$11 Popcorn-Popper Coffee Roaster

Step 8 Does the chimney need an insulated grip? Yes.

Of course it does! So grab a roll of jute or sisal (or cotton, if you wish -- just not nylon or anything else that might melt), wrap the "neck" of the chimney in whatever creative fashion you wish. The point here is to have something to grab onto the chimney by when the roast is complete and you're trying to take it off to dump the beans out of the roast chamber.

Now is also the point where, if the forward-cant of the roaster bothers you, you can add some "feet" made with long wood screws to the front bottom screw-holes. It's really up to you, as "leveling" the machine isn't necessary for proper operation.

So ya wanna actually roast in it now? Pending an appropriate Instructable, I'll refer you to Ed Spiegel's excellent Popper Roasting Tips.

There is one possible modification you may wish to make to this design. While the problem with most hot-air roasters is overly-fast roasts, at times (such as in cold weather) it may be desirable to speed up the roast by restricting airflow through the chamber, allowing higher temperatures to develop. If this is the case (i.e. if the weather is cold enough that your roast is taking fifteen minutes with no sign of finishing), simply remove any "feet" you may have put on the bottom and re-mount the entire roaster on the original bottom plate.

Comments

[Ace Sawbuck]

I have been using similar technology for roasting for a while. Have thought that placing separate switches for blower and heating elements would have a benefit. I use the glass chimney but have so far refrained from removing the plastic cover. Try the thrift store, I have bought all for less than five dollars. Thanks for sharing, ACE