Electric vs. Gas-Powered Coffee Roasting: A Comprehensive Analysis of Sustainability, Flavour, and Health Benefits

Written by Aaron Grimeau, Owner of Expedition Coffee Roasters

Introduction 

Coffee roasting is an art and science, where heat application plays a crucial role in defining the flavour, aroma, and quality of the final product. Traditionally, coffee has been roasted using propane or natural gas, both of which rely on combustion-based heating. However, technological advances have led to the rise of electric coffee roasters, which offer superior precision, environmental benefits, and safety advantages.

At Expedition Coffee Roasters, our latest addition of a P05e electric roaster from Probat exemplifies this shift, offering a clean, controlled, and future-proof roasting method. This following explores the reasons why electric roasting is superior to gas-powered roasting, emphasizing sustainability, flavour consistency, workplace safety, air quality improvements, and health considerations.

1. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

One of the strongest arguments for switching to electric roasting is its environmental sustainability. Traditional propane and natural gas roasters rely on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. In contrast, electric roasters can be powered by renewable energy, making them a cleaner and more eco-friendly option.

Emission Differences: Propane vs. Natural Gas vs. Electric Roasting 

Propane and Natural Gas: Their Role in Pollution 

Gas-powered roasters release carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) into the environment. These byproducts contribute to:

• Climate change by increasing the greenhouse gas effect. 
• Air pollution that negatively affects both indoor and outdoor air quality.
• Health issues, especially respiratory problems due to prolonged exposure to NOx. 

Since electric roasters do not rely on combustion, they produce zero CO₂ emissions and no harmful pollutants, making them a cleaner roasting solution.

Corrosive Effects of Burning Propane

Another often-overlooked issue with propane roasting is the formation of acidic residues during combustion. These can lead to:

• Corrosion of metal components within the roasting drum.
• Inconsistent heat distribution, causing uneven roasting.
• Shorter equipment lifespan, increasing maintenance costs.

Electric roasters avoid these issues entirely, maintaining a stable and efficient roasting environment.

2. Flavour Consistency and Precision Control

The heat source used in coffee roasting directly influences flavour development, affecting sweetness, acidity, and overall complexity.

Why Electric Heat is More Precise

• Electric heating elements distribute heat evenly, leading to uniform roasting.
• Gas burners create hot spots inside the drum, increasing the likelihood of scorching.
• Temperature stability in electric roasters prevents flavour inconsistencies.

Impact of Propane/Natural Gas on Coffee Flavour

The presence of combustion byproducts in gas roasting can introduce subtle smoky or bitter undertones to the coffee. While some roasters appreciate this effect, it can also overpower delicate flavour notes, particularly in high-end specialty coffee. With an electric roaster like the P05e, the heat application is clean and controlled, allowing natural sugars to caramelize gradually, bringing out the coffee’s true complexity without interference.

Programmable Roasting for Consistency

The P05e features advanced digital controls, allowing roasters to fine-tune their roasting profiles. This ensures repeatable, reliable results, unlike gas-powered roasting, which requires constant manual adjustments.

3. Workplace Safety and Air Quality Improvements

Roasting coffee should be a safe and controlled process, but gas-powered roasters introduce risks related to combustion.

Dangers of Gas Roasting

• Open flames increase the risk of fires.
• Gas leaks can lead to explosions or toxic exposure.
• Ventilation requirements add complexity to facility design.

Why Electric Roasting is Safer

• No fire hazards or gas leaks.
• Lower ventilation requirements.
• Less maintenance needed on heating elements.

Since electric roasting does not involve combustion, it eliminates workplace hazards, making it a safer choice for roasting facilities. 

4. Health Considerations: Cooking with Gas vs. Electric Heat

Recent studies have explored the health effects of cooking with propane/natural gas vs. electric heating, with findings that apply to coffee roasting as well.

Indoor Air Pollution: Gas vs. Electric Cooking

Gas stoves have been shown to increase the risk of respiratory issues, particularly in children and individuals with asthma. Since gas roasting produces similar combustion byproducts, prolonged exposure may negatively impact air quality in roasting facilities.

Carcinogenic Compounds in Gas Combustion

Propane combustion produces benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—compounds that have been linked to increased cancer risk.

Electric cooking and roasting do not produce these harmful chemicals, reducing potential long-term health risks for workers and consumers.

Conclusion: Why Electric Roasting is the Future of Coffee Production.

The P05e electric roaster from Probat exemplifies the next evolution in coffee roasting. Compared to propane and natural gas roasters, it offers:

• Zero-emissions, significantly reducing carbon footprint.
• Consistent roasting precision, leading to better flavour clarity.
• Safer operation, eliminating fire hazards and gas leaks.
• Improved air quality, benefiting both workers and the roasting environment.

As sustainability, health awareness, and quality control take center stage in the coffee industry, electric roasting presents a future-proof solution that aligns with modern environmental and efficiency standards.

For coffee businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, enhance roasting consistency, and future-proof their operations, electric roasters—especially the P05e—are the superior choice. If you want to know more, please reach out to us at Expedition Coffee Roasters and we’ll be happy to discuss how to go about the move to using electric roasters.