Bellman CX-25 - 3 Steps to Perfect Coffee

Learn how to get the best out of your Bellman CX-25 with this easy to follow video tutorial.

[@clementsobotka3585]

Thanks! After watching serval videos, reading online, and the manual- I can finally use this. I just had horrifying results- many videos and instructions do not tell you to open the wand at first- just cook for 5-10 minutes. Also no one mentions the grind- I did fine, so my nozzle clogged. Just wild hot steam and splattering espresso everywhere. Most all reviews show using the gauge- my is the older no gauge model. Thanks again- wish other info sources were useful. Also your presentation was perfect- very well done!

[@clem304]

Please, make more videos like this one, it's by far the most concise and clear video I've found on this machine.

[@patrickhunter1781]

New video coming soon!

[@suecoelho467]

After watching DOZENS of videos on this contraption...YOURS was the most HELPFUL...THANK YOU!

[@patrickhunter1781]

Thank you!

[@terrytowells5500]

Thank you very much for the step by step advice. I got great results. Way better than the Bellman directions.

[@Jollyswagman7]

Dude why did you stop making videos? They are great! They have a nostalgic Aussie day off from school vibe.

[@artiglove7479]

Yes: Wow, great video! The timing/ pacing, slow, deliberate movements and comments, all make for an excellent instructional. Thanks so much!

[@bushwalkerjo]

Best video yet on the use of the Bellman. Thanks!

[@shekhinahmorgan2814]

Thanks so much. I have had one of these for about 25 years and long ago gave up trying to use it. I am not a barista and could never find any good instructions that worked for me. Looking forward to giving it a go.

[@rafagfa]

Hello Patrick, Just wanted to thank you for your post. I came across a much earlier version of these at a local thrift store without knowing precisely how to use it. The basket was missing but luckily found the spare part in Australia on ebay. Your post saved me a lot of struggle working my way around this beauty of a coffee machine. Enjoying my third brew. Many thanks

[@akk709]

Just pulled mine out after about 6 year for camping this weekend. Did a trial run and worked perfect. Thanks for the refresher course

[@markharmon6392]

I know this is an old video, but just stumbled upon it... Anyways, I'm just getting the hang of my old CX-25 I found at a thrift store a couple years ago and found it recently while cleaning the pantry.. First time in 2 years I've used it the other day and made a delicious latte. Tried again yesterday and not nearly as good. Now trying to figure out why such a big difference. I know I did the procedure differently the second time. I'll try the first way again tomorrow. This video seems closer to my first cup, so I'll try it this way tomorrow.

[@nelljehu1280]

Thank you for the great tutorial! I got mine about 10 years ago, but was too nervous to use it since it doesn't have a pressure gauge. Tried it this weekend, leaving the milk steamer open, and had good results. Very excited about the steamer, it steams milk as well as the commercial machine I used back in my barista days!

[@dazura9262]

great video. I was literally about to throw mine out, but after a few goes as you said, got much better results. thank you!

[@erin-leelaurence1458]

Great video thanks so much! I just got one as a gift and was disappointed with my first two attempts. I feel like this video will help me make better coffee.

[@madetoorder2010]

I have my original from Vessubio for 35 years. And i know i have this . i really love my machine is the best. Thank you for show the proper use.

[@TheBobelly628]

Thank you! I have an electric version and the instructions said to keep steam pipe closed and coffee spout opened.But I tried it your way and it’s MUCH easier and better tasting. 😊

[@MasonDelapp]

Wow, I really appreciate your video, it’s a really niche demographic but as someone who lives in their van and loves to experiment with coffee, this seems perfect.

[@patrickhunter1781]

Mason, glad you liked the video! Thanks for the feedback and hope your experimenting proves successful

[@MasonDelapp]

Bought my Bellman off of EBay and received it yesterday. Made coffee for the family this morning using tips from the countless posts and videos I’ve seen and everyone was very impressed with the little machines potential.

[@CampervanCookout]

Ahh thanks Patrick, I have a 70s one of these and I have played with a lot and had very mixed results. Your technique I will definitely give a go, although its made me realise I am missing the tamper on mine..

[@joanchamberlain5678]

Thanks for this - will try your techniques - hope I get better results than I have had to date. Good instructional video.

[@tedfinkenauer42]

Great video. Without the pressure gauge, you need to manually “guess” when pressure is correct. Great tip on leaving the steamer valve open to do this. Have you tried the circular coffee filters that are now available. I’ve had issues with coffee grinds clogging the exit tube. This may help. Thx again!

[@tomstestkitchen]

Excellent tutorial, I recently found one of these in a thrift store. I knew it was an espresso maker but had know idea on how to use it.

