By Kai Nakamura · Production roaster & equipment editor · Updated 2026-09-17
Loring S15 Kestrel vs San Franciscan SF-25
Convection recirculation vs conventional drum heat transfer
San Franciscan SF-25 wins on installed cost — confirm Loring dealer support in your region before ruling it out.
Also searched: san franciscan sf-25 vs loring s15 kestrel
Decision picker
Specification matrix
| Spec | Loring S15 Kestrel | San Franciscan SF-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Batch capacity | 15 kg | 25 kg |
| Heat source | 350,000 BTU/h gas | 720,000 BTU/h gas |
| Drum / chamber | Single-wall steel | Hand-built steel drum |
| Batch time (typical) | 12 min | 16 min |
| Throughput (modelled) | 56.3 kg/h | 75 kg/h |
| Street price band | $185,000 USD | $145,000 USD |
| Exhaust | 800 CFM | 1250 CFM |
| Lead time | 28 wks — confirm with dealer | 20 wks — confirm with dealer |
| Automation | Smart Roast PLC | Manual |
| Service hub | USA | USA |
Batch capacity
Loring
15 kgSan
25 kgHeat source
Loring
350,000 BTU/h gasSan
720,000 BTU/h gasDrum / chamber
Loring
Single-wall steelSan
Hand-built steel drumBatch time (typical)
Loring
12 minSan
16 minThroughput (modelled)
Loring
56.3 kg/hSan
75 kg/hStreet price band
Loring
$185,000 USDSan
$145,000 USDExhaust
Loring
800 CFMSan
1250 CFMLead time
Loring
28 wks — confirm with dealerSan
20 wks — confirm with dealerAutomation
Loring
Smart Roast PLCSan
ManualService hub
Loring
USASan
USAQualitative scores — verify against your roast program
Why this split
San Franciscan SF-25 leads on the weighted score for most boutiques we modelled.
Loring stays competitive when low nox afterburner standard outweighs the price gap.
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 Loring S15 Kestrel lead time and freight to your dock
- • Confirm San Franciscan SF-25 install kit and probe package included
- • Ask for three references at similar elevation and batch size
Side-by-side
Loring strengths & gaps
- Low NOx afterburner standard
- 35% gas savings vs conventional
- Premium price
San Franciscan Roaster Co. strengths & gaps
- Production artisan build
- Unique roast signature
- Premium for manual operation