I have a range hood as my ventilation with ducting out to a window. The vent is quite loud and I notice that a bit of smoke does escape on darker roasts. I’ve considered wearing a mask as I know the diacetyl can cause issues with the lungs over time.
Are you using a mask or ear protection while roasting? Do you have any recommendations?
Have you considered noise-canceling ear buds or something similar? Someone in the forums pointed out that they help one to detect the faint popping of the very beginnings of first crack. I tried it with my Airpod Pros, and it works! Also cuts down on overall noise, of course.
I can’t speak to the mask question; I currently roast near an open garage door and everything gets sucked right out by the prevailing coastal wind.
No and no, couldn’t hear or smell to my best…
You can’t protect yourself from everything. There are more dangerous things out there. The roasting process requires you to smell the coffee, I hope you’re using the tryer, and to hear the FC. I can’t imagine someone with a mask and earplugs doing that. To be honest, I’ve never seen anyone roast like that. Apart from range hood and active carbon filter before that, I just open the window at the end of the roast and it’s back to normal within 2 minutes. The window opening doesn’t affect anything. I’ve done 8KG yesterday and my room tempereture was pretty consistent.
I’d recommended reviewing some information on the safety of coffee exhaust and associated chemicals. There is always time and a way to do it safely.
I’ve used a mask before I had a reliable venting setup, and if something is going weird and the went is ineffective, i have a mask nearby and I wear it.
I don’t believe the noise on the bullet is loud enough to be damaging. I’m usually listening to music, but pause it near first crack to hear better.