THE HIVE ROASTER - The Review

[@KeenanPayne]

I own one and would highly recommend to anyone interested in coffee roasting. The roaster doesn't take up much space, and using it could not be simpler.

[@Sprometheus]

It’s such a great tool. I actually just got the newest version with some updates, so expect to see that one soon!

[@Rnwhite8]

Great review. Excited for the updated version review you mentioned would be coming! I think you convinced me to take the plunge. This will be my first roaster!

[@Sprometheus]

Thank you! I actually just did one on the new version a month or so ago. Having tried all of them though, they are all super solid.

[@Rnwhite8]

The Real Sprometheus nice! I missed it. I looked back through your videos and see one called roasting on a budget where you seem to be holding a hive. I’ll check it out!

[@zacthompson1479]

I'm late to the party, but typically a self-breaking crust indicates "underdevelopment". Basically just not enough post-crack time, which would explain the thinner body and drying finish.

[@dmbpv20]

Awesome, anyone that has made jiffy pop popcorn should be an expert

[@gregorio5543]

Seems better than a popcorn popper. Well done!

[@danjv]

Hey Spro Bro, I watched this when you first posted. Now I'm back in Costa Rica and can easily source green coffee. If and when I get a Hive roaster I'll let you know. I Just received my Gaggia Classic Pro and can't wait to set it up. Thanks

[@mshah556]

"Hi .I watched this helpful video three times before attempting to roast Vietnamese green beans. Here's my process: 1. Charging temp was 390°F, but it dropped to 210°F after adding the beans. 2. First crack occurred at 8 minutes 30 seconds with a temperature of 340°F. 3. I dropped the beans at 10 minutes 30 seconds. 4. Weight loss was 10.5%. However, I prefer a medium-dark or dark roast, so I'm unsure how to achieve that. I've heard that weight loss should be higher than 15%. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks again. Medi

[@4greennoah]

Cool video dude. Definitely interested in getting one.

[@junliliu4997]

What about air fryer? I have used my Gourmia air fryer to roast peanuts with olive oil and they come out very nice and even. I imagine it could be used to roast coffee too, obviously without any oil.

[@Sprometheus]

Hmm, that’s interesting. I don’t have an air fryer, but it’s been on my wishlist for awhile. I’d be worried about the lack of motion, likely you’d end up with a very uneven roast.

[@Hammi4Real]

I've actually tried roasting with air fryer and, well... in my case it never seemed to pass first crack at all even at max heat of 200 degrees Celsius as they got darker and darker. I would intermittently pull the container out, shake it around a bit then resume the process. Not sure if it hurt the frying process but regardless, I think I ended up baking the beans instead. Unsure if I had too much in there, or if any other bad variable was to blame. Shots came out beautifully but the acidity was lacking. Didn't linger for long, unfortunately. Might give it another spin some day for the sake of personal closure.

[@davidlewis732]

Ordered my Hive 🙂 will post more when it arrives.

[@Sprometheus]

Awesome! Enjoy it!

[@whoami724y]

hey can you do another video on roasting? specifically roasting at home. i've found a method for oven, use 200-250°C preheated for 5 mins, then use 300-500gram beans, mix with whisk every 2:45-3 minutes. It should be done in around 14-18 minutes for medium roast and 20-23 minutes for medium dark roast.

[@RamirezVB]

How soon after roasting should you use the beans?

[@robertsegura6451]

It's like using the Jiffy Pop popcorn maker.

[@Sprometheus]

Pretty similar idea for sure!

[@hcr32slider]

Have you tried the Dr Mahn handy roaster?

[@ThorMaxx]

I am assuming this cannot be used on a ceramic cooktop?

[@taro01312008]

Nope, I believe it’s open fire only

[@TM1Alan]

Why didn't you show the smoke? Just wondering.

[@Sprometheus]

I didn’t get any smoke when it’s over the burner, and I transition it to the cooling screen quickly so I think there is much of any visual smoke.

[@seamusoseaghdha6175]

Oh wow that’s a game changer for me. I worried about smoke. I think I’ll get this then.

[@discovery91]

I don’t have a gas stove. Do you think it would also work with a camp cooker?

[@Sprometheus]

discovery as long as you have an open flame you’re all set.

[@discovery91]

The Real Sprometheus now that’s what I wanted to hear. thanks for the quick response!

