Behmor 2000AB Plus Roaster

Just Behmor AB to some, it’s similar to its predecessor, it runs the same roasting programs and has the same controls as the previous model. The main appearance difference is an all matte-black finish, versus black on stainless. Turns out coffee roasting can stain “stainless,” this model should look a little nicer after years of roasting.  Other improvements to the Behmor 2000 AB Plus include a stronger door handle along with a double-paned window for better insulation. A new motor gives the user more control over drum speed.

Easily the best value for a home roaster, the Behmor 2000 AB Plus Home Coffee Roaster is one powerful and versatile machine.  But it is also one of the more challenging units to use. Definitely for the dedicated home-roasted coffee connoisseur who will enjoy the larger batch sizes along with the ability to change up the roasting curves, but won’t mind being a little more attentive during the roasting process.

The Behmor 2000 AB Plus is the only 1 pound home coffee roaster – it’s great for hobbyists or small-scale boutique commercial roasters, very flexible and versatile, but the larger batch size is part of the reason that it is more challenging to use.

This home coffee roaster is also more challenging because of the highly customizable programs and manual override settings, which allow experienced roasters to fine-tune their roasting curves in nearly infinite combinations of heat, time, and drum rotation, ensuring that each unique coffee gets the perfect treatment.

Another feature that home coffee roasting enthusiasts love is its smoke suppression technology which can reduce the need to vent while roasting.  Please note that it is not entirely smoke-free – ALL home coffee roasters produce some amount of smoke, especially with high chaff coffees and at darker roast points.  See other Key Features below.

The Behmor AB is one of our favorite roasters – we have always found Behmor coffee roasters to be some of the best available for home coffee roasting.

Please Note: Behmor has added a NEW safety feature to this model.  Around 3/4 of the way through the roast, the timer will flash for 30 seconds, and you must press the Start button to indicate that you are still watching the machine, otherwise it will automatically enter cool mode.  There is no way to over-ride this safety feature; it is very important to avoid fire hazards.

The Basics:

Capacity: 4-16 Ounce
Heat Settings: Automatic Roasting Curves (5 to choose), or manual override (5 to choose) for % voltage to heating elements (100%, 80% etc..)
Fan Settings: None – Drum Roaster.
Roast Times: 12-24 minutes (excluding cool)
Venting: Required – will produce some smoke, especially with higher chaff coffees or darker roasts
Ease of use: Hard – A bit challenging for beginners, has a learning curve to hit target roast.
Batch Roasting: No

Features:
 Up to 1 pound (454 grams) of coffee beans per roast
 New higher Multi-speed motor for better roast control- 16 and 32 RPM
 New 2x more powerful MCU (Micro Controller) cuts data refresh time by 50%
 New On Board Audible Beep Advisory (unattended safety cutoff and :15 remaining warning)
 New Universal Power and Control Boards- adds future flexibility/ work in 120v or 220v*
 New Reprogrammable Firmware Feature (requires wired connection)
 5 pre-programmed roast settings
 Patented smoke suppression technology for indoor roasting
 Manual roasting override ability of key settings
 Unattended Safety Cut off w/ audible advisory
 Cooling cycle for quick end to roasting duration
 Thermostatically Controlled Quartz Roasting Elements
 Lighted interior for visual monitoring during roasting
 Adjustable, On-the-Fly Time Controls
 Removable roasting drum with internal braces for full bean turbulence
 Removable chaff tray for easy cleaning
 Automatic System Diagnostics – Troubleshooting
 RoHS Compliant- reduced hazardous substances
 Easy to clean interior
 1-year warranty
 Power: 1630W
 Certified : CETL, CE, GCC, SAA

Setup and General Use & Using Over-Ride Profiles (Manual Mode)

Basic Use Instructions Behmor Coffee Roaster 2000 AB Coffee Roaster : 

1. Start by putting either a 1/4, 1/2, or 1 full pound of green coffee beans into the drum.  For high chaff or small bean coffees, restrict to only 1/2 lb batches, and after placing beans in the drum, shake and rotate it a few times so that most of the very small or broken beans will fall out, to reduce the chance of burning (see videos for more details).
2. Pop the drum into the machine, then the chaff collector (see video, or diagram above).
3. Plug into a standard polarized 120-volt outlet, but be sure that it is on a circuit unused by other appliances, as it is a very high draw device.
4. When choosing your settings, be sure to pick the appropriate batch size.  Next, choose your heat setting, P1-P5.  P1 is the hottest setting – 100% heat all the way through – and P5 is the coolest most gradual heat setting.  See reference guide below.
5. Choose your time setting, A, B, C, or D. Some time settings are disabled with P1 and P2 to prevent burning of the green coffee beans. The times associated with A, B, C, and D change depending on the chosen batch size.
6. After you have chosen all the settings, hit the Start button. You can always add or reduce time during a roast using the + and – buttons.
7. This model has an important new safety feature.  Around 3/4 of the way through the roast, a blinking “un” with a 30 second countdown will display on the timer.  Hit the Start button again, or else the roaster will automatically switch into cool mode when the timer reaches 0.  There is no way to over-ride this safety feature; it is very important to avoid fire hazards.
8. Listen for first and second crack.  Beans are less visible than most other models, so audible cues are very important.  You should be able to hear the cracks easily with this very quiet roaster.  Hit the Cool button when your desired roast is achieved or the machine is producing visible smoke.  Be aware that residual heat will continue roasting the beans for about 30-45 seconds after the cool cycle has begun.
9. Cleaning is very simple, just brush out the chaff tray, then vacuum out any chaff still inside the roaster after it has cooled. Every 5-7 batches, run an empty cycle to clean the smoke reduction system.

PLEASE NOTE: The Behmor AB Coffee Roaster demands close attention, as the roast will progress slowly at first but then very rapidly toward the end.

This quiet and reliable home coffee roaster produces excellent coffee! After a little practice, you will be a “Master Roaster” with the profiles and time settings!

Other Important Info

• Electrical specs: 1630 watts 15 amps 120 volts (very high draw device)
• Smoke free up to a medium-dark roast, but can be used to roast darker as well
• Beans are less visible than other models, even with built-in light – users must pay more attention to time and sound of cracks
• Excellent technical support from Behmor.