WFor decades, drum roasters were the industry standard. But as specialty coffee has grown, many roasteries have found that drum roasters struggle to deliver the consistency, efficiency, and sustainability they need. That’s where convection roasting comes in.
If you’re considering making the switch, here’s what you need to know about transitioning from traditional drum roasters to modern convection roasters.
What’s the Difference Between Drum and Convection Roasters?
- Drum roasters rely on direct contact between beans and a heated drum. While effective, this method can produce uneven roasting and requires higher energy use.
- Convection roasters, like Loring’s, circulate hot air around the beans. Our single-burner convection system evenly roasts every batch while also reducing fuel use and capturing emissions.
Why Do Roasteries Make the Switch?
Roasteries often switch from drum to convection because of:
- Consistency: Hot air evenly surrounds beans, creating reliable results across batches.
- Efficiency: Loring roasters use up to 80% less fuel than drum models.
- Sustainability: Dramatic reductions in emissions align with customer and regulatory expectations.
- Scalability: Convection systems allow businesses to grow without sacrificing quality.
How Does Switching Affect Roast Profiles?
Transitioning to convection roasting does require some adjustments.
- Roast curves may look different because heat is transferred primarily through airflow rather than drum contact.
- Many roasteries find they achieve cleaner flavor profiles with convection, preserving the unique character of each origin.
- Test batches and careful logging help you translate drum profiles into convection profiles.
What Are the Operational Advantages of Convection Roasters?
Beyond consistency and efficiency, convection roasters improve day-to-day workflow:
- Faster cooling times keep production moving.
- Less manual monitoring means roasters can focus on flavor development.
- Integrated design simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
Training & Support During Transition
Switching technologies can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Loring provides:
- Onboarding training
- Technical support
- Customer community resources
Roasteries worldwide have made the switch successfully, gaining efficiency while improving quality.
Conclusion
Transitioning from drum to convection roasting is more than a technology upgrade — it’s an investment in your future.
Loring’s single-burner convection design gives roasteries the tools to scale sustainably, cut costs, and deliver exceptional coffee every time.
👉 Ready to explore the difference? Learn more about Loring roasters and start planning your transition today.