Coffee has long since become more than just a morning wake-up ritual. For many, preparing espresso, cappuccino, or flat white is evolving into a serious hobby – or even a passion. But amidst YouTube videos and how-to blogs, one crucial question often remains unanswered: How can you make the perfect espresso at home – day after day?
The answer lies in hands-on coffee workshops and barista training courses , which will not only give you technical know-how but also a genuine feel for coffee. In this article, you'll learn about the different types of workshops available, what you'll learn, and how to apply what you've learned in your own kitchen.
Why become a home barista?
Don't just drink coffee, understand it
When you begin to understand coffee not just as a beverage, but as a handcrafted product , your entire consumption behavior changes. You develop a sense for quality – in beans, preparation, and taste.
Control over taste and quality
A good cup of coffee depends on many factors: grind size, water quantity, temperature, brewing time, roast – all of these influence the result in the cup. As a home barista, you learn to control these parameters precisely, instead of relying on preset programs.
Sustainability and conscious enjoyment
Becoming a home barista is also a step towards greater responsibility : You know where your coffee comes from, how it is prepared – and you can avoid waste from disposable capsules or ready-made drinks.
What types of coffee workshops are there?
Beginner courses – the ideal start
These courses are aimed at anyone who wants to start using an espresso machine or finally understand the theory behind espresso. Topics covered include:
- Function of an espresso machine
- Fundamentals of Extraction
- Preparation of a classic espresso or cappuccino
- First steps in milk frothing
Goal: A solid foundation for all further barista skills.
Advanced training courses
For those who already have experience but want to optimize in a more targeted way :
- Fine adjustments to the grind size
- Extraction control & sensory analysis
- Latte art technique (e.g. heart, tulip)
- Error analysis: Channeling, bitterness, underextraction
These courses often include practical exercises under instruction , sometimes using participants' own machines.
Special Courses & Latte Art
Anyone who wants to learn latte art in a targeted way will receive professional training here:
- Understanding milk texture: microfoam vs. large pores
- Casting technique, movement sequences, posture
- Designs ranging from simple to complex
- Use of jugs, thermometers & tools
These courses usually require basic knowledge of milk frothing.
Online courses & webinars
Digital learning is convenient – but not equivalent. You get:
- Theoretical foundations
- Video tutorials on extraction and milk frothing
- Repeatable content
What's missing: Direct feedback and the opportunity to practice under professional supervision. Ideal as a supplement to a practical course.
You'll learn that in the barista workshop.
Understanding and optimizing espresso
You'll learn how to create the perfect shot from water, coffee, and pressure – and what mistakes can occur along the way. It's about:
- Brewing pressure and temperature
- Extraction time vs. Brew ratio
- Importance of bean selection
Theory and practice go hand in hand.
Grind size, tamping and puck preparation
Fine-tuning is everything: You'll learn why even a slightly different grind setting changes the result. You'll also practice:
- Even distribution and compaction
- Correct tamping technique
- Recognizing channeling and its causes
Milk and Latte Art
Milk is also a complex raw material. In the workshop you will learn:
- How milk texture is created
- How to control temperature and consistency
- How to properly pour and swirl milk
- First latte art designs – and how to practice them
Error analysis & troubleshooting
Failed shots are not a step backwards, but learning material. You learn:
- Interpreting bitterness and acidity
- Identifying technical and manual causes
- To work systematically on improvements
Here's what you should consider when choosing a workshop
Small groups & practical content
Workshops should give you enough time at the machine. Pay attention to:
- Max. 4–6 participants per trainer
- Focus on practical work , not just theory
Barista qualification
Preliminary question:
- Does the trainer have any certifications (e.g., SCA)?
- Does he work full-time as a barista or roaster?
- How many years of experience does he have?
Competence and teaching methods are crucial.
Bring your own machine?
Some providers allow you to practice with your own espresso machine . This is useful because:
- You learn from your equipment
- You can put what you've learned into practice immediately.
- You will receive specific tips on how to operate and maintain your machine.
Our recommendation – our course: The “Barista Basic” course by Simon & Bearns
If you want a sound and practical introduction to the world of portafilter machines, then our Barista Basic course is just right for you.
Course description:
In our two-hour introductory course, we'll teach you everything you need to know and be able to do as an aspiring home barista – presented in a concise, practical, and easy-to-understand way. The course is designed for beginners and covers topics including:
- the structure and function of a classic espresso machine
- The correct puck preparation: grind size, dosage and tamping
- The fundamentals of espresso extraction – with direct practical application
- First techniques for frothing milk for cappuccino & Co.
- Typical problems: What to do in case of channeling, excessively bitter taste, or lack of crema?
The workshop takes place directly in our roastery – in a relaxed, personal atmosphere. Small groups guarantee intensive, individual coaching. You'll have plenty of time at the machine and can immediately apply what you've learned.
Intrigued?
👉 Click here to go directly to the Barista Basic course at Simon & Bearns
What happens after the workshop?
Practice makes the barista
Routine is crucial. Integrate what you've learned into your daily life:
- Practice grind size, tamping, and extraction daily.
- Log your shots – including taste.
