Talk Coffee Blog

Espresso tips, grinder guides, water filtration advice, and roastery news from the Talk Coffee team in Northcote, Melbourne.

The ECM Showdown: Mechanika Max V Technika VI — Explore the showdown between ECM Mechanika Max and Technika VI, two top-tier espresso machines designed for every coffee enthusiast.
Tuning In: Is the Upcoming Rocket Espresso R58 TUNE the Evolution We have Been Waiting For? — Discover the exciting features of the upcoming Rocket Espresso R58 TUNE, including TUNE Technology and rapid warm-up, designed for home baristas.
The Need for Speed Part Two: Comparing the ECM Technika VI and Profitec Drive — Explore the ECM Technika VI and Profitec Drive as we compare their rapid heat-up times, design, and features for ultimate espresso enjoyment.
The False Economy: Decoding the Risks of Cheap Espresso Machine Imports — Explore the hidden risks of cheap espresso machine imports. Discover potential safety hazards, service issues, and performance pitfalls before making a…
The Need for Speed: Prosumer Espresso Machines That Don't Make You Wait — Discover prosumer espresso machines that provide café-quality coffee in record time, ensuring your morning routine is quick and delicious.
Why should I purchase from Talk Coffee? — When you contact Talk Coffee, you speak with Chris. Get direct equipment advice, bench-tested machines, Australia-wide shipping and long-term support from…
Why servicing your machine matters and what to look for: — Learn why regular servicing of your prosumer espresso machine is crucial for peak performance and great coffee taste.
"When is it going to be here?": Navigating the Time Gap for EU Espresso Gear to Reach Australia — Explore the complexities behind the time delays in EU espresso gear reaching Australia, including certification hurdles and logistical challenges.
Olympia Cremina, Cremina SL20 or the New Maximatic? Here's How to Choose — Struggling to choose between the Olympia Cremina, SL20, or Maximatic? Discover the key features and find the perfect espresso machine for your needs.
The Mazzer Philos: THE Prosumer’s Dream Grinder — Discover why the Mazzer Philos is revolutionizing the single dose grinder experience for coffee prosumers, delivering exceptional consistency for both espresso…
I have up to $3.5k to spend on an espresso machine for my apartment. Which should I choose? — Discover the best compact espresso machines under $3.5k that balance performance and space for coffee lovers living in tight quarters.
Filling the gap. My thoughts on the Profitec Jump — Explore the Profitec Jump espresso machine, a compact and high-performance option for serious home baristas, rivaling the ECM Mechanika Slim PID.
The Grinder. When did you last show yours some love? — In the pursuit of the perfect shot of espresso, many direct attention toward the machine. But the root of almost every extraction issue begins before the water…
Brew ratios, times and all that stuff. Have we got it all wrong? — For years, brew ratios, shot times, and yield numbers have been treated like sacred coordinates. But what if they're leading us astray? The palate wins. Every…
Why is that espresso machine more expensive? — We're all living in tough economic times. But is the cheaper machine actually saving you money - or is it short-term landfill versus a family heirloom…
Ring Group vs. e-61 Cartridge Heater Group Espresso Machines — For the dedicated home barista, few topics generate more discussion than the choice of brew group. We compare ring group machines and e-61 cartridge heater…
Reviewing the Profitec Pro 300 and Profitec Move — Compact ring group dual boilers with smart control for the contemporary prosumer market. We compare the Pro 300 and the newer Profitec Move in depth.
The ECM Mechanika Max. It's the best heat exchanger machine currently available. — I have owned too many espresso machines to recall them all. When it comes to HX machines, there is one (and only one) currently available which I would…
The ECM Synchronika II is the best e-61 espresso machine ever produced — In the crowded landscape of prosumer espresso machines, one machine has emerged as the pinnacle of e-61 evolution: the ECM Synchronika II. Our opinion is that…
Coffee pricing mayhem and shenanigans… — Coffee is more expensive than it has ever been. Green coffee prices have gone from $5/kg to nearly $16/kg in just over a year. What's going on - and what does…
About decaf… — Decaffeinated coffee is literally coffee minus the caffeine. It doesn't have to be coffee minus the flavour. Our guide to choosing, storing and brewing great…
Why You Should Freeze Your Decaf Coffee Beans — Decaf loses freshness faster than regular coffee. Here's why freezing is the single best thing you can do to preserve every last note of flavour.
Rocket Espresso Appartamento TCA as my daily driver - first thoughts — A week in with the Appartamento TCA on the bench. Honest pros and cons from someone who has owned a souped-up gear pump Linea Mini and a custom Faema President.
2023 hits and misses. — 2023 was a year when not much happened in espresso machines. Not too many new releases. We'll keep it brief this year - but as always, we call them as we see…
New coffee and cocoa freight arrangements — We've had to reconsider shipping on coffee and cocoa orders. Australia Post pricing increases have reached a point where postage can exceed 25% of your…
So I have $XXXX to spend, can you recommend a package for me? — We get asked this question all the time. The thing about real espresso equipment is you can guarantee the coffee will be way superior. Here's our guide by…
Frozen coffee. Is it a thing? — For years baristas and roasters have been playing with frozen coffee. Now the technique is accessible to home users too - and it genuinely works.
I purchased a timer grinder. How do I set it up? — Timer grinders make consistent espresso doses straightforward - once you know how to dial them in. Here's our step-by-step guide.
When things don't go right... — Clickbait tactics, hard-sell pressure, out-of-stock listings - the coffee industry isn't immune to shonky practice. Here's what we saw, and how we do things…
The grey import trap — A customer bought what he thought was a Sydney-based espresso machine retailer. It turned out to be a grey importer based in 'Sydney, Italy'. Here's what that…
Rocket Espresso R NINE ONE playtime... — We flew to Sydney for a hands-on session with the Rocket Espresso R NINE ONE ahead of its Australian launch. Here's our honest verdict.
Filtration for espresso machines with stainless steel boilers — Choosing the right water filter for your espresso machine is critical - especially with stainless steel boilers. Here's what you need to know about TH, TDS and…
So you say you sell it, but do you really? — In a competitive industry full of clickbait and hard sells, we think it's worth spelling out exactly how we approach business - and what you should watch out…