| I just completed my first roast ever, this weekend! The stainless steel popper with an 8 pack sampler came nearly a month ago. Didn't have a chance to try it before going off on vacation for 2 weeks. When I got back I first tried to use my digital Taylor stainless steel thermometer (has a 90 degree bend) that fit nicely in the enlarged (by me and a screw driver) hinge hole. It looked like it was the perfect length and would drag in the beans. In an attempt to heat the popper to 400 deg, I discovered that the reading of the thermometer went out of range before I could get to 400. Aborted the attempt and ordered the digital thermometer with the flexible probe from SM. Saturday, (after the digital thermometer arrived) was my first chance to take the roaster on a "maiden voyage". I placed the flexible K-type probe through the hinge hole and used duct tape to tape it to the lid. With the spouse as a lab assistant to write down temperatures every minute, we started using a gas range, and a nearly commercial quality free standing hood. When the temperature was 400, I put in 1/2 lb Costa Rica Asoproaaa coop Tarrazu, started cranking and started toward what I hoped was a full city+ roast (intending to stop at 454 deg). With the beans in the temperature dropped to 225 and was back up to 309 at 5 minutes (with just a little smoke – turned the fan to high). At 6 minutes (326 deg) I heard a few pops and turned the heat down just a little (1/2 mark). Temp at 7 minutes was 359. About this time the duct tape holding the flexible probe at the right distance from the bottom of the pan let loose. I could see the probe back out of the hinge hole when I backed up the crank and go back down when I continued cranking. <Snip> the flexible probe, but I couldn't tell if it was on the side of the pot, in the air or in the beans. 8 min - 312 deg 9 min - 318 deg (hearing some pops) 10 min – 228 deg (at which time I turned the gas back up 1/2 mark) 11 min – 339 deg 12 min – 369 deg (some pops) 13 min – 410 deg 14 min – 395 deg 15 min – 420 deg (lots of smoke) 16 min – 432 deg – shortly thereafter the thermometer jumped to 466 deg and I took the beans outside to pour between 2 colanders. I was surprised that there wasn't more chaff. The color looks a little darker than FC+ roast, but I was comparing it with the SM color guide from a color printer that might not be true colors. When cooled, I put the beans in the coffee tin with the de-gas valve overnight. Sunday, I measured out beans and water (1.45 grams per ounce) and made drip coffee. It smelled and tasted very good to me. I like dark roast coffees, so this was OK – much better than anything I ever had from Starbucks. Evidently, I was very lucky in the first roast! I'd appreciate comments from those of you with some experience. I thought the 2nd crack should have been underway, but the later "pops" didn't seem distinctly different than the first ones I heard. I would especially appreciate help finding an appropriate K-type probe. The plastic end near the sensor melted on this one and the flexibility was a real problem. It sometimes would get caught in the paddle as I cranked and I never new if it were in the air or the beans. A stainless steel probe of the correct length that fits through the (expanded) hinge hole of the top would seem to be ideal. I've seen the directions for drilling a hole and attaching the rigid Taylor probes through the top, but I fail to see how those can reach down into the beans with the paddle turning. There appears to be enough clearance between the side of the stirring paddle and the pot for a rigid probe if I could find the right one. Has anyone solved this problem? I've looked in the internet, but it would be much better to use a solution that someone else has found. Thanks, Jim Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee=.com Homeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee=.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7820 |
| Jim, Congratulations on your first roast, at least it turned out drinkable. M= ine, along with many others, I'm sure, didn't. You've found the problem with most digital thermometers, they go out of ran= ge just around 400F. Here is one that doesn't: http://www.indoorhealthproducts.com/912.htm I have no connection to the company other than as a satisfied customer. = They often ship for free by USPS and handle orders very quickly. I have = not tested the product to its rated 572F maximum but I can vouch for the fa= ct that it reaches 475F with no problem. If you want to stick with your thermocouple you will find the bead type pro= be that ships with the instrument will fail very quickly in amongst hot w= hirling coffee beans (voice of experience here). A thermocouple will r= eact to temperature changes far more quickly than a thermometer, so dependi= ng on how "exact" you want your temperature measurements to be you can modi= fy your existing probe to make it more hardwearing or buy another one with = a probe that is more like the probe on your Taylor thermometer. There ar= e many places to buy replacement thermocouple probes, this is one of them: http://www.omega.com/ If you would like instructions to modify your existing probe write again an= d I'll try and find a link to a "how to" for you. Regards, Martin --- On Mon, 8/18/08, james McDougal wrote: I just completed my first roast ever, this weekend! When I got back I first tried to use my digital Taylor stainless steel thermometer (has a 90 degree bend) that fit nicely in the enlarged (by me and a screw driver) hinge hole........In an attempt to heat the popper to 4= 00 deg, I discovered that the reading of the thermometer went out of range before I could get to 400........ .....I'd appreciate comments from those of you with some experience. I tho= ught the 2nd crack should have been underway, but the later "pops" didn't seem distinctly different than the first ones I heard. I would especially appreciate help finding an appropriate K-type probe. The plastic end near the sensor melted on this one and the flexibility was a real problem. = Has anyone solved this problem? I've looked in the internet, but it would be much better to use a solution that someone else has found. Thanks, Jim Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee=.com Homeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7820 = Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee=.com Homeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee=.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7820 |
| Congrats on your first roast Jim, enjoy the Journey! No help on a decent stiff K type probe but IMO a decent bimetal thermometer works just fine. Used one with my Rosto for years with very repeatable results. Kona Konnaisseur miKe mcKoffeehttp://www.mckoffee.com/Ultimately the quest for Koffee Nirvana is a solitary path. To know I must">http://www.mcKonaKoffee.comURL to Rosto mods, FrankenFormer, some recipes etc:http://www.mckoffee.com/Ultimately the quest for Koffee Nirvana is a solitary path. To know I must first not know. And in knowing know I know not. Each Personal enlightenment found exploring the many divergent foot steps of Those who have gone before. Pacific Northwest Gathering VIIhttp://themeyers.org/HomeRoast/Homeroast mailing list">http://home.comcast.net/~mckona/PNWGVII.htmSweet Maria's List - Searchable Archiveshttp://themeyers.org/HomeRoast/Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