[@valovelightg7795]

Me too! I found one for $5. Yesterday !!...I was always sad that I had gotten rid of an Italian version of this same thing..so I'm here learning😊

[@milenium734]

I have one old model. Works perfect 👌 this machines is simple and great 👍

[@jankuyper8353]

To add to your tutorial ....I use the insert in the coffee basket and stopped the peripheral leak by flattening the outside edge...since the edge comes curved , you can use a small hammer and tap the edge down on a flat piece of steel till it fits the basket 😁. flow of coffee controlled by the knob is rather erratic because the valve becomes clogged with coffee particles and has to be re adjusted .I put a neoprene washer between the coffee basket and the filter to stop the leak between the center bolt and the basket... when you use a paper filter on top of the coffee in the basket the clogging mostly disappears and the flow is constant without the intermittent three feet geisher of hot coffee coating your kitchen 🙄 I cut my filter from coffee filters to the inside diameter of the basket and the hole in center is cut with an exacto knife like a x. When I start the Brew the coffee knob is closed and the steamer is open.When I get a steady stream of steam I close the steamer wait 20 seconds (that gives you about 1/3 of a bar pressure)....then open the coffee valve till a bit of coffee comes out....then tilt the bellman with the spout up 15 degrees to get all the air out of the top lid and put it back on the stove... You can close the valve and wait for an amount of time depending how strong a coffee you want.. The Bellman offers you variables in pressure ,amount of coffee etc so you can Taylor it to your taste....have fun 🙄 Thanks Patrick for your insights .much appreciated.

[@patrickhunter1781]

Thanks Jan, great information. I like your idea of re-opening the coffee valve to steep the coffee first!

[@leahnewyork]

Hi @Jan Kuyper and thank you. Understood that you put a custom-cut piece of coffee filter on top but what do you mean about the hole in the center being a plus? (BTW that hole in the center is a minus when it comes to filling the basket w/ grounds. Some ppl plug that hole up while loading the basket, gaining ease and speed.)

[@jankuyper8353]

The + is a cut made with an exacto knife in the center of the filter so it slips over the threaded post....when you want to go completely OCD you put a thin gasket over the post before the gasket to stop the water and air from passing through the center hole ....but yes that's too nerdy for most people.🙄Have fun..

[@keithsheffield9154]

@@jankuyper8353where did you get the neoprene washer and what size did you use? I seem to have more coffee in the boiler than ever comes out the spout.

[@nelliebellie3622]

Thank you for posting this 🙏🏻 Found an electric version and this manual version at a garage sale for $6 recently! Been wanting to practice and even though I have the instructions I was hesitant because 💥 🤣. The manual version with induction was definitely the most controlled but my skill set is apparently non-existent 😂 I’m not giving up though.

[@northsider8995]

Excellent clip. I also find that skim or light milk froths better than full cream kind.

[@teresablake188]

Thankyou for this excellent video, I just found one of these in good condition at my local opshop for $7. I had no idea how to use it and I love coffee - very excited to try it out now!

[@patrickhunter1781]

No problem, have fun!

[@Paullee000]

Great STEAL! These things are like $100 new

[@valovelightg7795]

Me too..same one for.$5.!!

[@jlborish]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@nicolasairi6237]

so touching for an excellent video

[@skyking9248]

This was a great video, but this whole time I am just wishing you referenced the pressure gauge as a marker. Everything else was really helpful. 👍🏼😊

[@discussionswithalex]

The new model has a pressure gauge. The old (as in this video) does not. You have a CX-25P but this is for the CX-25.

[@skyking9248]

@@discussionswithalex I love mine. I got the one with the gauge, but I use it exclusively for steaming. Not only can I get a higher bar pressure than my machine, but it’s consistant dry steam, and now I can add things like simple syrups chocolate condensed milk spices for golden lattes etc etc etc. The best part is there’s nothing to worry about on this vs using the steam wand on my machine. On the main machine I stick with milk only. A few times I’ve forgotten and used simple syrup, but no problems.

[@skyking9248]

@@discussionswithalexcool!

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

Thank you. I got very bitter coffee and was about to toss the think. I will give it another.

[@rodrigovillamarin9189]

Gracias por tu vídeo, tengo una Bellmann y no sabía cómo hacer mi espresso. Saludos 🇨🇴🇨🇴☕

[@jemo]

Thanks for making this! A friend gave me one, I've monkey'd around with it, but could never get consistent results, and always afraid it would explode since I didn't have any instructions.

