The Curve

Welcome to The Curve

CEPros is the storytelling, news, and education hub of Coffee Equipment Pros.

Roasting is a precise interplay of heat and airflow, each stage captured as data points that form a curve—and ultimately guide us toward a consistent, ideal flavor profile.

Our coverage reflects that same curve. We explore the full landscape of roasting life: equipment features, technique, business strategy, marketing, bean origins, café and roastery culture, industry trends, and CEPros updates.

Enjoy our current lineup of articles.
    The Roastery Startup Equipment Guide You Need
    • May 17, 2024
    • Jamie Cattanach
    The Roastery Startup Equipment Guide You Need

    It takes more than a dream to make decent coffee. You’ll need vision (check!), artistry, a scientific mind, and the right tools for the job. Luckily, on that last front, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we dive into the 7 major equipment must-haves you’ll need to set your roastery up right, right from the start.

    Where Coffee Is Grown: A Quick Tour of the Top 10 Coffee-Producing Countries
    • Mar 21, 2024
    • Jennifer Mattern
    Where Coffee Is Grown: A Quick Tour of the Top 10 Coffee-Producing Countries

    Roasters often know in detail where coffee is grown, but customers may not. Educating them about primary coffee-producing regions fosters transparency and can expand coffee offerings. Insights into origins empower customers, and can create opportunities for diverse coffees and support growers worldwide. In this article, we take you on a virtual tour of the top 10 coffee-producing regions.

    Preparing Your Space For New Roasting Equipment
    • Mar 12, 2024
    • Howard Bryman
    Preparing Your Space For New Roasting Equipment

    You’re planning on adding roasting equipment, and a huge new (or new-to-you) roaster is finally on its way. You couldn't be readier… But how's your facility? We checked in with some roastery design and installation specialists for insight into preparing your space for new roasting equipment or roasting gear upgrades, and the most common refrains we hear are: Don't make assumptions, and keep asking questions! 

    Great Coffee Shop Design: 7 Essential Elements
    • Mar 12, 2024
    • Jennifer Mattern
    Great Coffee Shop Design: 7 Essential Elements

    Customer loyalty goes beyond good coffee. Customers crave immersive experiences, and like it or not, your café's design influences repeat business and profits. Whether starting new or renovating, we offer seven design elements to help your shop become the community's preferred coffee spot.

    CEPros Project: Common Grounds Coffee House & Deli
    • Feb 29, 2024
    • Rick Davis
    CEPros Project: Common Grounds Coffee House & Deli

    When Common Grounds’ owner Marco Sandoval reached out, we swiftly matched him with a 10kg Toper Roaster from our inventory and promptly delivered it. We assisted in commissioning the machine and conducted a training session, leading to its first roast. Now, three months later, Common Grounds customers savor house-roasted coffee, and Marco is inspired to explore new avenues for business expansion.

    Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans: What's the Difference?
    • Feb 19, 2024
    • Jamie Cattanach
    Espresso Beans vs Coffee Beans: What's the Difference?

    As a coffee professional, beans are your business. So chances are you already know the difference between espresso beans vs coffee beans all comes down to roast. But to customers, it might not be so clear. So we put together this myth-busting article to help you and your customers distinguish between espresso beans and coffee beans. And, most importantly, prepare and enjoy the perfect drink, every single time.

    Latte vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference Between These Two Coffee Classics?
    • Feb 18, 2024
    • Sam Morris
    Latte vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference Between These Two Coffee Classics?

    Latte vs cappuccino: What’s the difference? Both are among the most ordered at coffee shops worldwide, and it’s no wonder why. When choosing between the velvety smoothness of a latte or a robust and frothy cappuccino, there’s plenty to love about these two iconic espresso-based drinks.

    CEPros Project: Greater Goods Coffee Co. + Exploradora Coffee
    • Feb 1, 2024
    • Rick Davis
    CEPros Project: Greater Goods Coffee Co. + Exploradora Coffee

    Here’s a fun story about one of our used Loring S15 Falcon sales. It illustrates the unexpected twists that arise when helping a roaster find a new home, in this case, a new "nest". It also highlights how our close-knit coffee community helps bring the right people together to make the sale.

