We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Ersin Acar

Hi,

I'm Ersin founder of Overdose Coffee and Owner of "Kahve Sakal" YouTube channel. I trained dozens of coffee veterans who benefited from the courses I gave at Overdose Coffee Academy, but I decided to do an online course in order to make this work more accessible. Whether you're just starting the coffee. Whether you are a barista who works actively and wants to improve. This course will add new knowledge and skills to you.

Read more

Hi,

I'm Ersin founder of Overdose Coffee and Owner of "Kahve Sakal" YouTube channel. I trained dozens of coffee veterans who benefited from the courses I gave at Overdose Coffee Academy, but I decided to do an online course in order to make this work more accessible. Whether you're just starting the coffee. Whether you are a barista who works actively and wants to improve. This course will add new knowledge and skills to you.

So what exactly will we learn in this course? For this course, I have worked on an introduction and advanced level collection of what a barista should know about coffee and espresso. I tried to convey what you need to know in order to produce less stress behind the bar, a more enjoyable working environment, and good coffee.

Starting from the history of coffee, its cultivation and processing, espresso machine types, espresso mechanics, espresso-based drinks, milk frothing and latte art, bar layout, hygiene, and workflow.

This course is a very good starter course for those who want to be a barista or who want to make better coffee at home but do not want to give thousands of dolars to the courses.

If you want to improve yourself more in the coffee world you have entered with this course. Do not forget to follow our expert-level course modules that we will publish in the future.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn coffee history, agriculture, processing, espresso machine grinder, espresso techniques.
  • History of coffee
  • Agriculture of coffee
  • Process methods of coffee
  • Espresso machine
  • Espresso grinders
  • Espresso basics
  • Milk frothing
  • Latte art
  • Espresso based drinks
  • Bar setup
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction to Coffee
Coffee tree and brief history of coffee

varyete isimleri yazı olarak video içinde görünsün


Coffee Growing and Harvest
Read more

I know some of you may already know this stuff but if you ask me, don't skip the lessons. Maybe you can find something you don't know.

Ofc you can find lots of different brands and models but generally, some parts are very very similar for example we call this section group head. Hot water comes from the boiler and passes thru the group head and shower screen than your compressed coffee particles with pressure. You can see the other 2 parts here. This is a milk steamer and this one is a hot water tap.

Generally, all the industrial machines have these too. Even bigger machines with two group heads also have two steamers so two baristas can work at the same time.

Our machine is a manual machine. There is a lever to activate the pump. There are button activated models too. Button models have manual and volumetric(automatic) ones. If there is only one button to start and stop that's a manual machine too."queue photo" If there are five buttons per group head that can programmable that's a volumetric (automatic) machine."queue photo". I will explain how volumetric machines work on another video.

Here is a gauge that we call a manometer. You can check the pressure inside the steam boiler and pressure at the pump. These pressure settings can be adjusted inside the machine. For the steam boiler pressure should be around one point five psi, two psi. Over that pressure is a little bit dangerous but don't worry the steam boiler has some countermeasures to stop blowing your machine. Like pressure stat or pressure release valves.

This machine comes with a PID module. Cheap or old machines handle the heating element with a thermostat.  You can see the thermostat here. This part goes into the heating element from outside.  It works chemically liquid inside this tube extends and pushes the springs inside the thermostat and cuts the electricity when it gets very hot. You can set the desired temperature with this little screw here.

Highend machines like this one are using PID controllers. a PID controller uses a PID formula to decide to open or close the heating element. PID means Proportional Integral Derivative ("effect maybe?") But we don't dive into it right now. It's for another course :) By doing this we are getting a more stable temperature control.

We call this part a dip tray.  On industrial machines dip trays connected to drain under here.  Again on industrial machines, there is a clean water inlet under with an electrical connection.  There are some details about electrical connection and power but that's a topic for another lesson.

This machine also has a feature that lots of machines don't have. a pressure profiling paddle. Simply it controls the pressure by controlling the flow of water.

We call the top of the machine; heater. There are two types of heater. Active and Passive.  The passive ones use the heat of the boilers inside. Active ones have heating elements inside to keep the cups warm so you won't serve cold beverages to your guests. It's a smart choice for outside bars and coffee trucks etc.

Let's talk about portafilters You can find portafilters with single/double spouts or bottomless we call it naked. I will explain why we use them in another video.

