Probat vs. Giesen Coffee Roaster: Which One Fits Your Needs?

Roasting coffee is both science and art, and the machine you choose can make all the difference. Well, if you’ve been researching coffee roasters, you’ve likely come across Probat and Giesen, two of the most respected brands in the industry. But which one should you choose?

The answer depends on your roasting style, business needs, and personal preferences. Probat is a rugged, time-tested workhorse, trusted for its consistency and industrial durability. Giesen, on the other hand, offers modern innovation, precise control, and customization for specialty roasters.

Don't know which one to buy? Well, in this guide, we’ll break down build quality, roasting technology, performance, and price to help you decide which brand suits you best.

An Overview of Probat Coffee Roaster

Probat roaster is a well-known company in the coffee industry, famous for its high-quality coffee roasters. It started in 1868 and has grown into a global leader in coffee roasting technology with its innovative roasting solutions.

The company offers different types of roasters to suit the various needs of roasters and businesses. Their drum roasters, like the P60 and Neptune, provide consistent and flavorful roasting.

They also have tangential and centrifugal roasters that are mainly designed for large production with precise heat control. These machines help businesses of all sizes achieve the perfect roast.

Probat is known for its durability, efficiency, and advanced technology. Their roasters use energy-saving systems and reduce emissions. Now, Probat has set industry standards and remains a top choice for coffee roasters worldwide.

An Overview of Giesen Coffee Roaster

Giesen Coffee Roasters is a family-owned company from the Netherlands, known for its high-quality coffee roasting machines. It all started as a metalworking business and later shifted to making coffee roasters. Since then, Giesen has become a trusted name in the coffee industry.

The company is famous for its innovative roasters like the W6 and W15. These models offer precise control over temperature, airflow, and drum speed. Giesen also launched roasters with gas and electric options to offer more flexibility for businesses.

Among hundreds of roaster manufacturers, Giesen shines bright for its craftsmanship and customer-focused approach. They continue to improve roasting technology while staying true to their family values.

Probat vs. Giesen: At a Glance

When comparing Probat and Giesen coffee roasters, both brands stand out for their high-quality craftsmanship, precision, and innovation. Still, they have differences when it comes to preferences, roasting styles, and some other factors. Here’s a table that showcases the core differences between these two major roaster brands at a glance:

Giesen Vs. Probat: Major Differences Explained

As you see, besides the common facts like craftsmanship, precision, and innovation, the two leading roaster brands, Probat and Giesen, have a lot of major differences. Check out the detailed explanation to learn why are how they are different from one another:

Build Quality & Design

When it comes to a coffee roaster, build quality and design play an important role in performance and aesthetics. Both Probat and Giesen are known for their exceptional quality. Even though they have distinct approaches to construction and design.

Probat: Sturdy, Industrial, and Functional

Probat roasters are built with durability and efficiency in mind. Most of their machines have a classic industrial design where they focus on reliability rather than the outlook.

The German engineering behind Probat ensures that these roasters can withstand heavy use. No matter if it's a 5kg roaster or 120kg, Probat always prioritizes durability matters. That's why it's always a top choice for businesses, especially large-scale coffee roasting operations.

Probat's build quality & design features:

• Mostly, built with high-quality steel for durability and longevity.

• Prioritizes performance and efficiency over aesthetics.

• Comes with well-insulated drums for stable and consistent roasting.

• Built with standard designs with minimal color options.

Giesen: Stylish, Customizable, and Modern Design

Giesen takes a modern and customizable approach to coffee roaster design. While maintaining high-quality craftsmanship, Giesen offers roasters that blend functionality with aesthetics. This practice quickly made them a popular choice among specialty coffee roasters who want both performance and visual appeal.

Giesen’s build quality & design features:

• Made with high-quality metal for durability and heat retention.

• Offers different color options and finishes to match roastery aesthetics.

• Comes with a refined design for a visually appealing workspace.

• Includes cast iron front plates for stable roasting and durability.

So, you should choose Probat if you need a rugged and long-lasting roaster designed for industrial use with a focus on performance and reliability over customization. On the contrary, choose Giesen if you prefer a modern and stylish roaster with better customization options and greater flexibility.

Roasting Technology & Performance

Probat and Giesen take distinct approaches to roasting technology. Their respective technologies serve different roasting needs and preferences.

Heat Control

Generally, Probat uses traditional drum roasting technology that's known for its consistent heat retention. The heat is evenly distributed to reach reliable results, especially for medium to dark roasts.

Even though it’s great for consistency, it offers less flexibility in tuning heat compared to modern systems. It's because the drum roasting process is operated in a specified way, where you'll have less scope to control.

