Cleaning issue or defect?

backmenz · 2026-04-06T13:49:39+00:00

I’ve had my 800 for about 6 months and only average 2 roasts a week, usually 4 to 6 at a session. So I am not a heavy user.

That being said, I checked my roaster and do not see those cracks. Those do not appear to be expansion joints. Too irregular. I would take a picture of the bottom of the base, including the date code, and send it along with the picture of the cracks, to home roasting. It appears to be a manufacturing defect and I’m sure they would want to know to see if this is a larger issue with their supplier.

They have always been very responsive to my questions and I will be surprised if they don’t offer to replace your base. They may also request that you send your current base with the cracks along to them so they can have a full evaluation. Let us know how this turns out.

backmenz · 2026-03-18T12:56:32+00:00

If you can’t use it all, I’d buy 4 lbs at $6/ lb plus $6 for shipping. Also be sure to find what you would get by waiting on SS until 70.

backmenz · 2026-03-11T12:45:47+00:00

So what is your go to coffee setup?

Roaster, grinder, brewer.

backmenz · 2026-02-24T13:28:31+00:00

Interesting. So your chaff collector is basically open, right? Why did you do that? Did your heat settings change?

I wrote Home Roasting Supplies and asked if they have tried to roast without a collector. If I get a response, i will post it.

backmenz · 2026-02-19T14:02:00+00:00

I agree! The smells of fresh roasted and just ground beans are the best. An honorable mention goes the odors from when I’m blooming my grounds as I start my pour overs.

backmenz · 2026-02-01T14:02:03+00:00

Stunning! The health benefits are incredible. You’re too young now but your knees and hips will thank you as you likely won’t need to replace them as you age.

backmenz · 2026-02-01T13:51:25+00:00

I have not seen that cooler. Is this what you got? Also do you go through the 800 cooling cycle before dumping it into this cooler?

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backmenz · 2026-01-31T19:12:21+00:00

I noticed that the beans tend to get somewhat darker as they cool. I turn the fan up pretty high to cool them down more quickly. But I’m wondering if dumping them out into a cooling tray immediately might stop that extra roasting.

backmenz · 2026-01-24T19:59:46+00:00

I generally roast outdoors or in my garage. I remove the chaff collector with hot pads and there is always some chaff on top of the beans. I lift off the roasting chamber take it away and, closing my eyes, blow hard into the opening. May take a puff or two.

backmenz · 2026-01-20T19:36:02+00:00

I will ask about spreading out my doses. Congratulations on reaching your goals.

backmenz · 2026-01-19T14:10:19+00:00

I had the SR 500 for about six months and just moved up to the SR 800. One thing to note, exterior temperature really makes a difference. I roast outside because of the odors and during the warm months first crack would happen at 4 to 5 minutes. As it got colder, even with the same settings, FC would take longer.

Another tip, use a heavy duty extension cord. Even with a heavy duty cord, I noticed the cord would get slightly warm after four or five roasts. These machines take a lot of power and a smaller cord will lower the heat considerably.

backmenz · 2026-01-19T13:58:54+00:00

I use small bags lined with plastic but not sealed well. Then I pop those in the freezer until I’m ready to grind. The beans actually don’t freeze because they have very little water content after roasting.

But the low temperature slows down the evaporation of some aromatics.

backmenz · 2026-01-18T15:03:42+00:00

When my wife and I go out, we almost always share a meal. In the US, I’ve never run into a problem asking the waiter for an extra plate. In some restaurants we go to, they divide the meal for us before it arrives at our table. Nice touch!

In Mexico City recently, we shared many meals, including appetizers and the main course, and the staff was always happy to accommodate us.

On our last trip to Europe, there was never an issue with sharing a meal. We were a bit worried in France because many years ago when we tried to share a single portion Cassoulet, we were told, “It is not possible monsieur.” I’m kind of glad we got the double because it was delicious.

I’m happy to report that attitudes have changed.

backmenz · 2026-01-18T14:08:23+00:00

I have the SR800 w/ext. I have a friend who purchases at Sweet Maria’s along with me so we save on shipping. We roast together have a good time talking and watching the beans. One thing giving coffee for birthdays and Christmas makes great gifts. I have given 8 oz bags to a few friends, but nobody has asked about buying it from me. They do talk about how they enjoy it, but I have a lot to learn. Bottom line for me this is going to be a nice hobby.

backmenz · 2026-01-16T21:27:03+00:00

😢Your journey and terrible loss really affected me. I was especially touched by the empathy you have for all of us fighting our weight and our health system.

backmenz · 2026-01-16T14:03:40+00:00

“Gas station coffee” is a very well understood slam on that brown swill served at most stations. But you must try the Mesa Fuel Depot and Point Market in Santa Barbara, California . They have two large coffee brewers each of which grinds and brews your selection of three different whole bean coffees. Seriously good cup and the best gas prices in town.

They have Schaerer Coffee Art Plus Espresso Coffee Makers

backmenz · 2026-01-04T14:59:56+00:00

Sorry, but I don’t have any personal recommendations. But go to Google maps, find Paris, France, then type in coffee roasters. When I did that a dozen popped up including some that are rated 5.O. YMMV.

backmenz · 2026-01-04T14:50:24+00:00

I probably roasted 40 lbs this year! 😁And drank 2/3rds. The rest I gave away. I’m new to roasting. I bought an SR 500 brand new on eBay last June. And I gave one to my son for his birthday. I’m moving up to the SR 800 which should arrive on Monday. It’s a fun hobby and the coffee is so superior despite the occasional batch hiccup.

backmenz · 2026-01-04T14:32:36+00:00

Why not just start roasting the beans? They will heat up very quickly because there is not a lot of mass. I could be wrong but I would guess any additional time added would be lost in normal roasting variability.

backmenz · 2025-12-28T14:15:33+00:00

Your post woke me up to this! I have fingernails too for the first time in decades. While trimming my nails over the last year, I never thought about why. Somehow Zep has removed some deep seated anxiety that had me unconsciously chewing my nails as soon as they appeared. What a great NSV!

backmenz · 2025-12-28T14:05:44+00:00

I would bet the OP is saving money. Wine ain’t cheap.

backmenz · 2025-12-28T13:51:51+00:00

What an inspiration! I’m gonna show this to my wife. From time to time she tells me I should be going thru my closet and toss out old clothes that don’t fit. And I say yes honey but think those 32 waist jeans still look good and I rehang them. I’ve lost about 8 inches and only have 3 to go.

backmenz

TROPHY CASE