Be a part of us as we take a look at drive the modern guide espresso roaster, guided by Greece’s 2025 Roasting Champion Argiris Fakos.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Featured photograph courtesy of Bare Portafilter

Hungarian gear boutique Bare Portafilter not too long ago made waves with its modern guide espresso roaster, the Roastino. Drawing inspiration from classic roasters, Bare Portafilter goals to rekindle the enjoyment of guide espresso roasting with the machine, permitting espresso fans and professionals alike to have larger management over their roast profiles and, in the end, their espresso. 

Not too long ago, I had the prospect to dive into the artwork of espresso roasting with the steerage of Argiris Fakos, the 2025 Nationwide Roasting Champion of Greece, at DARG Espresso in Athens. Collectively, we explored the roast traits that the Roastino can ship, and I’m wanting to share my expertise.

Unboxing: What’s Inside

Unboxing the Roastino reveals a thoughtfully designed product that displays the care taken in its creation. The very first thing that stands out in regards to the roaster is its aesthetic simplicity paired with sensible design. Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate within the field:

• Copper drum: The drum is designed for efficient warmth retention and even roasting, and its top is adjustable, making it versatile to be used with numerous warmth sources.
• Chrome steel base: A sturdy basis ensures stability whereas roasting.
• Constructed-in thermometer: Easy but important, this thermometer permits for correct temperature readings in each Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• Windshield add-on: This elective accent enhances out of doors roasting and provides insulation.
• Person manuals: Two QR codes are included inside the field, main to 2 manuals—one explaining learn how to assemble and keep the machine, and the second explaining learn how to use it.

The Roastino’s design feels nearly nostalgic, harkening again to the craftsmanship of classic gadgets, but enhanced with trendy supplies and engineering.

Prepping: Discovering the Proper Spot

Efficient espresso roasting hinges on preparation. Argiris and I began by scouting the proper location at DARG to arrange the Roastino: a well-ventilated space with a flat floor. Right here’s a breakdown of what we gathered to organize for our roasting expertise:

• Warmth supply: We selected a Rekrow micro-burner for its controllable warmth output, making it best for attaining constant outcomes.
• Batch dimension: We opted to begin with 80 grams of a Brazilian pure for our filter espresso roast, conserving inside the Roastino’s beneficial capability.
• Cooling tray: A metallic tray was important for cooling the beans swiftly after the roasting course of.
• Timer: A stopwatch helped us hold monitor of every important stage within the roasting course of.

Testing the Roaster: First Crack at DARG

As soon as all of our instruments have been in place, it was time to roast. Following the supplied directions, we preheated the copper drum to a gentle 90°C (194°F) whereas repeatedly rotating it. After this preliminary step, we loaded 80 grams of inexperienced beans into the drum and began the timer.

The rhythmic rotation of the drum was each mesmerizing and interesting. We did our greatest to take care of a velocity of round 60 RPM, adjusting the fuel flame to realize the next important temperature milestones:

• 3 min: Reached 150°C (302°F)
• 5 min: Hit 190°C (374°F)
• 7 min: Climbed to 210°C (410°F)

Because the beans danced within the copper drum, the primary crack was an exhilarating second. It introduced itself round eight minutes into the roast—a vital level that guided us towards our desired roast profile. We then continued to observe the event of the roast to realize a light-weight filter espresso taste profile, aiming for a drop simply after the primary crack.

As soon as the specified roast was reached, we swiftly ejected the beans into the cooling tray and agitated them to carry down the temperature effectively, stopping over-development. The aroma was enchanting, filling the room with hints of caramel and floral notes.

Roasting at Residence

After our profitable take a look at drive at DARG, I made a decision to present the Roastino a shot at house with a deal with espresso. I set the roaster up in my kitchen and gathered all the vital instruments to repeat the method I had gone by way of with Argiris.

First, I preheated the drum to 90°C as soon as once more. This time, I selected to roast 100 grams of inexperienced beans, aiming for a medium roast profile appropriate for espresso extraction. The identical temperature milestones we used throughout our take a look at drive at DARG guided me by way of the method, and I mirrored the earlier directions.

Because the beans spun within the copper drum, I eagerly awaited the second of the primary crack, which arrived simply past the seven-minute mark, indicating that the roast was progressing easily. I let the roast develop a little bit longer, conserving an in depth eye on the clock earlier than lastly executing a drop only a minute and 30 seconds after the primary crack, permitting me to realize a medium roast.

Once more, cooling the beans rapidly within the cooling tray was a key step, and the end result was a pleasant aroma, wealthy with the promise of a posh espresso shot.

A Distinctive Handbook Roasting Expertise

The Roastino from Bare Portafilter delivers a manual-roasting expertise that bridges conventional craftsmanship and trendy espresso tradition. With well-thought-out options and a captivating design, it gives an enticing option to roast, guaranteeing exact management over the roasting course of.

Argiris commented on the outcomes, saying, “The Roastino yielded an excellent end result for a guide roaster. The copper materials gives wonderful warmth conductivity, guaranteeing that the roast may be very even all through the method. Regardless of the guide operation, I discovered the outcomes to be remarkably constant. The speed of rise (RoR) was additionally actually good, which is essential for attaining exact roast profiles.”

The Roastino is priced at $180 for the stainless-steel model, making it an inexpensive choice for these taken with exploring the artwork of espresso roasting. Whereas it might not be essentially the most automated resolution in the marketplace, its guide operation encourages a better connection to the roasting course of. This further consideration to element can result in a extra immersive expertise, permitting customers to raised perceive the nuances of taste improvement. Additionally it is a strong selection for pattern roasting, providing the chance to experiment with numerous roast profiles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major deal with the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate individuals about baristas and their work.

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