At Color Coffee, equipment decisions are never made lightly. A roaster isn’t just a machine—it’s involved in every cup we release. For years, our Probat 12kg was exactly that: dependable, beautifully built, and capable of producing excellent coffee. We loved it. It helped define our style and supported countless great lots. Over 24 thousand batches!
So when we decided to make a change, it wasn’t because the Probat fell short.
It was because the IMF showed us what was possible next.
From Probat to IMF: Evolution, Not Replacement
The Probat 12kg is a classic for a reason. It excels at sweetness, structure, and tactile depth, and it taught us an enormous amount about roast development and heat management. But as our sourcing became more precise and our palate increasingly focused on clarity, transparency, and repeatability, we found ourselves wanting more resolution and consistency amongst our roasting team.
Enter the IMF 15kg.
From the very first roasts, what stood out was clarity. Not “lighter” or “brighter” for the sake of it, but a cleaner separation of flavors. Acidity became more articulate. Florals were easier to preserve. Sugars expressed themselves without being smoothed over by roast character.
In short: the coffee tasted more like itself.
Clarity and Consistency at Scale
One of the most impressive things about the IMF is how repeatable it is. Once a profile is dialed, it stays dialed. Airflow, heat application, and drum responsiveness feel exceptionally predictable, allowing us to focus less on fighting variables and more on fine-tuning nuance.
That consistency matters—not just batch to batch, but day to day, week to week. It means the coffee you fall in love with today will taste the same when you open your next bag.
For a roastery that values transparency and seasonality, that reliability is everything.
A Greener Way to Roast
Beyond flavor, the IMF impressed us with its environmental footprint.
The IMF 15kg is designed to be exceptionally energy-efficient, using less gas while maintaining precise thermal stability. Its airflow and combustion efficiency reduce waste heat and emissions, and the system is engineered to roast cleanly without unnecessary excess.
For us, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. We work with producers who are deeply connected to their land, and it’s important that our roasting practices reflect that same respect. Choosing a machine that lowers fuel consumption and reduces environmental impact is part of honoring the work that happens long before the coffee reaches us.
Why We Believe IMF Is the Best Roaster in the World
“Best” is always subjective—but for our goals, our palate, and our values, the IMF 15kg is unmatched.
- Unrivaled clarity and flavor separation
- Exceptional consistency and repeatability
- Hands-on control with modern precision via our Cropster beta software
- Lower environmental impact
- Built by roasters, for roasters
The Probat helped us get where we are. The IMF is helping us show you where coffee can go.
Every coffee we release now passes through this machine, and we’re confident you can taste the difference. Cleaner. More expressive. More honest.
That’s why we chose the IMF—and why we believe it’s the best roaster in the world.