Taiwan-based manufacturer Professional Roasting Coffee Equipment (P.R.C.E.) has introduced a new countertop electric drum roaster, the Orbiter OB-1 Pro. The machine is designed for small-batch production, with a capacity ranging from 300 to 1,200 grams. Following an initial launch in China and Australia, the roaster has recently become available in other Asian markets.
The OB-1 Pro operates on what the company describes as a semi-hot-air system, utilizing both electric drum conduction and hot-air convection. It is equipped with 3,300-watt curved electric heating elements. According to the manufacturer, this system can bring a 1-kilogram batch of coffee to first crack in approximately seven to eight minutes. The standard drum is made of 2-millimeter-thick 304 stainless steel, with a carbon steel drum offered as an alternative for different thermal properties.
The unit includes several automation and control features, such as programmable hopper charging and adjustable settings for drum speed, heat, and airflow. It is compatible with Artisan roasting software and has a proprietary mobile app for profile management and real-time temperature monitoring. Physical features include a soda-lime glass viewing window, a traditional sampling trier, and an integrated cyclone chaff collector. The machine joins a growing category of high-tech equipment for sample roasting and small-scale commercial production.