Air Roasted Coffee: The Perfect Roasting Method for Coffee Lovers

The Pops Coffee Difference

Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks in the world, and the process of roasting coffee beans plays a crucial role in determining the final taste of the beverage. While drum roasting has been a popular method for years, air roasting is gaining popularity for its unique benefits. We will explain the process of air roasting and the advantages it has over drum roasting.

What is Air Roasting?

Air roasting is a method of roasting coffee beans in which hot air is circulated around the beans, without any physical contact. Unlike drum roasting, where the beans are rotated inside a drum that's heated by an external heat source, air roasting uses a stream of hot air to roast the beans evenly. This method ensures that the beans are roasted consistently, leading to a better taste and aroma.

Hot Air Roasting Process

The air roasting process involves the use of a machine called an air roaster, which uses a stream of hot air to roast the coffee beans. The beans are loaded into a roasting chamber, where they are exposed to hot air that's circulating at high speed. The roasting temperature and speed are controlled through the machine's software, allowing the roaster to precisely adjust the conditions to produce the desired roast profile.

The hot air in the roasting chamber circulates around the beans, ensuring that each bean is roasted evenly. The temperature and speed of the hot air can be adjusted to control the roasting time and intensity, resulting in a consistent roast.

Hot Air Roasting Chamber

As the roasting progresses, the coffee beans go through several stages, including the yellowing stage, the first crack, and the second crack. During the yellowing stage, the beans begin to change color and emit a grassy aroma. The first crack marks the beginning of the development of the coffee's flavor and aroma, while the second crack indicates the end of the roasting process.

At the end of the roasting process, the roasted coffee beans are cooled quickly to stop the roasting process and preserve the flavor and aroma. The roasted coffee beans are then packaged and sold to coffee enthusiasts, who can enjoy a fresh and high-quality cup of coffee.

Air Roasting Process

The air roasting process is a precise and controlled method of roasting coffee beans that results in a consistent, high-quality product. With its precise control and ability to produce a consistent roast, air roasting is an attractive option for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee.

 Benefits of Air Roasting


Consistency and Control - air roasting provides better control over the roasting process, allowing for consistent results from batch to batch.  The precise temperature and airflow adjustments enable us to achieve the desired roast level and bring out the coffee's specific qualities consistentlySmall Batch Roasting - We roast-to-order which means you receive the freshest coffee possible.  Instead of your coffee sitting on shelves for months like many other coffee roasters, we don't begin the roasting process until you place your order, roasting and shipping on the same day.

In addition there are many reasons why Air-roasting is the superior process.

  1. Consistent Roasting: As the hot air is circulated evenly around the beans, air roasting ensures that each bean is roasted consistently. This results in a uniform flavor and aroma in the final product.

  2. Better Taste: Air roasting produces a cleaner and brighter flavor compared to drum roasting. This is because air roasting does not introduce any external flavors into the coffee beans, unlike drum roasting where the beans come into contact with the drum's surface.

  3. Healthier Option: Air roasting is a healthier option compared to drum roasting as it does not introduce any harmful chemicals into the coffee. Drum roasting can produce harmful compounds such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer.

  4. Eco-Friendly: Air roasting is also an eco-friendly option as it consumes less energy compared to drum roasting. This is because the hot air used in air roasting is recycled, reducing the overall energy consumption.

Air roasting is a unique method of roasting coffee beans that offers several benefits over drum roasting. From consistent roasting to a better taste and eco-friendly production, air roasting is a perfect choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a small business owner, air roasting is definitely worth considering.

 Air roasted coffee tends to have a cleaner and more nuanced flavor profile compared to traditionally roasted coffee. While traditional drum roasting can sometimes result in uneven roasting and the development of smoky or burnt flavors, air roasting uses hot air to evenly distribute heat, resulting in a more consistent and uniform roast. This process preserves the delicate flavors of the beans, allowing for a smoother and more balanced cup of coffee with distinct notes of fruitiness, acidity, and sweetness.

Air roasting generally has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional drum roasting methods. Since air roasting relies on hot air circulation to roast the beans, it eliminates the need for direct contact between the beans and a heated surface, reducing the risk of emissions and pollution associated with traditional roasting. Additionally, air roasting can be more energy-efficient, as it typically requires less time and energy to achieve a consistent roast compared to drum roasting. Some air roasters may also prioritize sustainability by sourcing beans from eco-friendly farms and implementing eco-conscious production practices. However, further research into the specific sustainability practices of air roasting companies and their overall environmental footprint would provide more detailed insights into this aspect.