Giesen, on the other hand, provides greater control over airflow and burner settings. This feature allows more precise roast profiling, which is perfect for specialty roasters looking to experiment with different beans.

Automation & Software

Probat is known for manual control in its traditional models, focusing on reliability and operator expertise. Even though newer Probat models offer more automation, they still may not match the new features of Giesen’s technology.

Giesen roasters feature advanced touchscreen controls and integration with roasting software. It makes adjustments more intuitive, with real-time data tracking to monitor variables like temperature and airflow.

The automation features of Giesen offer precise control and easy replication of roast profiles. So, it is better than Probat if you prioritize consistency over large batches.

Roast Flavor Profile & Consistency

The choice between Probat and Giesen can impact the flavor and consistency of your coffee. Both brands are good at quality roasting but serve different styles and preferences.

Probat Coffee Roaster

Roasters of this brand are known for producing classic roast profiles. Their even heat distribution ensures balanced caramelization, and they are suitable for medium to dark roasts.

• Delivers full-bodied flavors with a strong base.

• Maintains batch-to-batch consistency, which is important for large-scale operations.

• Best suited for traditional blends and darker roasts.

Giesen Roasters

Giesen roasters offer more flexibility, especially for light and specialty roasts. Their adjustable airflow lets roasters fine-tune heat application, which brings out complex and delicate flavors.

• Increases bright acidity and fruity notes, which are perfect for single-origin coffees.

• More control over airflow, drum speed, and heat adjustments.

• Preferred by specialty coffee roasters looking for unique flavor development.

If you need reliable roast consistency, Probat is a great choice. If you want greater control for complex roasts, Giesen is the better option among the two.

Maintenance & Durability

When it comes to maintenance and durability, both Probat and Giesen are built to last. Yet, they have some slightly different requirements.

Usually, Probat roasters are known for their long-lasting durability. Their machines can last for decades if you provide regular maintenance service. It must be a reliable investment for large-scale operations.

Their simpler design means fewer components to manage, though they still require periodic care to ensure optimal performance.

Giesen roasters may require slightly more maintenance because of their advanced features and technology. The inclusion of modern controls, touchscreens, and airflow adjustments means that there are more components.

However, Giesen roasters are still highly durable and designed for long-term use. As they are built with quality materials, they can stand up to the demands of everyday roasting.

Capacity & Models

When it comes to capacity and available models, Probat and Giesen have different scales of operation, from small-batch to industrial production.

Probat offers machines from small-batch to industrial-scale capacities. Their machines can handle varying production volumes, from smaller shops to large-scale production.

Models like Probat 12 kg Coffee Roaster are suitable for small-to-medium batches, and Probat G120 Coffee Roaster is good for large-scale roasting.

Giesen, on the other hand, specializes in small-to-medium roasters and offers more customization options. Their roasters are ideal for boutique and specialty roasters looking for precision and flexibility.

Popular models like the Giesen W-1A Roaster and Giesen W15A Coffee Roaster are very popular for their customizable features, like color and finishes for branding.

Both brands offer models suited to different needs, but Probat excels in larger capacities, while Giesen shines with small-to-medium options and customization.

Price & Value for Money

Probat roasters come with a higher upfront cost, reflecting their long-standing reputation for reliability and durability. Even though they are more expensive initially, Probat machines are designed to last for decades with proper maintenance.

It makes them ideal for businesses focused on longevity and consistent performance. However, if the price is higher, you can go for a used probat roaster.

You can get a used Probat P12-2 Roaster at USD 37,500.00 while the new one costs almost two times higher. Also, for a high-volume roaster, you can choose the Probat G120 Roaster, which is available only at USD 234,900.00.

Well, Giesen roasters are also in the premium pricing category, but they are slightly more competitive and value for money compared to Probat at similar capacities. They offer advanced features like precise control over temperature, airflow, and drum speed.

Like the used probat roaster, you can choose a used Giesen one tool. For example, a used Giesen W-1A Roaster is available at only $19,950, whereas you can get a used Giesen W15A Roaster at only $39,000.00. The price of the used product is cheaper, yet you can be at ease about the quality if you choose the vendor.

Conclusion

Great coffee starts with the right roaster, but which one suits your style?

If you are still confused, you can choose Probat only if you want a time-tested, industrial workhorse built for unmatched durability and consistent performance. It’s perfect for businesses focused on reliability over customization.

On the contrary, you'd better choose Giesen if you prefer cutting-edge innovation, precision control, and a sleek design. With adjustable airflow, modern automation, and customization options, it’s ideal for those who love to experiment and fine-tune their roast profiles.

However, both brands lead the industry; your choice depends on your roasting philosophy.