Step by Step Photos Show You How To Roast your Own Coffee Beans Easily and Inexpensively
Roasting our own coffee is much easier than we ever imagined; it saves us lots of money and we have better coffee. Who could want anything more?
After studying several different methods for coffee roasting, we think we have determined the optimal method. It is quick, easy and our total investment was under $20. After a few trials, we have perfected the technique using only a kitchen pot and a heat gun. This page will show you step by step photos so you too can enjoy freshly roasted coffee at home. We also added a few video clips so you can hear the sounds the coffee makes at the various stages.
Getting Green Coffee Beans
There are many different varieties from many different countries. Personally, we only buy fairtrade coffee beans. Fairtrade looks after the producer and our planet. You can learn more about fairtrade at Fairtrade Labelling Organization International
When you select your Fairtrade beans, you can get single origins or blends of beans. Our current favorites come from East Timor, Sumatra or Guatemalan because they a have rich, non-bitter flavor. Trying out different beans is a great way to determine your favorites.
Get Your Fair Trade Green Coffee Beans Here
The green coffee beans presented here are all Fairtrade. If you are new to trying coffee varieties, a sampler pack is a great way to begin. Too bad the option here wasn't available in New Zealand, so we had to purchase larger quantities of a variety of beans, to discover our favorites. I have identified our choices below, but everyone's taste in coffee is different.
Click on any of the items below for more information on it, or to purchase.
5 Lb. Organic Fair Trade Green Coffee Sampler
A sampler of 10 different green coffees including Sumatra Takengon, Peru Penachi, Ethiopian, Nicaragua Matagalpa, plus others, even a decaf option if requested.
Amazon Price: $26.90 (as of 12/08/2009) 
Green Coffee Beans: Fair Trade Organic Sumatra Takengon, 2 Lbs.
One of our favorites as it produces a smooth roast with low bitterness.
Amazon Price: $11.90 (as of 12/08/2009)
Green Coffee Beans: Fair Trade Organic Guatemala Huehuetenango, 2 Lbs.
Another favorite, this one leaves an almost chocolate aftertaste.
Amazon Price: $11.90 (as of 12/08/2009)
100% Hawaiian Kona Fancy Green Coffee Beans - 1lb
We can't get Kona here in New Zealand, but it is very popular in the US. Described by the grower as "smooth, delicate with a caramel-ly finish."
Amazon Price: $21.99 (as of 12/08/2009)
Green Coffee Beans: Fair Trade Organic Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, 5 Lbs.
Coffee originated in Ethiopia, so we had to include some here. Not my personal favorite as it is too robust for me, but popular amongst those who like a very strong cup of coffee.
Amazon Price: $29.90 (as of 12/08/2009)
Would You Like More Information on Fairtrade?
Measuring Out Your Beans
We always weigh out 200 grams of the green coffee beans which will provide us with about 6 delicious double shot espressos or lattes. However, if you don't have a food scale, this is approximately 1 ΒΌ cups. Place the green coffee beans into a stainless steel pot or bowl.
What You Will Need
Simple and Inexpensive
The tools of the trade are quite simple. For this method of coffee roasting, all you will need are:
1. Heat Gun (best with 2 heat settings)
2. Stainless Steel Saucepan
3. Baking Pan (used for cooling)
4. Oven Mitt
5. Wooden Spoon
If you don't have everything you need, you can get it here from Amazon. Simply click on any item below for more information about it, or to purchase.
All Power America APT2005 4 Piece Heat Gun Kit
This is similar to the one we use, but this one works in North America (electricity power is different). This gun has two heat settings: 700F and 920F which helps in controlling the roast.
Amazon Price: $27.38 (as of 12/08/2009)
Innova Kitchen Basics 18/10 Stainless Steel 2-Quart Covered Sauce Pan
Really, any thick bottomed stainless steel pot will do. However, you do want to dedicate a pot for the task to avoid food picking up other food flavors in your coffee.
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/08/2009)
Baker's Secret Basics Nonstick Medium Cookie Pan
Any cookie pan with a lip will do. Without the lip, the beans will end up on the floor.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/08/2009)
13" COMMERCIAL SILICONE OVEN MITT SET
We have these for ourselves as they are made for commercial use, offering protection to about 400F degrees so they are great when using the heat gun - just in case.
Amazon Price: $2.50 (as of 12/08/2009)
HIC Harold Import Wooden Spoon 13-3/4-Inch
A large wooden spoon is great because other materials would get too hot. Again, you want to dedicate a spoon as it will blacken and pick up coffee flavor.