[@robjb1210]

I had one explode, but now on the handle I see they put a hole so steam will release. I would keep an eye on it though jic. When that thing exploded, someone could have been killed, it was that horrendous.

[@hannahpatterson6191]

@@robjb1210 You mentioned it has a safety hole to release some pressure, but yours still exploded... How do you stop it from exploding? This kind of freaks me out

[@robjb1210]

@@hannahpatterson6191 My friend didnt open the valve, thats why it exploded. On this particular model, you had to leave the valve open a little to release the pressure

[@MsHowdull]

Great tutorial! Many, many thanks. Ended up rewatching it in 15-30 second increments as I was doing my first (apprehensive) trial of CX-25 (one wrong decision away from a makeshift bomb?). It would be amazing to see you cover how to make 6-9 shots. Filled mine to 6 with nearly full basket and got only about 3 single shots before the coffee started watering down. Could one repeat closing the coffee valve, opening the steam one and letting the pressure build up again for additional coffee? Or is that essentially reusing coffee (yuk)? Also - it would be amazing to see the final steps of proper depressurisation and when safe to open. Would love to see an extended follow up on further Bellman mastery! This was the only tutorial I trusted to follow for the CX-25 (no pressure gauge to guide you). I’m grateful it exists! Thanks again.

[@edelweisstomner9009]

I'm curious how you're coming along with using yours. I recently purchased a vintage one and am researching all I can to use it properly. I was intimidated by these types of coffee makers, but I've seen what happens when they do fail, the gasket would give before the metal ruptures, and as long as the pressure release valve is not covered with water it should be safe to use. I do wish there was an easy way to modify it to add a gauge though, would just make me so much more comfortable using it.

[@tiderider]

Thank you

[@thegingerpowerranger]

how can you speak so calmly and smoothly after smashing 6 coffees?

[@patrickhunter1781]

You build up an immunity over time...

[@clariashmusic]

A fantastic video! Very informative and I love the smooth music in the background. ;)

[@brianchar6912]

Ive used my bellman on gas, glasstop and traditional electric element. I did not like the representation from the gas, perhaps some type of thick steel heat pad would maintain even heat. Glasstops stoves do a pulsing on and off thing- the worst stove for bellman. By far the best result Ive had was from an electric coil element, it delivers consistent heat right through till boiling.

[@kurtrehbein9103]

Wonderful video my friend. If you've just picked one up. Disregard the instructions and follow this video

[@toniborrett9900]

I'm not having much luck. I'll keep trying, maybe a coarser grind? Your video is the best btw

[@chrisnewman7281]

The ground of the coffee is very important there is a sweet spot.

[@aryehh7128]

Good calm practical video. I'm considering buying one, brand new. Outrageously expensive compared to thrift store versions! Do you have a way to manage any crema on top of the espresso? And, does it manage with light to medium roast specialty coffees?

[@stephystephs]

I have a vintage one of these very similar that my mom used. I can’t get any coffee to come out of it. I use it as a milk steamer only. My 60-90 seconds waiting for coffee, became several minutes and all that came out was a few drips of water lol

[@francescosabelli4296]

Hi so i liked the video tutorial, I followed al the steps however, using the same logic as a Mokka, i did not tamper the coffee just slightly over filled it but no pressure. This worked better, there was a smother flow, more crema and I believe it is how it was intended to use. I was then also able to use the divider to make a single shot without wasting coffee.

[@patrickhunter1781]

Hi Francesco, there’s lots of variables with this machine and many ways of making coffee with it. This is the great thing about the Bellman!

[@mouse454]

Pressure gauge is 70$ extra, but seems saves guesswork and being careful, I'm split only know gauge version. Perhaps the best thing about the gauge is repeatedly using for steam/running out pressure

[@lethrneck4]

i inherited a pot like this from my grandmother..i break it out ever winter for sunday morning capppucinos...getting the milk right does take perfecting , i still dont get it perfect most times..but a dam good pot for espresso!

[@anthonybarbieri3707]

Ive found the tube on the 3/6 adapter is too short to allow a proper seal to the top screen. Watvhing videos some are taller that the basket tube allowing a vetter seal when used.

[@ballantynedewolf]

Hey Patrick, I recently picked one of these up off a neighbour's chuckout pile. The coffee extraction is good but the steampipe doesn't seem to produce enough steam. Enough hot steamy air comes out to heat milk but no stretching takes place. I undid the steam valve and cleaned out some crud but no improvement. Any ideas?

[@abdulazimkhilji6988]

Character In the video It's great, I like it a lot $$

[@moosestache1769]

Using the low capacity filter as a tamper: genius

[@thethirdman225]

Good tips. Thanks. I’ll be buying one soon so this was a big help. Might help if you could speak up a bit though.

