Abstract: The apparatus comprises: a container of a generally cylindrical shape or in the shape of a truncated cone capable of receiving small quantities of unroasted coffee and which can be closed by a lid and which is carried by a casing forming a base; a shaft inside the container extending in the axial direction and coupled to the output shaft of an electric motor disposed in the casing; at least one stirring means mounted on said shaft inside the container; a heating plate forming the bottom of the container and in which is embedded an electric resistance; and a timer disposed in said casing and having at least two controlled switches, one of which is in series with the current supply circuit for said motor and the other is in series with said heating resistance, this timer being adapted to determine, particularly with respect to the quantity of coffee to be roasted and with the degree of roasting desired, the heating time of the heating plate and the time during which said stirring member is driven.