Soybean roaster

Types of Soybean Roaster

Soybean roasters are used to roast various types of oilseeds and nuts. Based on the technique of operation, the machines can be divided into two main types: the air flow soybean roaster and the rotary drum soybean roaster.

• Air flow soybean roaster:

An air flow soybean roaster is an automatic machine that uses hot air to roast different types of seeds. The unit has a blower that pumps hot air into the roasting chamber. The hot air circulating around the soybeans enables uniform roasting without burning them. The air flow roaster may be electric or gas-powered. Electric models are ideal for small-scale roasting because they consume less electricity. Gas-powered models heat up faster and are suitable for high-volume operations.

• Rotary drum soybean roaster:

The rotary drum soybean roaster has a cylindrical drum that rotates horizontally. It uses heat generated by a burner to roast food products uniformly. The rolling motion prevents the soybeans from sticking to the walls. The rotating drum also keeps the food item moving around so that no side gets overcooked. The rotary drum is suitable for high-capacity roasting operations. It is mostly used in large commercial spaces.

Both types of roasters can be used to roast soybeans for making soy milk, soy flour, extract, snack, and textured vegetable protein.

Specification and maintenance of a soybean roaster

Specifications

• Batch capacity: The quantity of raw materials that the soybean roasting machine can handle in one round is commonly expressed in kilograms. It can vary from small models, such as 5 kilograms per round, to larger models with a capacity of several hundred kilograms in a single batch.

• Power: The power of a soybean roasting machine is typically expressed in watts or kilowatts (KW), indicating the energy consumption of the machine. The power determines the heating power and feeding speed of the roasting machine.

• Voltage: The voltage of a soybean roasting machine is usually expressed in volts (V), which refers to the operating voltage of the machine. It is usually equivalent to the voltage of household electricity, such as 220V or 110V, to ensure the normal operation of the machine.

• Heating method: Electric heating means using electricity as the energy source to heat the roaster. Gas heating means that gas, such as natural gas or liquefied gas, is used as the energy source for heating the roasting machine. Charcoal heating uses charcoal as the heating source of the roasting machine, and propane heating uses propane as the power source of the roasting machine.

• Material: The material of a soybean roasting machine is often made of stainless steel, Carbon steel, Brass, Aluminum, etc. This is because stainless steel possesses features such as corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, and easy cleaning, which can ensure the durability and hygiene of the roasting process.

• Dimensions: The dimensions of a soybean roaster include length, width, and height, easy to understand as the space the roasting machine occupies. The size of the roasting machine may vary depending on the model and specification, ranging from small desktop models to large standalone units.

• Weight: The weight of the soybean roasting machine is usually expressed in kilograms (kg), which shows the weight of the roasted soybeans. The weight of the roasting machine may vary with different models and specifications, which helps people understand the movement and stability of the machine.

• Applications: The application of the soybean roasting machine includes the type of raw materials it can handle and the cooking process it can perform. For example, soybean roasting machines can not only roast soybeans but also roast various beans, oil seeds, nuts, etc.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential to ensure the quality and hygiene of roasted products. After each roasting, the residual soybean fragments and dirt in the machine should be cleaned promptly to prevent the build-up of dirt.
• Lubrication: Lubricate the moving parts of the machine regularly, such as bearings and shafts, to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear and tear. Choose the right lubricant and apply it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Replacement of wearing parts: During use, frequently check the condition of the wearing parts, such as belts, bearings, etc. If they are found to be worn or damaged, they should be replaced promptly to avoid affecting the performance and service life of the machine.
• Adjust the function of the roasting machine: The roasting machine usually has an adjustment function, such as temperature and time control. Adjust the roasting machine according to different types of soybeans to ensure that they are roasted perfectly.
• Regular maintenance: In addition to usual cleaning and upkeep, it is also necessary to perform regular maintenance on the roasting machine, such as electrical system maintenance, parts tightening, etc., to ensure its steady and long-lasting operation. Please refer to the user's manual for the regular maintenance schedule and suggestions.

Usage scenarios of soybean roasters

Roasting soybeans using a commercial soybean roasting machine is primarily done to prepare soybeans for various food applications. However, numerous food processing industries utilize roasting machines for more than just roasting soybeans.

The following are some food processing companies and industries where these roasting machines can be used:

• Edible soybean industries

  Industries that process soybeans for their milk and cheese products mainly use soybean roasting machines for deodorization. The unroasted soymilk can have a raw bean taste that most consumers will find unpleasant. Therefore, roasting the beans can aid in eliminating this taste and developing a more desirable flavor.

• Savory Snack Companies

  Producers of savory snacks like soybean chips will use soybean roasters to infuse different flavors in the roasted soybeans. These flavors can be spicy, cheesy, or even barbeque. The flavored roasted soybeans are then used as an ingredient in the soybean chip snacks or sold as snacks themselves.