[@patrickhunter1781]

Thanks for the feedback! New camera and mic setup so still ironing out the bugs

[@thethirdman225]

What mic did you get?

[@patrickhunter1781]

I was using my camera mounted Rode Videomic Go and it's proving frustrating. I've bought a new Audio Technica USB mic which I'll try in a separate video

[@nomadinbali7014]

Hi Patrick, thanks for makin this video. What grind size do you recommended for this bellman use? I tried using mokapot-size grind but somehow the espresso is not flowing nicely.

[@paulfrench_pstech2014]

Hi Patrick, how much coffee do you produce with one go? It looked like around 3-4? Also, I assume this method doesn't produce much in the way of crema.

[@noahhunt8575]

I opened up the top and and blew steam across my kitchen. Not burned and I could’ve died, but man am I glad I’m okay.

[@nathalieemard6241]

Hi Patrick. I have been using the Bellman for a couple of weeks now and I am determined to make it work. So far my results have been inconsistent and disappointing. In your experience, to make 2 strong cups, can you do in 1 pour or is it best to do twice? If you do in one go, how much water do you use?

[@chrisnewman7281]

is it possible to brew enough coffee to make three cappuccinos at one time using this machine?

[@vladkalina69]

Super! I have been using mine only as a steamer for milk and like you said at times I get the milk and pressure correct. Replacement gaskets err not so good as the tolerances seem to be a bit off. Any suggestions for sources for replacement gaskets? Thanks for a great video!

[@patrickhunter1781]

I haven’t replaced mine yet but it there’s lots of third party distributors for these machines. I’d recommend getting in touch with Bellman directly for genuine service parts: www.bellman.com.tw

[@scalaacom]

So use it as a Mocha Pot? I think I get pretty good coffee out of it but not the best. I use the method in the manual but mine has the pressure gague which I believe makes it a LOT easier to know when to start to brew. My biggest issue I struggle to get any more that 60ml of coffee even when filled to the 9 mark. I do use the spacer under the belief that it seals on the gastket on the bottom of the basket. Without makes sense though. I will give it a go your way and see what difference it makes. In hind sight I would use my Mocka pot and buy the Bellman steamer, not the CX-25. Thanks.

[@xavahh]

What kinda milk do you use? And what ratio of coffee to milk? Just bought this machine. Gonna try to follow your steps to see how it turns out. Thanks.

[@patrickhunter1781]

Xavahh Arias usually semi skim milk but depends on what’s in the fridge to be honest. Ratio of coffee to milk depends on how strong you like your coffee but for me it’s about 1:3. Hope you get the Bellman working nicely!

[@maxs489]

Thoughts on the paper filters?..

[@ArrogantBaSStard]

I am unable to get 4 oz of espresso by filling the water to 9, and filling the large basket of ground beans without packing it, just a light ramp to make the grounds even. I pull the espresso at about 2 to 2.5. Am I doing something wrong?

[@kiwiace625]

Do you close the coffee valve before you steam?

[@jrmorganpetro]

I tried mine once so far and the drinks were lukewarm, suggestion?

[@yomamasofatwhenshewalksshe2401]

What is the Difference between Bellman Stovetop CX 25 and Bellman Stovetop CX 25P ?

[@me_watch_youtube]

Just wondering if the basket inside is made of aluminium.

[@masterofallgoons]

I have an old used Bellman, and it's great as a milk steamer, but I cant get it to make coffee this way. The only thing I can figure is that maybe the coffee valve is clogged, because steam just starts shooting out of the handle and I get no drip from the espresso part. Can anyone help?

[@patrickhunter1781]

Possible if it had been heavily used and the water in your area is quite hard that there’s some scale build-up. Best way to flush is to run some weak citric acid solution through the machine. You can get citric acid powder from the supermarket baking section

[@cacaulaymulkin7724]

What an excruciatingly time consuming and apparently unnecessarily finicky way to make a coffee! Thank you to your video! You saved me ever wanting to buy one of these ridiculous machines!

[@bobisip208]

My machine only produced expresso one time. The rest of the time, it just shoots out steam. I'm ready to give up on it. I tried maybe 8 times and have wasted a lot of coffee. I bought it brand new and not used. Very frustrated that I spent the money. But I'll try your method of not using the middle piece.

[@theweirdyone]

Hey just tried this method after a few failed attempts - when the steam comes and you close the wand and open the valve, should the pressure still be sitting on 0 bars? Been waiting for coffee to come out but not seeing anything yet - thanks!

