DIY Coffee Roasting

Interested in roasting your own coffee? Did you know it’s as simple as combining green coffee beans with a hot air popcorn popper?

To roast beans properly:

• Beans must be heated to a high temperature. (370 degrees F to 540 degrees F)
• Beans must be in constant motion to prevent uneven roasting or scorching.
• Beans must be cooled quickly to prevent over roasting.

One of the best ways to make this happen is by using a stove-top popcorn popper or a hot air popcorn popper. The following instructions apply to the hot air popper but can easily be adapted to suit the stove-top version.

DIY Coffee Roasting

1. Place 4 ounces organic green coffee beans in popcorn popper.

It is best to do this outside, as the process necessitates the shedding of delectable-smelling chaff. No cleanup is necessary when you’re outdoors.

2. Turn on air popper.

Watch as the chaff flies into the air. Enjoy the aroma.  (If you would like to do this inside, use a plastic hood and keep a bowl underneath the hood for the chaff.)

3. Wait for the beans to turn brown.

This takes approximately 3 minutes. Watch for desired color. A dark roast can take as long as 6-8 minutes. Stop when the beans are a shade lighter than your goal.

4. Allow to cool.

Pour into colander, if desired, to remove most of the chaff. Remaining chaff will not affect the quality or flavor.

5. Allow the coffee to rest for 6-24 hours.

Experienced roasters say the coffee reaches its peak after 24 hours.

6. Grind and enjoy!

If you have a French Press coffee maker you’ll want a coarse grind. Drip coffee makers require a fine grind. (Learn more about the art of coffee grinding at DailyCupo.)

In search of a hot air popcorn popper or stove-top popper? Check local thrift stores, eBay, and Amazon, as well as big box stores.

Sources of organic, fair-trade green coffee beans:

Adventure Coffee Roasting

Seven Bridges Cooperative ( A helpful tutorial can be found here.)

Higher Grounds Trading Company

Enjoy the following short video demonstration!