How To Roast Coffee Beans – 4 Easy Methods

After several hours of research and trial and error, I found the 4 most effective ways to roast coffee beans.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through 4 different methods on how to roast your coffee beans at home. The methods are pretty easy to follow and quite beneficial for the freshest, most delicious tasting coffee.

Roast Levels:

• Light Roast – Occurs at the first crack or an internal temperature of 356-401F.
  • A.K.A Cinnamon Roast

• Medium Roast – Occurs at the second crack or an internal temperature of 410-428F.
  • A.K.A City and City Plus

• Medium Dark – Continue roasting after the second crack or until an internal temperature of 437-446F.
  • A.K.A Full City and Full City Plus

• Dark Roast – Continue roasting until 464F but below 482F.

4 Ways to Roast Coffee Beans:

1. Pan – Most cost-effective way as most of us already have this at home.

• Equipment Needed:
  • Green Coffee Beans
  • Cast Iron or Steel Pan Uncoated
  • Stove
  • Whisk or Wooden Spoon
  • 2 x Metal Colander
  • Air-tight container
  • Infrared Thermometer

• Steps:
  1. Maximize Ventilation – It’s going to get real smoky.
     • Turn on fans, open windows, etc.
  2. Place pan on medium heat (450F).
  3. Spread a thin layer of green coffee beans on the pan.
  4. Stir and DO NOT stop.
     • A whisk will be more effective here because it agitates the beans compared to a wooden spoon. Agitating the beans allows them to rotate, which results in a more even roast.
  5. Listen for the first crack after 4-5 minutes or when beans reach an internal temperature of around 380F. This will last for 1-3 minutes.
     • Light Roast
  6. Listen for the second crack after 1-3 more minutes or when beans reach an internal temperature of around 420F.
     • Medium Roast
  7. If you want a Medium-Dark Roast, continue roasting until an internal temperature of 437-446F
  8. If you want a Dark Roast, continue roasting until an internal temperature of 464-482F.
  9. Transfer the beans to a metal colander and shake to get rid of the husks.
  10. Leave beans exposed for about 12 hours to de-gas.

2. Oven – Another cost-effective way to roast!

• Equipment Needed:
  • Green Coffee Beans
  • Perforated oven tray
  • Oven
  • Oven Mitts
  • 2 x Metal Colander
  • Air-tight container
  • Infrared Thermometer

• Steps:
  1. Maximize Ventilation – It’s going to get real smoky.
     • Turn on fans, open windows, etc.
  2. Pre-heat oven to 500F.
  3. Spread 1 layer of beans on the perforated tray.
  4. Place the tray on the middle rack.
  5. Listen for the first crack after 4-5 minutes or when beans reach an internal temperature of around 380F. This will last for 1-3 minutes.
     • Light Roast
  6. Listen for the second crack after 1-3 more minutes or when beans reach an internal temperature of around 420F.
     • Medium Roast
  7. If you want a Medium-Dark Roast, continue roasting until an internal temperature of 437-446F
  8. If you want a Dark Roast, continue roasting until an internal temperature of 464-482F.
  9. Transfer the beans to a metal colander and shake to get rid of the husks.
  10. Leave beans exposed for about 12 hours to de-gas.

3. Popcorn Maker – Best for consistency (other than an actual coffee roaster), but inconvenient because most of us don’t have one.

• Equipment Needed:
  • Green Coffee Beans
  • Popcorn Machine with side vented heat
  • Whisk or Wooden Spoon
  • 2 x Metal Colander
  • Oven Mitts
  • Air-tight container
  • Infrared Thermometer

• Steps:
  1. Maximize Ventilation – It’s going to get real smoky.
     • Turn on fans, open windows, etc.
  2. Pre-heat machine for 30 seconds.
  3. Measure 1/2 cup beans and drop into the machine.
     • Machine should agitate the beans.
  4. Assist agitation by stirring.
     • Whisk or wooden spoon.
  5. Collect husks in a large bowl.
  6. Listen for the first crack after 4-5 minutes or when beans reach an internal temperature of around 380F. This will last for 1-3 minutes.
     • Light Roast
  7. Listen for the second crack after 1-3 more minutes or when beans reach an internal temperature of around 420F.
     • Medium Roast
  8. If you want a Medium-Dark Roast, continue roasting until an internal temperature of 437-446F
  9. If you want a Dark Roast, continue roasting until an internal temperature of 464-482F.
  10. Transfer the beans to a metal colander and shake to get rid of the husks.
  11. Leave beans exposed for about 12 hours to de-gas.

4. Coffee Roaster – The absolute best way to roast beans for consistency, taste, everything. However, it is the most expensive. Go with this method if you are getting serious and want to drink the freshest coffee.

• Equipment Needed:
  • Equipment Needed
  • Green Coffee Beans
  • Coffee roasting machine
  • Heatproof mitts
  • Air-tight container

• Steps:
  1. Maximize Ventilation – It’s going to get real smoky.
     • Turn on fans, open windows, etc.
  2. Turn the machine on and add beans.
     • Each machine is different so read and follow the instructions for the best results..
  3. Watch the entire process.
  4. Listen for the first crack.
  5. Listen for a second crack.
  6. Transfer the beans to a metal colander and shake to get rid of the husks.
  7. Leave beans exposed for about 12 hours to de-gas.

What To Do After Roasting:

• Store in an airtight container to maximize the time the beans stay fresh. 
• Wait for 24 hours before grinding and brewing. This includes the 12 hours to de-gas. This gives the beans a full day to mature and reach full-bodied flavor.
• Use the beans within 7 days. 

Roasting your own coffee beans is often an overlooked part of enjoying delicious coffee. You get the freshest roast when you do it yourself! 

As you can see, there are 4 methods you can start trying at home as you probably have the equipment already. 

If you want to get serious about coffee or want to experience some amazing coffee, this is a great way to start.

To get to the next level of your coffee journey, check out our guides on the best coffee roasters!