A properly designed and installed venting system is necessary to conduct flue gases produced by the combustion of fuels in appliances and the byproducts of coffee roasting to the outdoors. Understanding how to properly vent the Sonofresco coffee roaster will ensure safe and proper operation of your coffee roaster.
In addition to ventilation options offered by Sonofresco, custom installations are acceptable when proper codes are followed.
Open Air Roasting
The simplest means for venting is to roast outside of the building. Many new roasters will start roasting outside on a deck, driveway, or at a farmers market, all of which are acceptable locations and offer flexibility.
Consider these points when using the roaster outdoors:
- Ensure that the roaster is level:
- A level roaster allows for even mixing of the coffee beans in the roast chamber
- Place a short section of vent pipe on the exhaust outlet:
- A 6”-12” length of vent pipe reduces the environmental influences on the temperature sensor.
- Protect the roaster from weather.
- Overall, the roaster should be shielded from rain and wind.
Direct Venting
A typical indoor installation requires the roaster to be vented to the outside to remove the byproducts of combustion and roasting. The standard vent kit will includes the vent pipe, wall thimble and termination cap to vent a roaster’s exhaust directly through a nearby wall. This option is perfect for short venting runs and is easily maintained.
Consider these points when using the direct vent option:
- Best for short venting runs with no more than two 90° bends and less than 25’ total pipe length (longer runs are possible, please contact Sonofresco for more information).
- Direct vents requiring long runs of pipe can cause undue back pressure on the roaster and can affect the quality of the roasting process.
Powered Vent Hood
A powered vent hood offers a longer run of ventilation pipe without increasing the amount of back pressure on the machine. This venting option eliminates back pressure caused by long runs of vent pipe by breaking the direct connection to the roaster and adds a powered extraction fan allowing for greater venting distance.
Sonofresco offers a power ventilation hood featuring a power ventilation fan, a halogen light for greater visibility during the roasting process, and in matching powder coat or stainless steel finish.
Consider these points when using the power vent option:
- Increases ventilation distance.
- Reduces back pressure on the roaster.
- Adds area lighting focused on the roaster operation.
- Adds “theater” by increasing the overall look in a retail environment.
- Increases the flexibility of installation locations.
Custom Venting Options
Custom venting options such as an existing or custom fabricated ventilation hood are acceptable if properly designed and implemented. Working with a qualified contractor to design, fabricate, and install a solution for a particular application allows for a great opportunity to tie the roaster into a theme or solve a site specific installation issue not afforded with the previous options.
Consider these points when using a custom vent option:
- Solves site specific installation requirements.
- Take advantage of existing ventilation equipment.
- Customize to fit your retail theme.
- Typically higher installation costs.
- Design for at a capacity of 150 CFM per roaster.
No matter what option you choose when considering in-house coffee roasting, venting requirements depend on your specific needs at your site and are important for the safety and operation of your coffee roaster. As always, following national and local codes are essential in the installation process. Planning ahead will ease the process and get you up and running in a timely manner.
For further information or to peruse our premium coffee roasters or venting kits please visit www.Sonofresco.com or contact us at (866) 271-7666.
