Air-bed coffee roasters convert the heated air into a high-speed air stream that keeps the green coffee beans in the roasting chamber, dancing and rotating. At the beginning of the roasting process, a very strong air stream is needed because the beans lose their density as the roasting progresses. As the roasting process continues, the speed of the air is reduced. In most air-bed machines, roasting and cooling are done in the same chamber. Since it is necessary to cool the hot roasting chamber along with the beans when roasting is finished, more energy and time is required for cooling. Many roasters using this type of machine also purchase a cooling chamber

Advantages

The price is affordable, the system is reliable. It requires a small area. There is little risk of burning the core surface

Disadvantages

High velocity airflow distorts the flavor and reduces the burning effect. Since proper bean rotation is required for a good roast, the roaster must achieve a compromise between gas and airflow settings to achieve the desired flavors.