2026-11-09 · 4 min read
Which Coffee Roasters Rate Highest? 28 Specialty Roasters Compared
Does the roaster matter more than the origin? We grouped rated coffees in our index by roaster and compared the 28 roasters with at least 8 rated coffees.
The Short Answer
Average Rating and Price by Roaster
Only roasters with at least 8 rated coffees are shown. Click a roaster for its full catalog, and read this alongside the price data and the variety data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coffee roaster has the highest average rating?
Among the 28 roasters with at least 8 rated coffees in our index, George Howell Coffee leads at 4.64 across 9 coffees. Several roasters are within a few hundredths of the top, so treat the leaders as a tier, not a strict order.
Which roaster rates lowest?
La Colombe Coffee Roasters averages 3.88 across 10 rated coffees, a 0.76-point gap from George Howell Coffee. Averages reflect the style and range each roaster stocks, not only quality.
Do higher-rated roasters charge more?
Not always. George Howell Coffee averages $28.67 per bag versus $17.60 for La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Compare the price column before assuming a top-rated roaster costs more.
Are roaster averages a fair comparison?
Only roughly. Roasters with a small rated catalog can swing on a few coffees, so we only include roasters with at least 8 rated coffees, and averages mix origins, processes and roast levels.