Home Roasting 101: How to Roast Kenyan Coffee Beans in Your Kitchen

Discover the Art of Home Coffee Roasting

If you're a true coffee lover, roasting your coffee beans at home is one of the most immersive ways to experience the rich and nuanced world of Kenyan coffee. At Cafe Nairobi, we believe every cup has a story—and roasting at home is where your personal coffee story begins. From unlocking the fruity brightness of Kenyan beans to tailoring roast levels to your taste, this guide will show you how to start your home roasting journey, step by step.

1. Why Roast Kenyan Coffee at Home?

Kenyan coffee is world-renowned for its vibrant flavor profile, often featuring notes of blackcurrant, citrus, and floral undertones. Roasting at home allows you to preserve and control these delicate flavors—something that often gets lost in pre-roasted, mass-market beans.

Benefits include:

• Maximum freshness: Roast only what you need.
• Flavor control: Customize roast level to your taste.
• Learning experience: Understand how roast affects flavor.
• Connection to origin: Deepen your appreciation of Kenyan terroir.

2. What You Need to Start Roasting at Home

Starting your home roasting journey is easier than you might think. Here’s what you’ll need:

Green Kenyan Coffee Beans

Buy high-quality, traceable green beans from trusted sources like Cafe Nairobi, where quality and origin are guaranteed.

Roasting Equipment

Depending on your budget and skill level, you can choose:

• Stovetop pan – Affordable and hands-on.
• Oven – Accessible and consistent.
• Electric home roaster – Offers control over temperature and roast time.

Storage Containers

Use airtight, opaque containers to store your roasted beans. Oxygen, light, and moisture degrade flavor quickly, so proper storage is key.

3. Simple Home Roasting Methods

Pan Roasting (Stovetop Method)

• Preheat a heavy skillet or pan on medium heat.
• Stir constantly for even roasting (10–15 minutes).
• Listen for the "first crack" to judge roast level.

Oven Roasting

• Spread green beans on a perforated tray.
• Roast at 220°C (428°F) for 15–20 minutes, checking for cracks and color change.
• Ventilate well to avoid smoke buildup.

Electric Roasters

• Best for control and consistency.
• Adjust time, airflow, and temperature for precise roasts.

4. Understanding Roast Levels

Knowing how roast level influences taste helps you craft the perfect cup:

Start with small batches and experiment to discover what roast brings out the best in your Kenyan beans.

5. Cooling & Degassing Your Roasted Beans

Once roasted:

• Pour beans into a metal colander or baking tray.
• Stir to cool evenly.
• Let them rest for 12–24 hours to degas—this improves brew flavor.

Avoid sealing beans immediately while still warm—they need time to breathe.

6. Brewing Your Home-Roasted Coffee

Your freshly roasted beans are ready to brew! Try methods that showcase Kenyan coffee's brightness:

• Pour-over (V60 or Chemex) – Highlights clarity and acidity.
• French Press – Offers a richer, full-bodied cup.
• AeroPress – Brings out subtle sweetness and fruit notes.

Grind only what you need, and use filtered water for best results.

Your Coffee Journey Starts Here

Home roasting may seem like a niche hobby, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience the full potential of Kenyan coffee. Whether you're a casual sipper or aspiring connoisseur, starting with premium green beans from Cafe Nairobi ensures every roast tells a story worth savoring.

Roast. Brew. Enjoy.