German PROBAT Coffee Roasters: Probatone & Probatino Explained

In the mid-19th century, as railroads expanded across Europe, a German coffee bean merchant saw an opportunity: getting freshly roasted coffee to distant retailers. But there was one big hurdle—finding a high-capacity roaster that could keep up with demand. That challenge sparked a chain of events leading to the creation of one of the most iconic names in coffee roasting equipment today.

The answer lies in the 1868 invention of the first high-output coffee roaster by Emmerich engineer Theodor von Gimborn and coffee pioneer Alexius van Gülpren. That machine became the foundation of what is now known as PROBAT—a company whose roasters have sold over 100,000 units worldwide since 1868, with 80% exported to more than 60 countries.

Origins of PROBAT

Founded in 1864 in Emmerich, Germany, the original company started as a response to the need for efficient, large-scale coffee roasting brought on by new railway networks. By 1868, after four years of collaboration between coffee merchant Alexius van Gülpren and engineer Theodor von Gimborn, the first high-capacity coffee roaster was developed. This innovation led to the establishment of the Emmericher Maschinenfabrik & Eisengießerei van Gülpen, Lensing & von Gimborn—the precursor to PROBAT.

The company grew rapidly: by 1880, it was selling over 600 roasters annually; by 1900, the total number of units sold surpassed 50,000; and by 1938, the 100,000th machine was sold. That same year, the company officially adopted the name PROBAT-Werke. Remarkably, 80% of those sales were exports, reaching markets in over 60 countries.

PROBAT Roaster Technology

PROBAT offers a range of roasting machines designed for consistency, durability, and professional-grade performance. The brand’s signature drum roasters—including the compact Probatino (1.2kg) and the larger Probatone models (5kg and 12kg)—are built for specialty coffee applications.

The roasting drums rotate in multiple directions, using specially designed blades to ensure constant agitation of the beans for even heat distribution. Heat application is split between 30% direct conduction/radiant heat and 70% hot air, ensuring efficient and uniform roasting. The exterior of the drums is wrapped in insulating material to retain heat, improving thermal stability and making it easier to achieve consistent results across batches.

Beyond the core roasting machines, PROBAT also supplies complementary equipment such as lab testing tools, green coffee grading systems, and dust extraction solutions. These add-ons support full-scale quality control and operational efficiency in commercial roasting environments.

Global Reach and Industry Use

Major international coffee brands, including LAVAZZA and UCC, rely on PROBAT equipment for their roasting operations. The machines are recognized for their solid construction, ergonomic design, and minimal need for manual intervention during roasting. The intuitive control interfaces help reduce common roasting defects and make the process accessible even to less experienced operators.

PROBAT equipment is not limited to coffee. The company also produces machinery for processing cocoa, malt, and nuts. With distributors in Italy, the United States, and Brazil, 80% of PROBAT products are exported to Europe, North America, and Central and South America.

PROBAT Roaster Product Line

PROBAT manufactures a broad spectrum of coffee roasting machines tailored to different production scales:

• PROBAT SATURN: Centrifugal roasters with capacities from 32kg to 640kg per batch.
• PROBAT JUPITER: Tangential (cutting-edge airflow) roasters ranging from 50kg to 750kg.
• PROBAT NEPTUNE: Traditional drum roasters with batch sizes from 80kg to 640kg.
• PROBAT COLOMBO NOVA: Drum roasters offering 120kg to 500kg capacities.
• PROBAT BASIC: General-purpose drum roasters with batch sizes between 150kg and 450kg.
• PROBAT Specialty Series: Small-batch roasters for specialty coffee, with capacities from 1kg to 50kg.

All roasters with capacities over 5kg can be connected to computer systems to record roast profiles or enable automated roasting control, allowing for precise batch management and repeatability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history behind PROBAT coffee roasters?

PROBAT originated in 1868 when German engineers and coffee merchants developed the first high-capacity coffee roaster in Emmerich to meet growing demand from rail-expanded distribution. This innovation led to the formation of what eventually became PROBAT-Werke, a company that sold over 100,000 roasters globally with 80% of sales outside Germany.

What are the main differences between Probatino and Probatone?

The Probatino is a small-batch roaster with a capacity of 1.2kg, ideal for lab or single-origin experimentation. The Probatone comes in 5kg and 12kg versions, suitable for small-scale commercial roasting while maintaining precision and consistency.

How does a PROBAT roaster achieve even roasting?

PROBAT roasters use multi-directional drum rotation with specialized blades to keep beans in constant motion. They apply 30% heat via direct conduction and radiation, and 70% through hot air circulation. The insulated drum exterior helps maintain stable temperatures throughout the roast.

Which commercial coffee brands use PROBAT equipment?

Well-known coffee companies such as LAVAZZA and UCC use PROBAT roasting machines. These brands rely on PROBAT for consistent, high-quality roasting across large-scale production environments.

Can PROBAT roasters be controlled digitally?

Yes, all PROBAT roasters with capacities greater than 5kg can be connected to computer systems. This allows roasters to record roast curves and automate the roasting process for precise control and repeatability.

Does PROBAT manufacture equipment for products other than coffee?

Yes, PROBAT also produces roasting and processing machinery for cocoa, malt, and nuts. This diversification supports a wide range of specialty food industries beyond just coffee.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans Suited for PROBAT Roasters

For roasters using PROBAT equipment, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright citrus and floral notes with a silky mouthfeel—ideal for highlighting the clarity achievable with precise German engineering. The Colombia Huila Gesha presents juicy red berries and a sugary sweetness, performing well under PROBAT’s even heat application. Finally, the Yunnan Arabica Natural showcases ripe stone fruit and chocolate tones, benefiting from the consistent airflow and drum movement in Probatino and Probatone models. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.