There are baskets in the portafilters. You can find a double and single basket with different sizes. again that's another lesson's topic. It's about the size of your dose actually. Your basket size is your dose size.  Ofc It comes with your machine but you can change with a bigger size or high-end one.

There is an important topic that you should be aware of the steam wand and hot water tap. On cheap machines, they are not always made to touch.  This machine has a double-wall design we call it cool touch. so I can touch the metal without burning my hand.  If your devices are not double-walled there should be a rubber piece to hold it securely. Double-walled or not. Don't touch the tip.

You also need to be careful about the group heads. Even you don't activate the pump there is still water circulating to keep the group headshot for temperature stabilization.  We call it siphoning.  If your group head is cold, you take a shot and you taste it. The second one will be totally different. So you need to be careful and don't touch the group heads too.

Again for temperature stabilization, you need to keep your portafilter at your group heads. So you can take consistent shots.

To start your machine.  some machines have only one button. And some industrial machines have two-level switches. The first level is like a self-test. It starts with everything but heating elements. The second level starts the heating element.

These knobs here for activating the steam wand or hot water top.  How much you open it that much powerful steam will come out. some machines its lever action. and some of those lever-action ones have power control some of them don't. open and close. that's it.

If you want to steam milk in a small pitcher, you don't need to open full power. You can use less power to control small steamings.

If we categorize the espresso machines, One of these categories must be if the machine is manual, semi-automatic, automatic (volumetric), or fully automatic.

Manual machines don't have a pump to push water into the coffee puck. Generally, they have a spring in the group head. You set the spring with a lever. when you release the lever, spring pushes the water into the coffee puck.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=034SoyOnJp8)

Old designed version also doesn't have the spring. You will directly control the pressure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiaJoMZK4Vc

cup heater anlat

flow control anlat

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Barista skills from history to latte art

