ICOFFEE N901CR Home Coffee Roaster Review

If you’ve ever tried roasting coffee at home, you know the usual hurdles: smoky kitchens, chaff everywhere, and unclear controls. For home roasters without a garage or vent hood, those problems can kill the hobby fast. But what if you could roast up to 150 grams of green coffee indoors—without setting off the smoke alarm or sweeping up a chaff blizzard?

The ICOFFEE N901CR is a 150g-capacity hot-air coffee roaster designed specifically for home use. It features built-in chaff collection and a patented dust-free smoke filtration system, so you get sweet coffee aromas—not choking smoke—indoors or in spaces without vents.

What Is the ICOFFEE N901CR?

The ICOFFEE N901CR is a new model in the same line as the older CR811, also known among users as the 'Apollo.' Both are hot-air roasters with a maximum batch size of 150 grams. The N901CR improves on the original with a more intuitive digital control panel, updated safety labels, and a refined aesthetic—but the core specs and 1200W power rating remain unchanged. It’s marketed as a high-end home roaster with sleek design and practical features.

Design & Usability Upgrades

Visually, the N901CR looks nearly identical to its predecessor, the CR811/Apollo. But look closer and you’ll find key refinements. The new model sports a digital control panel with clearly labeled numbers for heat level and roast time, making operation more straightforward. The logo is now a metal badge instead of printed text. The lid and heating element both include new anti-scald warnings. There’s also a subtle but useful addition: a heat-resistant glass lid lets you watch the roast develop in real time. Even the chassis has been tweaked to resemble a vintage mini speaker—more pleasing to the eye than your average roaster.

How It Roasts: Mechanics & Features

The N901CR uses a hot-air (fluid bed) roasting system. Green coffee goes into a nonstick inner drum where a central agitator keeps beans moving evenly during roasting. Chaff is expelled through slots in the drum wall and collected in a dedicated chamber beneath. One of the standout features is the integrated smoke filtration system: unlike many home roasters, the N901CR doesn’t require an external exhaust hose. It traps particulates and filters smoke internally, releasing only the aroma of roasting coffee. The chaff collector is accessed via a handle under the drum, and the whole setup—including the drum itself—is easy to handle thanks to heat-resistant materials and ergonomic grips.

Control Panel & Settings

The upgraded digital control panel on the N901CR displays numeric indicators for both heat and roast duration, allowing users to set and adjust roast profiles with more precision than the older analog-style controls. This makes it easier to replicate roast levels or experiment with slight variations. The interface is simpler and more intuitive, especially for newer home roasters who want clear input options without guesswork. Despite these UI improvements, the actual roasting power remains the same at 1200W.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the batch size for the ICOFFEE N901CR?

The ICOFFEE N901CR has a maximum roast capacity of 150 grams of green coffee beans per batch, suitable for home use and small-batch experimentation.

Does the N901CR require an external vent or chimney?

No, the N901CR features a built-in, patented dust-free smoke filtration system that eliminates the need for an external vent or chimney. It allows indoor roasting without releasing smoky odors.

What are the main upgrades in the N901CR compared to the older CR811 (Apollo)?

The N901CR includes a more intuitive digital control panel with clear numeric markings for time and heat settings, an anti-scald warning on the lid and heater, a redesigned heat-resistant glass lid, and minor aesthetic updates. Mechanically and in terms of capacity, it remains similar to the CR811.

Is the chaff collector easy to access and clean on the N901CR?

Yes, the chaff collector is located in the base beneath the roasting drum and can be easily removed using a built-in handle, making it simple to empty and clean after each roast.

What kind of power does the ICOFFEE N901CR use?

The ICOFFEE N901CR operates on a standard 1200W power rating, the same as its predecessor, the CR811, and plugs into a normal household outlet.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Roasting

For home roasters using the ICOFFEE N901CR, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright notes of strawberry and tropical fruit ideal for light roasts, while Brazil Queen Manor brings nutty, chocolatey depth perfect for medium-dark profiles. Both showcase the control and clarity your hot-air roaster can achieve. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.