Sometimes, coffee lovers decide they want more control over their coffee.
Creating your very own roast can be a huge step in that process.
There are also plenty of ways you can go about roasting your beans.
Some even include items you may already have in your kitchen!
Here, we’re going to take a look at roasting coffee beans in your oven.
We’ll consider the pros and cons, the process and how it compares to other methods.
Continue on, and decide if this is a method you want to try out!
Coffee Roasting Methods
There are a variety of methods out there for roasting your coffee beans.
Some of the ones you can do at home, without having to buy too many extra things, include using the oven, an air popcorn popper or in the frying pan.
If you want a more specific process, you can also look into getting an air roaster or a drum roaster.
These machines are made specifically for roasting beans and can offer a little more convenience in the process.
Ultimately, it’s up to you which direction you decide to go in.
Using the oven can be one of the easiest methods, and it’s likely you already have everything you need.
Does Roasting Coffee In The Oven Work?
The short answer to this is yes, it does work.
However, that’s not to say it’s the absolute most efficient option out there.
Keep in mind that it can be a slower process, and you’ll need to fine-tune it to get the right roast.
Furthermore, this option doesn’t include a convenient way to get rid of chaff.
However, it’s also one that is relatively simple.
You’ll also be unlikely to have to buy more equipment, considering most people have ovens.
It’s definitely a method that is worth trying out, but don’t expect perfect results right away!
It’s also a good idea to have an answer to excess smoke.
Oven Roasting Benefits
As previously mentioned, most people have an oven.
Consequently, you can avoid purchasing an expensive coffee roaster.
It can also be a decent choice for those who aren’t very picky about the roast.
If there’s a very specific roasting level that you’re looking for, then a different option may be more suited to you.
Using an air or drum roaster, or even trying roasting beans in a popcorn popper may be easier.
However, if you have a more vague preference then this option can work perfectly well.
Just make sure you stop the oven before the beans burn!
Oven Roasting Downfalls
While there are plenty of reasons to try out this method, there are also some downfalls to it.
The first is that the process can be very smoky, so it’s important to have a fan or some other method of clearing the smoke efficiently.
In addition, it’s a method that can be less discerning in getting the perfect roast.
As a result, you’ll have to watch the beans more closely to get them right where you want them.
Keep in mind that this is also a slower option, so make sure you have the time to spend on your coffee beans.
The Process
What You Need
There are a few things you’ll need to get your beans cooking efficiently.
The first two are your oven (of course!) and some green coffee beans.
You can usually find these online, or through some specialty stores.
In addition, you’ll want either a perforated tray or regular tray for using in the oven.
Make sure you also have a good set of oven mitts, as the process is going to get hot!
You’ll also need an airtight container and two colanders, ideally metal.
A fan or other method of clearing away smoke is also going to make the process much easier.
Preparing Your Setup
To begin with, you’ll need to preheat your oven.
In most cases, setting it to 500 degrees will work, but it can depend on your specific oven.
Once you get a handle on the process, feel free to experiment for the ideal results.
While the oven is preheating, make sure your windows are open and that you have a way to clear away smoke.
Gather your other tools and then place your green coffee beans on your chosen tray.
Make sure they are spread evenly and that there aren’t too many, otherwise it can effect the roasting.
Knowing When To Stop
When you’re roasting coffee beans, you’ll need to know what kind of roast you’re going for.
If you’re looking for a light roast, then you’ll want to stop not long after the first crack.
However, the process can take longer if you want a darker roast.
Luckily, there are several pieces of information online about the different stages coffee roasts go through.
Naturally, it follows that the longer the beans roast, the darker they become.
As a result, they also lose strength.
So if you want something that contains a lot of caffeine, you’ll want a lighter roast.
For less caffeine, do the opposite.
Cooling The Beans
Getting your coffee beans cooled off quickly is key to making sure the roast is perfect.
Don’t wait for your oven to cool down, as this can result in burnt beans.
Instead, once they are where you want them, use your oven mitts to carefully remove the tray.
Then, transfer your beans from the tray to one of the colanders.
Don’t forget to turn your oven off!
Then, pour the beans from that colander into the other, and then back again.
This will help them to cool down, and will also work to make sure all the chaff is pulled away from the beans.
Can I Use Them Right Away?
When your coffee beans come out of the oven, they’re going to need some time.
Oftentimes, they need to de-gas for a while before they’ll be settled and ready.
Typically, this can take at least 12 hours.
Because of that, it’s a good idea to notice when you’re starting to run low and roast more beans a day or two before you need them.
That way, you won’t have to go without your morning cup while you wait for the roasted beans to be ready.
This is especially true if you drink a lot of coffee!
Is This The Method For Me?
When you’re trying out different ways to roast coffee beans, you’ll inevitably find the one you like best.
This can really depend on how intensely you want to get into the roasting process.
For those who just want an easy way to save a little money, using the oven is a fine way to go about it.
Trying out a popcorn popper or frying pan are always worth a shot too!
However, if you really want to get into the science of it, a roaster might be worth the investment.
This is the choice more often for those who want a very specific roast.
For those who want to roast often, roast for larger numbers of people or just want the most efficient method, a drum or air roaster is a great way to go.
Otherwise, your home oven can certainly get the job done.
It might take a little bit of learning and adjusting, but it’s absolutely possible.