Photography by Richard Giordano, Lead photo courtesy of Bellman
Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Steamer
I have used moka pots in the past with the hope they would deliver the espresso I desired, but that was never the case. This Bellman, on the other hand, produces a flavor and texture very similar to a full countertop espresso machine.
Upon first glance, the Bellman looks, well, complicated. Thankfully, that isn’t the case. Fill with water to the desired level (three, six, or nine shots), add coffee grounds to the filter basket, tamp, and heat. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge and open the knob half a turn at 1.2-bar. Lovely espresso (strong but not too bitter) will stream out. Close the knob and keep heating until the gauge reaches 2-bar and it’s ready for milk steaming. Color-coded and labeled notes on the gauge take the guesswork out if you’re half asleep during this process.
The advertised three-, six-, or nine-shot levels seem to be exaggerated by about 25 percent, but perhaps my expectation for espresso strength is out of calibration. This 304 stainless steel mini espresso maker works well on a gas camp stove and can be used on many induction cooktops as well. Keep in mind that the surface area was too small to work on some household-sized induction stoves. At 5.64 pounds, I easily justified the payload hit in exchange for the sweet nectar of the gods it produces.
$189 | bellmanespresso.com
Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Grinder
After committing to the Bellman CX25P, I was on the hunt for a small coffee grinder to offset the espresso maker’s size. The stainless steel Snow Peak Field Barista grinder fits the bill at 6.3 x 1.89 inches and only weighs 8.85 ounces. Currently led by the third generation of the Yamai family, this 60-year-old Japanese outdoor brand has “remained centered on the healing power of nature and the rejuvenation it offers.” Do you know what else offers healing powers and rejuvenation? Espresso.
The grinder handle collapses for easy storage, and the adjustable ceramic burr (which limits frictional heat and preserves the coffee) adjusts for coarse grinds suitable for my old titanium French press or fine grinds for espresso makers of all types. Its diminutive size and weight means it can find a home in any overland vehicle.
The wooden knob feels great but does have a prominent squeak during grinding—not bad during the day, but certainly not subtle in the wee hours of the morning. I also found that in minimizing size and complication, the lack of a mechanical lock for the container (when grinding) requires being mindful that it doesn’t eject itself from the grinder.
At almost $100, this is another quality item on the high end of the price point, but it’s one that will likely stay in my brewing arsenal for decades.
$98 | snowpeak.com
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2024 Issue.
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
Read more: Good to the Last Drop: Instant Coffee Options for the Trail
