Degreaser
A heavy-duty agent for dissolving accumulated oil in ducting, fans and cooling equipment.
Overview
Degreaser handles the parts a normal roaster cleaner struggles with: exhaust fan blades, duct interiors and cooling tray fans where oil mixes with chaff dust into a stubborn coating. Regular degreasing keeps airflow honest and removes a real fire load.
Using it well
- Disassemble where you can. Degreaser works far better on accessible surfaces than down a closed duct.
- Let dwell time do the work rather than aggressive scrubbing, which can scratch protective coatings.
- Clean the fan last and rebalance the impeller if oil build-up has thrown it out of balance.
Degreasers are corrosive and can damage skin and eyes. Wear chemical gloves and eye protection, ventilate the area, never mix with other chemicals, and dispose of rinse water according to local regulations. Always read and follow the product label.
Why this matters
The degreaser sits in the cupping & cleaning stage of a roast. Getting it right removes one source of variation, which matters because roasting rewards consistency more than any single clever adjustment. Change one variable at a time, record what you did, and compare batches rather than judging any single roast in isolation.
If you are building a complete setup, start with the instruments that measure what is happening - a probe, a scale and a logger - before buying anything that promises a better result by itself. Measurement first, equipment second.
Educational content. Roast Lab does not sell this or any other product, and we do not accept payment for coverage. Specifications listed above describe typical ranges for the category rather than any specific model, and vary between manufacturers. Always follow the manufacturer instructions and safety documentation supplied with your equipment.
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Standardised ceramic or glass bowls used for tasting and scoring coffee consistently.
Cupping Spoon
A deep-bowled spoon designed to slurp a sample across the full palate.
Cupping Score Sheet
The structured form used to record and total a coffee's sensory attributes.
Chaff Collector
A cyclone or filter unit that captures the light, papery skins released during roasting.