[@patrickhunter1781]

I don’t have a pressure gauge on mine but depending on how fine the grind is and how much you tamp, it takes anywhere from 1-2 mins for the coffee to start flowing

[@dr.lindasonna]

Can anyone help? The instructions say to close the steam valve by turning the valve clockwise, and place on the stove. Then, when the steam starts to escape from the steam valve, close the steam valve. But it was already closed. Apparently at some point we should open the steam valve. Does anyone know at what point does one open the steam valve?

[@Paullee000]

Leave the steam valve open after you place it on the stove. When steam starts coming out of the steam valve at a decent rate, then close it. Give it a good 30-60s before opening the valve for coffee (depends on your stove). Hope this helps.

[@MsCellobass]

Well… in my opinion get a good espresso machine and use the bellman as a milk steamer/ frother I have a Lavazza mini machine and it’s great. With the bellman would be perfect!

[@jasons4619]

What song is that in background?

[@deadwinugraha7218]

hallo patrick, i want to ask, u use the basket for 9 cup right? and the water in 6 mark? how many shot u get patrick? i mean, how many gram espresso u get??

[@patrickhunter1781]

Couldn't say exactly but I'm planning a follow up video to this so I'll measure it!

[@ProfessorSprinklesGaming]

@@patrickhunter1781 we need this video! Haha

[@diotriton2]

I don't see the "cream" on top of the espresso 😕

[@michaelbarnes6274]

Just bought one new and I'm not happy. I turn the nozzle gently, gently, ever so slowly, yet it still explodes out like a geyser, the result is coffee with grounds in it. The taste is ok because I have the coffee/water ratio right but I'm not happy.

[@l89strike75]

is it possible to add sugar? Thanks.

[@valovelightg7795]

Of course..you would add your sugar after you pour your coffee into your cup and then pour your milk after that.. IF you do use milk that is...But you are Not putting sugar in the pot or with the grounds.

[@danielpaulosantos]

Onde compro uma cafeteira dessa????

[@andressaoliveira145]

Vc encontrou???

[@rxkern]

But, this would be espresso correct?

[@patrickhunter1781]

Not really, the pressure is too low to be considered espresso. Only about 2-3 bar at extraction

[@leahnewyork]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! I now see a reason to bother giving my Bellman a few more chances. Heretofore it's only produced, as you say, horrible-tasting coffee-stained scaldingly hot water -- and so I have long considered it, as you did yours, a useless lump of stainless steel and bakelite -- albeit one too solid-feeling and effective-looking to offload without a second or third or in my case umpteenth thought. Thanks again!

[@patrickhunter1781]

My pleasure!

[@johnnycampbell9341]

Anyone have a good weight of beans to use

[@jamesb.ofdesertdistrict567]

Music link?

[@patrickhunter1781]

Steve Stevenson Time by Croupdawg

[@brianchar6912]

Will not work well on new fangled glass top stove.

[@patrickhunter1781]

Yeah it’s a bit harder to control on an induction or electric cooktop but still possible

[@thierryeymard9259]

No crema...whats the point...

[@adhithyasodhi3203]

Tempting, but a moka pot is 30 bucks.......

[@patrickhunter1781]

pwhiter pete completely different results to a Moka pot though. Moka pot doesn’t do milk either.

[@kellconway2026]

@@patrickhunter1781 how different? Would you say better? I have a Moka pot that I use a lot and it's not the worst so I was contemplating just buying a Bellman milk steamer to compliment that... can't decide. Do you think it's worth going the whole Bellman (expensive) espresso hog and forgetting the moka?

[@bbglas007]

Nice video but you don't have crema

[@patrickhunter1781]

Nah the grind I used wasn’t very fresh

[@badr3136]

Good,! but your coffe not fresh.

[@patrickhunter1781]

Correct! I used old coffee for the video because I was making so many mistakes

[@robertfrapples2472]

Do you STRIVE to be hard to understand? Between your thick accent and your trailing off volume as you speak, you are most annoying to listen to. Thought you'd like to know.

[@null140]

Do you STRIVE to be rude and unpersonable? Between your rhetorical interrogative and your mean sarcastic comment, you appear most unpleasant. That's just a handy tip for you there; I hope you appreciate it, friend.

[@BadAssBullet12]

Aint that too much coffee grinds for just 1 cup?

[@jankuyper8353]

If I have the insert in the coffee holder in the up position I can get 4.5 teaspoons of coffee in it ..that gives me 4 oz of strong coffee and I use Ethiopian yigaricheff coffee . Filling the whole coffee holder is probably 10 to 12 oz of strong coffee and in need of a defibrillator if you drink it in one shot....more likely for 4 or 5 people.