Best 1kg Coffee Roasters for Small Businesses (Under £7,500)

If you're researching the best coffee roaster machine for small business, or looking for the best roasters to start a roasting business, this guide compares small batch commercial coffee roasters in the UK with a minimum 1kg batch size and a machine cost under £7,500. If you need a smaller machine or something more cost effective, read our guide on choosing the Best Home Coffee Roasters.

These machines give you realistic output for starting a small coffee roasting business. With an organised workflow you can roast 50kg of coffee per week in under 20 hours of roasting time, which leaves room for sales, marketing, admin and everything else. We cover Aillio Bullet R2 and R2 Pro, Kaleido M10, Besca BSC-01, Toper Cafemino 1kg, Cormorant CR600 and Bideli 2kg.

For the full business setup, costing, and step-by-step plan, read our guide: How to Start a Coffee Roasting Business.

What Counts as a Small Batch Commercial Coffee Roaster?

A small batch commercial coffee roaster is a machine designed for selling coffee, not just personal use. If you're searching for the best coffee roaster machine commercial enough for paid customers, this is the category you want.

The key difference isn't just batch size. It's consistency, repeatability, and the ability to produce coffee at a scale that supports customers, which is exactly what you need when choosing the best coffee roaster machine for small business use.

In practical terms, most people mean a 1kg coffee roaster for business, with enough thermal stability and cooling speed to roast back-to-back.

That size allows you to:

• Roast multiple kilos per hour

• Maintain consistent roast profiles

• Supply cafes, subscriptions, or small wholesale accounts

• Produce enough volume to justify packaging and branding

Compare batch size, realistic output per hour, heating type, and installation requirements (power, ventilation, and space).

Machines below 500g are usually home coffee roasters, even if they offer advanced control. They’re excellent for learning and experimentation, but they’re not designed for sustained commercial output. If you're comparing the best home coffee roasters, read our home roaster guide (add link).

Small Batch Commercial Coffee Roaster Summary Table (Best Roasters to Start a Roasting Business)

A quick comparison of the best coffee roaster machine for small business startups. Use this to shortlist the best roasters to start a roasting business, then use the full table below to dig into the details.

What Size Coffee Roaster Do You Need When Starting a Small Coffee Roasting Business?

When starting a small coffee roasting business, choosing the right size coffee roaster is less about ambition and more about time management.

The biggest mistake startup roasters make is underestimating how many hours they’ll spend roasting. If your machine is too small for your demand, you quickly end up roasting every day just to keep up, even if you’ve bought a great roaster on paper.

In a survey we carried out across 148 startup roasters, the clear consensus was this: aim to roast no more than three days per week. That gives you time to focus on the other areas that actually grow a business, sales, marketing, admin, sourcing, customer support and brand building.

Working Backwards From Your Time

If you limit roasting to three days per week and assume an 8-hour roasting day, that gives you 24 roasting hours per week.

Using a conservative estimate of 3kg per hour output, that’s:

3kg per hour × 8 hours × 3 days
= 72kg per week

That is enough capacity to:

• Supply a small café

• Launch an online brand

• Support early wholesale accounts

• Validate product-market fit

Some of the machines in this category can exceed 3kg per hour depending on roast style and workflow. Lighter roasts, shorter development times and efficient cooling cycles can increase throughput. Darker, slower roasts reduce it. These figures should be treated as practical guidance, not guaranteed output.

The key point is this: your roaster should support your growth without forcing you to roast seven days a week.

Why 1kg Machines Are Often the Sweet Spot

For most people searching for the best coffee roaster machine for small business, a 1kg roaster strikes the right balance between:

• Manageable installation

• Commercial viability

• Controlled risk

• Scalability

Every model we’ve selected in this guide is capable of back-to-back roasting. That means you’re not limited to proof of concept - you can scale meaningfully before needing to upgrade.

There are many examples of successful roasters who started on 1kg machines and built solid local businesses before moving to larger equipment. What matters is choosing a machine that gives you enough capacity to grow to that next stage, not just test an idea.

Space Matters More Than You Think

Roaster size isn’t just about output - it’s about footprint.

