How to Use the Bellman CX25P Espresso & Steamer

In-Depth Guide Here:

00:00 Introduction
0:29 Bellman Features
1:17 Brew Ratios
1:53 Compatibility
2:30 Grind Size
2:48 Dosing
2:59 Tamp
3:54 Brewing Espresso
5:15 Recipes
5:35 Steaming Milk
6:11 Latte Art

Water Gauge Measurements (approx.) :
3 = 150mls
6 = 300mls
9 = 450mls

Basket Weight Measurements (approx.) :
Full = 60g
Half = 30g
1/3 = 20g

Brew Ratios of a typical espresso will range from - 1:2 - 1:3
Brew Ratios for a typical Lungo or Moka Pot will be a 1:4 - 1:5
Brew Ratios for a Filter style coffee will be 1: 10 & upwards.

Using the Bellman to get the best espresso recipe; I used 50g of finely ground coffee and filled to just below the 3 on the water gauge for a 1:3 ratio. You can get 3 strong double espresso shots (40 ml) from this if you can keep the pressure to just below 2bars whilst brewing.

Brewing with 30g or 50g of coffee and 6 on the water gauge will produce 5-6 weaker espressos or two good long blacks.
Alternatively, you could easily brew 4-5 strong Lungo's and top up with steamed milk - for a not altogether Latte but a coffee with enough strength and a few cups at a time like this.
I did not try brewing with 15g of coffee but I would suggest not to brew a small shot with this, unless you go very fine, tamp hard and place a paper filter on top. Try brewing 15g coffee to 300mls or less of water for a single Long Black or Lungo with topped steamed milk, for good strength and flavor.

With the Bellman Espresso & Steamer CX 25P, you’ll never be a few simple steps away from rich and delicious espresso and steamed milk. Create espresso and steamed milk that will rival your favorite local cafe – all with the heat of your stove.

This espresso maker brews espresso that’s akin to the stove-top espresso you could get from a Moka pot. It’s intense, it’s topped with crema, and it’s great alone or paired with milk. Brew anywhere from 3-9 cups and serve the whole crew.

The attached pressure gauge lets you know exactly when enough pressure is built up to brew a balanced shot. It also tells you just the right moment to stop brewing.

The cafe-style steam wand is designed to rival commercial espresso machines. With it, you’ll be able to create that creamy, silky steamed milk you love in cappuccinos and flat whites.

Bellman Brewing Instructions:

Add water to the reservoir for your desired yield.
Add ground coffee using one of the pre-measured scoops based on your desired yield.
Place the Bellman Espresso & Steamer CX 25P on high heat.
Just before the gauge reads green, let the espresso fall into a mug and maintain the pressure at the start of the green zone until you have poured the espresso. Remove from heat if need.
Place the unit back on heat until the gauge reads near the top of the green zone, and use the steam wand to froth milk in a jug. Add steamed, frothed milk to your espresso and enjoy!
This espresso maker and steamer works with induction, gas, and electric stovetops. If you find yourself camping, it’ll work over a fire as well, making delicious campsite coffee a reality. The stainless steel body and bakelite construction will serve you for decades.

[danamcreynolds]

That's a good demo. I just found a used one in a thrift shop for $5. I love it when they don't know what they have!

Thank you.

[oscarwu]

It's great product and I used it every day. There is a problem they need to solve: the shower screen is not stainless and it corrodes easily. I guess the material is copper-tin alloy. I purchased the replacement one and after 2 months used, corrosion started again from the screen edge. I have to regularly remove the rubber seal to clean shower screen with a little bit of sanding. I don't use it for making coffee, only steaming milk.

[Liquimix]

Even though I've had my Bellman CX25P for several years, I got some good tips on making a cappuccino from your excellent demo.

[isabelb-c]

Truth be told I was scared witless to use my new unit. Thanks to your video I finally got the courage. 😅 I’m just waiting for my unit to cool down, as I’ve just finished running a water only cycle.

[tullynona]

Was looking every where online...thanks mate ur a legend.

[chefgarrin]

Hi I have a much older model that looks similar but no place for a pressure Guage. Wondering if you have any advice on how to determine my pressure in order to extract decent espresso and steam milk.

[goround]

How long does it take to make a coffee starting with cold water??

[menschundmaterie]

In your other video (Alternative Brewing) on the Bellmann you use the spacer in exactly the opposite way. How is it correct? Place it under or over the coffee powder?

[richardpiercethomas]

This seems to be an exact copy of the Italian Atomic unit. Are the parts interchangeable?

[kutekirsty]

Is that an upturned dosing cup that you are using please and if so which one? Many thanks.

[micaelamarsden]

My husband had one in the cupboard for about 30 years (!). I am trying it out, but it seems like maybe the espresso flow-through is a bit clogged. Can I run vinegar and water through it to clean it? Also, is there a stainless steel basket which fits this model? It does not have a pressure gauge.

[jacqueline]

I really like this setup and if I buy this Bellman model, I would also like to purchase the small ceramic-type stove you show with the Bellman on top of it. Do you sell that too, or can you tell me where to buy it, please?

[dylantaylor]

You said keep it at 2 bars, but that Guage looked like it was accelerating well above 2 just as you turned the camera away from it. Can this device also make regular coffee? Is it just a matter of adjusting the water to grind ratio? Different beans for espresso versus regular coffee? I just ordered a bellman, and am awaiting it's delivery. If you could answer my questions it would be most appreciated

[TristanSmith-kc]

I have had my bellman for a while now and I keep having the same problem. It doesn’t seem to matter how much water I put in it, up to the 3, 6 or 9 mark, I struggle to get more than half a cup of brewed coffee out of it before it starts spitting and sputtering. Any advice greatly welcome. I have tried brewing at one bar, as suggested in the bellman video, I have also tried it at 2 barb as suggested in this video, still the same result. I just want to be able to make two decent coffees in one go, what am I doing wrong?

[Kalza]

So I'm a little confused about the numbers. Normally I use 18g for a double shot of coffee. So Obviously 36g for 4 shots or 2 double shot lates. Now when I fill the basket to the brim, tamper it, pop the paper on. by the time Its into shot number 3 (Approx) the coffee appears quite weak and watery not thick espresso like. I do have my grind at one of the finest settings i can go. My question is am I doing something wrong?

Thank you

[ChiefComplaintX]

If you make multiple shots, i assume strength wont be the same. The 1st one will always be stronger?

[pepperjohn]

304 stainless isn't magnetic so won't work well on induction. I know it can attain some magnetic properties when cold formed, so you may have some luck brewing on induction. But a properly magnetic stainless like 410 would be a better choice, or a laminated-on ferrous stainless base plate.

[nickhumphreys]

I’ve had this bellman for a couple of years but for a while now the steam wand has only been producing enough steam to heat the milk not create a swirl or texture it to be silky.
Steam is coming out of both holes at 2bar.
Thanks for any advice 🙏🏼

[fefohood]

This is a great idea and a very nice gadget. But the price is insane for what it is.

[Smileycooldreamer]

How would I use this if I only want to froth milk? (Don’t have or want the espresso)