What is the typical lifespan of a vintage coffee roaster?

With proper maintenance and refurbishment, vintage coffee roasters, especially those built with robust materials, can have an exceptionally long operational life, often spanning many decades.

Are spare parts readily available for older Whitmee roasters?

Original spare parts can be challenging to source for vintage machinery. However, many mechanical components can often be fabricated or adapted by specialist engineers.

What kind of installation requirements does a roaster like this have?

Installation typically requires a suitable gas supply, an electrical connection for motors, and importantly, a robust exhaust system for smoke and chaff, adhering to local regulations.

Can this type of roaster be modernised?

Yes, vintage roasters can often be refurbished and upgraded with modern controls, safety features, and even data logging capabilities, while retaining their original character.

What maintenance is typically required for a used coffee roaster?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning of the roasting drum and cooling tray, inspection of burners and gas lines, lubrication of moving parts, and checking electrical connections. Professional servicing is recommended periodically.

used Equipment

Available

Verified seller

Whitmee 28lb

Name: Whitmee 28lb
SKU: 1824
Availability: InStock

Price: Contact seller for price

Manufacturer: Whitmee
Model: 28lb
Category: Coffee Roasters
Year: 1936
Status: For Sale
Machine Notes:

Vintage 1936 Whitmee 28lb Coffee Roaster for sale
Excellent example of a vintage Whitmee roaster in very good condition.
This was purchased in 1946by H R Higgins and installed at their roastery in South Molton Street where it remained in production until 1986 serving many tons of coffee to customers in Mayfair, London.
It was then moved and placed in dry storage at their roastery in Waltham Abbey and later moved to another roastery in Whitby last year.

The roaster comes complete with everything on the pallet as shown in the photos.
It has no belts or chains, but does come with the original burner and gas train and also a lever for turning the cooling tray arms on and off.
It could be brought back into production quite easily, but it no longer comes with the cyclone or destoner.
It would make an ideal show piece for a roastery or coffee shop or put back into production.
Location: UK
Excellent value vintage roaster and very rare to find one in such great original condition.

Please contact us for further details and price.

Essex, United Kingdom

5,774 km away

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Whitmee Model: 28lb Category: Coffee Roasters Year: 1936 Status: For Sale Machine Notes: Machine Notes Vintage 1936 Whitmee 28lb Coffee Roaster for sale: Vintage 1936 Whitmee 28lb Coffee Roaster for sale Please contact us for further details and price.: Please contact us for further details and price.

Stock Number

1824

Machinery Masters View

Typical context for this category of equipment. Always confirm specifics with the seller.

Applications & Use Cases

Small-batch coffee roasting for independent coffee shops and artisanal producers.
Speciality coffee production requiring precise control over roast profiles.
Roasting for direct-to-consumer sales or local distribution.
Educational settings for barista training and coffee science.
Showpiece installations in cafes or roasteries due to its vintage appeal.

Typical Specifications

Typical batch capacity: For this class of equipment, a 28lb (approximately 12.7 kg) capacity is common, suitable for small to medium production runs.
Heating method: Units of this vintage typically utilise gas burners for direct or indirect heat application.
Cooling method: Most units feature an integrated cooling tray with agitator arms to rapidly cool roasted beans.
Power supply: Older models commonly require a single-phase electrical supply for motors, alongside a gas connection for heating.
Construction material: Typically constructed from cast iron and steel for durability and heat retention.
Footprint: While specific dimensions vary, roasters of this capacity generally require a dedicated space of approximately 1.5m x 1.5m, plus clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper maintenance and refurbishment, vintage coffee roasters, especially those built with robust materials, can have an exceptionally long operational life, often spanning many decades.

Machinery Masters Intelligence. General guidance for this category of equipment only, not a substitute for the seller's exact specifications. Always confirm details with the seller.