You’ll need to consider:

• Physical dimensions

• Ventilation requirements

• Access for installation

• Power supply or gas connection

• Clearance for heat management

If space is limited, output-to-footprint becomes critical.

The Aillio Bullet R2 Pro is arguably the strongest performer in this category. With a 1.2kg capacity and compact form factor, it delivers serious weekly output while still fitting comfortably in a garage, corner workspace or small production unit with proper ventilation.

That makes it particularly attractive for startups operating from industrial estates, shared units or upgraded home setups.

If you’re unsure about installation requirements, read our guide on small batch roaster extraction.

Is a 1kg Coffee Roaster Enough to Start a Coffee Business?

For most startups, a 1kg coffee roaster is exactly the right place to begin, especially if you’re trying to find the best roasters to start a roasting business without overcommitting on space and infrastructure.

Your first machine doesn’t need to last forever. It needs to get you to the point where you understand your customers, have consistent weekly demand, and can justify upgrading with confidence.

If you roast three days per week, a 1kg machine can realistically produce around 60-80kg. That’s enough to supply a small café, launch an online brand, or build early wholesale relationships - without spending every working day roasting.

That balance matters. In the early stages, you need time for sales, marketing and admin. If your roaster is too small and forces you to roast five or six days a week just to keep up, growth becomes difficult.

All of the 1kg machines listed here allow back-to-back roasting and give you enough headroom to move beyond proof of concept. The goal isn’t to future-proof for ten years. It’s to choose a setup that lets you validate your business model properly.

Compact electric models such as the Aillio Bullet R2 Pro are particularly attractive at this stage. They deliver strong output while remaining manageable in smaller spaces, which makes them easier to install and scale from.

Once demand consistently exceeds 90-100kg per week, that’s usually when it makes commercial sense to move up in size.

If you’d like a deeper breakdown, read our full guide: How to Start a Coffee Roasting Business.

Small Batch Commercial Coffee Roaster - Full Comparison Table (Best Coffee Roaster Machine Commercial Options)

This full comparison table breaks down the features people usually care about when buying a small batch commercial coffee roaster for a cafe or small roasting business, including capacity, power, controls, software compatibility, and typical setup requirements.

How Much Coffee Can a 1kg Roaster Produce Per Hour?

This is one of the most common questions when choosing the best coffee roaster machine for small business. Use the simple planning formula below to estimate output per hour for a 1kg coffee roaster for business, then scale it to 20, 30 or 40 hours of roasting per week.

The variables that actually change your output

• Batch size you can roast well (not the marketing number). A lot of roasters run best at less than max capacity, so plan around 80% to stay consistent.

• Roast pace. Faster roasts can increase throughput, slower roasts reduce it. In production planning, roast time is the number that matters.

• Changeover time between batches. Dumping, logging, reloading, and letting the roaster recover. Being organised makes a big difference here.

• Roast yield (green to roasted weight loss). Most specialty roasts lose roughly 11%-16%, with darker roasts often higher.

The formula we’ve used

• Batch (green kg) = 0.8 × max capacity

• Roasted yield = 85% (15% loss)

• Batches per hour = 60 ÷ (roast time + changeover time)

• Roasted kg/hour = batch(green) × 0.85 × batches per hour

• Total output = roasted kg/hour × (20 / 30 / 40 hours)
  
  

Assumptions used in the tables (so it’s apples-to-apples)

• 80% batch size for every machine 

• 15% roast loss (85% yield)

• 2 minutes changeover time between batches (reasonable if you’re organised and pre-weighing)

• Roast pace assumption: we use a simple baseline of a 10 minute roast plus 2 minutes of changeover time, which is a reasonable planning pace for many small operations.

Standard pace (10 min roast + 2 min changeover)

Can You Start a Coffee Roasting Business From Home in the UK?

Yes, you can, and plenty of people do. If you’re asking can you roast coffee at home in the UK, the practical answer is yes, as long as your power and ventilation are safe, you’re registered as a food business before you sell coffee, and your insurance covers it.

1) Power supply is the first real constraint (electric vs gas)

Electric roasters are the simplest home setup because you are only solving for electricity + ventilation. For most people starting a small coffee roasting business, that’s the quickest route to getting up and running with fewer variables to manage.

