The Roaster Desk

By Kai Nakamura · Production roaster & equipment editor · Updated 2026-09-17

Diedrich IR-5 vs Giesen W6A

Batch capacity, utilities, and roast-style fit

→ Diedrich IR-5

Diedrich IR-5 wins on installed cost — confirm Giesen dealer support in your region before ruling it out.

Hourly throughput: WinnerAutomation depth: Close
Lowest street price → DiedrichFaster batches → GiesenIR radiant profile → Diedrich drum physics

Also searched: giesen w6a vs diedrich ir-5

Decision picker

What is your primary constraint?
Batch size you roast most often?
Is gas already permitted on-site?

Specification matrix

Batch capacity

Diedrich

5 kg

Giesen

6 kg

Heat source

Diedrich

200,000 BTU/h gas

Giesen

190,000 BTU/h gas

Drum / chamber

Diedrich

Double-wall IR drum

Giesen

Steel drum

Batch time (typical)

Diedrich

12 min

Giesen

11 min

Throughput (modelled)

Diedrich

18.8 kg/h

Giesen

24 kg/h

Street price band

Diedrich

$62,000 USD

Giesen

$72,000 USD

Exhaust

Diedrich

500 CFM

Giesen

520 CFM

Lead time

Diedrich

14 wks — confirm with dealer

Giesen

16 wks — confirm with dealer

Automation

Diedrich

IR control panel

Giesen

Giesen Software Suite

Service hub

Diedrich

USA

Giesen

Netherlands
Airflow ctrlThermal stab.Drum speedAutomationCapex value
IR-5W6A

Qualitative scores — verify against your roast program

Why this split

Diedrich IR-5 leads on the weighted score for most boutiques we modelled.

Giesen stays competitive when excellent software integration outweighs the price gap.

Airflow path through a commercial drum roaster from burner to cyclone
Typical drum roaster airflow: burner → drum → cyclone chaff collector

Deep dives

IR radiant heat transfer

Diedrich IR drums radiate through a double-wall — different first-crack timing than convection.

Operators switching from Probat or Giesen need 15–20 calibration batches, not a copied profile.

  • Log development time ratio across 3 charge weights
  • Compare ground colour at same end temp
What to verify with your dealer

Neither OEM publishes binding street prices — quotes move with queue and freight.

Verify with vendor

  • • Confirm Diedrich IR-5 lead time and freight to your dock
  • • Confirm Giesen W6A install kit and probe package included
  • • Ask for three references at similar elevation and batch size

Side-by-side

Diedrich strengths & gaps

  • Entry commercial IR
  • Consistent heat transfer
  • Limited batch size for growth

Giesen strengths & gaps

  • Excellent software integration
  • Drum speed control
  • Premium over Asian alternatives

FAQ

Looking for giesen w6a vs diedrich ir-5?
Same comparison — Diedrich IR-5 is listed first by convention. Verdict and spec matrix are identical either way.
What throughput can I expect?
Modelled: 18.8 kg/h (Diedrich IR-5) vs 24 kg/h (Giesen W6A) including a 4-minute charge/cool cycle.
What street price should I budget?
Diedrich IR-5: $62,000 USD (As quoted Q1 2026, ex-install). Giesen W6A: $72,000 USD (As quoted Q1 2026, NL factory). Request refreshed quotes — neither includes install.
Which supports Cropster logging?
Diedrich IR-5: Aftermarket probe required. Giesen W6A: Yes with RT bridge — confirm with dealer.

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