I found this video searching for a good coffee roasting video and watched it afew times. This is one of the most interesting and informative video that reminded me not to spin my brain with all the jargon available online
I spoke to Steve Friday afternoon. I was simply looking into expanding my roasting to a possible post retirement activity. Since I enjoy coffee and the process so much I reached out to Mill City. I was directed to Steve. Had a very nice and informative discussion on how I could take my roasting commercially. Guess what? My next roaster will be a Mill City thanks to the support and knowledge his team provides.
I’ve just listened to half of this video and I’m amazed by the sincerity and the arguments.I’ve also listened to the tutorials of your team and Joe Morocco and I find them very enriching and educational technically and educationally.Those tutorials have lit up my curiosity in the craft of roasting and the magic of the coffee bean.
I can't help but agree about automating the process. automation is only as smart as the person setting it up/programing it and if you don't know what to look for in what your doing, there is now way your going to achieve the desired result by automating it.
Great video! Been doing business with Taiwan owned companies and their quality is just as good if not better than items made in the USA. If the product is built in China but the company is owned by a Taiwan company,you will always get a great product. Glad to see that someone has stood up to afterburners and saying you really do not need one. Mill City is the only company that offers great videos on how to Roast for beginners. To put that time and effort into making those shows their commitment to the coffee industry.
I felt comfortable watching and listening to Steve, made me feel that even with traditional naked flame roasting on my own roasters, It is still my eye and ear that count for a lot. And the the thought that I can still take the class going forward.
Absolutely great... Ive been in Small Business MFG as a consultant and software as well as starting companies. Now Im roasting coffee and looking at cafe and roasting. Im also repping some similar roasters and I cannot wait to check these out if my customers mgiht be better served by this company simply based on this presentation and some personal references who have interacted with them. This is so clear and realistic and practical.
"Ultimately - THE BEST ROASTER IS YOU!" Thanx Steve, for the words of wisdom. It is so true. Excellent video! And hopefully I can order one of your roasters in the near future.
Thanks for your input, it is still an opinon from a chinese brand whose competitive advantage was price. But you got a few points clear, there's market paranoia and some brands are cutting corners somewhere and pressing with bulls** arguments. I'm shure this chinese brand has only improved over the years. Again, thank you.
I may be oversensitive, but this comment feels like you're trolling, Holly. Usually, I'd just delete the comment as extraneous to the spirit of what we're trying to accomplish, but in this case I'll make an exception. Mill City Roasters is no more a Chinese brand than Apple, Kitchen-Aid, or Levis. We build professional quality, high performance production equipment with the best after sale support in the industry. You can buy a cheaper roaster, but you cannot purchase a better built or better performing machine at any price. We build in China for economy, but our build quality is so high that most people do not notice. Neither do we enlist resellers or commissioned sales agents. We prefer to sell and support our machines directly as this allows us to price superior equipment within reach of start up and small businesses worldwide. In so doing, we've become one world's largest manufacturers of commercial coffee roasters producing the only North American NRTL certified machines (UL/ETL/CSA) built in Asia. Beyond that, we're highly transparent about everything we do and how we do it. We don't artificially inflate prices to dangle fake discounts. We offer professional business to business consultative services. We're not used car salesmen masquerading as "coffee guys." We do have a little fun with this once in a while, but our feeling is mostly gratitude that we get to work in coffee. It's a privilege to guide people that share our passion for quality to commercial success. On a personal note, to those who would question my patriotism: I served in the US Marine Corps lugging loaded weapons around in unfriendly places, still stand to cover my heart when the flag passes an by, and and built machinery for industry in the US for 28 years. I also married into an extended Chinese immigrant family, have traveled and worked in China over 20+ years of my 35+ year total business career and I know about as much about China as a guy can know. I am as equally aware of problems in China as I am about problems in the US. They aren't the same, but I don't think any of those problems in either country are solved by finger wagging, finger pointing, or origin shaming. I think most of the problems both countries face are better solved with honesty, openness, empathy and the humility that comes with an appreciation of our shared humanity. I'm not needy. It's not necessary that you believe my "pitch" or that my motives are relatively pure. I'm here for my people. My people are my family, my coworkers in the US and in China, and the folks that own our machines. I'd prefer that everyone might someday be my people, but I'm not losing any sleep over anyone that chooses not to be because of where we build our machines. Whether you believe it or not, you have my very best wishes for your complete and total success. Steve PS. If this becomes "troll" bait, please know that I'll only be automatically deleting any comment I deem to be unhelpful or unprofitable to the conversation as a whole. Save your infurytainment for someone that cares.
Steve, brilliant video! You are the Ron Swanson/ Nick Offerman of coffee. While I’m currently going the crazy route of building an 5kg wood fired roaster with data logging. When I need to add another roaster and purchase new. Mill city is who I will call!
