Posted Sun Oct 12, 2008, 7:08am Subject: Leaning Towards a Behmor, but Wanna Research Alternatives Too
Well I'm set for coffee brewers and grinders at the moment, so it's time to start looking at roasting again. I have a Poppery I that has been modded slightly to put the heat on the switch control and leave the fan always on. I've read many of the suggestions on how to mod the PI to make it more controllable, but I think the batches are going to be too small for my needs. I don't do espresso at all, and most of my brewing is either BUNN or TV drip and vacpot, so I find myself needing up to 84g of coffee for a full pot on the BUNN. I do realize I could just do multiple batches with the PI, but I know myself, and in the end, I'd rather have a finished product that will roast a larger capacity.
I've heard great praise of the Behmor and the addition of Ira's BehmorThing software seems a big help, especially for newbie roasters. So is this the best route for me to go in this price range? Of course I don't mind spending less, but since I am willing to go up to the price of the Behmor, is there anything that rivals it in capability for up to the same price?
Also, for those who would recommend I go with the Behmor, where did you buy yours and how was the experience? I saw SM includes an 8lb coffee sampler with the Behmor, does anyone else offer a similar package? or offer the Behmor for a lower cost so I can buy the specific beans I might want instead of getting a random sampler?
raisin Senior Member Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 93 Location: nj Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Virtuosa Roaster: Behmor
Posted Sun Oct 12, 2008, 6:50pm Subject: Re: Leaning Towards a Behmor, but Wanna Research Alternatives Too
You really can't beat the Behmor's cost/performance anywhere, and is a great way to get your feet wet with a short learning curve and a reasonable investment.
Posted Mon Oct 13, 2008, 7:21pm Subject: Re: Leaning Towards a Behmor, but Wanna Research Alternatives Too
There are less expensive roasters available, but none with the capacity of a Behmor. For that matter, the commonly available roasters at 2-3 time the price don't roast a pound at a time. I got mine from Roastmasters.com, it came with 8 lbs of beans, $20 off shipping (which covered the whole thing) and a coupon for $10 off a future purchase.
Posted Tue Oct 14, 2008, 2:59am Subject: Re: Leaning Towards a Behmor, but Wanna Research Alternatives Too
JeffPersson Said:
Of course I don't mind spending less, but since I am willing to go up to the price of the Behmor, is there anything that rivals it in capability for up to the same price?
I love the Behmor roaster, but since nobody has offered any alternatives.....
Although it's a completely different roasting experience, the SCTO type home-built roaster can do batches up to a full pound. Results from this method can also be excellent, and the device can be tweaked for those who like more control. For around $250-$300 you can put one together including a Variac for control - without a Variac it's under $200.
There is no real direct comparison because they are so different. I have roasted both ways and both can produce excellent results. I feel like the Behmor is better for bringing out the nuances in coffee while the SCTO can run more quantity (I roast 4-6 pounds per week).
And since my consumption is so high I set up a RK Drum converted BBQ grill roaster. With the drum roaster I can roast the quantity I need and more, and also get excellent results (after some practice). Now that I'm used to the drum, it's become my primary roaster. Again - I roast about 6 pounds a week so my needs are different than most other home roasters I know.
Posted Tue Oct 14, 2008, 1:24pm Subject: Re: Leaning Towards a Behmor, but Wanna Research Alternatives Too
JonR10 Said:
I love the Behmor roaster, but since nobody has offered any alternatives.....
Although it's a completely different roasting experience, the SCTO type home-built roaster can do batches up to a full pound. Results from this method can also be excellent, and the device can be tweaked for those who like more control. For around $250-$300 you can put one together including a Variac for control - without a Variac it's under $200.
There is no real direct comparison because they are so different. I have roasted both ways and both can produce excellent results. I feel like the Behmor is better for bringing out the nuances in coffee while the SCTO can run more quantity (I roast 4-6 pounds per week).
And since my consumption is so high I set up a RK Drum converted BBQ grill roaster. With the drum roaster I can roast the quantity I need and more, and also get excellent results (after some practice). Now that I'm used to the drum, it's become my primary roaster. Again - I roast about 6 pounds a week so my needs are different than most other home roasters I know.
I've been using my SC/TO for a couple of years now. I looked closely at all of the commercial machines at the time and decided that the home made SC/TO was the best route. I've considered the Behmor but have not been convinced enough to make a change. I'm very happy with my SC/TO setup. i have full control, can roast 1/4 to 1 pound, and the roasts are very tasty. it is not automated. one has to watch the temperature and the time and the smells and the cracks carefully but it works.
Posted Wed Oct 15, 2008, 11:38am Subject: Re: Leaning Towards a Behmor, but Wanna Research Alternatives Too
The Behmor has flaws, well documented here on CG and elsewhere, but nothing compares for dollar value in an off-the-shelf roaster.
I bought mine used. A lucky find through another coffee group (GCBC). It is my understanding that these systems are easy to refurb. The motor is a straightforward replacement (and apparently the first production run had a good number of failures, since resolved). I wouldn't hesitate to buy one from that chocolate website. However, aside from a recent discussion of label problems, I've never heard anyone say they were sorry to make a purchase from SM's and free greens is a pretty nice bonus!
Do make sure you get both standard and fine mesh drums. You really want the fine for small beans (peaberry and often decaf). Also make sure you have a vacuum cleaner more or less dedicated to your roasting area. I roasted a natural bean last night and ended up with mountains of chaff inside the Behmor. A shop vac makes this a non-issue.
I wish there was a fully programmable version/upgrade for the Behmor, but you get used to the interface, BehmorThing helps, and then it's not too big a deal. It has greatly increased my enjoyment of roasting and the coffee hobby in general.
gime2much Senior Member Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 1,380 Location: Sunny S Fl Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Pavoni, Astoria comm, 2... Grinder: La Pavoni Zip, Bunn... Drip: Bunn comm Roaster: Popcorn popper (air),co/ufo
Posted Wed Oct 15, 2008, 12:00pm Subject: Re: Leaning Towards a Behmor, but Wanna Research Alternatives Too
JonR10 Said:
Although it's a completely different roasting experience, the SCTO type home-built roaster can do batches up to a full pound. Results from this method can also be excellent, and the device can be tweaked for those who like more control. For around $250-$300 you can put one together including a Variac for control - without a Variac it's under $200.
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