How to Remove the Chaff From a Drum Roaster

Never leave coffee roasters unattended while in operation to decrease chance of fire.

When coffee beans are roasted, a thin skin separates from the bean. This skin is called chaff. Some chaff burns off during the roasting process, but some may remain. Chaff is flammable and leftover chaff remaining in the drum roaster can increase chances of a fire if you allow it to build up. To keep your drum roaster working safely and well, clean chaff from the drum roaster after each use.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with attachment
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Unplug the drum roaster. Remove the beans and allow the roaster to cool down.

2. Remove the chaff tray, if your model of drum roaster has one. Dump the chaff in an outdoor garbage bin.

3. Vacuum the drum roaster using a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a thin nozzle attachment to remove remaining chaff.

4. Wet a cloth with warm water. Wipe the roaster clean with this cloth to remove small pieces of chaff residue.

References

• Burman Coffee: Understanding Home Coffee Roasters
• Zecuppa Coffee: Coffee Terms
• Sweet Marias: General Home Roasting Observations from Sweet Maria's

Resources

• Coffee -- The Roaster’s Realm: Confessions of an Air Roaster