← Back to First Crack

Comparison

First Crack vs. Artisan

Artisan nails the roast. Twenty years of hardware compatibility, real-time logging, a massive community of configuration profiles. It's the standard for a reason.

But when the session ends, you're on your own. No cloud sync. No bean inventory. No analytics across batches. No cupping integration. No community sharing, no side-by-side comparisons. Your data stays on your machine.

First Crack is built for the full workflow — from charge to cup.

Feature comparison

FeatureArtisanFirst Crack
Real-time roast curve logging✓
✓macOS app, coming
Rate of rise (RoR) display✓✓
Import Artisan .alog historyNative format✓
Web-based roast creation—✓
PlatformmacOS, Windows, LinuxmacOS, Web
Cloud sync—✓
Bean inventory management—✓
Freshness & cost tracking—✓
Analytics dashboards—✓
Cupping workflow—✓
Agtron color scoring—✓
Shareable side-by-side comparisons—✓
Community sharing—✓
Public roaster profiles—✓
Platform priceFreeFree
Live roasting appIncludedTBD

When Artisan is the right choice

  • —You roast on Windows or Linux — First Crack's native app is macOS only
  • —You rely on Artisan's extensive hardware configuration profiles
  • —You're part of the Artisan community and contribute to its development
  • —You only need a session logger and nothing else

When First Crack makes sense

  • —You're on macOS and want the full workflow — roast, analyze, inventory, cupping
  • —Your Artisan data is siloed and you want cloud sync and cross-device access
  • —You want to track bean inventory, freshness, and cost alongside roast history
  • —You want to share roast profiles publicly or run side-by-side comparisons
  • —You want analytics dashboards across your whole library, not just per-session graphs
  • —You're not roasting with hardware yet — the web app works without it

Migrating from Artisan

You don't have to choose — First Crack imports your existing Artisan library on day one. Export your profiles from Artisan as .alog files, then import them into First Crack via the web app or macOS app. Your full curve history, temperatures, and event markers come with you.

Many roasters run both: Artisan for the live session on hardware they've configured for years, First Crack for everything after — analytics, inventory, cupping logs, and community sharing.

Common questions

Can I import my existing Artisan roast profiles into First Crack?+
Yes. First Crack imports Artisan .alog files directly. Your full profile library — years of roast history including curves, temperatures, and event markers — transfers on import. You don't lose any historical data when switching.
Does First Crack work without hardware, like Artisan does?+
Yes. First Crack's web platform works entirely without roasting hardware. You can import Artisan profiles, create roasts manually in the browser, and access all analytics, inventory, cupping, and community features without connecting any hardware.
Does First Crack work with my existing roaster hardware?+
The First Crack native macOS app connects to roaster hardware via serial/USB. Full hardware compatibility details will be published when the macOS app launches. The web platform works without hardware today.
Do I lose anything by switching from Artisan to First Crack?+
Artisan supports more operating systems (Windows and Linux in addition to macOS) and has a large community of hardware configuration profiles. If you depend on Windows or Linux, Artisan remains the better choice for the live roasting session. First Crack's macOS app is the native alternative for macOS users who also want the full post-roast workflow.
Is First Crack really free like Artisan?+
The First Crack web platform is free — analytics, bean inventory, cupping workflow, recipe management, community sharing, and comparison links are all included at no cost. The native macOS live roasting app has not yet been publicly priced. Artisan is free and open source for all platforms.

Start free — no hardware required

Import your Artisan profiles and explore the full platform at no cost.

Get Started Free
First Crack vs. Cropster →
Home·About·FAQ·Community