By Kai Nakamura · Production roaster & equipment editor · Updated 2026-09-21
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 S15 Kestrel
15 kgSan Franciscan SF-25
25 kgHeat source
Loring S15 Kestrel
350,000 BTU/h gasSan Franciscan SF-25
720,000 BTU/h gasDrum / chamber
Loring S15 Kestrel
Single-wall steelSan Franciscan SF-25
Hand-built steel drumBatch time (typical)
Loring S15 Kestrel
12 minSan Franciscan SF-25
16 minThroughput (modelled)
Loring S15 Kestrel
56.3 kg/hSan Franciscan SF-25
75 kg/hStreet price band
Loring S15 Kestrel
$185,000 USDSan Franciscan SF-25
$145,000 USDExhaust
Loring S15 Kestrel
800 CFMSan Franciscan SF-25
1250 CFMLead time
Loring S15 Kestrel
28 wks — confirm with dealerSan Franciscan SF-25
20 wks — confirm with dealerAutomation
Loring S15 Kestrel
Smart Roast PLCSan Franciscan SF-25
ManualService hub
Loring S15 Kestrel
USASan Franciscan SF-25
USAManufacturer specs and dealer quotes. Throughput model uses SCA 4-minute cooling allowance. Verify all numbers with OEM before purchase.
Strengths & trade-offs
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
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.
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.
What to verify with your dealer
Neither OEM publishes binding street prices — quotes move with queue and freight.