How Long Should 1st Crack Last?

Espresso Roast? Pour-over Roast? What's the Difference?

This week on the Roast It Yourself Podcast, Stephen and Catherine tackle a question that gets right to the heart of roasting with intention: should you roast coffee differently depending on how you plan to brew it? Listener Steve from North Dakota asks whether coffees labeled for espresso, cold brew, or pour-over are truly roasted differently—or if it's mostly marketing. The discussion dives into how different roast levels interact with various brewing methods, when it makes sense to tailor a roast for a specific cup profile, and where the line between practical roasting advice and coffee-industry marketing starts to blur. Along the way, Stephen and Catherine discuss cold brew roast preferences, the realities of "espresso roasts," paper versus metal filtration, and how home roasters can think about matching roast development to the strengths of different brewing methods. Whether you're roasting for pour-over, espresso, French press, or just experimenting with your Fresh Roast setup, this episode offers practical insights to help you get the most from every batch. Have a coffee roasting question of your own? Send it to questions@rypod.com [questions@rypod.com] and you might hear it featured on a future episode. SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com [questions@riypod.com] NOTES: Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD [https://www.instagram.com/riy_pod/] CHECK US OUT HERE: Coffee Bean Corral YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial] Coffee Bean Corral Website [https://www.coffeebeancorral.com/] Current Crop Roasting Shop Website [https://currentcroproasting.com/] Rancher Wholesale Website [https://www.rancherwholesale.com/]

Books Every Coffee Roaster Should Own

Episode 96: This week, Bill (a newer roaster working with an SR800 and extension tube) asks a fantastic question: which coffee books deserve a permanent place on every roaster’s shelf? Stephen and Catherine dive into their favorite resources, from foundational roasting texts to broader guides on green coffee, blending, and the coffee industry as a whole. Along the way, they discuss why some books become dog-eared classics, how to navigate conflicting advice, and why learning from multiple perspectives can make you a better roaster. In this episode, you'll hear about: * Essential coffee roasting books for beginners and experienced roasters * Why Scott Rao’s work has been so influential in the coffee roasting landscape * Kenneth Davids’ classic contributions to the home roasting community * Resources from Chris Kornman that every coffee geek should know * The value of learning from contradictory opinions and real-world experience * Why there’s often more than one “right” way to roast great coffee Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your coffee knowledge, this episode is packed with recommendations to help you build your roasting library and sharpen your skills. Have a favorite coffee book we missed? Let us know! Send your coffee roasting questions to questions@riypod.com [questions@riypod.com] NOTES: - Scott Rao's The Coffee Roaster's Companion [https://www.scottrao.com/products/coffee-roasters-companion] - Chris Kornman's Green Coffee: A Guide for Roasters and Buyers [https://royalcoffee.com/green-coffee-a-guide-for-roasters-and-buyers/?srsltid=AfmBOoq8GyN8d3Uu2h3n8P_sJrLcyng3AJVqeRtLaJqYJUFdsq7kydOP] - Kenneth David's new book 21st Century Coffee: A Guide [https://www.kennethdavidscoffee.com/#shopify-section-163903616431cbbc1b] & foundational Home Coffee Roasting: Romance & Revival [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780312312190/homecoffeeroastingrevisedupdatededition/] (the 2003 publication is the most recent edition, however an revised and updated version reportedly in the works). - Roast Magazine [https://www.roastmagazine.com/] Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD [https://www.instagram.com/riy_pod/] CHECK US OUT HERE: Coffee Bean Corral YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial] Coffee Bean Corral Website [https://www.coffeebeancorral.com/] Current Crop Roasting Shop Website [https://currentcroproasting.com/]

Best Coffee Beans for Beginner Roasters

Episode 95: In this episode of Roast It Yourself, Stephen and Catherine tackle a listener question from a coffee newcomer diving headfirst into both home brewing and roasting. They break down what makes certain green coffees more beginner-friendly—highlighting why washed Central American beans (especially Costa Rican) are a great place to start thanks to their consistency and ease of roasting. The conversation then shifts to one of the most overlooked elements in coffee: water. From mineral content to filtration options, they explain why your water can make or break your cup and share practical, renter-friendly solutions to improve your brewing at home. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your setup, this episode is packed with approachable tips to help you roast with confidence and brew better-tasting coffee. Have a question of your own? Send it in and you might be featured in a future episode! SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com [questions@riypod.com] NOTES: Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD [https://www.instagram.com/riy_pod/] CHECK US OUT HERE: Coffee Bean Corral YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial] Coffee Bean Corral Website [https://www.coffeebeancorral.com/] Current Crop Roasting Shop Website [https://currentcroproasting.com/] Rancher Wholesale Website [https://www.rancherwholesale.com/]

Do THIS to improve your coffee today!

Episode 94: In this episode of the Roast It Yourself Podcast, the hosts tackle a thoughtful question from a home roaster looking to fine-tune their brewing process. They dive into whether weighing coffee beans before grinding really makes a difference, how brew ratios impact flavor, and what role roast level plays in measurement—especially as darker roasts lose more mass. Along the way, they break down practical coffee-to-water ratios, how to adjust for strength and clarity, and why consistency can be the key to better cups. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be weighing your coffee or just eyeballing it, this episode offers clear, experience-based guidance to help you level up your daily brew. SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com [questions@riypod.com] NOTES: Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD [https://www.instagram.com/riy_pod/] CHECK US OUT HERE: Coffee Bean Corral YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial] Coffee Bean Corral Website [https://www.coffeebeancorral.com/] Current Crop Roasting Shop Website [https://currentcroproasting.com/] Rancher Wholesale Website [https://www.rancherwholesale.com/]

How Long Should 1st Crack Last?

Episode 93: What’s really happening during first crack—and how much control do you actually have over it? In this episode, Stephen and Catherine tackle a listener question from a new home roaster dialing in their early batches on an SR540. The conversation dives deep into one of the most critical (and confusing) phases of roasting: first crack. Why does it sometimes drag on? Can you “compress” it? And how does it impact overall development and flavor? They break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to think about airflow, heat application, and roast progression—especially if you’re aiming for lighter profiles like African coffees. Then, the episode shifts to a relatable struggle: waiting for coffee to degas. Is it really necessary to wait days before brewing? What actually happens if you grind early—or let grounds sit? And does brewing method (like cold brew) change the rules? This episode is packed with practical guidance for new and intermediate home roasters looking to better understand roast phases, improve consistency, and get the most out of every batch. In this episode: * Whether you can (or should) compress first crack * How airflow and heat affect roast development * Tips for roasting lighter coffees without stalling progress If you’re trying to level up your roasting—or just impatient to drink your coffee sooner—this one’s for you! SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com [questions@riypod.com] NOTES: Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD [https://www.instagram.com/riy_pod/] CHECK US OUT HERE: Coffee Bean Corral YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeBeanCorralOfficial] Coffee Bean Corral Website [https://www.coffeebeancorral.com/] Current Crop Roasting Shop Website [https://currentcroproasting.com/] Rancher Wholesale Website [https://www.rancherwholesale.com/]