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Date: 25 Jan 2007 22:42:06
From: Bwisit
Subject: slowing down a popcorn popper
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I've read here and on some other sites about slowing down a popcorn
popper while roasting beans to get a longer roast. I've read using a
variac, extension cords, dimmer switch, turning the popper on and off,
and even freezing the beans before roasting them. I can't recall if it
was a popcorn popper though that was used when they froze the green
beans. I would like to know if there is a repeatable consistent way of
slowing down the roast in a popper without having to modify the popper
or buying a variac or anything else. I would like to keep the cost
down, so only the standard popper will be used. As I've read it, the
popper will be too fast to make a good espresso unless I stall the
roast somehow. Any tips? Thanks. I'm using a 1200 W popper I got
from target.
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Date: 28 Jan 2007 12:49:07
From: Bwisit
Subject: Re: slowing down a popcorn popper
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A stovetop popper or any indoor popper will not be good for me.
Strictly outdoor only. The hood over our stove is not strong enough.
Tried a few roasts with the unmodified popper, first roast was a
disaster. Too many beans. The speed just took me by surprise. I saw
oil on a couple of beans after 30 seconds! I started with 130 grams
and went all the way down to 50 grams. That seems to be the sweet
spot. Good 8 minute roasts. I will modify it now to get a longer
roast. Thanks for the advice stereoplegic. I'll try it sometime this
week. Keep your eyes peeled for the guy who burned his garage down
with a popcorn popper! hehe.
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Date: 28 Jan 2007 09:16:44
From: beanroaster
Subject: Re: slowing down a popcorn popper
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Try using a stovetop popper. I use a Whirly Pop-around $25.00. I use a gas
stove but I use a cast iron pan under the popper to difuse the heat. Pre
heat the popper using medium heat. First crack should happen around 6-7
minuites, second crack a few minutes more. Start with small batches till you
get it down. Good advice at Sweetias.com. If you like to cook you will
like this method.
"Bwisit" <mckolit@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1169793726.368327.147900@m58g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> I've read here and on some other sites about slowing down a popcorn
> popper while roasting beans to get a longer roast. I've read using a
> variac, extension cords, dimmer switch, turning the popper on and off,
> and even freezing the beans before roasting them. I can't recall if it
> was a popcorn popper though that was used when they froze the green
> beans. I would like to know if there is a repeatable consistent way of
> slowing down the roast in a popper without having to modify the popper
> or buying a variac or anything else. I would like to keep the cost
> down, so only the standard popper will be used. As I've read it, the
> popper will be too fast to make a good espresso unless I stall the
> roast somehow. Any tips? Thanks. I'm using a 1200 W popper I got
> from target.
>
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Date: 26 Jan 2007 07:25:55
From: stereoplegic
Subject: Re: slowing down a popcorn popper
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split wiring and making a control box can be an intimidating mod at
first, but it's really easy and soooooo worth it. it's the only way to
get consistent, repeatable control of your popper roasts. google "felix
dial coffee roast" that's the main one i followed (although i'd
recommend using color-coded extension cords (such as black-heat
white-fan) instead of the 6-pin DIN connectors he uses, much safer).
chances are that your popper's fan will need a transformer, 25.2v 2amp
is the one most of the mod sites (incl. felix dial's and engadget)
recommend. if your fan isn't straight 120v (in a 1200w popper it
probably isn't) you'll fry it by plugging it into the wall. variacs are
very nice, but not necessary if you watch your temps and use the heat
on-off switch(es) effectively. your popper probably has 2 heating
coils, 1 main and 1 to limit fan voltage (until you split-wire). i'd
recommend split wiring both (switches for both) and only using the
secondary heating coil to give an extra temp boost (such as initial
ramp to 300). i held out on doing this mod for a while, but finally
broke down (tired of 5 min. french 1 roast, 17 minute light city the
next) and did it. as i said before, soooooo worth it. btw, should you
do this mod, the radio shack project box (to house the controls) is
nice, but a dollar store plastic container (pref. 1 piece, no removable
lid) works just fine.
Bwisit wrote:
> I've read here and on some other sites about slowing down a popcorn
> popper while roasting beans to get a longer roast. I've read using a
> variac, extension cords, dimmer switch, turning the popper on and off,
> and even freezing the beans before roasting them. I can't recall if it
> was a popcorn popper though that was used when they froze the green
> beans. I would like to know if there is a repeatable consistent way of
> slowing down the roast in a popper without having to modify the popper
> or buying a variac or anything else. I would like to keep the cost
> down, so only the standard popper will be used. As I've read it, the
> popper will be too fast to make a good espresso unless I stall the
> roast somehow. Any tips? Thanks. I'm using a 1200 W popper I got
> from target.
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