Checklist: what you need to know before you start roasting coffee

Roasting your own coffee isn’t just a hobby — it’s a small adventure. The moment you drop those green beans into the roaster and the first aromas appear, something magical happens.
But before you jump into your first batch full of excitement, it’s smart to start with the basics. With this checklist, you’ll be well prepared, so every roast brings you one step closer to your perfect cup.

1. Start with the right green coffee bean

Everything begins with the bean. The quality of your coffee depends entirely on it.

Pay attention to:

• Freshness: use beans that were recently harvested and properly stored.
• Origin: Ethiopian beans are often fruity and floral, while Brazilian beans tend to be smooth and sweet.
• Processing method: washed, natural, or honey processed — each method influences how the bean behaves in the roaster.

Coffee Compadre tip: start simple. Choose one single-origin bean and really get to know it before experimenting with blends.

2. Understand the roasting process

Roasting coffee is a delicate interplay of time, heat, and craftsmanship. It’s not guesswork — it’s a carefully controlled process of constant change.

Each phase plays a key role:

• Drying phase (up to 160°C / 320°F): moisture evaporates and the beans turn yellow.
• Maillard reaction (150–180°C / 302–356°F): sugars and amino acids react, creating aromas and the foundation of flavor.
• First crack (190–205°C / 374–401°F): the beans expand — this is where the magic starts.
• Development phase (190–205°C / 374–401°F): this is where you shape the roast’s character.

Listen, smell, look — and discover what happens during roasting.

3. Choose a reliable roaste

The right equipment makes all the difference — and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

The Coffee Compadre Home Roaster is designed specifically for home baristas:

• Compact and easy to use, for batches up to 500 grams
• Adjustable temperature and airflow for full control
• Automatic cooling system and smoke filter — safe and comfortable

Perfect for experimenting and discovering how small changes can fully transform the flavor.

4. Create the right environment

Roasting is fun (and smells amazing), but a good setup is the difference between stress and zen.

Make sure to:

• Roast in a well-ventilated area
• Have enough workspace and a stable surface
• Keep something nearby to cool the beans quickly

A good environment gives you comfort and more consistent roasts.

5. Take time to lear

Every batch teaches you something new. Write down what you do and what you taste:

• Starting temperature and duration of each phase
• The moment first crack happens
• Your flavor notes

Before you know it, you’ll have your own roast log — your roadmap to perfect coffee.

6. Let your beans rest

After roasting, your beans need time to settle. Let them rest for 12–48 hours to “degas” and stabilize in flavor.

Then store them in a dark, airtight container or a Coffee Compadre coffee bag with a one-way valve.
(Oxygen = the enemy of freshness!)

7. And then… taste!

The moment of truth: brew your coffee and enjoy.

Try a lighter roast, or go a bit darker. Use the same bean but play with time and temperature. Every sip teaches you something new.

🌟 Ready to begin?

With the right preparation, fresh beans, and reliable equipment, roasting coffee becomes an adventure full of aroma, flavor, and discovery.

Everything you need — from beans to roasters — is available at Coffee Compadre.

👉 Discover the Coffee Compadre Home Roaster and take your first step toward real, home-roasted coffee today.