Gas roasters can work at home, but they add extra moving parts to your setup:

• Gas supply (bottled LPG storage or mains connection)

• Flame safety

• Combustion by-products

• More “building-like” ventilation expectations (you are not just extracting roast smoke, you are also dealing with combustion)

That’s why, for most start-ups, I’d keep it simple and avoid gas at home unless you already know you want that route.

2) Ventilation and smoke matters more than most people expect

Even the “cleaner” small machines still produce smoke and particulates. Aillio explicitly calls out that roasting produces smoke/particulates and that proper ventilation is essential.

Practical home rules of thumb:

• Vent to outside wherever possible (a window “nearby” is rarely enough if you’re roasting regularly).

• Keep ducting sensible: Aillio recommend 75mm (3 inch) or larger, and note long runs may need an inline fan.

• Avoid overly “sealed” venting that fights the roaster’s internal airflow

If you’re choosing the best coffee roaster machine for small business use at home, ventilation is usually the deciding factor, not the roaster.

3) UK legal basics (quick but important)

If you’re roasting to sell (even online), you’re treated as a food business. The Food Standards Agency guidance is very clear that you should register with your local authority at least 28 days before you start.

FSA also flag you should:

• make sure you have the right permissions in place if operating from home (landlord, mortgage provider, lease terms, local constraints)

• set up food safety procedures, manage waste, and follow allergen/labelling rules

4) Build quality and downtime (it will happen)

Every roaster has moving parts and sustained heat. Things wear out, go out of alignment, sensors drift, fans clog, bearings eventually need attention.

Aillio (R2 / R2 Pro)

Includes a 2-year warranty.

They document routine upkeep and troubleshooting, including checking bearings, alignment, fan maintenance, replacing wear components, and maintaining internal electronics such as the control board battery and SD card where applicable.

They also clearly state that the unit should not be disassembled beyond user-serviceable components and that only authorised personnel should repair malfunctions, including warnings around non-replaceable fuses in the induction module.

That said, Aillio has one of the largest user bases in this category. Most common issues are already well documented in forums and community groups. Replacement parts are relatively affordable and widely available, and a large proportion of routine maintenance can be handled by the owner without specialist tools.

This significantly reduces downtime for home-based roasting businesses. The combination of strong documentation, accessible spare parts, and a large user community makes problem-solving far more straightforward compared to lesser-known brands.

Toper

Toper has a strong reputation for build quality and durability in commercial environments. They are mechanically robust and widely used globally.

However, depending on the model and location, some repairs may require a specialist technician, particularly where gas systems or burner calibration are involved. For a home-based startup, this can mean longer downtime if local support is limited.

Kaleido M10

The Kaleido M10 is another viable option for those looking to start their roasting venture at home, particularly from a pricing perspective.

However, there is mixed feedback from users around long-term reliability and usability. Some users report that the interface is less intuitive than competitors such as the Aillio Bullet. There are also comments about the slightly unconventional design of the bean tray and chaff collection system, which some find less practical in daily use.

This does not mean the machine is unsuitable, but it may require a little more patience and troubleshooting compared to more established ecosystems.

5) A few home realities people miss

• Neighbours: smoke/odour complaints can end a home setup fast, even if everything else is fine.

• Fire safety: coffee roasting has a real fire risk (All manufacturers explicitly warn beans can catch fire and you should not leave it unattended).

• Insurance: check home insurance and product/public liability before you sell anything (FSA also highlights insurance as part of home setups).

• Storage + workflow: green storage, packaging, labelling, and dispatch space usually grows faster than you expect

Here’s the practical view per machine.

UK power and plug planning (at a glance)

Simple rule: if it’s over ~3kW (like the Bideli electric), assume you need a dedicated installed supply. If it’s gas-fired, assume ventilation and compliance are your real workload, not the wattage.

Electric vs Gas Coffee Roaster: Which Is Better for a Startup?

For most people starting a small coffee roasting business, electric roasters are simpler to install and easier to manage in smaller spaces. They’re a common choice for the best coffee roaster machine for small business setups because they usually avoid gas infrastructure and reduce setup complexity.