Hey Steve: I appreciate the common sense and honesty of your presentation. I went to your site and looked at your products, only to not find what I was looking for. That is, a good HOME roaster for a reasonable price, preferably under $300, but definitely under $500, that will do at least 1 lb of coffee. I don't care if it's not automated. All I want is a revolving drum and a heat source, a readable temperature, a vent to the outside, and a contraption can be cleaned reasonably easy. It shouldn't be difficult. The technology and parts are simple. So ... build one! There's money to be made among the Baby Boomers, Yuppies, and Millenials with a device like that. Of the two main machines currently on the market, one can't be cleaned and only does 1/2 lb at a time, and one smokes up the house. Nothing fancy - I'll stand there and monitor the progress of the roast. And get it on the market fast. Like before I croak. I'm getting up there. Thanks.
Great perspective and well delivered. I think I can hear the wisdom of Ron Swanson coming through, that is if he were to talk about roasting...ha. Thank you!
Steve doesn't know who Ron Swanson is, but based on your comment, he assumes Ron to be a similarly handsome, well informed, devil-may-care, fine fellow and well met.
Great information straight forward, thank you!! When you mentioned Mpls, MN you had me sold. I hope to visit and will be checking out your website/classes and everything you have to offer since we are close neighbors. Signed, soon to be opening our coffeehouse in Watertown, SD
Great video! Thanks for the info! The majority of the commercial machine i have seen are gas roasters. Even a 1 kg roaster. An electrical 2kg is ideal for me at the moment. Will it as good as a 2kg gas roaster?
No, but this is a "craft" thing. There is no requirement that you emerge into the industry full formed. If you don't yet have the ability to tell the difference in coffee quality it may not matter.
I found this video searching for a good coffee roasting video and watched it afew times. This is one of the most interesting and informative video that reminded me not to spin my brain with all the jargon available online
Holy Crap.... Finally, someone in the industry AND on TH-cam, that actually said something of value...
I spoke to Steve Friday afternoon. I was simply looking into expanding my roasting to a possible post retirement activity. Since I enjoy coffee and the process so much I reached out to Mill City. I was directed to Steve. Had a very nice and informative discussion on how I could take my roasting commercially. Guess what? My next roaster will be a Mill City thanks to the support and knowledge his team provides.
Another well said tutorial, hit the nail on the on head, well made roasting machines, better roasters operating equipment!
Ok the BEST line. "Because of horizontal drilling and fracking gas is dirt cheap" pragmatic and logical. Great video sir.
Pre-covid and the Ukraine war, but still relatively cheap. 🥴
I’ve just listened to half of this video and I’m amazed by the sincerity and the arguments.I’ve also listened to the tutorials of your team and Joe Morocco and I find them very enriching and educational technically and educationally.Those tutorials have lit up my curiosity in the craft of roasting and the magic of the coffee bean.
I can't help but agree about automating the process. automation is only as smart as the person setting it up/programing it and if you don't know what to look for in what your doing, there is now way your going to achieve the desired result by automating it.
"Take a pass and take the class!" I'm dying of laughter but also know this is brilliant tutelage!
Great video! Been doing business with Taiwan owned companies and their quality is just as good if not better than items made in the USA. If the product is built in China but the company is owned by a Taiwan company,you will always get a great product. Glad to see that someone has stood up to afterburners and saying you really do not need one. Mill City is the only company that offers great videos on how to Roast for beginners. To put that time and effort into making those shows their commitment to the coffee industry.
I felt comfortable watching and listening to Steve, made me feel that even with traditional naked flame roasting on my own roasters, It is still my eye and ear that count for a lot. And the the thought that I can still take the class going forward.
Absolutely great... Ive been in Small Business MFG as a consultant and software as well as starting companies. Now Im roasting coffee and looking at cafe and roasting. Im also repping some similar roasters and I cannot wait to check these out if my customers mgiht be better served by this company simply based on this presentation and some personal references who have interacted with them. This is so clear and realistic and practical.
Steve is the man. I appreciate this so much. Thats why I chose Mill City!
"Ultimately - THE BEST ROASTER IS YOU!" Thanx Steve, for the words of wisdom. It is so true. Excellent video! And hopefully I can order one of your roasters in the near future.
I'm thrilled somebody finally watched the entire thing! 😊
Thank you for everything you do. I look forward to using my 1kg roaster from you and the team. (Order 23) keep up the education and quality. 👍👍
Thanks for your input, it is still an opinon from a chinese brand whose competitive advantage was price. But you got a few points clear, there's market paranoia and some brands are cutting corners somewhere and pressing with bulls** arguments. I'm shure this chinese brand has only improved over the years. Again, thank you.
I may be oversensitive, but this comment feels like you're trolling, Holly. Usually, I'd just delete the comment as extraneous to the spirit of what we're trying to accomplish, but in this case I'll make an exception.
Mill City Roasters is no more a Chinese brand than Apple, Kitchen-Aid, or Levis.
We build professional quality, high performance production equipment with the best after sale support in the industry. You can buy a cheaper roaster, but you cannot purchase a better built or better performing machine at any price.
We build in China for economy, but our build quality is so high that most people do not notice. Neither do we enlist resellers or commissioned sales agents. We prefer to sell and support our machines directly as this allows us to price superior equipment within reach of start up and small businesses worldwide.
In so doing, we've become one world's largest manufacturers of commercial coffee roasters producing the only North American NRTL certified machines (UL/ETL/CSA) built in Asia.
