The PROBAT Tino 800–1200g: Germany’s Premier Specialty Coffee Roaster

When specialty coffee roasters aim for consistency, scalability, and exceptional control over the roast profile, they often turn to one of the oldest and most trusted names in the industry. But how did Germany’s PROBAT become the go-to brand for high-capacity, precision coffee roasting worldwide? The story begins not with a machine, but with a need to bring freshly roasted coffee to distant markets—fast.

The short answer: PROBAT introduced the first high-capacity commercial coffee roaster in 1868, and its modern Tino model—available in 800g, 1000g, and 1200g capacities—continues that legacy with 360° agitation, 70% hot air heating, and computer-controlled roast profiling for unmatched consistency.

A German Innovation Born from Railway Expansion

In 1864, Alexius van Gulpen, a pioneering green coffee trader in Emmerich, Germany, faced a logistical challenge: how to deliver freshly roasted coffee to retailers beyond his local area. The arrival of railways made wider distribution possible, but only if he could roast larger batches efficiently. That need led him to Emmerich-based engineer Theodor von Gimborn. Together, after four years of development, they launched the first high-capacity coffee roaster in 1868. This innovation gave birth to the Emmericher Maschinenfabrik & Eisengießerei van Gülpen, Lensing & von Gimborn—the company that would later become PROBAT.

By 1880, the company was selling over 600 roasters annually. By 1900, that number had soared to 50,000 units sold globally. The 100,000th unit was sold in 1938, marking the official renaming of the company to PROBAT-Werke. Throughout this growth, 80% of sales were exports, with machines shipped to more than 60 countries.

How PROBAT Roasters Deliver Consistency and Control

PROBAT roasters are built around a unique drum design that rotates on multiple axes—front to back, side to side—ensuring constant agitation of the coffee beans. This movement guarantees even heat distribution and consistent roasting. The roasting drum is surrounded by insulating material that minimizes heat loss, maintaining stable internal temperatures throughout the roast cycle.

The heat system is equally sophisticated: 30% comes from direct conduction and radiation, while 70% is delivered via precision-controlled hot air circulation. This combination allows roasters to achieve uniform development without scorching or unevenness. Additionally, PROBAT offers a range of customizable options, including laboratory test roasters, green coffee grading tools, and emissions control systems. These features make PROBAT machines the preferred choice for global coffee companies like LAVAZZA and UCC.

The PROBAT Product Line: From Lab to Large Batch

PROBAT manufactures a full spectrum of coffee processing and roasting equipment, not just roasters. Their roasting machines are categorized by capacity and intended use:

• PROBAT SATURN Series: Centrifugal roasters with capacities from 32kg to 640kg per batch.
• PROBAT JUPITER Series: Tangential (cutting airflow) roasters ranging from 50kg to 750kg.
• PROBAT NEPTUNE Series: Traditional drum roasters with capacities between 80kg and 640kg.
• PROBAT COLOMBO NOVA Series: Drum roasters offering 120kg to 500kg per batch.
• PROBAT BASIC Series: General-purpose drum roasters from 150kg to 450kg.
• Specialty Coffee Roaster Series: Compact machines for 1kg to 50kg batches, ideal for single-origin and micro-lot roasting.
• PROBATINO, Tino Models: Small-batch specialty roasters available in 1.2kg, 800g, 1000g, and 1200g sizes.

All models above 5kg can be connected to computer systems to monitor and record roast curves, enabling repeatable, data-driven roasting profiles. The Tino series, in particular, is favored by specialty roasters for its balance of size, control, and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the PROBAT Tino 800–1200g roaster special?

The PROBAT Tino series includes models in 800g, 1000g, and 1200g capacities, designed for specialty coffee roasters who need precise control over small to mid-sized batches. They feature 360° bean agitation, 70% hot air heating combined with 30% conductive/convective heat, and insulation that stabilizes internal temperature. Many Tino models can be computer-linked for roast profiling.

When was PROBAT founded and why?

PROBAT traces its origins to 1868, when Alexius van Gulpen and Theodor von Gimborn developed the first high-capacity coffee roaster in response to the need for distributing freshly roasted coffee via newly built railways in Germany. The company was formally established that year and became PROBAT-Werke by 1938.

Does PROBAT only make coffee roasters?

No. PROBAT manufactures a wide range of equipment for the entire coffee processing chain, including machines for cocoa, malt, and nuts. They also produce green coffee grading tools, laboratory test roasters, and emissions control systems for roasting facilities.

Are PROBAT roasters used by major coffee companies?

Yes. Leading global coffee brands such as LAVAZZA and UCC use PROBAT roasting equipment. The brand’s machines are recognized for consistent performance, durability, and high-quality output, and are exported to over 60 countries.

Can the Tino series roast coffee automatically?

Yes. Tino models over 5kg can connect to computer systems to automate roast profiles, record roast curves, and ensure consistency across batches. This makes them suitable for both specialty and commercial applications.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Small-Batch Roasting

For roasters working with machines like the PROBAT Tino 800–1200g, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera and Kenya Little Tomato offer exquisite single-origin profiles. Ethiopia Humbera presents bright citrus, floral notes, and a silky mouthfeel, ideal for showcasing light roast artistry. Kenya Little Tomato delivers bold tartaric acidity, blackcurrant, and sweet berry complexity—perfect for exploring development time and airflow control. Both beans highlight the clarity and nuance achievable with precise, small-batch roasting. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.