The Best Coffee Beans for Beginner Roasters: A Guide to Selecting the Right Bean to Roast!

Selecting the right bean to roast

Roasting coffee at home or as a small business venture is an exciting and rewarding experience. The ability to control the roast profile and bring out the best flavours in a bean is both an art and a science. But for beginner roasters, choosing the right coffee beans can make all the difference between a successful roast and a frustrating learning curve.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best beans to start with, what to avoid, and how to embark on your roasting journey with confidence.

Best Beans for Beginner Roasters

When you're just starting out, you want beans that are forgiving, versatile, and easy to work with. Here are some of the best choices:

1. Colombian Supremo

Colombia produces some of the most well-balanced coffee in the world. Supremo beans are large, high-quality, and known for their smooth flavour. They roast evenly and have a forgiving profile, meaning they won’t easily become overly bitter or acidic.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Medium density makes it easy to roast without scorching.

• Balanced acidity and body allow room for experimentation.

• Works well for both light and dark roasts.

  
  

2. Brazilian Santos

Brazilian beans are a go-to for many roasters because they have a naturally low acidity and a nutty, chocolatey profile. These beans tend to roast evenly and are less prone to defects, making them a great choice for first-time roasters.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Easy to achieve consistent results.

• Low acidity makes it more forgiving if roasted a little too long.

• Suitable for espresso blends and filter coffee.

  
  

3. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (Washed)

If you’re looking to experiment with fruity and floral notes, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is an excellent place to start. Washed (or wet-processed) Ethiopian beans tend to be cleaner and easier to control during roasting compared to natural-processed varieties.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Vibrant flavours with high reward when roasted well.

• Medium-density, making it relatively easy to manage.

• A great introduction to roasting African coffees.

  
  

4. Guatemalan Huehuetenango

Guatemalan beans often have a sweet, chocolatey base with hints of fruit and caramel. Huehuetenango beans are particularly well-regarded for their versatility and smooth, rich flavours.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Tolerant of different roasting profiles.

• Complex but balanced flavours.

• Ideal for both filter and espresso roasting.

  
  

Things to Consider When Choosing Beans

When selecting your first beans, keep these factors in mind:

✔ Processing Method: Washed beans are typically easier to control than natural-processed beans, which can be unpredictable.

✔ Density & Moisture: High-altitude beans (dense and hard) require more heat control, while lower-altitude beans tend to be more forgiving.

✔ Defect Rate: Cheaper, lower-quality beans often have more defects, which can negatively impact your roast and final cup.

✔ Desired Flavour Profile: If you enjoy nutty, chocolatey flavours, start with Brazilian or Guatemalan beans. If you prefer fruity and floral notes, try Ethiopian or Kenyan varieties.

Beans That Are Less Advised for Beginners

🚫 Natural-Processed Ethiopian or Yemeni Beans – These can be unpredictable, fermenting too quickly if not handled correctly. The fruitier flavours can also make roasting tricky.

🚫 High-Density Beans (Kenyan AA, Rwandan Bourbon) – While delicious, these require more advanced heat control to avoid scorching or underdevelopment.

🚫 Very Dark Roast Beans (Robusta or Sumatra) – Robusta beans tend to have harsh, bitter flavours and are more difficult to get right. Sumatran beans, due to their wet-hulled process, can roast unevenly and require experience.

How to Start Roasting Coffee

If you’re new to roasting, follow these steps to set yourself up for success:

1. Choose the Right Roasting Equipment

• Popcorn Popper – A budget-friendly way to experiment.

• Home Drum Roaster – Offers better consistency and control.

• Air Roaster – Good for small batches with even roasting.

• Oven or Pan Roasting – Possible, but harder to control.

  
  

2. Start with Small Batches

Roasting small batches allows you to experiment without wasting too much coffee. It also helps you refine your technique before scaling up.

3. Keep a Roasting Journal

Track your temperature, roast times, and final taste notes. This will help you understand how different beans and roasting levels affect flavour.

4. Use a Sample Roast Approach

Try roasting the same bean at different levels (light, medium, and dark) to learn how it changes in flavour.

5. Pay Attention to First and Second Crack

• First crack (around 195°C/383°F) signals the start of development and is where many light roasts are stopped.

• Second crack (around 224°C/435°F) is where darker roasts begin to develop.

  
  

Best Beans for the Highest Quality Roasts

Once you’ve gained confidence, you’ll want to explore beans that yield the most exceptional cups. Here are some top-tier options:

• Panama Geisha – Known for its unparalleled floral and tea-like qualities, but requires precise roasting.

• Kenyan AA – Bright acidity and complex berry notes, but needs careful heat management.

• Jamaican Blue Mountain – Smooth, balanced, and luxurious but expensive.

• Hawaiian Kona – Rich, chocolatey, and smooth but pricey.

Final Thoughts

Starting your roasting journey can be both exciting and overwhelming, but choosing the right beans makes all the difference. If you're a beginner, start with Colombian, Brazilian, or Guatemalan beans, as they are forgiving and versatile. Avoid high-density or natural-processed beans until you gain more experience.

With the right approach, practice, and a willingness to experiment, you’ll soon be crafting beautifully roasted coffee that rivals the best in the business.

Ready to start roasting? Grab a batch of beginner-friendly beans and fire up that roaster!