The Wordy-assed Alchemist

Drum roasters are so expensive.  They are only a drum, motor and some heat.  Isn’t there a cheaper alternative?  Couldn’t I roast in a pan like they do where they make the cocoa beans.  Would you tell me how to do that?  Should I use low or medium heat?

I’ve read, re-read, and re-read again your articles and blog posts (Ask the Alchemist 200-205) on roasting. As much as I’d like to have all the proper equipment, there’s only so much I can do on a budget in a small apartment with limited storage space. For the time being I’m trying to oven roast. The engineer in me understands momentum, ramp (slope), and I’ve been trying to apply your Drum Roasting profiles to at least have similar concepts with Oven Roasting ... trying to go into the various phases appropriately.

I’ve read all your posts about profile roasting but I’m still not sure where to start.  Can you give me just a basic profile that will work for all beans?