| Congratulation, Jim. Welcome to coffee nirvana. Of course, you realize that you cna never go back! Dan --------- |
| Jim, Congratulations on your first roast. It sounds = like you worked hard (with spouse!) to get it = done. I didn't start with what you are so I = can't really help you, but I can thank you for = sharing how the roast went the details. And, = welcome to the group. Keep in touch and you = should get your questions answered. I know I did. If you don't hear anything, you might want to = post another email, but narrow down the question = and make the subject very direct. That will = catch the eye of the expert roasters in this = community. This group has helped me along every = step of the way. I have been roasting for 13 = months and it has been a true blast. Couldn't = have done it with out everyone's help. Again, congratulations. Keep moving forward. Stephen At 01:30 PM 8/18/2008, you wrote: <Snip> I <Snip> ke <Snip> he <Snip> on <Snip> in <Snip> re <Snip> ve <Snip> he <Snip> I <Snip> be <Snip> e.com <Snip> <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee=.com Homeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee=.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7820 |
| Hello Jim, I roasted for a long time with the popcorn popper, like you. I used the thermometer as a relative reading, not an attempt to read the temp of the beans. Kind of like putting the oven thermometer in the center of the oven. I used an analog instant read thermometer that was rated over 550 degrees. As I roasted, I got the chamber temp, and I would write down the time and the temp of first crack starting/ending. That way, I got a feel for the temps just before 1c, at 1c, when 1c was over. The temps were very consistent. The actual temp. didn't really matter. On my thermometer, 1c was always at 380. I would heat the popper up until the temp was 380, then put my beans in, crank away, watch the temp drop and then rise up, and 1c was always at 380. I popped a small hole in the lid and dangled the thermometer in the hole, it never fell out, even when I dumped the beans. I don't have my notes with me, but I recall roasting about 12 oz of beans, and getting to 1c in 8 minutes. It took me 20 minutes from the start of one roast to the start of the next, I could do 3 roasts in an hour. Those were the days. Don't forget, when your popper is new, for the first few roasts, your temp readings will be much higher because the insides aren't coated in "soot", yet. Have fun roasting! I did about 7 months of roasting in the popper until Christmas arrived and Santa brought me my Behmor. -Bonnie P. On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 10:30 AM, james McDougal wr= ote: <Snip> on <Snip> ng <Snip> ip <Snip> s, <Snip> rs <Snip> ee.com <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee=.com Homeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee=.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7820 |
| Hey Martin, Great find!! I just ordered, and they look great! Especially like that they have so many functions combined, and that the probe is covered with SS. The + - 8 degree accuracy does not matter with coffee roasting I think. What matters mostly is keeping the temperature rising slowly, and knowing about what the temperature is. The probe will read different temperatures at different places in the roaster. One second update time is fine for this. Also I like that it only takes an AAA battery! Sure beats replacing a 9 Volt like in the Digital TC I am using now. :) Can you tell me if the probe comes with a clip to help it attach to the side of a pan or something? It looks like it does not have one, in the picture. Thanks again, PeterZ Martin Dobbins wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
| Martin, thanks. I ordered the digital thermometer - good price and free shipping. Thanks, I'll post again when I try it. Jim On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 7:14 PM, Martin Dobbins wrote: <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
| Peter, I've had that thermometer for several months now. I don't recall a clip coming with it. The probe is 6 or 7 inches long. I use a hot air popper and drilled a hole downwards thru the top plastic part, then push the probe down thru it to where the tip stops right in the area of the air vents. Works great this way. What I don't like about it is just a couple of minor things. The long (about 2 ft or so, maybe 18 inches) wire line likes to curl (or loop) which is really no problem, just bothers me. A couple of other things is sometimes the readout jumps from degrees fahrenheit to celsius (this only occurs if I am moving the probe), again, it is only a distraction, no biggie. It also has a clock, which I ignore. I only use the heat reading on this device. These are just minor inconveniences (if you want to call them that) and in no way affects the actual temperature readings (that I know of). For the money, it can't be beat (I don't think). I have no problems (that I know of) with the temperature readings. I think that it gives pretty accurate readings. I wished that I had ordered two instead of one. On 8/19/08, james McDougal wrote: <Snip> -- Frank "Still the one" Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
| Mine did not come with a clip, but Tom has a page showing how to make one. I sometimes use the count down timer, but I would prefer to use the count up timer. The problem is that the only way it will count up is after it counts down to zero and the alarm sounds, and then stopping the alarm stops the timer. Still a great value. Dave Morrow |
| David, about a year ago, I bought a digital timer at Wal Mart for about $5.00. It has nice big numbers. I like it because it does count up, from zero to twenty minutes, I think. I use it to time my roasts. So, I actually use two readouts, one is the temp probe and the other is the timer. On 8/20/08, David Morrow wrote: <Snip> -- Frank "Still the one" Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |
| Thanks to everyone who provided insight and welcomed a newbie to the list! I'm looking forward to learning from you all! Cheers! Jim On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 1:30 PM, james McDougal wro= te: <Snip> I <Snip> oke <Snip> the <Snip> in <Snip> be <Snip> as <Snip> ip <Snip> The <Snip> d I <Snip> Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://lists.sweetmariascoffee.com/listinfo.cgi/homeroast-sweetmariascoffee=.com Homeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee=.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7820 |