Beyond that, we're highly transparent about everything we do and how we do it. We don't artificially inflate prices to dangle fake discounts. We offer professional business to business consultative services. We're not used car salesmen masquerading as "coffee guys." We do have a little fun with this once in a while, but our feeling is mostly gratitude that we get to work in coffee. It's a privilege to guide people that share our passion for quality to commercial success.
On a personal note, to those who would question my patriotism: I served in the US Marine Corps lugging loaded weapons around in unfriendly places, still stand to cover my heart when the flag passes an by, and and built machinery for industry in the US for 28 years. I also married into an extended Chinese immigrant family, have traveled and worked in China over 20+ years of my 35+ year total business career and I know about as much about China as a guy can know. I am as equally aware of problems in China as I am about problems in the US. They aren't the same, but I don't think any of those problems in either country are solved by finger wagging, finger pointing, or origin shaming. I think most of the problems both countries face are better solved with honesty, openness, empathy and the humility that comes with an appreciation of our shared humanity.
I'm not needy. It's not necessary that you believe my "pitch" or that my motives are relatively pure. I'm here for my people. My people are my family, my coworkers in the US and in China, and the folks that own our machines. I'd prefer that everyone might someday be my people, but I'm not losing any sleep over anyone that chooses not to be because of where we build our machines.
Whether you believe it or not, you have my very best wishes for your complete and total success.
Steve
PS. If this becomes "troll" bait, please know that I'll only be automatically deleting any comment I deem to be unhelpful or unprofitable to the conversation as a whole. Save your infurytainment for someone that cares.
What a hell of an informative video! Thank you Steve for the priceless information you share. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Steve, brilliant video! You are the Ron Swanson/ Nick Offerman of coffee. While I’m currently going the crazy route of building an 5kg wood fired roaster with data logging. When I need to add another roaster and purchase new. Mill city is who I will call!
Good luck with the build, Kevin.
Very inspirational! I am on the path to learning everything about roasting. Thank you for making this video
Hey Steve: I appreciate the common sense and honesty of your presentation. I went to your site and looked at your products, only to not find what I was looking for. That is, a good HOME roaster for a reasonable price, preferably under $300, but definitely under $500, that will do at least 1 lb of coffee. I don't care if it's not automated. All I want is a revolving drum and a heat source, a readable temperature, a vent to the outside, and a contraption can be cleaned reasonably easy. It shouldn't be difficult. The technology and parts are simple. So ... build one!
There's money to be made among the Baby Boomers, Yuppies, and Millenials with a device like that. Of the two main machines currently on the market, one can't be cleaned and only does 1/2 lb at a time, and one smokes up the house. Nothing fancy - I'll stand there and monitor the progress of the roast.
And get it on the market fast. Like before I croak. I'm getting up there. Thanks.
I feel your pain and I've long considered the same thing. If you can come up with a plan, call me. I'll probably fund it myself.
If you make that machine, I'll buy it!
PalJoey1957 A half pound at a time sounds perfect... I want one.
@PalJoey. Out of curiosity, which machines are you so far considering, or have you already bought one?
Love the shirt. Been using your 500g roaster for a couple of years. One of the best purchases I've made. Did I mention I like the shirt?
Very True! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Great perspective and well delivered. I think I can hear the wisdom of Ron Swanson coming through, that is if he were to talk about roasting...ha. Thank you!
Steve doesn't know who Ron Swanson is, but based on your comment, he assumes Ron to be a similarly handsome, well informed, devil-may-care, fine fellow and well met.
His assumption would be correct...
Definitely sounded like a more liberal Ron Swanson!
Thank you, Steve!
Great information straight forward, thank you!! When you mentioned Mpls, MN you had me sold. I hope to visit and will be checking out your website/classes and everything you have to offer since we are close neighbors. Signed, soon to be opening our coffeehouse in Watertown, SD
Great video my friend. Thanks!
You are amazing ! Thank you for this exceptional video ! May more to come !!!!
Wow. I totally agree with you . Hi from Jakarta. thanks for making this video.
Lmao how am I just now seeing this. This is great.
bloody good honest words of wisdom. Than you.
Great video! Thanks for the info!
The majority of the commercial machine i have seen are gas roasters. Even a 1 kg roaster. An electrical 2kg is ideal for me at the moment. Will it as good as a 2kg gas roaster?
No, but this is a "craft" thing. There is no requirement that you emerge into the industry full formed. If you don't yet have the ability to tell the difference in coffee quality it may not matter.
Appreciate these videos! Thank you.
A PLEASURE LISTENING TO YOU, I HAVE SUBSCRIBED, THANK YOU I WILL CONTINUE TO LISTEN
Wow. Great info Mr Steve.
This is GOLD
Love these videos. Keep it up.
Great job !
100% Agree!!
thx!
Good video.
I love you guys!
Dang. I want your job!
Are your roasters nsf approved?
We've recently successfully completed CSA and NSF testing.
Green for 2020
ВІдео актуальне і сьогодні. Дякую з України !
aweome...
word 👌🏻
As of today 36 people who watched this video don’t appreciate common sense explanations.
This guy is to intellectual for me. Get down to the meat of it.