By Kai Nakamura · Production roaster & equipment editor · Updated 2026-09-17
San Franciscan SF-6 vs Diedrich IR-5
Batch capacity, utilities, and roast-style fit
San Franciscan SF-6 wins on installed cost — confirm Diedrich dealer support in your region before ruling it out.
Also searched: diedrich ir-5 vs san franciscan sf-6
Decision picker
Specification matrix
| Spec | San Franciscan SF-6 | Diedrich IR-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Batch capacity | 6 kg | 5 kg |
| Heat source | 195,000 BTU/h gas | 200,000 BTU/h gas |
| Drum / chamber | Hand-built steel drum | Double-wall IR drum |
| Batch time (typical) | 12 min | 12 min |
| Throughput (modelled) | 22.5 kg/h | 18.8 kg/h |
| Street price band | $58,000 USD | $62,000 USD |
| Exhaust | 500 CFM | 500 CFM |
| Lead time | 14 wks — confirm with dealer | 14 wks — confirm with dealer |
| Automation | Manual | IR control panel |
| Service hub | USA | USA |
Batch capacity
San
6 kgDiedrich
5 kgHeat source
San
195,000 BTU/h gasDiedrich
200,000 BTU/h gasDrum / chamber
San
Hand-built steel drumDiedrich
Double-wall IR drumBatch time (typical)
San
12 minDiedrich
12 minThroughput (modelled)
San
22.5 kg/hDiedrich
18.8 kg/hStreet price band
San
$58,000 USDDiedrich
$62,000 USDExhaust
San
500 CFMDiedrich
500 CFMLead time
San
14 wks — confirm with dealerDiedrich
14 wks — confirm with dealerAutomation
San
ManualDiedrich
IR control panelService hub
San
USADiedrich
USAQualitative scores — verify against your roast program
Why this split
San Franciscan SF-6 leads on the weighted score for most boutiques we modelled.
Diedrich stays competitive when entry commercial ir outweighs the price gap.
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 San Franciscan SF-6 lead time and freight to your dock
- • Confirm Diedrich IR-5 install kit and probe package included
- • Ask for three references at similar elevation and batch size
Side-by-side
San Franciscan Roaster Co. strengths & gaps
- Artisan build quality
- Distinctive roast character
- Limited automation
Diedrich strengths & gaps
- Entry commercial IR
- Consistent heat transfer
- Limited batch size for growth