Amazon Price: $4.69 (as of 12/08/2009)
Find a Spot Outdoors
Roasting beans makes a big mess as the light outer layer escapes the beans and scatters all around, which is why we prefer this outdoor method.
The pot will get very hot during the roasting process, so please look for a spot to place the pot where its bottom won't burn anything. Stones, bricks, concrete or the grill on your BBQ work well.
We use two large stones in a gravel garden.
CAUTION - Heat Guns get extremely hot.
They may look like a hair dryer, but will cause a fire or severe burns. Keep away from children, animals, etc. Be sure to put on a non-flammable surface after use to allow to cool.
Stir and Heat
Now you are ready to begin roasting the coffee beans. Be sure to have your oven mitt on and spoon in hand. Turn the heat gun to high and hold it approximately 2-3 inches from the beans at a slight angle. Stir the beans vigorously and continuously with the wooden spoon, while moving the heat gun back and forth over the beans. Do not stop moving the gun or the beans will char and burn.
We added this video so you can see the speed to stir and the proximity of the heat to the beans.
From Green to Delicious in 10 - 15 Minutes
Here you can see the color transition the beans will go through as you roast. They start out green in photo #1 and we roast to med-dark in photo #6
Once the beans begin to turn color, as in photo #2, it is time to reduce the heat gun to its lower heat setting. As all heat guns behave differently, you may have to adjust this.
The two videos below allow you to hear the cracking of the beans. The first crack will take place in photo #5, while the second crack is heard when the beans reach the color of photo #6.
First Crack Sounds
As the beans get closer to being done, they go through a first crack. The beans are actually expanding, and they make a sharp cracking sound as water escapes in the form of steam.
Keep stirring and heat through this process. We only stopped heating for the 2 second video, so you could better hear the sound.
Second Crack
The beans will continue to heat and sugars will caramelize, oils will evolve, and a more muted second crack can be heard. This sound indicates you are almost done for a medium to dark roast.
Again, keep stirring and heat through this process. We only stopped heating for the 2 second video, so you could better hear the sound.
If you want a medium dark roast, like photo #6 above, stop the heating while second crack is in progress.
Finally, Cool Down Your Beans Quickly
Immediately after turning off the heat gun, pour beans into a cooling tray. We use a flat baking pan with edges so the beans can spread out. This prevents the heat from concentrating. The beans will continue to roast themselves and overcook as long as they are hot.
Into the refrigerator they go!
So, what do you think?
Want To Read More About Coffee
Here is a selection of books. Our favorite book is the "Complete Guide to Coffee: The Bean, the Roast, the Blend, the Equipment, and How to Make a Perfect Cup" came from the library in New Zealand and wasn't listed on Amazon. I have selected these as they all have good ratings, but I haven't actually read any of them.
Home Coffee Roasting, Revised, Updated Edition: Romance and Revival
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 12/08/2009)
Coffee Roasting at Home (Magic Bean Coffee Books)
Amazon Price: $15.34 (as of 12/08/2009)
Uncommon Grounds The History Of Coffee And How It Transformed Our World
Amazon Price: $14.36 (as of 12/08/2009)
I Love Coffee!: Over 100 Easy and Delicious Coffee Drinks
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 12/08/2009)
Complete Guide to Coffee: The Bean, the Roast, the Blend, the Equipment, and How to Make a Perfect Cup
Amazon Price: (as of 12/08/2009)
Still Want to Learn More?
Complete Guide to Coffee: The Bean, the Roast, the Blend, the Equipment, and How to Make a Perfect Cup
This is the book if you want a complete guide to coffee. It is my husband's favorite book on our shelf. It discusses coffee history, its social and cultural impact, how the bean is grown, processing, grading, grinds, blends and flavors. It even talks about how to make a latte, cappuccino and granita.
Wait Before You Brew
Freshly roasted beans should set for 12 hours before grinding and brewing to get the maximum flavors.
After the Roast
The roasting process will increase the volume of the beans while decreasing their weight. Typical weight loss is 12 - 20%. Without a scale this would go unnoticed.
Once cooled, store your beans in a glass jar in the refrigerator. They say they are best if used in the first week. Ours have never lasted longer than this, so we can't verify that anything happens to the flavor.
How To Make the Perfect Latte with Your Beans
Step by step photos to the perfect latte can be found at How to Make the Perfect Latte or Cappuccino
Need a New Coffee Mug?
