Answers to the questions that come up most often. I'll update this as new questions appear.
Getting Started
How much does RoastSource cost?
Check the pricing page for current details. The short version: it's a one-time purchase (not a subscription), and it includes everything most home roasters need — inventory, roasting, ratings, brewing, equipment guides, and the Java Geek coffee explorer.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. RoastSource is a web app that works in any modern browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge. It's designed to work on phones, tablets, and desktops. No app store download needed. You can add it to your home screen for an app-like experience.
Do I need a temperature probe?
No. RoastSource uses a milestone-based approach — you log charge, yellowing, first crack, and drop. Profiles are generated using roasting science (RoR, DTR, heat curves) without requiring a probe. Probe integration is coming as an optional addition.
Can I use it offline?
Yes. After the first load, the app caches and works offline. Your data is stored locally in your browser. Just note that if you clear your browser data, you'll need to restore from a backup.
Roasting
What roasters does it support?
Any roaster. 10 specific models have individually calibrated profiles (Fresh Roast SR540/SR800, Ikawa Home, Aillio Bullet, Behmor, Huky 500, Hottop, Gene Cafe), plus 7 commercial models. For other roasters, select the closest type (air, drum, hybrid, stovetop, fluid bed) and the app adapts.
What's the difference between Quick Roast and Adaptive Roast?
Quick Roast is the streamlined path — pick a bean, choose a level, follow a recipe, go. Adaptive Roast is more detailed — it generates a full profile with bean analysis and gives real-time suggestions during the roast based on your previous best result with that bean. Start with Quick Roast and try Adaptive when you want more depth.
What are the Display Modes?
Three ways to use the app based on how you roast:
- Craft — "I roast by sight, smell, and sound." Clean, focused, minimal. Shows Inventory, Roasting, Brewing, and Java Geek.
- Journey — "I'm learning and want some data to guide me." Adds Ratings, Blending, and Equipment.
- Science — "I want every data point." Shows everything, including full roast science, advanced analytics, and all modules.
You can switch anytime in Settings. Your data doesn't change — just which modules are visible.
Data & Privacy
Where is my data stored?
Locally in your browser's storage. Nothing is sent to a server. Your roast data stays on your device.
How do I back up my data?
Settings → Sync. You can back up to a local folder on your device. Do this regularly — browser data can be cleared accidentally.
Can I move my data to a new device?
Yes, via the sync feature. Back up on your old device, restore on the new one.
Community
How do I request a feature?
Post it in the Feature Requests tag. Describe the problem you're trying to solve, not just the feature you want. Other members can upvote with Likes to signal demand.
How do I report a bug?
Post it in Software & Data with what happened, what you expected, steps to reproduce, and your browser/device. Screenshots help. See the "How to Report a Bug" thread for the full template.
Who runs this community?
I do (Chris, the developer). This is a small, developer-led community. I read every post and reply regularly.
Got a question not covered here? Ask below and I'll add the answer.