General Information
Skywalker Roaster
What is the Skywalker Roaster (SW/Skitop)?
- Skywalker Roaster is a Horizontal IR Drumroaster from Foshan Akimita Household co.
What so special about this roaster?
- The Skywalker roaster is priced affordably, currently under $420 as of 2/25/24. It offers easy modifiability and the option to integrate artisan through Arduino Nano or Leonardo via USB. Additionally, it boasts a thriving community of modders and roasters dedicated to enhancing its performance. However, the machine does come with its quirks, such as issues with the SCR experiencing thermal runaway, a subpar bean cooling system, and an ineffective air filter fan. Despite these drawbacks, enthusiasts continue to work on improving the overall functionality of the roaster
Where can I buy one?
- AliExpress from ITOP or GZZT https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805948992600.html
- Alibaba with a 5 order minimum from Foshan Akimata (FA) https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Skywalker-Household-Drum-Coffee-Roaster-electric_1600984858153.html
Should I get a V1 now or wait for V2?
- The main feature that V2 is connecting to Artisan. As per FA V2 is in beta working towards connecting to Artisan software so profiles can be saved, inputted, and outputted. They also mentioned changes to design in chute which appears to have been made on certain models of SW listed on Alibaba. There will be a price increase but no word yet on how much. The V1 will still be available to purchase and they have no plans on discontinuing it. Both Artisan mod and chute changes can be performed on a V1 for around $10 to $30 depending on the board you purchase. I would advise on waiting for the release to see what changes are being made. Anticipated release date is mid 2024.
US Skywalker V2 Group Buy Update
11/29: Original ship date delayed due to circuit board testing.
Skywalker V2: Before You Buy
The V2, Delta, Black Samurai or Cyber roaster the roaster has several different names but one that seems to stick is Skywalker. The V2 is the predecessor of the Skywalker V1 released in November 2023 seen on the Home Roasting Forum by Renatoa. The V1 is a electric drum roaster that utilizes a Far Infrared (FIR) lamp for coffee roasting similar in design elements as a Kaliedo and lamp setup like Rubbase style roaster. It offers a integrated bean cooler and exhaust filter fan both are regarded as fairly lack luster where exhaust filter fan is very close to useless. The main draw of the Roaster was not the aggressive edges of the front fascia inspired by Darth Vader or the FIR lamp but the cost of unit. For less than $500 you a fairly capable coffee roasting machine with a decent out of box experience. The popularity of the V1 grew even more when Artisan implementation was added with a simple Arduino Nano to communicated over serial USB by Jmoore. The modding community grew as well providing information regarding part replacements or mods to improve quality of life. The V2 was then soon announced boasting better controller board, touchscreen control panel, improved safety, and dual temperature monitoring at a $800 price point. A large batch of the V2 units were sent out and