How to Roast Coffee Beans With a Popcorn Maker

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Easily roast coffee beans at home using a Whirly-pop popcorn maker. It takes less than 15 minutes.

by Magda Diaz

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Step 1 of 15

SAFETY REMINDER: you will be working with fire and a very hot popcorn maker. Only touch the wooden parts of the Whirly-Pop during and after the process.

Step 2 of 15

VENTILATION ISSUES: Roasting coffee is a smokey process. A well ventilated area is required. You will set off smoke alarms if you haven't prepared your space in advance or used a vented hood.

Step 3 of 15

These are green coffee beans. I get mine at SweetMarias.com or DeansBeans.com

Step 4 of 15

Set one or two baking sheets out, preferably near an open window if you are roasting indoors.

Step 5 of 15

Use a kitchen scale to measure 8 ounces of green beans. Place them in a bowl or small container near the stove or burner where you will be roasting your beans.

Step 6 of 15

With your timer and beans nearby, preheat the Whirly-pop over a low to medium flame for two minutes. If you are using a thermometer, 400° is your target.

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Set your timer to 15 minutes and start it right away. You're ready to start roasting . It usually takes between eight and 15 minutes to roast the beans depending upon the region and type of roast.

Step 8 of 15

Open the half-lid on the Whirley-Pop and add the green beans. You will continuously crank the popper throughout the process.

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Between three and six minutes after you start, you will hear a sharp popping sound similar to popcorn popping. This is the "first crack." This lasts for one or two minutes.

Step 10 of 15

2 to 4 minutes after the first crack, you will hear more cracking that sounds similar to Rice Krispies cereal in milk. This is the "second crack." Remove anytime afterwards to your preferred roast.

Step 11 of 15

Remove the beans from the flame when they're slightly lighter than you like them. Quickly dump them on the baking sheet and shake the sheet to distribute evenly.

Step 12 of 15

Let the beans cool completely on the baking sheet.

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After the beans cool down, immediately store them in an airtight bag or container that includes a 1–way valve which removes air from the bag. Only grind the beans when you're ready to use them.

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ROASTING NOTES: Light to medium roasts generally occur between first and second crack. Darker roasts occur after the second crack. Adjust the flame as needed during the process.

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FINAL THOUGHTS: Monitor smells, sounds, flames, and the color of the beans throughout the process. SweetMarias.com also has a great library to learn more about coffee. It is fun and tasty.

You're Done!

Start over

This guide was made by:

Magda Diaz

Los Angeles, CA

magda.me

Following

Multimedia Storyteller | Instruction, Information, & Interaction Design | Creative Strategy & Problem Solving

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Leave a Comment

Really. The opposite for me. Or perhaps I am just use to the taste. I never brew with boiled water. Love it at 173 degrees. I only let it steep for about 7 seconds. I'll make it my first guide over the weekend. My technique is slightly unorthodox.

Brian Perla last year

I could never get good results from my Aeropress. Not sure why. Results were always too bitter.

Magda Diaz (author) last year

But I only fire that guy up on the weekends.

Brian Perla last year

True that. I'm an aeropress guy. Have a Rancilio Silvia as well

Brian Perla last year

French Press since I only make 1 cup at a time. I was thinking of doing a guide because so many people do it the "wrong" way.

Magda Diaz (author) last year

What's your preferred brew techniques.

Brian Perla last year

Thanks for enjoying the guide. When I learned this process, it was an eye-opener because it was so easy. And for an addicted coffee drinker like myself way cheaper:) An added benefit is the beans are fresher and result in better tasting coffee

Magda Diaz (author) last year

8 Ounces Green coffee beans

1 Whirly-pop popcorn maker

1 Baking sheet

Gas stove or propane burner

Kitchen timer

Airtight bag with 1- way valve

Thermometer ( optional)

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