters that I have listed here, blow the cool air through the roasting chamber once the roasting is complete.

These are some of the features that you need to consider before buying a domestic coffee bean roaster.

6) Roasting method

Home coffee roasters use different methods like hot air, drum, or fluid bed roasting. Each method affects the flavor and characteristics of the coffee beans differently. Research and decide which roasting method aligns with your preferences.

7) Durability

Look for a coffee roaster made from high-quality materials so that it can withstand rough handling. Yes, a durable machine may cost you more but it can save you money in the long run.

7 Best Home Coffee Roasters

1) Fresh Roast SR 800

The Fresh Roast SR800 belongs to the fluid bed air roaster type of coffee roaster.

It includes 9 heat and fan speed adjustments so that you can customize the coffee roast profile according to your taste preferences.

It comes with a nifty chaff collector, which makes the cleaning process very easy. It is also equipped with a glass roasting chamber for increased visibility.

The Fresh Roast SR800 is similar to the SR540 with enhanced chamber volume, an advanced heater, improved internal electronics, and a heavy-duty fan.

The chaff collector doesn't have a smoke reducer, but the top of this equipment slows the flow of smoke.

You can adjust the time, temperature, and fan speed just by pushing and turning the knob. Similar to the SR540, it also has the feature of showing real-time temperature.

It has a brewing capacity of 226 gms (8 oz), which is higher than the SR540, and roasting this much coffee takes about 4-10 minutes. 

Specification

1) Weight - 6.04 pounds

2) Roasting capacity - 226 gm

3) Dimension - 14.25 x 8.43 x 8.35 inches

Pros

• Produces less smoke
• Easy to operate and handle
• Equipped with the latest techs
• Faster roasting
• Provides consistent roasting
• Safe to use
• Collector chaff reduces the cleaning efforts
• Amazing roasting level controls

Cons

• Low roasting capacity as compared to other similar products
• You need a high budget to buy it

2) ANGELLOONG domestic coffee bean roaster

This automatic home coffee roaster is easy for beginners who have just started roasting coffee at home.

It comes with excellent operability as well as controllability. You just have to choose the desired temperature as per your roasting requirements and its thermostatically controlled roasting elements will make sure that every coffee bean gets roasted evenly and reaches your desired roast level.

It comes with a transparent lid that helps you see the entire roasting process. The main feature of this lid is that it is heat resistant, durable, and comes with a top four-hold ventilation system. Its handle is anti-scalding so you will not have to hustle to carry it.

Since this roaster has larger roasting chambers, you can roast 750 grams of green coffee beans in just 25 minutes. You can set the timer for 0-60 minutes and adjust the temperature from 100-240℃(212-464℉) depending upon the roast level you want.

Light roast coffee is known for its light brown color and dry surface. It is roasted at a temperature between 356-401°F, resulting in a coffee that is light in body and has a bright, delicate flavor. Unlike its darker counterparts, light roast coffee has a higher acidity and a more subtle aroma.

The beans are usually roasted until the first crack, which is the point at which the coffee beans make a popping sound as they expand and release their oils. This allows for a more defined flavor profile, with the unique characteristics of the bean's origin still shining through.

Specification

1) Weight - 6.8 pounds

2) Roasting capacity - 750 gm

3) Wattage - 1200W

4) Dimension - 13.35 x 13.35 x 7.75 inches

Pros

• Food-grade layer non-stick pot
• Non-toxic material used
• Safe to use
• Handle material is heat-resistant
• Provides evenly roasting
• The honeycomb design makes it lightweight
• Roasts up to 750 gm
• Fast roasting
• Easy to clean
• Highly versatile

Cons

• Consumes high electricity
• Heavyweight
• Plastic is used at the center of the machine
• No auto shut-off feature
• No shutdown alert

3) ZEVELOO 750g electric home coffee roaster

ZEVELOO coffee roaster is a small coffee roasting machine that can roast up to 750g of raw coffee beans. But if you want your coffee beans evenly roasted, you should be roasting 350-500 grams of coffee beans at a time but it is still good for a coffee lover who wants to roast coffee in small amounts.

It is so easy to use that it can be operated with a single ON/OFF button and that’s the reason even a beginner thinking about roasting coffee at home can operate this equipment easily.

