Episode 96: This week, Bill (a newer roaster working with an SR800 and extension tube) asks a fantastic question: which coffee books deserve a permanent place on every roaster’s shelf? Stephen and Catherine dive into their favorite resources, from foundational roasting texts to broader guides on green coffee, blending, and the coffee industry as a whole. Along the way, they discuss why some books become dog-eared classics, how to navigate conflicting advice, and why learning from multiple perspectives can make you a better roaster.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Essential coffee roasting books for beginners and experienced roasters
• Why Scott Rao’s work has been so influential in the coffee roasting landscape
• Kenneth Davids’ classic contributions to the home roasting community
• Resources from Chris Kornman that every coffee geek should know
• The value of learning from contradictory opinions and real-world experience
• Why there’s often more than one “right” way to roast great coffee

Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your coffee knowledge, this episode is packed with recommendations to help you build your roasting library and sharpen your skills.

Have a favorite coffee book we missed? Let us know!

Send your coffee roasting questions to questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

- Scott Rao's The Coffee Roaster's Companion

- Chris Kornman's Green Coffee: A Guide for Roasters and Buyers

- Kenneth David's new book 21st Century Coffee: A Guide & foundational Home Coffee Roasting: Romance & Revival (the 2003 publication is the most recent edition, however an revised and updated version reportedly in the works).

- Roast Magazine

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Episode 95: In this episode of Roast It Yourself, Stephen and Catherine tackle a listener question from a coffee newcomer diving headfirst into both home brewing and roasting. They break down what makes certain green coffees more beginner-friendly—highlighting why washed Central American beans (especially Costa Rican) are a great place to start thanks to their consistency and ease of roasting.

The conversation then shifts to one of the most overlooked elements in coffee: water. From mineral content to filtration options, they explain why your water can make or break your cup and share practical, renter-friendly solutions to improve your brewing at home.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your setup, this episode is packed with approachable tips to help you roast with confidence and brew better-tasting coffee.

Have a question of your own? Send it in and you might be featured in a future episode!

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD

CHECK US OUT HERE:

Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

Current Crop Roasting Shop Website

Rancher Wholesale Website

Episode 94: In this episode of the Roast It Yourself Podcast, the hosts tackle a thoughtful question from a home roaster looking to fine-tune their brewing process.

They dive into whether weighing coffee beans before grinding really makes a difference, how brew ratios impact flavor, and what role roast level plays in measurement—especially as darker roasts lose more mass. Along the way, they break down practical coffee-to-water ratios, how to adjust for strength and clarity, and why consistency can be the key to better cups.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be weighing your coffee or just eyeballing it, this episode offers clear, experience-based guidance to help you level up your daily brew.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD

CHECK US OUT HERE:

Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

Current Crop Roasting Shop Website

Rancher Wholesale Website