Est. 2000 · Northcote, VIC
A consultancy founded by a coffee enthusiast, for coffee enthusiasts.
Have a question?Call Chris directly - he picks up.
1300 679 478I had my first cup of coffee when I was five years old. I had no idea what I was drinking - only that I wanted another one. That curiosity has never left me.
I founded Talk Coffee over twenty years ago because I loved the craft and wanted to help others make better coffee. My journey began in cafes and eventually led me to become a coffee trainer. Back then, my students always asked the same question: "Where can I actually buy a good coffee machine?" At the time, the options were limited to big-box department stores or roasters with a single domestic model on a bench somewhere. There was no one offering honest, expert advice and variety.
I saw the need for a venue that combined a curated range of machinery with the assistance that people needed to choose the right fit for their home. I'm here to help you choose a proper investment in something that will last.
Talk Coffee isn't a shop full of staff; it's just me - Chris. I'm a degree-qualified trainer with a background in Science, hospitality, and education. I've spent decades obsessing over espresso, coffee roasting and what's required for a perfect home cup. I'm still looking for what's next and how to do it better.
You won't find mass-market espresso equipment at Talk Coffee. Everything I range is chosen for quality and longevity, not convenience retail.
I'm not here for the big cafes. I'm here for the home enthusiast - the person who researches, asks questions, and wants a straight answer from someone who actually knows the industry. When you call or email, you get me. No ticket systems, no sales scripts - just honest expertise.


We offer a curated range of the very best espresso equipment - not everything, just the right things.
We don't carry everything - we choose very carefully. Every brand on this site is well-built, backed by outstanding importer support, and sourced from manufacturers I genuinely respect. A smaller range, chosen well, beats a big catalogue chosen carelessly.
Every espresso machine we sell is bench tested and thoroughly inspected before dispatch - with unlimited after-sales support included.
Reciprocal warranty and repair across Australian capital cities and many regional areas. Finance options available (ABN required).
Hands-on sessions at our Northcote roastery covering espresso, milk technique and roasting - by arrangement, Feb–Nov.
Many clients are on their third or fourth machine. They come back because I give honest advice, including when a simpler or less expensive option is the smarter choice.
No manufacturer has produced a perfect machine. You knowing what I'd change about any machine you're considering is more important than all the superlatives. It helps you choose what's right for you.
Why I do this
Profit generation is not the main focus here. I love my equipment cave - surrounded by great machines I know will perform brilliantly in your home. I come to work because I want to, not because I have to.
Sharing the passion with like-minded individuals - be you beginner or advanced - is what I love to do. This is a lifestyle choice, and I'm grateful for it every day.
Nothing makes me happier than a gathering of Talk Coffee clients laughing, smiling, sharing a great espresso and learning together. That's the community I've built over 25 years. You're welcome to be part of it.
"Nothing makes me happier than a gathering of Talk Coffee clients laughing, sharing a great espresso and learning together."
Chris — Founder, Talk Coffee
Sessions are held at our Northcote warehouse and roastery on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday mornings by arrangement (February–November).
Beginner – Introduction to Espresso
$25075–90 min
Ideal for those who recently purchased a machine and want to produce café-quality espresso and milk-based drinks at home.
1-on-1 Espresso à la carte
$290Up to 120 min
Personalised to your equipment and skill level. $100 per additional 30 min per person.
Intro to Commercial Roasting & Cupping
Clients onlyHalf-day
Exclusively for clients who purchased a commercial roaster. Covers our Aillio and Phantom roasters - operation, maintenance and cupping.
Membership
Curious about roasting your own coffee at home? First Crack Club members get exclusive access to our roasters, green bean inventory, expert guidance and member-only discounts on goods and services.
$500
12-month membership
$30
Per 1-hr session on the Aillio or Link roasters
30%
Off weekly green bean offers
Our warehouse and roastery in Northcote is where the magic happens. Drop in for a training session, grab some freshly roasted beans, or chat to Chris about finding the right equipment for your setup.
Talk Coffee
13/148 Arthurton Road
Northcote VIC 3070
Australia
Training: Tue / Wed / Fri mornings by arrangement
February – November