You can set the temperature between 100-240°C (212-464°F) which allows you to roast coffee beans of different degrees and flavors. Since this coffee roasting equipment comes with a transparent lid, you can see the entire roasting process.

This machine also includes a stirring rod that helps the machine roast the coffee beans evenly. It will take no more than 24-40 minutes to roast the coffee beans. So, we can say that it delivers evenly roasted raw coffee beans in little time.

One of the advantages of this machine over its peers is that it consumes low electricity. Where other machines of the same category consume 1200 watts, it only consumes 800 watts. So, it will be affordable to use it too.

Specification

1) Weight - 5.83 pounds

2) Roasting capacity - 750 gm

3) Wattage - 800W

4) Dimension - 13.82 x 13.82 x 6.02 inches

Pros

• honeycomb Teflon coating
• safe and hygienic
• very easy to clean
• Faster roasting
• Minimal cleaning effort is needed to clean it
• Low electricity consumption
• Highly versatile

Cons

• No extra cooling accessories are provided
• Consumption of electricity is high
• No auto shut-off feature
• Though its capacity is 750 gm but provides evenly roasting for 350-500 gm of coffee beans
• No shutdown alert

4) LATIJISHI home coffee roaster machine

It is a fully automatic coffee roaster machine. With this electric home coffee roaster, you can light or dark roast the coffee beans at your home. With its strong stir feature, you will only need 35 minutes to bake the coffee beans completely.

It comes with a high-capacity roast chamber that can roast 750 grams of coffee beans in a single session. So even if you have to roast coffee for a family, you can do it without lots of roasting effort.

Since it is an automatic coffee roaster, you just have to flip a switch, select and walk away. The machine will automatically roast the beans and leave the rest on it. It also includes a thermostatic and Teflon roasting chamber that ensures an even and uniform roasting.

Its transparent lid is made up of durable glass that allows you to see the complete discoloration process during roasting. Its handle is made up of heat-resistant material so that you will not have to wear gloves to remove the lid to bring out the roasted beans from the machine.

This machine provides a wide range of temperature control with a time duration setting of 0-60 minutes. So you can roast the beans as per your liking or taste. It includes 5 preset roast levels such as light roast, cinnamon roast, medium roast, medium-dark roast, and dark roast.

Specification

1) Weight - 6.71 pounds

2) Roasting capacity - 750 gm

3) Dimension - 13.46 x 13.43 x 7.91 inches

Pros

• Hassle-free control
• Can be used to roast other beans too
• Comes with 5 preset roast levels
• Non-stick layer
• Safe and easy to use
• Its body shell is heat-resistant
• Its bean-retrieving mechanism is simple

Cons

• Slow roast time compared to other same-category product
• It is quite heavy which reduces its portability

5) Nuvo Eco ceramic handy coffee roaster

Nuvo's ceramic coffee bean roaster is based on the old-school fire-roasting process. It belongs to the stovetop or gas burner type of coffee roaster. To roast coffee beans using this manual coffee roaster, you have to place the item over a gas stove for a certain period of time based on the roast level you want (generally, between 3 and 10 minutes).

However, you can't use this handheld coffee roasting equipment with induction cooktops. This small coffee roaster can roast up to 70 grams of beans at once. Though this roaster's capacity is much lower than that of most electric roasters, if you don't have a high budget and still want to roast coffee at home, you can still use it.

I also suggest you use an oven glove or hot pad while using this roaster, otherwise, you may burn your hands.

One of the disadvantages of using this machine is its low roasting capacity. You approximately roast 70 grams of coffee beans in a single session. It also doesn't include timers, temperature settings, cool-down programs, etc.

According to the manufacturer's guidelines, shake this manual bean roaster in a figure-eight pattern to promote uniformity and even roasting.

Specification

1) Weight - 0.8 pounds

2) Roasting capacity - 70 gm

3) Dimension - 5.2 x 4.9 x 9.57 inches

Pros

• Very compact
• Best for the beginner wanting to experience coffee roasting
• Affordable
• Highly portable

Cons

• Completely manual so you will get no automation
• You have to keep a constant watch throughout the roasting process
• Even roasting is not possible
• The roasting capacity is too low

6) GIVEROO household coffee bean roaster

Though it has a large roasting chamber with a roasting capacity of 800 g, you will be able to roast 400–500 g of coffee beans evenly. Its 45-degree scope and automatic auger make the baking process more uniform and efficient. 