• Soynut Industries

  As previously mentioned, soynuts are an alternative to peanuts. When it comes to the industries that produce them, they usually use a roasting machine to roast the soynuts. After the soynuts have been roasted, they can be seasoned with different flavors, such as sweet or savory. In some cases, they can be coated with candy and then repackaged and sold to retailers or direct consumers.

• Pet Food Manufacturers

  Pet food manufacturers utilize soybean roasting machines in the same way as the livestock feeding companies. They roast the soybeans to process the protein that will be included in the pet food. Depending on the specific pet being catered to, the roasted soybeans can be combined with various ingredients.

• Protein Powder and Soy Flour Producers

  Producers of protein powder and soy flour also use soybean roasting machines for exact roasting. The exact roasting helps in the production of soy flour and isolates. More often than not, the soy flour and isolates produced will be used when manufacturing baked products, protein-rich products, and meat substitutes.

• Fermentation Product Companies

  Fermentation product companies use roasting machines to roast soybeans that will be used to produce fermented products, such as soy sauce and tempeh. After the fermentation is complete, the end products will contain roasted soybean flavors in them.

Generally, roasting machines have a wide range of applications in several food processing industries. This is particularly the case for machines that roast soybeans only for flavor development. Such machines are mostly fitted with different flavoring injectors, and as a result, they can be used to test roast beans with various flavors. This is commonly done to gather information before commercial-scale roasting takes place with larger machines.

How to choose soybean roasters

Wholesale buyers will want to consider several factors when selecting commercial soybean roasters.

• Production capacity

  They should first decide on the amount of soybeans they intend to roast on a daily or weekly basis. The dimensions and processing abilities of the roaster chosen will impact whether it is suitable for use in a retail, sizable industrial, or small-scale application setting.

• Source of heat

  Both electric and gas soybean roasters have their own disadvantages and suitability for different commercial applications. Gas roasters tend to heat up faster than electric ones. They are a suitable choice for areas where electric power is expensive or not reliably available. Electric roasters are well-suited for indoor facilities where the air quality needs to be kept at a certain level because electric roasters do not produce gas emissions.

• Roast quality and flavor

  Different machines roast soybeans at varying degrees. Buyers can choose the roaster based on the distinct flavor and quality of roasted soybeans they require for their end customers. Some machines have advanced features like precise temperature control, drum rotation speed regulation, and uniform heat distribution to ensure consistent roast quality.

• Ease of use and automation

  Consider whether to choose a manual, semi-automated, or fully automated roasting machine. Fully automated machines with simple push-button controls and automatic feed are convenient and suitable for large-scale production. However, they usually come at a higher price. Lower-cost machines that call for manual oversight and consistent input are more feasible for small to medium-sized production industries.

• Cleaning and maintenance

  Because they’re going to be using the machine on a frequent basis, wholesale buyers will want to choose a machine that has a roast chamber and easy-to-clean parts. They should also check if the machine comes with and spare parts and tools required for cleaning and maintaining it.

• Compliance and safety

  Because this roaster is going to be used in a commercial setting and during large-scale production, it’s important to ensure the safety of employees using it and the machine’s compliance with environmental regulations. The roaster must possess the necessary certifications demonstrating its safety and compliance with applicable regulations, thereby minimizing risk and ensuring lawful operation.

Q&A

Q1: How does a soybean roaster work?

A1: The working process of a soybean roaster may vary depending on the type and model. Generally, it starts by adding raw soybeans to the roaster. Then the heat source heats the barrels or chambers of the roaster. The heated chambers or barrels can evenly cook the soybeans. Some roasters also have stirring devices that further circulate the soybeans so that they can be roasted evenly. When the soybeans are cooked, the roasted soybeans will be discharged from the outlet.

Q2: What are the benefits of soybean roasting machines?

A2: Soybean roasters can help unlock the nutrients of soybeans and improve their digestibility. More importantly, roasting soybeans can also remove anti-nutritional factors, such as trypsin inhibitors, hemagglutinins, etc. Another benefit of using soybean roasting machines is that they can enhance the flavors of soybeans and produce various delicious soybean snacks.

Q3: Who are the typical users of soybean roasting machines?

A3: Soybean roasting machines are commonly used in the food processing industry. The machines are used in factories or workshops that produce soybean products, such as soybean snacks, soybean powder, and soymilk. Besides, businesses such as soybean snack stands, bars, and restaurants also use soybean roasting machines to make roasted soybeans as side delicacies for their customers.

Q4: Are soybean roasters energy-efficient?

A4: Many modern roasting machines are designed to be energy-efficient. They often have temperature control systems that can adjust the heat according to the roasting needs. This helps avoid energy waste. Some roasters also use rapid heating technologies to shorten the roasting time, thus reducing energy consumption.