Apparatus for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a casing that defines an internal void, a baffle for dividing said internal void into first and second zones that are in fluid communication with one another; a heater for heating air to temperatures suitable for roasting coffee beans, said heater being located in said second zone; a control system for controlling the apparatus; said control system being located in said first zone; and a fan operable to draw ambient air into said first zone and drive said air from said first zone past said baffle into said second zone for heating by said heater, the arrangement being such that in use said first zone is cooler than said second zone.