It also comes with a transparent glass lid so that you can observe the roasting process. You get various temperature ranges depending on the type of coffee beans. 

The material used to prepare the roasting chamber pot is non-stick, non-toxic, and harmless. Generally, this machine takes 25 minutes to roast 400–500 grams of raw coffee beans.

One of the most appreciated qualities of this roasting equipment is its quiet operation. It is also easy to clean, so you don't have to worry about its cleaning.

Whereas other home coffee bean roasting machines produce smoke, this one does not. It comes with a smoke reduction system that eliminates the majority of the smoke and provides you with the enjoyment of smoke-free roasting.

Specification

1) Weight - 2.9 kg

2) Roasting capacity - 400-500  gm

3) Dimension - 12.6 x 12.6 x 4.72 inches

Pros

• Smoke-free roasting
• Doesn’t make more noise
• Large roasting capacity
• Fast roasting
• Uniform and even roasting every time

Cons

• A little bit heavy which reduces its portability

7) Fresh Roast SR540

The Fresh Roast SR 540 is the best home coffee roaster because of its easy operability. SR 540 is the advanced version of the SR 500 model.

It also takes a very short time to roast the coffee beans. Apart from this, it is also one of the best-budget home coffee bean roasters on our list.

It is compact in size, which increases its portability. This machine is also preferred by the coffee lover who hates loud noise because it is one of the low noise-making coffee roasters available in the United States.

It includes 9 temperature settings (which can easily be changed with a single knob), a fan adjustment dial, and buttons so that you can change the roast level as per your taste preference. The SR540 is an air-roaster type of roaster that uses convective heat to roast raw coffee beans.

The only disadvantage of this roasting machine is that its roasting chamber is very small. It only allows you to roast 120 grams of coffee beans, which is very little when you have to roast a large number of coffee beans at home.

Also, the SR540 takes 6–10 minutes to roast this much amount of coffee, which is an indicator of its slow roasting speed.

There is no doubt that the Fresh Roast SR540 turns raw coffee into tasty, flavorful beans that are ready to be brewed, but the time it takes to roast this amount of coffee beans is very long.

It also includes advanced features such as a real-time temperature reader and the ability to cool beans once they're finished roasting.

Specification

1) Weight - 5.84  pounds

2) Roasting capacity - 120 gm

3) Dimension - 6.75 x 6.75 x 12.875 inches

Pros

• Various temperature settings
• Quietest one
• Air-roaster type
• Equipped with advanced features such as a real-time temperature reader
• Affordable
• Easy for beginners
• Top-rated and highly sold in the USA
• Provides roast consistency

Cons

• Low roasting capacity

What is a home coffee roaster?

A home coffee roaster is a device or machine designed for roasting coffee beans at home. It is used to roast the raw coffee beans. Raw coffee beans are green. They get transformed into the familiar brown beans only after this, they are ready to be used to brew coffee.

One of the benefits of at-home coffee roasters is that they allow you to roast the beans into small batches so that you can frequently roast the coffee beans and get freshly roasted coffee.

Along with these, you can roast the coffee beans at different levels and do many experiments in order to set your preferred roast level for different brewing methods.

Types of Home Coffee Roasters

There are two types of coffee roasters for home use being sold, the first is air roasters and the second one is drum roasters.

1) Air roasters

Air roasters are similar to popcorn makers in which the hot air is passed through the roasting chamber of the equipment. This hot air directly heats the coffee beans. The air roasters are powered by electricity or a burner.

2) Drum roasters

In drum coffee bean roasters, the beans are heated indirectly. These types of coffee bean roasting machines come with a round chamber in which a small fan is included inside the machines that rotate.

Then the heat (whether from electricity or gas) is applied to the outside of that chamber, and the beans are roasted as they come in contact with the hot layer of the chamber and get roasted.

Both types of roasting machines have their own benefits. You can choose any of them depending on your usage, budget, or roasting preferences.

How to use a coffee roaster at home? (12 Easy steps)

Step 1: Read the manual first

Before using your coffee roaster, thoroughly read the manufacturer's manual and familiarize yourself with the machine's features, safety instructions, and recommended usage.

Step 2: Choose green coffee beans

Green coffee beans are raw coffee beans. You will have to roast them. Choose high-quality green coffee beans that match your taste preferences. Consider the origin, variety, and processing method of the beans.

