Coffee Forums UK - Blogs http://coffeeforums.co.uk/blog.php en Fri, 18 May 2012 09:37:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://coffeeforums.co.uk/images/misc/rss.jpg Coffee Forums UK - Blogs http://coffeeforums.co.uk/blog.php mypressi Twist® v2 - New Design Portable Espresso Maker - For Sale http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?101-mypressi-Twist®-v2-New-Design-Portable-Espresso-Maker-For-Sale Sun, 06 May 2012 19:22:10 GMT ---Quote (Originally by CoffeeGeek)--- Image: http://mypressi.com/images/TWIST-with-espresso.jpg This is surplus to my requirements.... ...
Quote Originally Posted by CoffeeGeek View Post

This is surplus to my requirements....

For Sale - Bargain Only £85 - (rrp £120+) Easy Elegant Espresso with the mypressi TWIST v2

The mypressi TWIST is a Handheld Espresso Coffee Maker for use at home, in the office or on the road. This Portable Coffee Maker produces delicious espresso wherever you are. It's quick, quiet, very easy to use and consistently produces smooth coffee!



User Experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=iLgsvzY8tUc

Unlike some other portable espresso makers the TWIST doesn't require any kind of external power. With a pull on its trigger the TWIST uses an 8g pressure cartridge to extract the espresso as a single or double shot. The TWIST's pneumatic engine ensures the correct pressure for espresso extraction, and the taste of the resulting coffee is proof of its quality. It's even compatible with ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pre-ground Pods!
The mypressi TWIST is an excellent alternative to a static Espresso/Coffee Machine which needs regular maintenance and expense. See the crema with the bottomless Portafilter...just take off the spout bowl! :)

It requires no warm up time and makes espresso quickly and quietly....even in your tent!

Join the mypressi TWIST revolution today!

The mypressi TWIST v[SHINE]2[/SHINE] includes the following in this sale:

1 x mypressi Twist v2 Unit

1 x Professional Double Shot (18-21g) Basket
1 x ESE Pod Adaptor & Basket
1 x Travel Pouch
4 x Gas Charges to get you started (enough gas for 16 shots!)

Extra mypressi Twist accessories can be obtained easily from here:

mypressi Twist Accessories

Gas Cartridges Available Cheaply Here:

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

More Info here:
mypressi TWIST: easy elegant espresso


 Click to Download the all new mypressi TWIST User Guide




Bargain Price: £85 Normal RRP: £120 +pnp
Tracked Postage: £10

Payment: Online Bank Transfer or Skrill Moneybookers
-----
www.moorehead.tk ]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?101-mypressi-Twist®-v2-New-Design-Portable-Espresso-Maker-For-Sale UKBC 2012 Semifinal at London Coffee Festival http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?99-UKBC-2012-Semifinal-at-London-Coffee-Festival Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:17:47 GMT Image: http://coffeeforums.co.uk/images/UKBC_2012_Finalists_small.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/sets/72157629549943812/) 2012 UK...

2012 UK Barista Championships semifinalists are (left to right)
James Bailey
Dale Harris
Dan Fellows
Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood
Howard Barwick
Mark Lamberton

More images from the semifinal will be posted on my Flickr over the next week ]]> Glenn http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?99-UKBC-2012-Semifinal-at-London-Coffee-Festival Gaggia Barista Package - For Sale http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?74-Gaggia-Barista-Package-For-Sale Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:13:22 GMT
Quote Originally Posted by CoffeeGeek View Post
For Gaggia Classic, Baby, Tebe, Cubika & Paros.



For Sale: Gaggia Bottomless Portafilter, Triple + Double Baskets + Tamper + Digital Temperature Probe.

 Suitable for Gaggia Classic, Baby, Tebe, Cubika & Paros.

The PortaFilter comes with:

1. Triple 21g Basket
2. Double 18g Basket
3. Handmade Beech and Stainless Steel 58mm Tamper
4. One Bottomless PortaFilter Holder
5. Digital Temperature Probe (Milk Frothing)

This Bottomless Portafilter is designed to give better Crema and Texture for your espresso shots.

Portafilters also eliminate the use of a spout on the bottom, this is a huge advantage in a commercial situation as it allows more room between the drip tray and the bottom of the group head on your espresso machine; especially the Gaggia Classic or Gaggia Paros!

Therefore, you have more room to use takeaway cups and tall Latte glasses.

Not to be confused with other lower quality products on the market this is not a post-produced item, it's actually moulded this way to end up like this, so the edges are completely smooth and easy to clean.

A fantastic addition to any coffee machine commercial or domestic.

This whole Package I'm selling for:

£64 Delivered

Private Message me if you desire more info!
---
www.moorehead.tk
]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?74-Gaggia-Barista-Package-For-Sale mypressi Twist® - For Sale http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?73-mypressi-Twist®-For-Sale Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:13:35 GMT ---Quote (Originally by CoffeeGeek)--- This is surplus to my requirements.... Image:...
Quote Originally Posted by CoffeeGeek View Post
This is surplus to my requirements....

Only £55 - Easy Elegant Espresso with the mypressi TWIST v1
here's the portable gadget in action:


The mypressi TWIST is a Handheld Espresso Coffee Maker for use at home, in the office or on the road. This Portable Coffee Maker produces delicious espresso wherever you are. It's quick, quiet, very easy to use and consistently produces smooth coffee!


Unlike some other portable espresso makers the TWIST doesn't require any kind of external power. With a pull on its trigger the TWIST uses an 8g pressure cartridge to extract the espresso as a single or double shot. The TWIST's pneumatic engine ensures the correct pressure for espresso extraction, and the taste of the resulting coffee is proof of its quality. It's even compatible with ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pre-ground Pods!
The mypressi TWIST is an excellent alternative to a static Coffee Machine for the home or office.

It requires no warm up time and makes coffee quickly and quietly.

Join the TWIST revolution today!

The mypressi TWIST only includes the following in this sale:

1 x mypressi Twist Unit

1 x Pressurised Double Shot (18-21g) Basket
1 x Pod Basket
1 x Travel Pouch
1 x Plastic mypressi Twist Tamper
8 x Gas Charges to get you started!

Extra accessories can be obtained easily from here:
Click for mypressi Twist Supplies


The User Guide can be found here:
http://www.mypressi.com/media/How%20To%20Do%20The%20mypressi%20TWIST%202009.pdf

Please Take Note:
1. There is a very small cosmetic hairline crack on the outer plastic casing of the bowl, and doesn't affect the great performance of this unit. The hairline crack has been sealed!

2. No Returns Possible!

Bargain Price: £55 Normal RRP: £110 +pnp
Postage: £10

Payment: Online Bank Transfer or Skrill Moneybookers

[B]

Now SOLD! :)



PM me for further info!


-------------------------------------
http://www.moorehead.tk
]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?73-mypressi-Twist®-For-Sale When do you drink your coffee? http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?70-When-do-you-drink-your-coffee Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:29:19 GMT I received this infographic earlier this week from Kafevend - leading suppliers of vending machines... I received this infographic earlier this week from Kafevend - leading suppliers of vending machines and it got me thinking about my coffee drinking habits



I normally drink mine before 0900 and after 1800, very rarely at work unless I make my own filter coffee or espresso from a mypressi TWIST.

Of interest to me would be what types of drinks were consumed at the different times of the day, so I will commission a survey and post a link in the next couple of days.


]]> Glenn http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?70-When-do-you-drink-your-coffee GAGGIA Paros - with Grinder - For Sale http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?60-GAGGIA-Paros-with-Grinder-For-Sale Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:20:41 GMT ---Quote (Originally by CoffeeGeek)--- Image: http://download.p4c.philips.com/files/p/pasch014mengrco/pasch014mengrco__fv_.jpg ...
Quote Originally Posted by CoffeeGeek View Post




The internals are exactly same as the Gaggia Classic so the espresso side is spot on!

The Built-In Gaggia Bean Grinder is fully functioning, cleaned, and adjustable with timer dosage and tamper built-in! You can also offer your Portafilter under the shute for filling which is so handy, and not forgetting the portafilter seat on the grinder so you don't have to hold the weight!

Recently descaled and serviced grouphead, and cleaned throughout...this is a rare opportunity to aquire a sought after machine, in super condition!

FYI

It has a super Steam Wand for making frothy milky cappuccino's or hot chocolate! :)

why not mod it with a PID unit? A PID unit is an adjustable device that sets the boiler at a temperarture of your choosing! Can be bought on ebaY! Demo in the video above!

Comes in Original Box, User Manual, Portafilter and double basket!




Price: £104ovno
Postage: £15

Payment: Online Bank Transfer
or SKRILL MoneyBookers

mypressi Twist® - For Sale [Click Here]



Private Message me to discuss further!. Thank you! :)

----------------------------------------------
http://www.moorehead.tk
]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?60-GAGGIA-Paros-with-Grinder-For-Sale UKBC glasgow http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?59-UKBC-glasgow Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:41:37 GMT I went to the Scottish UKBC heat on my lunchbrake today. Union coffee had a good stall. A friendly Ausy bloke introduced me to the coffee aero... I went to the Scottish UKBC heat on my lunchbrake today. Union coffee had a good stall. A friendly Ausy bloke introduced me to the coffee aero filter... Interesting bit of kit... You can pick them up for about £25 on amozon. ]]> 2003-wood http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?59-UKBC-glasgow mypressi Twist® - For Sale http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?55-mypressi-Twist®-For-Sale Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:44:15 GMT ---Quote (Originally by CoffeeGeek)--- This is surplus to my requirements.... Image:...
Quote Originally Posted by CoffeeGeek View Post
This is surplus to my requirements....

Only £60 - Easy Elegant Espresso with the mypressi TWIST
here's the portable gadget in action:


The mypressi TWIST is a Handheld Espresso Coffee Maker for use at home, in the office or on the road. This Portable Coffee Maker produces delicious espresso wherever you are. It's quick, quiet, very easy to use and consistently produces smooth coffee!


Unlike some other portable espresso makers the TWIST doesn't require any kind of external power. With a pull on its trigger the TWIST uses an 8g pressure cartridge to extract the espresso as a single or double shot. The TWIST's pneumatic engine ensures the correct pressure for espresso extraction, and the taste of the resulting coffee is proof of its quality. It's even compatible with ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pre-ground Pods!
The mypressi TWIST is an excellent alternative to a static Coffee Machine for the home or office.

It requires no warm up time and makes coffee quickly and quietly.

Join the TWIST revolution today!

The mypressi TWIST only includes the following in this sale:

1 x mypressi Twist Unit

1 x Pressurised Double Shot (18-21g) Basket
1 x Pod Basket
1 x Travel Pouch
8 x Gas Charges to get you started!

Extra accessories can be obtained easily from here:
Click for mypressi Twist Supplies


The User Guide to use can be found here:
http://www.mypressi.com/media/How%20To%20Do%20The%20mypressi%20TWIST%202009.pdf

Please Take Note:
1. There is a very small cosmetic hairline crack on the outer plastic casing of the bowl, and doesn't affect the great performance of this unit. The hairline crack has been sealed!

2. No Returns Possible!

Price: £60
Postage: £10

Payment: Online Bank Transfer or Skrill Moneybookers

PM me for further info!


-------------------------------------
http://www.moorehead.tk
]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?55-mypressi-Twist®-For-Sale FREE £5 ebaY Voucher Code http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?54-FREE-£5-ebaY-Voucher-Code Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:11:29 GMT
Quote Originally Posted by CoffeeGeek View Post
I've just used this and it works fine, so here you go folks:

use until 8th March...

Simply make a purchase on eBay.co.uk
Pay with PayPal; and
Enter the voucher code “CUKFB1” in checkout when prompted.
]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?54-FREE-£5-ebaY-Voucher-Code GAGGIA Paros - with Grinder - For Sale! http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?52-GAGGIA-Paros-with-Grinder-For-Sale! Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:24:23 GMT ---Quote (Originally by CoffeeGeek)--- Image: http://download.p4c.philips.com/files/p/pasch014mengrco/pasch014mengrco__fv_.jpg _*The...
Quote Originally Posted by CoffeeGeek View Post




The internals are exactly same as the Gaggia Classic so the espresso side is spot on!

The Bean Grinder is fully functioning and adjustable with timer dosage and tamper built-in!
Recently descaled and serviced grouphead, and cleaned throughout...this is a rare opportunity to aquire a sought after machine, in super condition!

Comes in Original Box, User Manual, Portafilter and double basket!




Price: £110
Postage: £15

Payment: By Bank Transfer


Private Message me to discuss further!. Thank you! :)
]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?52-GAGGIA-Paros-with-Grinder-For-Sale! Nespresso Magimix M190 http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?51-Nespresso-Magimix-M190 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:51:32 GMT Hello, This is my first time I join a forum. I do not really now how it works. Since Christmas I have a nespresso magimix m190 machine. I was... Hello,
This is my first time I join a forum. I do not really now how it works.
Since Christmas I have a nespresso magimix m190 machine. I was very happy with it. Like the coffee and liked the milk frother. But last week the milk frother is not frothing the milk anymore. It still warms the milk but no foam. :(
Does anybody knows about this problem? What to do?
Thanks,
Honeybee ]]> honeybee http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?51-Nespresso-Magimix-M190 Introducing Arabian Coffees: Authentic Traditional Ground Coffee of the Middle East http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?50-Introducing-Arabian-Coffees-Authentic-Traditional-Ground-Coffee-of-the-Middle-East Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:22:44 GMT More than just ground coffee (http://www.arabiancoffees.co.uk/), our Arabian Coffee provides a journey through Middle Eastern culture. Our ambition... More than just ground coffee, our Arabian Coffee provides a journey through Middle Eastern culture. Our ambition is that, regardless of where you may be in the World, with each sip of our traditionally blended coffees will transport you to Arabia, the Middle East or North Africa.

Arabian Coffees maintains a passion for authentic blends of Arabic Coffee and our master blenders have many years of experience and knowledge in roasting and blending traditional Arabic Coffee recipes.

Some of our Arabica Coffee blends are deep and rich, others light and perfumed – but what they all share is an exceptional luxuriant quality that makes them highly drinkable suitable throughout the day. We also recommend pairing our Arabic Coffee with traditional Arabic Food.

From Riyadh to Damascus, see the types of ground coffee we have at Arabian Coffees. ]]> ArabianCoffees http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?50-Introducing-Arabian-Coffees-Authentic-Traditional-Ground-Coffee-of-the-Middle-East Testing the FZ-RR-700 home roaster - Part 2 http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?49-Testing-the-FZ-RR-700-home-roaster-Part-2 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:22:02 GMT As promised, my followup review of the motorized version of the FZ-RR-700 home roaster. Although a slightly different experience to the manual... As promised, my followup review of the motorized version of the FZ-RR-700 home roaster. Although a slightly different experience to the manual version it encourages exploration of the fundamental principles of roasting those little green beans. Read this sequel to discover what a great machine this roaster provides.



Having already reviewed the manual version of this great home roaster, I was keen to see whether the motorized version would provide a slightly different experience. With the roaster body being exactly the same, the only difference would be in the need to keep the drum turning. The motor turns the drum at around 50 rpm and lets you concentrate on what is happening rather than cranking the handle at a suitable, but jerky, speed. The motor comes with its own adapter, which is an EU 2-pin plug, so unless you keep a shaving socket next to the cooker or intend to roast in the bathroom you will need a plug adapter.

Before starting a roast, I gave the drum a few minutes over the heat to burn off any surface material that had accumulated in manufacture and transit. There is no need to "season" this roaster.

The only problem is that it does give you time to do other things and you don't feel as involved as you do when you are turning the drum, if you grasp what I mean. Lifting the drum and agitating, with a shake, is as before only you need to lift the motor end first to disengage the driving gear. Replacement is the opposite, and it appears easy enough to reengage with the driving gear. The motor continues to turn during the entire roast and there is no need to switch it off/on when agitating.

Once again the pure copper drum conducts the heat very well and any adjustments to the flame has an immediate effect. So there is no real requirement to preempt aspects of the roast progression. Once you have the tell-tale increase in smoke you can back off a bit on the heat to let the exothermic phase take you through first crack (1C).

Because of the motor lead the roaster was positioned in an awkward way for me, that meant I wasn't comfortable lifting it off and checking the progress in the drum. Consequently, the first roast went a little too fast for my liking and 1C was upon me before I was ready. The bean load was just 100g of Papua New Guinea AX and sailed through 1C and straight into 2C. In all I the roast took about 8min, but the roast looked ok with just a little surface oil.

The beauty of roasting in the FZ-RR-700 is that you can quickly cool the beans and get them straight in the grinder for tasting. Even though the roast was a bit fast, the result was passable and delivered the expected underlying flavours but muted, in this case.

However, the review was about the roaster and not the coffee. While it emphasised again the brilliant way in which this small roaster performs, I think I prefer to use the manual version. There is just something about having the trailing cable and the extra weight of the cradle. Altogether, I felt more in control of the roast with the manual roaster. Above all it is still an exciting experience to conduct a full green bean to cup in under 15min.

My impressions of the FZ-RR-700 remain high, and it is fantastic to roast coffee without air blasts, thermocouples, chaff collectors and the other normal paraphenalia that goes with modern coffee roasting. It is seat-of-the-pants, sensory and rewarding and I intend to keep both to satisfy that frequent urge to experiment and use as a training tool. ]]> CoffeeMagic http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?49-Testing-the-FZ-RR-700-home-roaster-Part-2 Coffee Consumption Facts http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?47-Coffee-Consumption-Facts Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:33:35 GMT It's what the whole coffee trade and fuss is all about... the final consumption of coffee... here are some nuggets of information especially for those coffee lovers out there!



  • Coffee is the most popular drink worldwide with over 400 billion cups consumed each year.
  • Last year in Britain, £730 million was spent on coffee.
  • Britain consumes 500g of coffee per person, per year.
  • It takes 42 coffee beans to make an espresso.
  • Over half of the espresso consumed in the UK is drunk in the South East of the country.
  • On average, men drink more coffee than women (1.7 cups per day vs 1.5 cups)
  • 37% of coffee drinkers drink their coffee black; while 63% add a sweetener such as sugar.
  • Instant coffee accounts for 13% of all coffee drunk.
  • 57% of coffee is drunk at breakfast; 34% between meals and 13% at other meals.
  • It is estimated that more than 100 million Americans drink a total of 350 million cups of coffee a day.
  • About half of all American adults have a cup of coffee to start their day.
  • The USA is the world's largest consumer of coffee, importing 16 to 20 million bags annually (2.5 million pounds), representing 1/3 of all coffee exported. More than half of the United States population consumes coffee typically drinking 3.4 cups of coffee a day.
  • The first European coffee was sold in pharmacies in 1615 as a medicinal remedy.
  • cappuccino is so named because of the drink's peak of foam which resembles the cowl of a Capuchin friar's habit.
  • Flavoured coffees are created after the roasting process by applying flavoured oils specially created to use on coffee beans.
  • Espresso contains less caffeine than any other roast.
  • Coffee was first known in Europe as Arabian Wine.
  • Bach wrote a coffee cantata in 1732.
  • The US Navy used to serve alcoholic beverages on board ships. However when Admiral Josephus "Joe" Daniels became Chief of Naval Operations, he outlawed alcohol on board ships, except for very special occasions. Coffee then became the drink of choice, hence the term "Cup of Joe".
  • The heavy tax on tea imposed in 1773 on the colonies that resulted in the "Boston Tea Party" resulted in America switching from mainly drinking tea to coffee. To drink coffee was an expression of freedom.
  • Italians do not drink espresso during meals. It is considered to be a separate event and is given its own time.
  • In Greece and Turkey, the oldest person is almost always served their coffee first.
  • In the ancient Arab world, coffee became such a staple part of family life that one of the causes allowed by law for marital separation was a husband's refusal to produce coffee for his wife.
  • Raw coffee beans, soaked in water and spices, are chewed like candy in many parts of Africa.
  • Coffee represents three-quarters of all the caffeine consumed in the USA.
  • For reducing wrinkes and improving their skin, the Japanese have been known to bathe in coffee grounds fermented with pineapple pulp.
  • Citrus flavours have been added to coffee for several hundred years.
  • The Europeans first added chocolate to their coffee in the 1600's.
  • Our sense of smell, more than any of our other senses makes our final judgement on coffee.
  • With alcohol forbidden by the Koran in the early 1400's coffee soon became the replacement drink.
  • The French philosopher, Voltaire, reportedly drank fifty cups of coffee a day.
  • Decaffeinated coffee sales are at their highest in January due to people's New Year resolutions.
  • Scandinavia has the world's highest per capita annual coffee consumption, 26.4 pounds.
  • The Arabs flavoured their coffee with spices during the brewing process.
  • Iced coffee in a can has been popular in Japan since 1945.
  • The human body will absorb just 300 milligrams of caffeine at a given time. Additional amounts are cast off and provide no additional stimulation. The human body dissipates 20% of the caffeine in it's system per hour.
  • Wild medical contraptions used to exist to administer a mixture of coffee and an assortment of heated butter, honey and oil to treat the sick.
  • Regular coffee drinkers have about 1/3 less asthma symptoms than those of non-coffee drinkers according to a Harvard researcher who studied 20,000 people.
  • Australians consume 60% more coffee than tea, a sixfold increase since 1940.
  • Turkish law makes it legal for a woman to divorce her husband if he fails to provide her with her daily quota of coffee.
]]> CoffeeGeek http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?47-Coffee-Consumption-Facts Testing the FZ-RR-700 home roaster http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?44-Testing-the-FZ-RR-700-home-roaster Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:29:20 GMT FZ-RR 700 home roaster was designed by Coffee-Tech's top roasting machine engineers to deliver a truly exciting "cult" coffee tool and a must-have for those passionate about their coffee. FZ-RR 700 home roaster is available both in manual version as well as an electrical, 12V motorized version. This coffee roaster was designed for home roasting, using any gas stove.



The roaster has a capacity to roast batches of 200g. The model shown is driven by a 12v, 3.5W electric motor to keep an even heat throughout the copper drum. Agitation of the beans, to prevent hotspots, is done simply by removing the drum, using the wooden handle and giving a brief shake before replacing back on the cradle.

Moisture, in the form of steam, and smoke is vented from the drum via small holes in the side. Smoke eminating from the holes is also used to judge particular events and timing points in the roast's profile. With the added portability of this roaster, it can be used under a cooker hood and may also utilize the small burner on a gas hob. However, for maximum portability it can be used with a portable gas burner, as shown in the picture.

I will be bringing further information on the use of this elegant home roaster in parts, as I get to grips with just how well it performs. Much of the information I have already gleaned, from people who have used it for some time, has been very positive. So, let's put it through its paces...

Technical Specifications

Capacity: 200 g

Dimensions: W: 175 | L: 405 | H: 130 mm.

Electrical Motor: 12v ; 3.5 Watt

Operation

Roasting with the FZ-RR-700 is very easy and you can use the visual and audible cues to guide the roast progression. Roasting cycle time is around 10min, being dependent upon the burner and flame level. Control is predominantly acheived by changing the flame level. The great thing is that it doesn't require a fast burner to roast, since the copper drum is very heat efficient.

For the initial experiments, the aim was to roast a light and dark roast of the same beans and determine the differences. Both roasts weredone using the manual model on a medium gas burner under a cooker hood. The amount of smoke produced during the roast was surprisingly little. Even so, I would recommend roasting under a cooker hood or outside to avoid triggering the smoke alarm.

A matching copper funnel is provided to load the drum with between 100g and 200g of green coffee. For each roast I used 100g of Guatemalan Huehuetenango. The first batch would be taken to the end of first crack and the second batch into second crack. One of the interesting things I gleaned about this roaster is that you can drink your coffee almost as soon as it is cool. Because of the difference in roasting environment inside the drum, the normal resting period and degas is non-existent. It's unusual and hard to take in at first but its a fact.

Since roasting a half-batch of 100g the initial flame level was set to about 75%. The first time the roaster is used there will be some burn-in and there may be some smoke in the first few minutes off the drum. This is quite normal. The other thing you notice is the subtle change in colour of the copper. During the roast it is important to continuously turn the longer handle of the drum to even out the heat transfer. Every minute, at least, remove the drum from the cradle and just give the beans a shake to agitate and prevent tipping (hot spots). If you remove the small handle during this part you can see the progression of the bean colour.

Around 6min into the roast the burner was turned down to about 50% as a precursor to the onset of 1st crack. It is always a good idea to allow the stored heat, in the bean, to bring on this event. It is also noticeable by the issue of a little smoke via the vent holes. At 6m50s the crack was fairly evident from the popping inside the drum. Once the crack had subsided the first batch was dumped to a colander for cooling. Dependent upon the bean there will be an amount of chaff in the beans that can be removed (perhaps outside) by gently blowing across the beans while agitating or stirring.

Roast number 2 was done in a very similar manner and once again 1st crack appeared around the same time. The flame was lowered to about 30% and the roast continued to develop towards the 2nd crack. Again this was prompted by additional smoke from the vents. Once a rolling crack was established the roast was stopped and the beans dumped and cooled.

Tasting

Both batches were sampled, individually, using a (small) plunger charged with 28g and water that was just off the boil. After 1min the crust was broken and the aroma sampled for the first time. The lighter roast was more inclined towards fruity, whereas the darker roast had more of a light molasses aroma. After 4min brew time each cup was tasted at various temperature intervals to judge how the flavour changed during cooldown.

Significantly, the light roast had a delicate sweetness with orange peel and light caramel. The body felt medium with a short to medium finish. Once cooled, the final mouthful had a distinct milk chocolate flavour.

On the other hand, the dark roast had a more muted aroma and tended towards being winey rather than sweet. The flavours were distinctly dark, bitter-sweet chocolate with a similar body but longer finish.

Altogether an astonishing difference from the same beans in the same roaster.


Conclusions

Overall my first impressions of the FZ-RR-700 have been good. The unit, itself is well made and simple but strong cradle provides a solid base to rest on a gas burner. The fit of the removeable handle was a little loose in use but did not present any problem during roasting. The minimal amount of smoke was a surprise and was more than effective in providing visual cues during the roast. The odd bean was shaken clear of the drum while agitating on a couple of occasions, however, good practices are easy to establish to minimize any mess.

It is important to observe the fact that copper gets hot and so does the cradle and the metal parts of the removable handle (vents). Take care to only hold the roaster by the insulated handles during operation and when done, leave the whole unit to cool before removing from the burner.

The motorized unit will be on trial next. ]]> CoffeeMagic http://coffeeforums.co.uk/entry.php?44-Testing-the-FZ-RR-700-home-roaster