Gas roasters offer a more traditional roasting experience and are often preferred in larger commercial environments. However, they usually require a dedicated gas supply, more involved ventilation planning, and a higher-commitment install.

Neither is automatically better - it depends on your space, compliance needs, and long-term plans. For many early-stage businesses, electric machines provide a more flexible starting point.

If you want a deeper breakdown, read our guide: Electric vs Gas Coffee Roaster for Startups (add link).

What Is the Best Coffee Roaster for a Startup Business?

If you are starting a roasting business from scratch and you want the best coffee roaster machine for small business use, the most recommended option in this category is the Aillio Bullet R2 Pro.

Why the Aillio R2 Pro?

It hits the right balance across the areas that matter most for a startup:

• Larger usable capacity than standard 1kg machines (up to 1.2kg)

• Lower overall cost than many comparable commercial roasters

• Strong build quality and established track record

• Electric operation, which keeps setup simple

• Flexible installation - can run in a garage, workshop, light industrial unit, or well-prepared home setup
  
  

For a startup, flexibility matters more than most people realise. You may begin roasting at home, move into a small unit, then scale again. The R2 Pro adapts to those phases without forcing a major infrastructure upgrade.

Resale Value (Often Overlooked)

One of the strongest commercial arguments for the Aillio R2 Pro is its resale market.

The Aillio Bullet series has:

• - A large global user base

• - Strong brand recognition

• - High demand in the used market

In practice, resale values are typically around 70% of original purchase price, meaning depreciation is often closer to 30%.

That is significantly better than many competing machines in this bracket.

From a business standpoint, this lowers your downside risk.

If you scale quickly and outgrow it, you can usually sell and upgrade with minimal capital loss compared to less established brands.

Why Not Besca or Toper?

These are not “wrong” choices.

They are solid, traditional gas drum roasters with strong reputations.

However, compared to the R2 Pro:

• Setup is more involved (gas supply, ventilation, compliance)

• Installation is less flexible

• Moving locations is more complicated

• Specialist servicing may be required

• Initial commitment is higher

If output quality is comparable and capacity is similar, but one option carries significantly less setup complexity and financial risk, then from a startup perspective the lower-risk option usually makes more sense.

For most early-stage roasting businesses, that tends to be the R2 Pro.

What About the Kaleido M10?

On a tighter budget, the Kaleido M10 is worth exploring.

It offers:

• Competitive pricing

• 1.2kg class capacity

• Electric simplicity

• Artisan compatibility

However, when directly compared with the R2, most operators consider the additional investment in the R2 worthwhile for:

• More stable batch handling

• Stronger build consistency

• More mature ecosystem and documentation

• Higher resale value

• More predictable long-term reliability

Particularly when compared to Kaleido, the R2 Pro is generally viewed as the more robust long-term business asset.

How Much Ventilation Is Required for a Small Coffee Roaster?

All small commercial coffee roasters require proper ventilation. Roasting produces smoke, heat and chaff, and these need to be safely extracted outside the building. If you're planning a small setup around the best coffee roaster machine commercial options in this guide, treat ventilation as part of the purchase, not an afterthought.

For most 1kg machines, that means:

• A dedicated flue or chimney vented externally

• An extraction fan rated appropriately for the machine

• Adequate airflow in the roasting space

Electric roasters may be slightly easier to manage, but they still require proper external venting. Gas machines typically demand higher airflow and more structured installation.

The exact requirements depend on the model and your workspace, so it’s important to plan ventilation before purchasing a roaster.

For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on small batch roaster ventilation (add link).

Can You Roast for a Cafe Using a 1kg Machine?

Yes, you can roast for a cafe using a 1kg machine. Many small cafes start this way when they’re starting a small coffee roasting business alongside a retail counter. The key is understanding the time commitment and making sure your setup is safe and compliant.

If you are searching for the best coffee roaster machine for a cafe, a 1kg-class machine like the Aillio Bullet can be a practical starting point, particularly for lower-volume sites.

How much coffee can a 1kg roaster realistically supply?