Step 3: Measure the beans

Determine the appropriate batch size for your roaster. Measure the desired amount of green coffee beans, making sure not to exceed the roaster's capacity.

Step 4: Preheat the roaster

Preheat the coffee roaster as per the manufacturer's instructions. This step ensures a more consistent roasting process and helps to avoid under-roasting.

Step 5: Load the beans

Carefully pour the measured green coffee beans into the roaster's roasting chamber. Close the lid securely.

Step 6: Start the roasting process

Turn on the coffee roaster and begin the roasting process. The roaster will apply heat to the beans, and you'll notice the beans changing in color and producing crackling sounds as they go through different stages of roasting.

Step 7: Observe and monitor

Pay close attention to the roasting process. Monitor the color of the beans, listen for the "first crack" (popping sound), and watch for other visual cues indicating the roast level.

Step 8: Adjust settings

Some home coffee roasters allow you to adjust temperature and roasting time during the process. If your roaster offers this option, you can fine-tune the roast to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Step 9: Cooling the beans

Once the beans reach your preferred roast level, quickly transfer them to a cooling tray or a separate cooling mechanism. Stir the beans gently to cool them evenly and halt the roasting process.

Step 10: Allow for resting

After cooling, transfer the roasted beans to a container with good ventilation and allow them to rest for at least 12 to 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to develop fully.

Step 11: Store the roasted beans

Once the beans have rested, store them in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture to preserve their freshness.

Step 12: Clean the roaster machine

After each use, clean the coffee roaster according to the manufacturer's instructions. Regular maintenance will help ensure consistent roasting results and prolong the life of your roaster.

Benefits of roasting coffee beans at home

By roasting coffee in small batches at your home, you can brew freshly roasted coffee beans every time. So eventually you will be able to enjoy the most authentic taste of the coffee beans that you have brought from the market.

Another benefit of roasting coffee beans on your own is caffeine level control. You can control the caffeine level of the coffee beans by controlling the roast levels. Light-roasted beans are slightly higher in caffeine content than dark-roasted beans.

So if you want a lot of caffeine, leave it lightly roasted, but if the flavors are more important to you than the caffeine level, go for a medium or dark roast.

Home coffee roasting machine - Best practices

1) Start with high-quality beans

Begin with high-quality green coffee beans from reputable sources. Look for beans with a recent harvest date and from coffee-growing regions that match your flavor preferences.

2) Measure and control roast size

Pay attention to the capacity of your coffee roaster and avoid overfilling it. Roasting smaller batches allows for more even and controlled roasting.

3) Preheat the roaster

Preheat your coffee roaster before adding the green coffee beans. This helps to ensure a more consistent roast and reduces the risk of under-roasting.

4) Decide roast levels

Get knowledge of different roast levels such as light, medium, and dark roasts. Each roast level offers distinct flavors, so experiment to find what you enjoy most.

5) Listen and watch

Pay attention to the sounds and visual cues during roasting. The "first crack" and "second crack" are important milestones in the roasting process. The first crack sounds like popcorn popping, and the second crack is more subdued, like the sound of rice crispy cereal.

6) Control roasting temperature

Different beans and roast levels require specific roasting temperatures. Understand the temperature settings of your roasting machine and adjust accordingly for the desired results.

7) Cool the beans quickly

After reaching the desired roast level, transfer the beans to a cooling tray or a separate cooling mechanism. Cool the beans quickly to prevent over-roasting and to lock in the flavors.

8) Allow for resting

After cooling, let the roasted beans rest for at least 12 to 24 hours in a well-ventilated container. This resting period allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures a more balanced cup of coffee.

9) Clean the roaster

Regularly clean your coffee roaster as per the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent the buildup of oils and residues. Clean equipment will ensure consistent roasting results and extend the lifespan of your roaster.

Wrapping up

Here, I have got you covered with the top coffee roasters that you can use at your home.

I advise getting a larger roaster than you think you need if you are purchasing your very first piece of equipment.

It won't take you long to learn that roasting your own coffee beans at home provides you complete control over the flavor and allows you to combine various coffees to make a blend that is entirely individual to you.

Whatever your level of expertise, you shouldn't encounter any issues with any of the coffee bean roaster devices I've chosen and described above.