Powering the Future of Coffee Roasting with Heat

Author: Matthew Allan, Sales Manager, CARR New Zealand Ltd

The coffee roasting industry is undergoing a major transformation. Rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness are driving roasters to seek sustainable alternatives to traditional gas-powered systems. Leister is proud to be at the forefront of this change – delivering innovative electric solutions that combine efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

A Successful Conversion in New Zealand

In partnership with CARR New Zealand, the official Leister distributor in the region, we recently supported a groundbreaking project with John Gordon from Silverback Coffee in Auckland. The goal: convert a conventional gas-powered coffee roaster into a fully electric hot air system. This milestone demonstrates how small and medium-sized roasters can embrace cleaner, cost-effective roasting technology without compromising quality.

The Coffee Conversion Kit: Designed for Roasters

At the core of this solution is Leister’s newly developed Coffee Conversion Kit, engineered specifically for coffee roasting applications. The kit includes:

• LE 10000 Heater (17 kW) with a food-grade heating element for compliance and reliability
• CHINOOK Blower for robust airflow and heat recirculation, ensuring consistent roasting performance
• All essential components for a near plug-and-play installation

This design simplifies the transition to electric heating, making it an attractive option for roasters who want to reduce emissions and energy costs.

Fast Installation, Proven Results

The conversion was completed in just two hours by John Gordon together with Matt Allan, Sales Manager at CARR New Zealand. Thanks to thorough pre-planning, including custom mounting and pre-wired controls, the installation process was smooth and efficient. After comprehensive testing, the system delivered outstanding results, successfully roasting a batch of coffee beans with precision and consistency.

Key Facts Box

Project: Gas-to-electric coffee roaster conversion
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Partner: CARR New Zealand (Official Leister Distributor)
Customer: Silverback Coffee
Products Used: LE 10000 Heater (17 kW), CHINOOK Blower, further essential components

Driving Sustainability in Coffee Roasting

This project highlights Leister’s commitment to supporting the coffee industry with innovative, future-ready solutions. By enabling roasters to switch from gas to electric, we help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and maintain the high-quality roasting standards coffee lovers expect.

Ready to Take your Roasting to the Next Level?

Discover how Leister and our partners worldwide can help you achieve sustainable, efficient, and future-proof coffee roasting solutions. Talk to our experts today and start your journey toward cleaner, cost-effective roasting.