How to roast coffee beans?

by Frank C.
(Miami)

QUESTION:

Can you tell me how to roast coffee beans? I love the idea of buying green beans and then roasting them at home myself. But I have no idea how to start. Can I roast them on or in my stove? Do I need to buy a coffee roaster? Any tips would be appreciated.


ANSWER:

Roasting your own coffee beans is a step most coffee lovers don’t take. But it is a wonderful way to enjoy coffee at its freshest. It’s also a good way to save money on coffee, as you can buy green, unroasted coffee at a significant discount.

In answer to your questions, yes, you can roast coffee beans with your stove – either in the oven or on top in a pan.

You can also roast beans in a popcorn maker.

If you want more control over your roast, and would like to experiment with light, medium and dark roasts, you are probably better off buying a home coffee roaster.

You can learn more about this on our home coffee roasting page...