A 1kg roaster will typically produce around 3 to 4kg of roasted coffee per hour once you factor in roast time, cooling, and changeover between batches.

What that means in real terms:

• Selling 10 to 15kg per week - easily manageable with one focused roast session.

• Selling 20 to 25kg per week - requires consistent weekly production time.

• Selling 30kg+ per week - becomes labour heavy and may start to limit growth.

It is viable, but it is not passive. You are adding a production process into your week.

Ventilation and safety must come first

If you are roasting inside a café environment, ventilation is critical.

You need to ensure:

• Proper ducting and smoke extraction

• Clear fire safety procedures

• Adequate insurance cover

• Compliance with local environmental and food safety regulations

Even electric roasters produce smoke and particulates. A safe, well-managed installation protects your staff, customers, and reputation.

For many cafés, electric machines are simpler to install than gas, as they avoid combustion-related compliance and fuel storage considerations.

Is it financially worth it?

Roasting your own green coffee can significantly improve margin compared to buying roasted wholesale coffee. However, the true savings depend on:

• Your green coffee cost

• Your labour time

• Equipment depreciation

• Packaging and storage

• Waste and roast loss

If you want a full breakdown of the real numbers behind roasting your own coffee for a café, we’ve covered that in a separate article explaining the true cost savings and margin impact.

The bottom line

Yes, you can roast for a café using a 1kg coffee roaster.

It works well for lower to moderate weekly volume, especially in early-stage businesses. As volume grows, you may eventually outgrow the capacity.

If you value freshness, control over flavour, and long-term margin improvement, starting with a 1kg machine can be a smart and scalable entry point. It’s also why many people choose a 1kg machine as the best coffee roaster machine for a cafe when they’re just getting started.

What Are the Running Costs of a 1kg Coffee Roaster?

At 1kg scale, running costs are much lower than most people assume. When comparing the best coffee roaster machine for small business, the day-to-day cost difference is usually power.

The main ongoing cost difference between machines is power. Labour, green coffee, packaging, and depreciation have a much bigger financial impact long term. If you want a full breakdown from a business perspective, read our guide on How to Start a Coffee Roasting Business.

Electricity

Using a machine like the Aillio Bullet R2 Pro:

• Average draw while roasting: ~1.6-2.0kW

• UK electricity: ~£0.28 per kWh

That works out at roughly:

• ~£0.50 per hour

• ~£0.12-£0.18 per kg roasted (assuming 3-4kg/hour output)

Gas 

Using a 1kg gas machine such as the Besca BSC-01:

• Typical LPG use: ~0.1-0.2kg per hour

• LPG cost: ~£2-£3 per kg

That works out at:

• ~£0.30-£0.50 per hour

• ~£0.10-£0.15 per kg roasted

Home Coffee Roaster vs Small Commercial Coffee Roaster: What’s the Difference?

The difference isn’t just batch size. It’s what the machine is built to handle.

A home roaster is designed for occasional use. Smaller batches. Short sessions. Personal consumption. Even higher-end home machines aren’t built for sustained, back-to-back roasting several hours at a time.

A small commercial roaster is built for repetition and reliability. It’s designed to run multiple batches in a row, recover heat quickly, cool efficiently, and maintain consistency when you’re roasting 20kg or more per week.

For example, a machine like the Aillio Bullet R2 Pro sits in that crossover space. It’s compact enough for a garage or small unit, but engineered for repeated commercial use rather than occasional hobby roasting.

The key differences usually come down to:

• Duty cycle - Commercial machines are built to run for hours, not just for a few experimental batches.

• Cooling and recovery - Faster turnaround between roasts means higher realistic output.

• Build quality - Heavier components, stronger motors, replaceable wear parts.

• Consistency tools - Better probe integration and software compatibility for repeatable results.

• Resale and support - Established commercial machines tend to hold value better.

If you’re roasting 5kg a month for yourself, a home roaster is perfect.

If you’re roasting 20-40kg per week for paying customers, a small commercial roaster makes life significantly easier.

If you’re specifically looking at hobby-level machines, we’ve written a separate guide on the best home coffee roasters (add link).