German PROBATino 800–1200g Tabletop Coffee Roaster

If you’re serious about roasting your own specialty coffee at home or in a small commercial space, you’ve likely struggled with finding a machine that balances batch size, control, and efficiency. Most entry-level roasters either lack precision or can’t handle enough coffee to make small-batch experimentation practical. That leaves many roasters compromising on freshness, consistency, or workflow.

The PROBATino tabletop roaster offers an 800–1200g batch capacity, produces nearly 5kg per hour, and includes efficient cooling and de-chaffing—all in a compact, energy-saving design built on over a century of German engineering.

What Is the PROBATino and Who Makes It?

The PROBATino is a small, desktop-style coffee roaster manufactured by PROBAT Werke von Gimborn Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a German company founded in 1868. With more than 140 years of experience, PROBAT is a global leader in coffee roasting and grinding machinery, supplying over 50% of the world market. The company is known for durable, flexible, and efficient equipment built to last decades—even machines over 30 years old are still in regular use. Alongside machinery, PROBAT provides maintenance, installation, training, and technical support services worldwide.

Key Technical Features of the PROBATino

The PROBATino is engineered for consistent, high-quality roasting in small batches. Its key features include:

• Batch Capacity: 800–1200g per roast
• Production Rate: Up to 5kg per hour
• Roasting Cylinder: Solid (non-perforated) cylinder with integrated mixing paddles to ensure even heat distribution and optimal roast development
• Control Interface: Simple manual controls using a scoop and thermometer for sampling during roast
• Cooling System: Fan-assisted cooling tray that rapidly reduces bean temperature post-roast
• Energy Efficiency: Designed to minimise power consumption without sacrificing performance
• Chaff Separation: Effective built-in chaff separator to streamline post-roast cleanup

Why Choose a Compact, Manual Roaster Like the PROBATino?

Unlike fully automated or larger commercial roasters, the PROBATino gives the operator direct control over the roast profile. By relying on a scoop and thermometer for sampling, roasters can closely monitor colour, aroma, and development—key elements in crafting unique roast profiles. The solid roasting cylinder, combined with mixing paddles, ensures even agitation without the need for a perforated drum, which can affect heat retention and airflow. This design supports better control over the Maillard reaction and first crack, critical for developing flavour complexity in small batches.

The fan-cooled drying tray quickly brings beans down in temperature after roasting, preserving volatile aromatics and stopping the roast at your desired point. This level of hands-on control makes the PROBATino especially appealing to home roasters, small specialty roasteries, and training environments where learning and precision matter more than volume.

About PROBAT and FrontStreet Coffee

In China, FrontStreet Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee), a Guangzhou-based roaster, represents PROBAT and provides local support for their equipment. FrontStreet is committed to introducing advanced global roasting technology while offering professional guidance on coffee roasting techniques. Their partnership ensures that PROBAT machines, including the PROBATino, are supported by knowledgeable service providers familiar with the needs of specialty coffee professionals in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What batch size can the PROBATino roast?

The PROBATino is designed for small-batch roasting with a capacity of 800 to 1200 grams per batch. This makes it ideal for home use, small roasteries, or sampling different roast profiles without wasting large quantities of green coffee.

How much coffee can the PROBATino produce in an hour?

The machine can roast nearly 5 kilograms of coffee per hour, depending on batch frequency and cooling time. This output is efficient for a tabletop model and suitable for small-scale commercial or frequent home use.

Does the PROBATino have a perforated drum?

No, the PROBATino features a solid (non-perforated) roasting cylinder equipped with internal mixing paddles. This design promotes even heat distribution and consistent roasting without relying on airflow through drum holes, offering more control over the roast profile.

How does the cooling system work on the PROBATino?

The PROBATino includes a fan-assisted cooling tray that rapidly cools the roasted coffee beans. This helps preserve aroma and stops the roast development immediately after the desired roast level is reached, which is crucial for flavour stability.

Is the PROBATino energy efficient?

Yes, the PROBATino is designed to be energy-saving while maintaining high roasting performance. Its efficient heating and airflow mechanisms reduce unnecessary power consumption, making it suitable for small-scale or frequent use without high operating costs.

Who manufactures the PROBATino and where is it supported in China?

The PROBATino is manufactured by PROBAT Werke von Gimborn Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a German company with over 140 years of history. In China, FrontStreet Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee) represents PROBAT and offers sales, service, and technical support for their roasting equipment, including professional advice on roasting techniques.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Home Roasting

For roasters using the PROBATino, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes, or their Colombia Huila for balanced caramel and almond sweetness. Both beans respond well to light to medium roasts, ideal for experimenting with the PROBATino’s manual control and even heat distribution. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.