[@stefanodomeni]

How do you decide when to stop the roast? Or how hot to put your stove on? If I want something fully developed, getting the most that the bean can offer without any roasty, ashy flavors, how would I go about that with this?

[@Sprometheus]

That’s a tough question. It really depends on what you like. I used a timer and recorded the time after first crack and ran it like I would a normal roaster. Generally giving 1-2 minutes post crack. But that can vary a lot based on your heat source and the coffee. I’d recommend timing the whole roast and pouring out samples at different times during first crack and choosing the one you like best and set that as your standard for each roast of that same coffee moving forward.

[@stefanodomeni]

The Real Sprometheus that’s a great idea, I didn’t think of that. I think you just sold me on giving this a try.

[@leamarkum]

You can drop a dozen sample beans out through the hole. If they don't look like they're finished, drop them back in and continue roasting for another minute or so after the first crack.

[@jaketapper1953]

thanks ... great little small batch roaster

[@sergeo1231]

Nice video, how long did the roast take to achieve 1st crack and total roast time ? My average behmor 1/2 pound roast are approximately 10 mins 40 secs for light-medium roast. Thanks!

[@Sprometheus]

Thanks! I hit first crack around 8 minutes, and total roast time was just past 9 minutes, about 9 min and 15 sec.

[@sergeo1231]

Thank for the info! It looks like I "need" this coffee related product, like all of the other ones I own ! 😂

[@thomaskoch8608]

Is that only working on an open flame? So only gas stove? Or is it also possible on a glass ceramic kitchen stove?

[@Sprometheus]

It does require an open flame, but it can be done on a BBQ too. Which is kind of cool for warmer months.

[@rogermorse_]

I don't think the glass ceramic would deliver enough heat. Also as you know, glass ceramic works intermittently which is fine for cooking in general but for coffee you would want a more stable heat source. For glass ceramic you have better chances to roast with cast iron pan and wooden spoon.

[@Stevesbe]

This would be cool once but to roast all the time would really suck

[@BarryBazzawillWilliams]

Thanks for another great review. I also like how your beat James Hoffmann to his world cupping event today 😜. Would be really tempted to get this if I didn't have 2 year old twins that makes me using in unlikely and a wife that would not appreciate more coffee "crap"

[@Sprometheus]

Haha I get that. Maybe teach the kids to roast and it’s pretty small. Easy to store. But I get you. I have a lot of coffee toys around.

[@666lordofabyss666]

What are some great sites to buy premium coffee beans.?

[@Sprometheus]

I’ve always been a big fan of Sweet Maria’s if you want smaller quantities of green that are premium. If you want to commit to a larger amount 50lbs, La Bodega is another great option.

[@adamlippold8308]

I would be in if it worked with different types of stoves and roasted more coffee.

[@Sprometheus]

I feel like 6oz is pretty reasonable for a home roaster, especially for the price. Basically a full bag in two batches.

[@adamlippold8308]

@@Sprometheus I'm not disagreeing with you there. I will stick with my Behmor.

[@rbmanb]

@@Sprometheus that's like, almost half pound, sounds perfect to me for 2-3 weeks consumption 👌

[@rbmanb]

One benefit of having your own roaster, is that you can roast as many green beans as you'd like, from different kinds of origins. I don't see why roast bigger volume when you can get the freshest beans...

[@adamlippold8308]

@@rbmanb for me, I roast about 2-4 pounds in a roasting session. This lasts me about 1-1.5 weeks. For consumption in my household, this size just doesn't work.

[@Zcamm]

Hey would this work on an electric stove top?!?!?

[@Sprometheus]

Unfortunately no, it requires an open flame.

[@jamesb.ofdesertdistrict567]

The Real Sprometheus Got it,

[@dadamj]

Might have to back this. It's at that price point where if I give up on it, it's not too much of a waste of money. Can I ask please, when you're cupping is that on a per roast or batch of coffee basis? How easy or hard is it to identify when you've messed up a roast?

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah it’s not a huge investment really. And I doubt you’ll have any sort of buyers remorse. I would cup each batch on the Hive purely because I don’t have much data other than time and the milestones I can see during a roast. I’ll cut back on cupping as I get more consistent on roasting. Seeing roast issues is difficult, but any sort of charring on the outside is a good clue to being too hot and not enough agitation. Also splitting the beans open and see how even the roast is throughout the bean.

