Learning how to Roast Coffee

October 27, 2020

Q: I am interested in learning the art of coffee roasting. Do you offer classes?

Yes, we do!

Let's start by defining what makes a great coffee roaster:

The ability to taste and make technical adjustments to correct errors.

Learning to roast coffee successfully requires mentorship over a period of time, varying from a few months to a few years with lots of trials and errors. In spite of that fact, we can teach you the fundamentals of coffee roasting, safety procedures, simple maintenance and basics about coffee in a weekend. Register here. Anything beyond that is not realistic in a weekend course.

Unfortunately, there are coffee schools in Vancouver and beyond, offering how to roast coffee classes that are thinly veiled as sales pitches, disguised with objective advice and instruction.

At the Institute we do not have equipment to sell to you because:

we are a coffee school,
you are trusting us to give you sound financial and often life-changing advice,
and, it goes against our code of ethics.

We believe it is important for all coffee schools and consultants to be up front and declare a full disclosure of any conflicts of interest that they may have. Why is this important to us?

Imagine if your Family Doctor didn’t disclose that they would benefit financially when you take medicine that they recommend to you? How would you feel about that? Probably not good!

Removing all possible conflicts of interest insures that you, the student, will receive clear unbiased instructions.

Our full disclosure to you: If you choose to sign up for a coffee class with us, know that we have your best interest at heart because:

we do not accept commissions for any recommendations of equipment
we don’t roast coffee or accept commission for selling coffee, so we can teach you how to taste without bias
we will never open a coffee shop or roastery next to you

When we teach you, our sole focus is teaching you, mentoring you and making sure you understand the message we are trying to deliver!

What is our message?

We teach you to understand the fundamentals. When you understand the fundamentals and principles behind roasting and making great coffee consistently, you will then be able to teach and share that. Being able to share this knowledge completely removes any reliance you may have on us at the Barista Institute. This ability to keep your co-workers and staff on the same page will drive your success!

Conclusion & Recommendations

We recommend you complete these steps before you invest all your hard earned money in roasting equipment and leasing a facility.

Step 1. Take the Complete Barista Training Course

In 3rd wave cafes the # 1 seller is espresso based drinks. As a roaster, if you don’t know how to make espresso, dial-in the espresso machine and grinder, then you can’t fix your roasting errors and shouldn’t roast for espresso.

You also need to know how to taste coffee to either roast or brew it. Come learn from our dedicated coffee professionals & educators how to taste unbiased.

Our Barista classes are designed to teach you all of this and much more!

Step 2. Take the Opening a Coffee Business course

You need to know the economics of the coffee business model before you invest or go to far. Our Opening a Coffee Business course is perfect for those that want their own business whether it be a Cafe or Roasting Coffee facility answering all your business questions about finances, staffing, purchasing equipment, business plans and more.

After completing these courses you will be prepared with the fundamentals to begin your successful coffee roasting career and to take the next step.