Even though we can’t recommend it, it is possible to adjust the Popper’s thermal switch position and reach higher roasting temperatures.
The Popper roaster has a thermal cutoff switch to prevent the machine from hitting high temperatures too fast. This is an important safety feature (required for UL certification).
It also might tell you that your heat ramp is too fast, and you should slow down your initial roast temperatures, and turn down the heat a bit when the coffee is in first crackFirst crack in one of two distinct heat-induced pyrolytic reactions in coffee. It is distinguished by a cracking or popping sound in the coffee, and occurs between 390.... That’s generally best for the roast quality!
But if you find the thermal cutoff switch is getting in the way of the roast profileRoast Profile refers to the relationship between time and temperature in coffee roasting, with the endpoint being the "degree of roast". Roast profiling is the active manipulation of... you want, don’t disable it. It is possible to get to higher roast temperatures with a simple adjustment: Loosen one screw and slide it up the roast chamber a bit! Easy peasy. But a warning, opening up the popper and messing with things means no warranty, so proceed with care if this is something you choose to pursue.
2 Responses
One of the little white insulation caps on the one of the connectors that plug into the thermal switch has self-destructed. Does SM offer replacements, or what can I use as a substitute? TIA.
The silicone covers tend to fall apart in time. They aren’t really needed at all though. The connector and wire can be exposed to some heat. Not totally sure why the engineers added them. We usually just remove them and the machine works fine without them.