How to Roast 20 Coffee Bean Origins on the Apollo Home Roaster

Published: Oct 04, 2026 Author: World Gafei Last Updated: Oct/04/2026 208 views

Discover optimal roast settings for 20 origins using the Apollo home roaster, including batch size tips, flavor development, and time guidelines.

If you've just started home roasting, you're likely asking: how do I get good results without overcomplicating things? Whether you're working with delicate Ethiopian beans or denser Guatemalan varieties, getting consistent and flavorful roasts on a home machine like the Apollo is very possible—if you follow a few key principles.

The short answer: for high-quality green coffee, aim for a high heat (around level 9) and short roast time (about 10 minutes). For lower-grade beans, use a lower heat and longer time to mellow harsh flavors. Keep your batch size between 60–80% of the machine’s 150g capacity for even results, and trust your eyes and ears over strict curves.

Why Batch Size Matters in Home Roasting

The Apollo has a maximum roast capacity of 150g, but for best results, fill it to only 60–80%. This guideline isn't just for home machines—it applies to pro setups too. Why? Because bean density and size vary by origin. For example, roasting 150g of Yirgacheffe works fine, but the same load of Guatemala’s 23-eye Elephant beans can roast unevenly. While some argue that inconsistent roasting can add complexity, beginners are better off aiming for evenness to develop balanced flavor.

How to Control Roast Time and Temperature

The Apollo isn't designed for complex curve play—it’s built for ease. Set a max temperature and control roast time instead. Avoid comparing electric heating to gas: they create fundamentally different roast profiles. Electric heat yields cleaner, brighter cups but lacks the heavy Maillard depth of gas. For high-quality beans, use high heat (level 9) and a short roast (approx. 10 minutes) to preserve floral and fruity notes. Lower-grade beans benefit from low heat and longer roast times to mellow defects. Most home roasters with quality greens will prefer fast roasts (10–12 minutes for ~100g) for intense, vibrant cups that rival pro-level results.

Step-by-Step: Using the Apollo Roaster

Here’s how to operate the machine effectively:

Press the power switch, then the preheat button. It will auto-stop when ready and beep.
Add your green coffee, select your heat level, and start roasting.
Each number on the machine corresponds to a roast duration. The factory settings yield even color and balanced flavor.
For more nuanced roasts, use a timer and manually set the machine to levels 7, 8, or 9. You can stop early by holding the power button or lifting the lid.
If roasting smaller batches (e.g., 50g), reduce heat to around level 6.

Most users roast for 10–12 minutes with around 100g of coffee. Roast time impacts how much of the coffee’s origin character you preserve versus how much roast tone you add.

Flavor, Smoke, and the Roasting Experience

The Apollo features an automatic smoke filtration system, which makes indoor roasting much more pleasant. Instead of choking fumes, you’ll smell a sweet, milky aroma throughout the process. Other machines, like Taiwan’s Little Train roaster, offer similar benefits. This feature alone is a major advantage for home roasters working in small spaces.

Showcase of 20 Roasted Origins

Below are examples of beans roasted on the Apollo, ranging from light to dark profiles. These photos are for visual reference only—flavor matters more than appearance. A pretty roast doesn’t guarantee great taste, and some of the best cups come from beans that look imperfect.