The Roaster Desk

By Kai Nakamura · Production roaster & equipment editor · Updated 2026-09-21

San Franciscan SF-25 vs Probat P25 III

Production throughput under real utility constraints

→ San Franciscan SF-25

San Franciscan SF-25 wins on installed cost — confirm Probat dealer support in your region before ruling it out.

Capital outlay → SanAutomation depth → Probat

Also searched: probat p25 iii vs san franciscan sf-25

Decision picker

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

Specification matrix

Batch capacity

San Franciscan SF-25

25 kg

Probat P25 III

25 kg

Heat source

San Franciscan SF-25

720,000 BTU/h gas

Probat P25 III

750,000 BTU/h gas

Drum / chamber

San Franciscan SF-25

Hand-built steel drum

Probat P25 III

Cast-iron drum

Batch time (typical)

San Franciscan SF-25

16 min

Probat P25 III

16 min

Throughput (modelled)

San Franciscan SF-25

75 kg/h

Probat P25 III

75 kg/h

Street price band

San Franciscan SF-25

$145,000 USD

Probat P25 III

$195,000 USD

Exhaust

San Franciscan SF-25

1250 CFM

Probat P25 III

1300 CFM

Lead time

San Franciscan SF-25

20 wks — confirm with dealer

Probat P25 III

22 wks — confirm with dealer

Automation

San Franciscan SF-25

Manual

Probat P25 III

Probatronic 800 standard

Service hub

San Franciscan SF-25

USA

Probat P25 III

Germany

Manufacturer specs and dealer quotes. Throughput model uses SCA 4-minute cooling allowance. Verify all numbers with OEM before purchase.

Strengths & trade-offs

San Franciscan Roaster Co. strengths & gaps

  • Production artisan build
  • Unique roast signature
  • Premium for manual operation

Probat strengths & gaps

  • Production volume
  • Probat service worldwide
  • High gas usage

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.

What to verify with your dealer

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

FAQ

Looking for probat p25 iii vs san franciscan sf-25?
Same comparison — San Franciscan SF-25 is listed first by convention. Verdict and spec matrix are identical either way.
What throughput can I expect?
Modelled: 75 kg/h (San Franciscan SF-25) vs 75 kg/h (Probat P25 III) including a 4-minute charge/cool cycle.
What street price should I budget?
San Franciscan SF-25: $145,000 USD (As quoted Q1 2026, US artisan build). Probat P25 III: $195,000 USD (As quoted Q1 2026, EU/US dealer). Request refreshed quotes — neither includes install.
Which supports Cropster logging?
San Franciscan SF-25: Yes with RT bridge — confirm with dealer. Probat P25 III: Aftermarket probe required.

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