At the recent SCA Expo in Houston, compact and innovative roasting machines captured the attention of attendees. Two notable devices, one from China and another from Norway, were honored with SCA Best New Product Awards. These machines represent a growing trend towards electricity-derived heat solutions within the coffee industry. Among the standout innovations were the Roest P3000 and L100 Ultra from Norway, the Stronghold S8X and S2 from South Korea, Ikawa Pro50X from the UK, and Mago Maga’s Roma Pro Smart Home Coffee Bean Roaster from China. Each showcased unique features designed to enhance efficiency and connectivity in both commercial and home settings.
Norwegian company Roest made waves with its new P3000 model, which boasts a three-kilo capacity and took home an award for best new commercial coffee equipment. This machine is designed for production roasting and offers advanced technology that enhances flexibility and connectivity. Alongside the P3000, Roest also unveiled the L100 Ultra, an improved version of their sample roaster series. With hardware and software upgrades, it aims to maximize speed and adaptability.
South Korean brand Stronghold, distributed by Roastronix in the U.S., introduced two new models: the S8X and S2. The S8X, with its 4.5-kilo capacity, provides the same AI-driven technology as its larger counterpart but in a more compact size ideal for smaller operations. Meanwhile, the S2, a small-scale roaster capable of handling about 300 grams, caters to home users and is currently awaiting certification before its U.S. launch.
Ikawa, a UK-based manufacturer, brought the Pro50X to the expo. Building on the success of its Pro100X, this lower-capacity model can automatically manage post-crack development time and detect the first crack, ensuring precision during the roasting process. Another crowd favorite was Mago Maga's Roma Pro Smart Home Coffee Bean Roaster from China, which garnered a People’s Choice Best New Product Award. Its fluid-bed design and 300-gram capacity have already proven popular, with plans underway for an updated version called the Smart Roaster Pro2 via Kickstarter later this year.
While many companies focused on smaller roasters, Air-Motion Roasters stood out with its larger commercial offerings. Based in South Africa, the company recently expanded into the U.S. market, providing capacities ranging from 3 to 12 kilos, with plans for a 20-kilo machine and enhanced software systems soon.
The SCA Expo in Houston highlighted the ongoing evolution of roasting equipment, emphasizing the importance of innovation, sustainability, and user-friendly designs. From compact home devices to large-scale commercial solutions, these advancements promise to shape the future of coffee roasting across various segments of the industry.