When it comes to roasting coffee, you have a number of choices.
You can opt to use a home option like a frying pan, popcorn popper or the oven.
However, some choose to get an appliance made specifically for roasting coffee.
Two highly popular options are the Gene Cafe CBR-101 and the Behmor 1600.
While both are quality drum roasting options, they do have quite a few differences between them.
These differences can help you to decide which machine might fit better into your home.
Read on, and you’ll learn all about these drum roasters as well as what they can do for you.
Behmor 1600
Features
There are many who appreciate what the Behmor 1600 has to offer.
This device is quite easy to use, presenting simple controls and an easy way to keep control of the entire process.
When you’re looking to step up from popcorn poppers or a frying pan, which can only roast small amounts at a time, then this is a key option.
The Behmor is able to roast up to one pound at a time, though you may get more precise results if you stick around a fourth to half of a pound.
So if you like to roast more, or you have a house full of coffee drinkers then it’s a good option
It’s also one that tends to be more affordable than other roasters on the market.
On top of that, it’s able to greatly reduce the amount of smoke you have to deal with while roasting.
This can be a huge improvement for those who know just how much smoke roasting coffee beans can produce.
You also get a lot of control over the process, from setting the temperature to stopping the process early if you think the beans are done.
For the most part, it also works to handle the chaff that comes loose from the beans while they’re roasting.
Pros
- Roasts larger batches
- Runs quietly
- Less smoke compared to other options
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly
- High level of control
Cons
- Some chaff can get stuck
- Less effective with higher amounts of beans
- Takes up a decent amount of space
Summary
What many users appreciate about the Behmor is that it’s able to roast larger batches than other methods.
In addition, it cuts down on the smoke that can be emanated, making the process much more convenient.
If you have the counter space, it’s certainly an item worth having if you like roasting your own beans.
That said, keep in mind that pieces of chaff can sometimes get stuck in the machine.
As a result, you’ll have to use a handheld vacuum or other method to clean it out.
It can also sometimes be less effective when it comes to evenly roasting a larger amount of beans.
Gene Cafe CBR-101
Features
If you want something a little more professional, then the Gene Cafe CBR-101 is a fantastic way to go.
While it does come in at a higher price, there are many who find it to be a useful tool.
You can roast up to about 300 grams of coffee beans at once, which is decent for heavier coffee-drinkers.
It’s also a device that is made to provide a high level of control, allowing you to make changes to temperature and time whenever needed.
This option also includes a one-year warranty to ensure that your investment stays safe.
Furthermore, this machine is known to work rather quietly.
That can be really convenient if you want to roast without being annoyed or waking up the whole house.
You’ll also be able to keep an eye on the roasting chamber and make sure your coffee beans are roasting well.
On top of that, the roasting can be done pretty quickly.
Depending on how dark of a roast you want, it can take about 15 minutes for the job to be completed.
Thanks to the “manual cool” button, you can also stop the process at any time if the beans appear to have reached the level you want.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Less smoke than other options
- Simple controls
- Roasts larger amounts
- Delicious results
- Highly user-friendly
Cons
- Process can be messy or smelly
- One of the more expensive options
Summary
Among those who have tried out this option, many users find that it’s very easy to clean.
That makes it much more convenient than some of the other options out there.
Furthermore, the controls are relatively simple and you can stop the roaster at any time.
However, keep in mind that the roasting process can be messy or smelly.
Consequently, it’s best to do it outside if you can.
It’s also a pretty expensive option, especially compared to the Behmor.
As a result, it’s worthwhile to do plenty of research before making the purchase.
Comparison
Price
There’s quite a large difference within the price of these two devices.
Consequently, if you’re looking for the least expensive of the two, then the Behmor 1600 is the way to go.
Even if you include an upgrade to the Behmor 1600 plus, this appliance is almost half the price of the Gene Cafe.
That said, it’s worth comparing the value you get from each device to what your needs are.
If you want something more professional, then the Gene Cafe CBR-101 might be the ideal choice.
However, if you just need something for home use then going with the more cost-effective of these two options might be more worthwhile.
If you’re new to the idea of roasting your own coffee beans, there are also some options that aren’t quite as costly.
You can get a popcorn popper to use for roasting your beans.
Otherwise, you can try using a frying pan or the oven.
Features
These devices are ones that are pretty similar.
Both are drum roasters, so the processes are quite parallel.
The Behmor is able to roast larger amounts than the Gene Cafe, but it may become less reliable once you get past half a pound.
Furthermore, both of these options are relatively easy to use.
However, the Gene Cafe may be slightly more intuitive when it comes to the controls.
On top of that, the Gene Cafe is also a more compact, lightweight machine.
As a result, it’s going to be more suited to those with less space to offer.
Both options tend to be less messy than other roasting methods, but the Behmor can be a bit messier than the Gene Cafe.
If you tend to prefer a roast that is very dark, the Gene Cafe can also be a more suitable option, as it can go beyond French roast.
Which Is Best?
Ultimately, it’s going to be up to your own experience to find out which option is best.
For those who don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Behmor can be a fantastic choice.
However, for those who want a more streamlined process, the Gene Cafe may have an edge.
It’s also going to depend on how much space you have to offer, as the Behmor takes up more space than the Gene Cafe.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to save money over purchasing pre-roasted grounds in time.
After a little bit of a learning curve, you’ll certainly be a coffee-roasting pro!