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in barista skills, covering everything from coffee origins to practical techniques like espresso mechanics, milk frothing, and latte art. Students frequently praise the instructor's passion and knowledge, finding the content engaging and easy to follow. While it serves as a very good starter course for aspiring baristas or those wanting to improve home brewing, some reviewers feel it provides a strong introduction but that mastery requires significant practice and potentially further advanced study beyond this course content.
Logical flow from bean to cup.
"The course structure was logical, starting with the origins and moving through espresso mechanics step-by-step."
"I appreciated how the syllabus flowed from history to practical skills."
"The organization of modules made it easy to follow and understand the progression."
Provides a strong starting point.
"This course is a very good starter course for those who want to be a barista or who want to make better coffee at home."
"It covers all the basics you need to get started in the coffee world."
"I now have a solid understanding of coffee fundamentals after taking this course."
Strong focus on milk frothing and latte art.
"The sections on milk frothing and latte art were particularly helpful and well-demonstrated."
"I finally feel like I understand how to steam milk correctly thanks to this course."
"The latte art section gave me actionable steps to practice and improve my pours."
Instructor passionate and explains well.
"The instructor was clearly passionate about coffee and explained complex topics in a very accessible way."
"He has a deep knowledge of the subject and makes the videos engaging."
"I really enjoyed learning from the instructor; his expertise shines through."
Content is introductory; requires more depth.
"While it's a great intro, becoming a professional barista will require much more hands-on practice than the course alone can provide."
"I wish some topics went into more detail; it feels like a good overview but not fully 'intermediate' in all areas."
"It's a fantastic starting point, but don't expect it to be the only thing you need for a high-level career."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Barista Course: Foundation and Intermediate #BetterCoffee with these activities:
Review Coffee Processing Methods
Refresh your understanding of different coffee processing methods to better appreciate their impact on flavor profiles.
Show steps
  • Review notes on different processing methods.
  • Watch videos demonstrating each method.
  • Research the impact of each method on coffee flavor.
Read 'Craft Coffee: A Manual'
Deepen your understanding of coffee brewing techniques and extraction principles.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Craft Coffee: A Manual'.
  • Read the sections on espresso and milk frothing.
  • Experiment with different brewing parameters.
Read 'The World Atlas of Coffee'
Expand your knowledge of coffee origins and processing techniques with a detailed guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The World Atlas of Coffee'.
  • Read the sections relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and regions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Milk Frothing Techniques
Refine your milk frothing skills through repetitive practice to achieve consistent texture and temperature.
Show steps
  • Prepare your milk frothing station.
  • Practice frothing milk using different techniques.
  • Evaluate the texture and temperature of the frothed milk.
  • Repeat until desired consistency is achieved.
Follow Online Latte Art Tutorials
Improve your latte art skills by following step-by-step tutorials from experienced baristas.
Show steps
  • Search for latte art tutorials online.
  • Select tutorials that focus on specific techniques.
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
  • Record your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Create a Latte Art Portfolio
Document your latte art progress to track improvement and identify areas for further development.
Show steps
  • Share your portfolio with peers for feedback.
  • Practice latte art techniques.
  • Photograph your best latte art creations.
  • Compile the photos into a digital portfolio.
Design a Coffee Bar Layout
Apply your knowledge of bar setup and workflow to create an efficient and ergonomic coffee bar design.
Show steps
  • Research different coffee bar layouts.
  • Consider workflow and ergonomics.
  • Create a detailed floor plan.
  • Present your design to peers for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Barista Course: Foundation and Intermediate #BetterCoffee will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Barista
A Barista is responsible for preparing and serving coffee and other beverages to customers. This role requires a deep understanding of coffee, espresso preparation, milk frothing, and latte art, all of which are covered in this course. The course provides a good foundation in coffee history, processing methods, and the mechanics of espresso machines. It will also help you learn techniques to produce high quality drinks, and understand how to create a pleasant work environment. A strong understanding of workflow gained from the course helps to ensure high quality service behind the bar.
Corporate Barista Trainer
A Corporate Barista Trainer develops and conducts training programs for baristas, often for a chain of coffee houses. This course may be helpful as it introduces coffee history, processing, and espresso machine mechanics which can be used in a training curriculum. The course also offers techniques for preparing espresso-based drinks, milk frothing, and latte art which are important to a barista's training. The course covers topics that help trainers develop a standardized set of knowledge and skills to relay to baristas. The course will be useful in the development of training programs.
Coffee Shop Manager
A Coffee Shop Manager oversees daily operations of a coffee shop, including staff management, inventory, and ensuring quality of the beverages. This course may be useful as it offers insight into coffee preparation, espresso machine mechanics, bar layout, and workflow, which will help a manager make informed decisions about operations and staffing. This course provides a well rounded introduction to coffee including a history of its cultivation, processing, and preparation. This should allow the manager to better understand the work of their baristas and the needs of their establishment. Additionally, this course will help increase efficiency of staff.
Cafe Owner
A Cafe Owner is responsible for the overall management and profitability of a cafe, requiring a broad understanding of coffee preparation and cafe management, which this course introduces. The course covers the basics of espresso preparation including machine types and mechanics, and milk frothing as well as latte art. The course also includes sections on bar layout and workflow which directly relate to daily operations of a cafe. This course should equip a prospective cafe owner with an understanding of the key aspects of coffee preparation and service for the day to day running of the establishment.
Coffee Quality Control Specialist
