The Earliest Roasting Tools

The first known coffee roasting tools were thin, circular pans, often perforated and made of either metal or porcelain. These rudimentary roasting pans were used in the 15th century across the Ottoman Empire and Greater Persia. The shallow pan design featured a long handle, allowing it to be placed directly over charcoal fires. Green coffee beans were manually stirred using a thin rod, with each batch only capable of roasting a small amount of coffee.

To this day, this method remains widely used and is regarded as the traditional roasting technique in Ethiopia, the homeland of Arabica coffee.

The 15th-Century Coffee Roasting Pan – The Earliest Known Roasting Tool

A Turning Point in the 17th Century

The first cylindrical coffee roaster equipped with a hand-crank mechanism to keep beans in motion appeared in Cairo around 1650. Made primarily of metal—typically copper or cast iron—this roaster was placed over open flames or charcoal fires. This innovation significantly improved heat distribution, reducing the risk of charring and ensuring a more even roast. Additionally, the enclosed drum design was believed to better retain the aroma of the roasted beans.

Whether or not this innovation was widely embraced at the time, the cylindrical drum roaster represented a major advancement compared to open-pan roasting. It served as a stepping stone for the development of more advanced roasting machines. Variations of this design quickly spread across Europe, particularly in Italy, the Netherlands, and France, before reaching the Americas in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

The 1650 Cairo Drum Roaster – A Key Innovation in Coffee Roasting

The Coffee Roasting Revolution and Commercial Roasting

Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coffee roasting technology underwent significant advancements. Numerous patents were granted in the United States and Europe to manufacturers developing commercial roasting machines. These new roasters featured larger drum chambers, motorized rotating mechanisms, and direct-fire heating systems positioned below the drum. Capable of roasting batches ranging from 10 to 120 kilograms, these machines also introduced temperature and time control features, allowing roasters to fine-tune the flavor profile of their coffee.

By 1903 and 1906, electric roasters began emerging and were subsequently patented. Functioning similarly to popcorn poppers, these compact machines were designed for home roasting. They were considered safer and more fuel-efficient compared to traditional open-flame methods.

In 1920, the German giant Probat (formerly Emmerich am Rhein, established in 1868) entered the coffee roaster manufacturing industry. Probat became one of the world's most renowned coffee roaster brands, with a legacy spanning approximately 150 years. Known for their durability, reliability, and high quality, Probat machines inspired many subsequent drum roaster brands, including Giesen and Toper.

Probat – A Legacy of Over 150 Years in Coffee Roasting

Specialty Coffee and Roasting Innovations

By the 1970s, the rise of specialty coffee shops led to an increased demand for perse green coffee beans sourced globally to cater to discerning customers. Drum roasters underwent further improvements to meet these evolving needs.

In 1976, engineer Michael Sivetz was granted a patent for the world's first hot-air coffee roaster. Unlike traditional drum roasters, this design utilized a heating chamber to store and circulate hot air around green coffee beans. This approach ensured more even roasting while minimizing charring. Additionally, hot-air roasting was considered more fuel-efficient and safer for workers.

In 1998, Loring Smart Roast, a pioneering hot-air roasting company, was founded. After five years of operation, they introduced their first fully automated roasting machine, quickly gaining the trust of coffee roasters across Northern Europe.

Loring Smart Roast – The First Fully Automated Coffee Roaster

Conclusion

Today, coffee roasting machines continue to evolve, incorporating environmentally friendly designs, enhanced user-friendliness, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced automation features. Coffee roasters have played a pivotal role in the coffee industry, benefiting both large-scale coffee producers and artisanal roasters. The use of high-quality roasting machines not only ensures better control over the roasting process but also enhances the sensory experience of coffee for consumers worldwide.

Source: Internet Images

Sincerely,
THAIYEN CAFE Team