    What is Blonde Roast Coffee? Let's Explore the Lighter Side of Roasting
    • Jan 31, 2024
    • Jamie Cattanach
    What is Blonde Roast Coffee? Let's Explore the Lighter Side of Roasting

    Roast level, as you know, is a spectrum, and what each coffee roaster means by “blonde” can differ. Blonde coffee refers to beans pulled from the roaster just before or after first crack. (And, as you also know, blonde coffee is not the same as white coffee. When roasting coffee only halfway through, the roaster pulls it to create a white coffee.)

    Coffee Bag Sealers and Weigh-Fill Machines: Enhance Efficiency and Quality in Your Coffee Roastery
    • Dec 12, 2023
    • Kristi Runge
    Coffee Bag Sealers and Weigh-Fill Machines: Enhance Efficiency and Quality in Your Coffee Roastery

    Coffee bag sealers and weigh-fill machines aren’t just equipment; they’re the guardians of quality, the custodians of consistency, and the reason your customers’ experience with your coffee is nothing short of exceptional. This article explores why coffee bag sealers and weigh fill machines are more than just cogs in the roastery wheel. They’re the dynamic duo working hard to ensure your roastery’s coffee packaging success. 

    Embrace the Cold Brew Revolution in Your Roastery or Café with a Commercial Cold Brew System
    • Nov 15, 2023
    • Kristi Runge
    Embrace the Cold Brew Revolution in Your Roastery or Café with a Commercial Cold Brew System

    There’s no denying it: Cold brew has never been hotter. While the classics will always have their place, one caffeinated contender has increasingly been creating ripples in the coffee industry — and that’s cold brew. In this article, we look at the rise of cold brew and its money-making and money-saving benefits, consider what to look for in a commercial cold brew system, and provide our recommendations. 

    K-Cup Filling Machines: It’s Time to Cash In on This Popular and Profitable Option
    • Oct 18, 2023
    • Kristi Runge
    K-Cup Filling Machines: It’s Time to Cash In on This Popular and Profitable Option

    K-cups are popular AND profitable — and demand is growing, especially for local and regional offerings. The timing couldn't be more perfect to enter the single-serve coffee market. In this article, we explore why your coffee roastery or business should seriously consider entering the single-serve coffee market — and the K-cup filling machines you’ll need to support your new K-cup product line.

    CEPros Project: Indies Coffee
    • Sep 27, 2023
    • Kristi Runge
    CEPros Project: Indies Coffee

    In our industry, we encounter remarkable individuals. In the realm of coffee roasting, it's inevitable. Then, occasionally, we meet someone truly exceptional — like Brandon Jones. We met Brandon in early 2023 because he and his wife Carla needed a roaster to bring their vision of a combination roastery and speakeasy space to life. This vision would also help support independent artists, children with disabilities, and veterans.

    7 Reasons Why Coffee Roasteries Should Consider A Used Coffee Roaster
    • Sep 18, 2023
    • Kristi Runge
    7 Reasons Why Coffee Roasteries Should Consider A Used Coffee Roaster

    In the dynamic world of coffee roasting, where innovation is a constant companion, roasteries are faced with crucial decisions when it comes to commercial roasting equipment. The heart of any coffee operation lies in its roaster, and selecting the right one is key. While the allure of a shiny new coffee roaster is undeniable, there's a compelling case to be made for considering a used commercial roaster. 

    cafe owner smiling in front of coffee bar
    • Sep 13, 2023
    • Kristi Runge
    Unlock Tax Savings for Your Coffee Roastery with IRS Section 179

    Are you a coffee roastery looking to expand or upgrade your roastery equipment? If so, you're probably aware of the substantial investments required to keep your operation running smoothly. However, there's good news for roasters: IRS Section 179 can be a game-changer for your business, particularly if you're considering purchasing new or used roasters and roastery equipment before the end of the year.

    roaster manually scooping roasted beans into a coffee bag
    • Aug 31, 2023
    • Kristi Runge
    Choosing Manual and Automated Packaging for Your Coffee Roastery: 5 Deciding Factors

    Packaging is more than just beans - it's your brand's story. Dive into the world of choosing between manual and automated coffee packaging with us. From boosting production to nailing consistency, we break down 5 key factors to help you decide.