A Coffee Quality Control Specialist evaluates coffee beans and beverages to ensure they meet specific standards. This role needs a strong understanding of coffee processing, defects, and espresso preparation and techniques, which is covered in this course. The course helps build a foundation of knowledge about coffee from farm to cup, as it covers the history of coffee, its cultivation, processing methods, and defects. Knowing about milk frothing and latte art can also help assess drink preparation quality. This course's exploration of espresso mechanics and extraction will be valuable when evaluating coffee quality.
Coffee Influencer
A Coffee Influencer creates content about coffee. This course introduces them to many aspects of the coffee world. The course explores coffee history, processing methods, and espresso machine mechanics. It also reviews milk frothing, latte art, and preparation of espresso based drinks, which greatly helps when creating content. The course can provide a rounded knowledge of coffee practices for the aspiring content creator. The course will also provide a deep understanding of coffee preparation, which would be extremely valuable for a coffee influencer.
Retail Coffee Salesperson
A Retail Coffee Salesperson sells coffee beans, equipment, and supplies to customers and needs to understand coffee and preparation techniques. This course may be useful for those interested in this career. The course helps the salesperson gain foundational knowledge that will help them advise customers effectively, as it covers the history of coffee, its processing, espresso machine mechanics and the preparation of espresso drinks. This allows them to also discuss the best techniques and equipment with potential customers. This course can help them sell products more effectively.
Beverage Consultant
A Beverage Consultant advises cafes and restaurants on menu development and beverage preparation, so they need a deep understanding of coffee and espresso techniques. This is introduced in this course. The course covers coffee history, processing methods, and the mechanics of espresso machines as well as how to make espresso-based drinks. This will allow the consultant to make informed recommendations to their clients. This course includes information on bar layout and hygiene, which would greatly suit the role of consultant.
Coffee Roaster
A Coffee Roaster is in charge of roasting coffee beans to perfection, developing unique flavor profiles. While this course focuses on the barista side, it introduces coffee history, processing, and defects, all of which are essential knowledge for a coffee roaster. This introduction to coffee's journey from farm to cup will help the roaster appreciate the nuances of the raw product. The course's discussion of coffee quality and defects can help the roaster make informed decisions about sourcing and roasting. Overall, this course may help a prospective roaster gain the foundations of coffee knowledge.
Catering Service Manager
A Catering Service Manager oversees the food and beverage services for events, which may include coffee service. This course can be helpful for those who seek out this career. The course covers coffee history, processing, and espresso machine mechanics, which helps a manager make informed decisions about the quality of the coffee service. The course also goes over preparation of espresso-based drinks, milk frothing, and latte art, which helps the manager ensure a high standard is maintained at events. The course also overviews bar layout and workflow, contributing to efficient operations at events.
Restaurant Manager
A Restaurant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a restaurant operation, including the beverage service. This course may be useful as it offers an introduction to coffee history, processing, and different brewing methods including espresso. It also goes over the making of espresso-based drinks, milk frothing, and latte art which are key to a smooth beverage service. This course may help a restaurant manager gain a greater understanding of the effort that goes into a high quality coffee service in a restaurant environment. They may be better able to manage staff that create these beverages.
Food Stylist
A Food Stylist prepares and arranges food and beverages for photography or videography, and this course informs them about coffee preparation. The course introduces various aspects of coffee, including its history, processing, different types of espresso machines, and techniques for preparing drinks. This understanding of coffee presentation will help the stylist to create aesthetically pleasing coffee product imagery. The course also covers latte art which is a visually appealing technique that might be useful for the stylist. This course may increase their ability to style coffee based beverages.
Food and Beverage Writer
A Food and Beverage Writer creates content about food and drinks, for blogs, magazines, or other media outlets, and this course can be helpful for those who wish to write about coffee. The course covers the history of coffee, its cultivation, and processing methods. It also covers the mechanics of espresso machines, techniques for preparing various espresso-based drinks, milk frothing, latte art and bar setup. This information would be crucial for a writer who wishes to produce accurate descriptions of coffee processes. This course can help the writer develop a well rounded knowledge of the coffee industry.
Sensory Analyst
A Sensory Analyst evaluates the taste and aroma of coffee, identifying its unique characteristics. This role typically requires an advanced degree such as a master's or phd. Nevertheless, this course may be helpful as it provides a foundational understanding of coffee cultivation, processing, and preparation, all which influence its flavor profile. The course covers the history of coffee, various processing methods, and espresso techniques. It also explores various defects in coffee. This background will help a Sensory Analyst understand the aspects of coffee that influence the development of its characteristics. This course may help form a good foundation for further education.
Coffee Equipment Technician
A Coffee Equipment Technician specializes in maintaining and repairing coffee machines, especially espresso machines. The course offers an introduction to different types of espresso machines and their mechanics. This course helps in laying the groundwork for understanding the function and operation of various coffee equipment, and may give the technician a better understanding of the technology involved. While this course is not specifically focused on repair, it will introduce the basic components which will be useful to any prospective technician. The course may prove helpful as a stepping stone to becoming a technician.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Barista Course: Foundation and Intermediate #BetterCoffee.
Provides a comprehensive overview of coffee origins, varieties, and processing methods. It's a valuable resource for understanding the nuances of coffee flavor and the factors that influence it. It serves as a great reference for understanding the geographical and agricultural aspects of coffee production. This book is commonly used by coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Provides a detailed guide to brewing coffee at home, covering various methods and techniques. It's useful for understanding the fundamentals of coffee extraction and how to control different variables. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. This book is commonly used by home brewing enthusiasts.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser