Fresh Roast With Extension - Roast-A-Long

Howdy, Roaster!
Here's the Extension Tube (www.coffeebean...)
Check out the Fresh Roast SR800 (www.coffeebean...)
Check out the Fresh Roast SR540 (www.coffeebean...)
We made this video as a promotional add-on for folks who purchased these roasters in December 2023, so if we mention the upcoming holidays, that's why.
We also feature a specific coffee, the Colombian Don Enrique Reserve, and we shipped a half-pound of that coffee to each purchaser during that 2023 promotion. Since then, the Don Enrique Reserve is no longer in production, so it's unavailable! Don't worry; we recommend trying the Colombia Supremo EP Huila as a suitable replacement. You can use any coffee during the Roast-a-Long, but keep in mind your results may vary.
HOW IT WORKS:
We made this roaster-specific video sharing our tips and tricks for roasting with the Fresh Roast Coffee Roasters, including a real-time roast-a-long so you can hit the ground running with your new roaster!
NOTE: We've sent links to both our Fresh Roast videos, one with the extension tube and one with the standard chamber. The 540 & 800 models behave similarly, all things being equal, so the most significant difference when it comes to the Roast-a-Long experience is whether you use the extension tube or not. You can watch both videos, but when it's time to roast, choose the one that best fits your setup!
So, let's get started!
First and foremost, read the manual! Before diving into the video, familiarize yourself with the owner's manual with your Fresh Roast Coffee Roaster. Read what the manufacturers say about their own machines, how they work, and what safety recommendations and warnings they offer.
SET UP:
When you're ready to get roasting, click the link below and watch through our set up instructions so you'll be ready to fire up your roaster along with us in real time.
Remember, you can always pause and/or rewind the video to ensure you're set up for success, but once you start roasting your coffee, there's no pausing that! So, take the time to follow our setup instructions, and you'll be ready to Roast-a-Long!
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF ROASTING (WITH A FRESH ROAST):
1. ALWAYS Roast in a well-ventilated area.
2. Everything on the Roaster is HOT!
3. Be sure to Run the Cooldown Sequence
4. Don't Use an Extension Cord/Power Strip
5. Roast Above 55 Degrees Ambient Temp
6. Be Mindful of the Little Ones
7. Clean Out the Chaff Collector
8. Roast in a Clear/Non-cluttered Area.
9. Lower the Fan Throughout the Roast
10. Record Your Roasts!
DO A DRY RUN FIRST
The first time you use the machine, do a dry run! Clear out the packing materials, set up your roasting area, run the roaster empty for about 10 minutes and then run the cooldown sequence. This will burn off any manufacturing byproduct, which could negatively affect your first roast. Once the cooldown sequence is complete, you'll be ready for your first roast!

[@mtnshow1]

This is the roaster that I'd like to purchase. It's small, compared to other roasters. The only problem is the learning curve on roasting. This one doesn't seem to be a 'set it and forget it' machine. I'm afraid I will ruin a lot of coffeee trying to learn this. After watching several vids, coffee roasting seems very complicated.

[@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial]

It's not a set-it-and-forget-it machine, but that doesn't equate to a steep learning curve. That's why we made this video, so folks can simply follow the method we show, make the changes as we make them, and have drinkable coffee each roast. There's plenty of room to tweak and perfectly tailor your roast for each bean you try, BUT it's easy to learn a baseline roast profile to get enjoyable coffee every time; just follow our method. Roasting is easy to get into, but perfecting your roasts is a lifelong adventure!

[@steved9723]

Very informative, can't wait to try my new extension tube!

[@fotophoto1533]

I'm pushing the buy button today. When you mentioned the sensory, drum pre-heat and cool down(18:04-19:20), that was the deciding factor for my current lifestyle. Been wanting to roast for a long time; it's time!

[@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial]

Excellent! I hope you're enjoying your new roaster!

[@tf1354]

You certainly can use an extension cord, provided it is not too long and sufficiently heavy. A six-foot, 12 gauge (sometimes called an appliance cord) will work. The reason this is true is that extension cord is just as heavy as the wiring in your house.

[@jjldickinson]

I’ve watched several SR800 videos now. They’ve all been decent, but this one was the best. It appears discouraging at first, running two to three times the length of a typical video; but these two LAY IT OUT with substance: A good introduction, plenty of detail, and a roast sequence. They even suggest a schema for logging your roasts. I’d evolved a good way to record FreshRoast SR540 roasts, but the SR800 adds just a little more complexity (reduced by leaving the power constant, as shown here), and at some level I was grappling with how to best represent that. Our two roasters here propose an approach which is so clear and basic and simple and obvious that I can’t even remember why the question bothered me!

[@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial]

Thanks for your comment! I love to hear that our videos (even with their technical AV shortcomings) are helpful to people. -Stephen

[@briankucel1598]

For those following along at home I think the instructions are: Set timer for 12 minutes Fan/Heat/Duration 9/5/2 8/5/1 7/5/1 6/5/5 Cool 3 minutes If your coffee stops tumbling when you drop to 6, kick back up to 7 for 30 seconds to a minute then move to 6 fan. Dont add extra time to your clock for this action

[@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial]

We featured this comment in our video kzbin.info/www/bejne/a36adZernbemhqs !

[@andrewhoggiii7196]

Nice video, thanks! So, about the stand-alone cooling device; care to let go of where that came from?

[@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial]

Thanks! Here's a link: www.coffeebeancorral.com/product/Dual-Basket-Coffee-Bean-Cooler__DUALBASKET.aspx

[@optimisticpessimist.]

If you were going to 2nd crack would you just continue to lower the fan? Is it OK to make adjustments during 1st crack or is it better to let it finish first?

[@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial]

It's fine to make adjustments during 1st or 2nd crack, but if I adjust during 2nd crack I'll typically reduce the heat or increase the fan, so as not to fly too quickly through 2nd crack and wind up darker than intended. If you want to go into 2C, just increase the heat earlier in the roast to accelerate through the middle stages of the roast.

[@optimisticpessimist.]

@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial awesome. Thank you. If you were roasting a natural what would you do different? What batch size would you recommend for the sr540 and extension tube? Thanks again. I have a million questions.

[@25kpoole]

Nicely done! Good info

[@montanausa329]

Go Razzo😊

[@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial]

We don't have one of those aftermarket extension tubes, but I've heard good things! How does it compare vs. the OE tube in our video?

[@montanausa329]

@@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial with the razzo and a 540 I am able to roast 220 grams so able to do a pound in 2 roasts

[@AdamLawler]

@@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial razzo tube is nice with a built in thermocouple hole. you can do the same with the OE tube but through the lid. the Razzo seems to cycle the beans a bit better than the oe which more pops them up and down. but the oe tube is much better at retaining the heat due to the double wall. so it's a bit of a give and take