[@dadamj]

@@Sprometheus thanks for the advice, very useful. I need to do some research into the economics of buying beans now. I've seen a few places online and we have a few roasters in my area so might see if they sell the unroasted beans.

[@seamusoseaghdha6175]

What is cupping?

[@krystleroy3068]

Prometheus you really went down the rabbit 🐇 hole with this coffee ☕️ stuff lol 😂 but I love ❤️ it lol I need to make a channel on trying to copy Prometheus lol will I do a good job like him ? Probably not but we will try newbie here can a normal person do it ? Lol love your videos ! I just got my set up a couple weeks ago

[@dutchbeef8920]

Whats that stuff that sticks to your beans? Chaff!

[@26Rpkone]

Considering the $70 price tag, I could get a whirly pop style roaster with 8 Lbs of raw beans from Sweet Marias. It'll roast more beans per batch, sits on the stove top, and seems to yield similar/slightly better balance. I could maybe see picking one of these up for $45-$50.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah, I get that there may be cheaper options out there. This one I like because it’s hand made one by one, and a Mathew is a great spokesman for the industry.

[@citywalkwithme]

❤

[@pokegaiyui]

Ah you don't get any kickback for linking the hive?

[@Sprometheus]

MDere nope, he gave me one for free and one to give to a follower for a contest.

[@pokegaiyui]

@@Sprometheus cool man. Ty for reviewing this, I went ahead and bought the data one just now. Been itching to get into roasting but I can't shell too much $$$, manual approach seems better for now...would rather put money into a good grinder and newer espresso machine ha

[@Sprometheus]

MDere that’s funny I just got the Data Dome too; keep an eye out for a video featuring that as well. It’s definitely one of the most affordable and consistent way to roast at home.

[@pokegaiyui]

Yup, as soon I get it and see that vid, I'll let you know how it goes! Question, do you have any recommendations where for us to purchase online green bean orders?

[@rajo741]

Great. All you need is a Gas range..

[@mrridikilis]

Great video! Unfortunately, I find your background music highly distracting

[@Sprometheus]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve dialed my music way down from comments I got months ago. I do my best to keep and eye (or ear) on the music and volume.

[@rbmanb]

I'm glad I've watched it on mute then. I mostly do that these days for all videos I watch on youtube. Just watch and read the subs.

[@danknoize]

I dunno ... that looks like an extremely uneven roast. Vid paused at 2:27 shows almost as many light brown beans as medium brown with a fair bit of mottled, in between beans too. I'm sure it would be fun to learn about roasting and smell/hear/kind of see what is happening but any inkling of consistency would not exist. A fun toy for a while though.

[@EvanOz85]

Those aren't lighter beans, they're beans where the chaff (silverskin) didn't completely come off. Not a big deal at all. They're "mottled" because it's a very light roast.

[@danknoize]

@@EvanOz85 no, it is a very uneven roast, discounting the silverskin. I roasted in a pan for over six months (to the point where I bacame nicknamed frying pan Dan), over 50 pounds worth of coffee (and then 5 years on a drum roaster) and I know mottled beans, even and uneven roasts and the degree between. That is a VERY uneven roast PERIOD

[@EvanOz85]

@@danknoize Cool story bro. I've been roasting about 12 years starting with a Whirley Pop, then a Behmor, then a Hottop, and now an Aillio Bullet. These beans look exactly like one would expect from an extremely light roast with minimal air flow (hence why so much chaff is still attached).The beans are not uneven and it's actually the most even pan roast I've ever seen. Sorry, but you don't know what you're talking about. Absolutely clueless. PERIOD.

[@danknoize]

@@EvanOz85 So you’ve never roasted with a pan. Obviously YOU really have no idea what you’re talking about, by your own admission. None of the methods you‘ve used are comparable to roasting in a pan. But Wow! Your story is so much cooler. Whirly Pop, Behmor and a Hottop. Took you that long to figure out that none of those methods give any real input into actually roasting before you got something worthwhile, huh? Yeah, I had a Hottop for about three days before I figured out it didn’t give any real control in the roasting process, returned it and ended up getting a fully manual drum roaster. I feel bad for ya buddy if that roast is super even to you. I’d say you have a long way to go but if you haven’t figured it out in 12 years you aren’t ever going to. Absolutely Clueless.

[@EvanOz85]

@@danknoize Now you’re just boring and petty. Go read up on how to roast coffee and get back to me in a few years when you’ve improved your abilities.