Using the Zazzle platform, I make custom coffee mugs. Here are a few to choose from, and there are plenty more at Albom Design Store
Designs and Photos by Rhonda Albom, copyrighted and protected
Available on mugs as shown or on T-shirts, mugs or novelty items.
Click on the item above for purchase info or Click here to see my store
Rocket Mom's Love our Coffee
I am not the only Rocket Mom who loves her morning cuppa. Here are some other Rocket Mom's coffee themed lenses. Check them out.
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How to Make a Perfect Latte
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I used to buy a latte every morning on my way to work, now I enjoy an even better cup at home. I am one of the lucky ones, as my husband makes me a delicious latte every morning. He loves to read about coffee and do a bit of experimentation and now...
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Illy Espresso Coffee
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Coffee Roasting on eBay
You never know what treasures you will find on eBay. The computer is out searching for "coffee roasting". Here is what it found today. Check back often, it changes frequently.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Please Add Your Comments!
So, how do you like your coffee? Let me know here. You do not have to be a Squidoo member to post in this comment section. All comments are welcome. If you want to join Squidoo click here and you can join squidoo now.
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- Cinetech Cinetech Nov 4, 2009 @ 10:41 am
- Great lens, lensrolled and rated. 5 stars!
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- strayspay strayspay Nov 4, 2009 @ 8:47 am
- Excellent lens Rhonda! Five stars.
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Nov 3, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
- Thanks for demystifying coffee bean roasting! Blessed by a Squid Angel.
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- Floorance Floorance Oct 28, 2009 @ 5:53 am
- Very Interesting Lens! 5*
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- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Oct 27, 2009 @ 10:32 pm
- I had no idea this was how you did this! What a brilliant lens - Angel Blessings to you
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- seashell2 seashell2 Oct 27, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
- Great lens, lots of useful information. My husband and I are big coffee fans! Just having my second cup of starbucks now! :-) Lensrolling to my All about Coffee lens!
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- CherylK CherylK Oct 17, 2009 @ 8:21 am
- This is just great and I think I'll try it...will have to wait until a warm day, though - lol! I have a heat gun that I've used for embossing craft projects...could probably use that, I think.
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- eclecticeducation eclecticeducation Oct 6, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
- Neat idea. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful lens.
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- jkvkdailey jkvkdailey Oct 5, 2009 @ 10:02 am
- Very informative - thanks!
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- Christene Christene Oct 2, 2009 @ 10:46 am
- Blessed by a SquidAngel :)
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- Pukeko Pukeko Oct 2, 2009 @ 9:19 am | in reply to Ramkitten
- I open a down wind window when Jeff is roasting and the yummy smell travels into the house.
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- Ramkitten Ramkitten Oct 2, 2009 @ 9:11 am
- This is so well done! I know my husband will want to try this. Too bad it's too messy for indoors, because I'd love to have the house smell like roasted coffee for a while. We go to a local roasters and, though I'm not a coffee drinker, I sure love the aroma.
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- OhMe OhMe Sep 12, 2009 @ 3:18 am
- Oh me! I think I can actually smell your fresh roasted coffee. I would love to around when you do this to enjoy the aroma. Great lens.
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- puzzlemaker puzzlemaker Sep 6, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
- I've been trying to make it over to this lens for weeks! Finally got here and so glad. Now Rhonda, you make this look easy. I'm wondering if I could do it too. Hubby uses heat guns at work everyday and has a few of them. The one thing I don't have is the beans. I'll be thinking about this you can believe that. I bet the smell is incredible!
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- rms rms Aug 2, 2009 @ 8:16 am
- Interesting!
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- Michey Michey Jul 29, 2009 @ 9:49 am
- Hi! This is very useful for 2 trasons:
1) if you buy green coffee beans you can keep it as long as you wish
2) when you rost them - you always have fresh coffee which smel great and is rich
Thanks a lot, I think I still have some green from Jamaica, I'll try using your method.
regards
Michey
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- Marelisa Marelisa Jul 28, 2009 @ 11:48 pm
- How interesting, I had no idea you could roast coffee beans with a hand-held heat gun. I live in Panama and we have great coffee here, but a lot of the coffee in the grocery store has been sitting around for months and has lost most of its flavor. I defnitely want to start roasting my own coffee.
About the Author
Pukeko (named after our yacht)
Lensmaster Pukeko has been a member since May 17 2009, has rated 722 lenses, favorited 703, and has created 106 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Sarah Albom". See all my lenses
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