flagship
commercial
probat probatone 5
the Probatone 5 handles 1 to 5 kg batches with gas heating and profile logging, positioning it for small specialty roasteries, cafes adding roasting, or sample roasting in larger operations. the 5 kg ceiling means you're roasting frequently if weekly volume exceeds 75 kg, which gets labor-intensive quickly. the machine works well for testing new origins, small-batch limited releases, or shops selling 10 to 15 kg weekly at retail. profile logging helps you replicate successful roasts and train staff, though the fixed airflow takes adjustment if you're used to modern variable-fan designs. build quality is typical Probat: heavy, durable, and built for long service life. the price reflects german manufacturing and the brand name. consider whether your volume justifies the 5 kg size or if the Probatone 12 makes more sense for scalability. this machine suits roasters prioritizing quality and consistency over lowest initial cost, especially if retail sales stay small or you need rock-solid repeatability for blends.
what it does well
- profile logging provides repeatability and training documentation
- german build quality with cast-iron and heavy construction
- 1 kg minimum allows flexibility for sampling and small-batch work
- fits operations with 50 to 100 kg weekly volume comfortably
where it stops short
- 5 kg maximum becomes limiting if you grow past cafe-scale roasting
- constant airflow requires different technique than variable-fan machines
- premium pricing compared to other 5 kg capacity roasters
- frequent batch cycles for even modest weekly volume
specs
- control
- profile_logging
- heat source
- drum_gas
- batch kg max
- 5
- batch kg min
- 1
- origin country
- Germany