The Fresh Roast SR 500 coffee roaster is a larger version of the Plus 8. It will roast twice the capacity of the Plus 8 (4 scoops, 120 gm) with a digital time display. The maximum time to set the control is 9.9 minutes however with the great added features at any point during the roast sequence you can add 6 seconds every time you tap the button. Time can also be subtracted using the same method. The timer can be overridden by tapping the Cool button, the roaster will go into the Cool mode for 3 minutes. The Fresh Roast SR 500 coffee roaster has the same capacity (4 scoops, 120 gm) and features of the SR 300 – plus three temperature settings that can be adjusted any time during the roasting process: High temp. = 490 degrees Medium temp. = 455 degrees Low temp. = 390 degrees A Fan Speed Control has been added to the SR 500 that allows the finest tuning of the roast. The Fan Speed Control allows adjustments of + or – 10%. Starting the roast, the beans are at their heaviest, the fan speed can be turned up to keep the beans fluid and give an even roast. As the beans become lighter, the fan speed can be turned down and keep the beans from chipping. Instructions are clear and simple with these models and allows complete control to the user without trying to figure out the programming. New to these models are the control panels which face up instead of having to squat down to view the settings and roasting process. As with the Plus 8 model, the chaff collector sits on top making access to remove chaff trouble-free. And true to tradition, viewing of the coffee as it is roasting is part of the fun with complete view ability. Clean up with this model is easy. Both models are great values for the price. Their simple design & operation makes them a great choice for both beginners and those looking for simplicity. Size wise the units are similar to the Plus 8 model measuring approximately 12″ tall by 7″ wide. Never leave a roaster unattended when roasting coffee.
Product Features
- Quietest air roaster; Great visibility; Very simple to use; Chaff collection; Durable; Small footprint; cooling cycle
- Manual stirring or a high fan setting are required for even roasts; Some coasting as beans cool in the roast chamber
- 4 oz (90 grams) yielding about 3.5 oz (78 grams) of roasted coffee
- Volts/Watts 110v / 1500w
- Heating Source electric element
Mostly good roaster — here are the details. I have used the FreshRoast SR500 for 19 months. After a short learning curve, the results are excellent. However there are numerous issues. Here are my thoughts:1. When you start the roaster, the default timer setting is six minutes–this is never enough time for a darker roast. To increase the roast time, you must press the ‘up’ button. Each press of the button increases the timer by six seconds. To set the roaster to the maximum of 9 minutes and 54 seconds, you must press the…
Temperature monitor improvement I’ve used the SR 500 for about 6 months and found the product to do a good job of roasting. One improvement that I added was a “Taylor” candy thermometer. I simply put the end thru the screen on the top of the chaff collector on an angle to slide through the slots and down into the roasting chamber. No drilling of holes needed. Allows me to stop the roast at the desired roasting temperature. Example medium roast at 426-430. Makes for a consistent roast each time.
Great machine for novice coffee roasters. I started roasting coffee in a whirley pop, such that the FreshRoast SR500 provides stunningly better results. I think this previous experience allowed me to adjust the settings of the SR500 to achieve my preferred roast with less trial-and-error than other novice roasters. From reading other reviews before making my purchase, I expected the SR500 to 1) not move the beans well when I first start it and 2) have a filter that needed cleaning with compressed air. Perhaps FreshRoast has improved…