The Roaster Desk

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

Giesen W15A vs Loring S15 Kestrel

Variable drum speed vs fixed recirculation — same capacity, different heat physics

→ Loring S15 Kestrel

Giesen wins cupping flexibility; Loring wins when afterburner compliance is non-negotiable.

Capital outlay: WinnerEmissions / gas use: TrailsHourly throughput: Winner
Lowest street price → GiesenFaster batches → LoringLowest exhaust VOC → Loring recirculationIR radiant profile → Diedrich drum physics

Also searched: loring s15 kestrel vs giesen w15a

Decision picker

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

Specification matrix

Batch capacity

Giesen

15 kg

Loring

15 kg

Heat source

Giesen

380,000 BTU/h gas

Loring

350,000 BTU/h gas

Drum / chamber

Giesen

Steel drum

Loring

Single-wall steel

Batch time (typical)

Giesen

13 min

Loring

12 min

Throughput (modelled)

Giesen

52.9 kg/h

Loring

56.3 kg/h

Street price band

Giesen

$98,000 USD

Loring

$185,000 USD

Exhaust

Giesen

850 CFM

Loring

800 CFM

Lead time

Giesen

18 wks — confirm with dealer

Loring

28 wks — confirm with dealer

Automation

Giesen

Giesen Software Suite

Loring

Smart Roast PLC

Service hub

Giesen

Netherlands

Loring

USA
Airflow ctrlThermal stab.Drum speedAutomationCapex value
W15AKestrel

Qualitative scores — verify against your roast program

Why this split

Loring S15 Kestrel leads on the weighted score for most boutiques we modelled.

Giesen stays competitive when software-first workflow 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

Recirculation vs open exhaust

Loring S15 Kestrel recirculates hot gas — exhaust temperature drops and afterburner load shrinks.

Open-drum platforms vent more heat per batch. Model your gas meter at 50% and 75% charge before signing.

Verify with vendor

  • • Request OEM combustion efficiency curve
  • • Confirm AHJ afterburner requirement for your address
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 Giesen W15A lead time and freight to your dock
  • • Confirm Loring S15 Kestrel install kit and probe package included
  • • Ask for three references at similar elevation and batch size

Side-by-side

Giesen strengths & gaps

  • Software-first workflow
  • Variable drum speed
  • Software learning curve

Loring strengths & gaps

  • Low NOx afterburner standard
  • 35% gas savings vs conventional
  • Premium price

FAQ

Looking for loring s15 kestrel vs giesen w15a?
Same comparison — Giesen W15A is listed first by convention. Verdict and spec matrix are identical either way.
What throughput can I expect?
Modelled: 52.9 kg/h (Giesen W15A) vs 56.3 kg/h (Loring S15 Kestrel) including a 4-minute charge/cool cycle.
What street price should I budget?
Giesen W15A: $98,000 USD (As quoted Q1 2026, NL factory). Loring S15 Kestrel: $185,000 USD (As quoted Q1 2026, US install). Request refreshed quotes — neither includes install.
Which supports Cropster logging?
Giesen W15A: Aftermarket probe required. Loring S15 Kestrel: Yes with RT bridge — confirm with dealer.

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