Overview 

This article will explain how to activate and use the First crack prediction.

First crack occurs when expanding beans release a burst of evaporating moisture. Roasting expert Rob Hoos notes this allows heat to penetrate the bean, triggering vital chemical reactions. Research shows this phase, alongside coloration, is the primary driver of aroma and flavor development.

Why use the First crack prediction?

Cropster’s AI-powered First crack prediction streamlines your roasting process for new coffees, saving time and resources while achieving your target profile in fewer batches. This tool helps you anticipate the first crack event with precision, ensuring greater consistency across every roast.

💡 Our latest Roasting Intelligence (Roasting Intelligence 5.11) release features a refined algorithm designed to increase the reliability of First crack prediction. 

How does the First crack prediction work?

Roasting Intelligence displays a First crack prediction window three minutes in advance. This heads-up lets you adjust settings early, so you can avoid late-stage adjustments. According to coffee expert Scott Rao, there should be no gas changes about 40-45 seconds before the first crack, and also no airflow adjustments 2 minutes before the first crack.

Instructions

Activating the First crack prediction

1. Log in to Roasting Intelligence.
2. Navigate to thePreferences > Roasting > Smart features tab.
3. Activate the First crack prediction by clicking on the corresponding checkbox in the Smart predictions section.
   

   

4. Select Save to confirm the changes.

 If you have further questions, feedback, or concerns, please submit a support ticket directly from support.cropster.com.