Roasting Coffee Beans in the Kaleido M10 Electric Coffee Roaster: A Step-by-Step Guide
Roasting coffee beans at home can be an exhilarating experience, especially when using advanced equipment like the Kaleido M10 Electrics Coffee Roaster. Today, we're diving into the nuances of using this coffee roaster in conjunction with the Artisan coffee roasting software on the Mac. Even if you're using a PC, the principles remain the same. Plus, with an embedded video detailing every step, you're in for an immersive learning experience.
Preparing the Roaster
- Preheat the Roaster: Start by preheating your Kaleido M10 to 195˚C. This sets the stage for a consistent roast. You'll need to preheat to differing levels depending on whether it's a small batch, half batch or full load. 195˚C should be good for a half batch.
- Set the Air and Drum: Adjust the airflow to 20% and set the drum to 60%.
Charging and Initial Roast
- Charge the Drum: Introduce your coffee beans into the drum. Following this, promptly drop the heaters to 30% power. This will cause the roasting chamber temperature to plummet by around 100˚C. If you're following along with our graph, you'll observe the curve bottom out and then note the bean temperature starts to ascend.
- Managing the Roast: Aim for an ROR (Rate of Rise) of roughly 12-13˚C every minute. As you do so, make incremental adjustments to the heaters to maintain this ROR.
Recognizing Key Phases
- End of Dry Phase: Once the beans adopt a yellow hue, it signifies they have crossed the dry phase. Mark this point as 'Dry End' on your graph.
- First Crack: This exciting phase occurs when the bean temperature is around 185-190˚C. You'll discern the sound of beans cracking. When you hear a cluster of beans crack simultaneously, mark 'FC Start' on your graph. Remember to wait and not mark too early, as a few beans might crack prematurely.
- Post First Crack Adjustments: Upon the initiation of the first crack, curtail the heater power to 30%. This is crucial since the beans undergo an exothermic reaction, releasing energy. Your goal is to moderate the ROR to 6-7, allowing the beans to mature at a slightly more relaxed pace.
Finishing the Roast
- Determine Your Finish Temperature: Set the SV (set value) to your chosen finish temperature. In my demonstration, I opted for 203˚C, achieving a medium/light roast.
- Monitoring and Adjusting: If you perceive the ROR dwindling excessively, slightly amplify the heaters. This ensures the temperature progression doesn't come to a halt.
- Drop and Cool: As the beans touch 203˚C, press the 'Drop' button. This activates the cooling fans. Subsequently, open the roaster door to release the beans and initiate cooling. Once the beans have adequately cooled, mark 'Cool End' on your graph.
Conclusion:
Voila! Your batch of beans should now be roasted to perfection, exuding a delectable aroma and ready for grinding. The Kaleido M10, coupled with the Artisan software, provides an unparalleled roasting experience, making the entire process seamless and enjoyable. Happy roasting!