This past week I have experienced my first time roasting coffee beans at home. All I used was an electric stove, a whirley popper, a kitchen scale, a thermometer, and a colander for cooling.
The first time I burned them based on following directions online. I quickly found you need to listen and smell because every heat source/method can give different results.
Right now I am thoroughly enjoying the latest roast I have done and it is so delicious! A dark roast cameroon mifi java longberry.