- Adjust the parameters specifically for each bean.
Usefully expand your equipment
Many participants invest more strategically after the workshop:
- Precision scale (0.1 g accuracy)
- Bottomless portafilter for fault detection
- High-quality coffee grinder with fine adjustment
Not everything needs to be replaced immediately – but you will clearly see where quality makes a difference.
Exchange with the community
Find contact with other home baristas:
- In forums like kaffee-netz.de
- In Facebook groups or local coffee circles
- At latte art events or cuppings
This way you stay motivated, continue learning – and remain open to new trends.
Conclusion
A coffee workshop is much more than a pleasant weekend course. It can be the starting point for an intensive exploration of the fascinating world of coffee – and turn you into a competent home barista.
You'll learn not just how to brew coffee, but how to understand, control, and improve it. And you'll taste the difference in every cup. Whether you're impressing friends, enriching your daily life, or simply reaching a new level for yourself – the investment in knowledge, practice, and technique is worthwhile.
Coffee workshops: How to become a home barista
Coffee has long since become more than just a morning wake-up ritual. For many, preparing espresso, cappuccino, or flat white is evolving into a serious hobby – or even a passion. But amidst YouTube videos and how-to blogs, one crucial question often remains unanswered: How can you make the perfect espresso at home – day after day?
The answer lies in hands-on coffee workshops and barista training courses , which will not only give you technical know-how but also a genuine feel for coffee. In this article, you'll learn about the different types of workshops available, what you'll learn, and how to apply what you've learned in your own kitchen.
Why become a home barista?
Don't just drink coffee, understand it
When you begin to understand coffee not just as a beverage, but as a handcrafted product , your entire consumption behavior changes. You develop a sense for quality – in beans, preparation, and taste.
Control over taste and quality
A good cup of coffee depends on many factors: grind size, water quantity, temperature, brewing time, roast – all of these influence the result in the cup. As a home barista, you learn to control these parameters precisely, instead of relying on preset programs.
Sustainability and conscious enjoyment
Becoming a home barista is also a step towards greater responsibility : You know where your coffee comes from, how it is prepared – and you can avoid waste from disposable capsules or ready-made drinks.
What types of coffee workshops are there?
Beginner courses – the ideal start
These courses are aimed at anyone who wants to start using an espresso machine or finally understand the theory behind espresso. Topics covered include:
Goal: A solid foundation for all further barista skills.
Advanced training courses
For those who already have experience but want to optimize in a more targeted way :
These courses often include practical exercises under instruction , sometimes using participants' own machines.
Special Courses & Latte Art
Anyone who wants to learn latte art in a targeted way will receive professional training here:
These courses usually require basic knowledge of milk frothing.
Online courses & webinars
Digital learning is convenient – but not equivalent. You get:
What's missing: Direct feedback and the opportunity to practice under professional supervision. Ideal as a supplement to a practical course.
You'll learn that in the barista workshop.
Understanding and optimizing espresso
You'll learn how to create the perfect shot from water, coffee, and pressure – and what mistakes can occur along the way. It's about:
Theory and practice go hand in hand.
Grind size, tamping and puck preparation
Fine-tuning is everything: You'll learn why even a slightly different grind setting changes the result. You'll also practice:
Milk and Latte Art
Milk is also a complex raw material. In the workshop you will learn:
Error analysis & troubleshooting
Failed shots are not a step backwards, but learning material. You learn:
Here's what you should consider when choosing a workshop
Small groups & practical content
Workshops should give you enough time at the machine. Pay attention to:
Barista qualification
Preliminary question:
Competence and teaching methods are crucial.
Bring your own machine?
Some providers allow you to practice with your own espresso machine . This is useful because:
Our recommendation – our course: The “Barista Basic” course by Simon & Bearns
If you want a sound and practical introduction to the world of portafilter machines, then our Barista Basic course is just right for you.
Course description:
In our two-hour introductory course, we'll teach you everything you need to know and be able to do as an aspiring home barista – presented in a concise, practical, and easy-to-understand way. The course is designed for beginners and covers topics including:
The workshop takes place directly in our roastery – in a relaxed, personal atmosphere. Small groups guarantee intensive, individual coaching. You'll have plenty of time at the machine and can immediately apply what you've learned.
Intrigued?
👉 Click here to go directly to the Barista Basic course at Simon & Bearns
What happens after the workshop?
Practice makes the barista
Routine is crucial. Integrate what you've learned into your daily life:
Usefully expand your equipment
Many participants invest more strategically after the workshop:
Not everything needs to be replaced immediately – but you will clearly see where quality makes a difference.
Exchange with the community
Find contact with other home baristas:
This way you stay motivated, continue learning – and remain open to new trends.
Conclusion
A coffee workshop is much more than a pleasant weekend course. It can be the starting point for an intensive exploration of the fascinating world of coffee – and turn you into a competent home barista.
You'll learn not just how to brew coffee, but how to understand, control, and improve it. And you'll taste the difference in every cup. Whether you're impressing friends, enriching your daily life, or simply reaching a new level for yourself – the investment in knowledge, practice, and technique is worthwhile.