A Complete Guide to German PROBAT Coffee Roasters

Ever wondered how specialty coffee roasters around the world achieve such consistent, high-quality roasts? The answer often lies in the equipment—and few brands have shaped the global coffee roasting industry like PROBAT. Founded in response to a very practical need—how to roast and distribute fresh coffee efficiently—this German company built its reputation on durable, high-capacity roasting machines that deliver uniform results. Whether you're a home enthusiast or a commercial roaster, understanding PROBAT’s legacy helps explain why certain roasters are trusted worldwide.

In short: PROBAT, founded in 1868 in Emmerich, Germany, introduced the first high-capacity coffee roaster to solve distribution challenges. Today, it offers multiple roaster series—from 1.2kg Probatino to 640kg Saturn—and over 100,000 units have been sold globally, with 80% exported to more than 60 countries. Major brands like LAVAZZA and UCC rely on PROBAT machines.

The Origins of PROBAT

In 1864, Alexius van Gülpén, a pioneer coffee bean merchant based in Emmerich, Germany, saw opportunity in the newly built railways: he wanted to sell freshly roasted coffee beans to retailers beyond his local area. But there was a major hurdle—there weren’t any industrial-scale coffee roasters capable of meeting that demand. To solve this, he partnered with local engineer Theodor von Gimborn. After four years of development, they launched the first high-capacity coffee roaster in 1868. This innovation led to the founding of the Emmericher Maschinenfabrik & Eisengießerei van Gülpén, Lensing & von Gimborn, the company that would become PROBAT. By 1880, the company was selling over 600 roasters per year. By 1900, that number had reached 50,000 units, and by 1938, the 100,000th unit was sold. The company officially adopted the PROBAT name that year. Notably, 80% of sales were exports, with machines shipped to more than 60 countries.

How PROBAT Roasters Work

PROBAT roasters are engineered for consistency and efficiency. Their drum roasters feature a unique rotation pattern that moves the beans in all directions—front to back, left to right—ensuring constant agitation for even heat application. Heat is supplied via a mix: 30% comes from direct conduction and radiation, while 70% is delivered through hot air. The roasting drums are wrapped in insulating material to retain heat, improving thermal stability and reducing the chances of common roasting defects. This design allows operators to achieve uniform roast profiles with minimal manual adjustments. In addition to roasters, PROBAT also provides optional accessories such as lab testing tools, green coffee grading systems, and exhaust gas handling equipment. These machines are trusted by leading coffee companies like LAVAZZA and UCC for their reliability and roast quality.

PROBAT Roaster Models and Series

PROBAT manufactures a wide range of coffee roasting equipment for various batch sizes and professional needs. Their offerings include:

• Probatino: 1.2kg capacity, ideal for small-batch or lab use.
• Probatone: Available in 5kg and 12kg capacities.
• SATURN Series: Centrifugal roasters with capacities from 32kg to 640kg.
• JUPITER Series: Tangential (cutting) roasters ranging from 50kg to 750kg.
• NEPTUNE Series: Drum roasters with capacities between 80kg and 640kg.
• COLOMBONOVA Series: Drum roasters offering 120kg to 500kg batch sizes.
• BASIC Series: General-purpose drum roasters with 150kg to 450kg capacities.
• Specialty Coffee Roasters: Small-batch machines for 1kg to 50kg loads.

All roasters above 5kg can be connected to computer systems to monitor and control roast profiles automatically, allowing for precise data logging and repeatability. The smaller, specialty-focused machines are especially valued in craft and lab environments for their precision and ease of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was PROBAT founded?

PROBAT was officially established in 1880, though its first roaster was developed in 1868 by Alexius van Gülpén and Theodor von Gimborn in Emmerich, Germany.

What makes PROBAT roasters different?

PROBAT roasters use a multi-directional drum rotation and a heat system consisting of 30% direct conduction/radiation and 70% hot air. The insulated drum helps maintain consistent temperatures, contributing to uniform roasts with fewer defects.

What sizes do PROBAT coffee roasters come in?

PROBAT offers a wide range: from the 1.2kg Probatino for lab use, 5kg and 12kg Probatone models, up to industrial models like the SATURN series (32–640kg), JUPITER (50–750kg), and NEPTUNE (80–640kg).

Which famous coffee companies use PROBAT roasters?

Leading global coffee brands such as LAVAZZA and UCC use PROBAT roasting equipment, which is known for its reliability and consistent output.

Do PROBAT roasters support computerized roast profiling?

Yes, all PROBAT roasters over 5kg can be connected to computer systems to record roast curves or enable automated roasting control for precision and repeatability.

Where are PROBAT roasters manufactured and exported?

PROBAT roasters are made in Germany and have been exported to over 60 countries, with around 80% of their sales coming from international markets.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for PROBAT Roasters

For roasters using PROBAT equipment—whether a compact 5kg Probatone or an industrial JUPITER—FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral notes with a silky mouthfeel, ideal for showcasing even roasting. The Colombia Huila presents balanced caramel and almond tones, great for testing consistency across batches. For deeper profiles, try the Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling with its earthy, spicy character. All three beans respond well to the precision and heat stability PROBAT machines are known for. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.