Check out our review of the seven best Bunn coffee makers on sale. We share the features, pros, and cons of each model; and factors to consider before making a choice.
Introduction
There are many manual and semi-manual methods of brewing coffee. Many of these methods do produce great-tasting coffee. But there is just one significant drawback to these manual methods – they are all time-consuming.
The need to simplify and shorten the coffee brewing process has led to the manufacturing many different types of coffee machines. Today, several manufacturers pay attention to design, manufacture, and sales. But among them, one name stands out – Bunn.
In this article, we will be reviewing the best Bunn coffee maker models. We will also be giving you plenty of general information about this fantastic brand of coffee makers.
Here is our list of the best Bunn Coffee Makers:
1. Bunn 55200 CSB3T Speed Brew Platinum Thermal
Bunn 55200 CSB3T is a high-quality coffee maker that can brew 50 ounces (about 10 cups) of great-tasting coffee in just 4 minutes. This coffee maker has a hot water tank that maintains the water for brewing your coffee at the right temperature. The hot water from the tank is distributed over the coffee grounds through a multi-stream sprayhead. So, you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up whenever you want to brew coffee. And in a few minutes, you will have a whole pot of coffee.
The sprayhead releases the hot water evenly over the coffee grounds at a precise rate that guarantees optimal extraction and produces coffee of the best flavor.
This product also comes with a double-walled carafe with vacuum insulation. The carafe is designed to keep your coffee hot for up to two hours. So, any coffee that you do not drink right away can still be enjoyed later without the need for reheating.
The 55200 CSB3T comes in two varieties – the regular product and the high altitude variety. The difference between these is that the regular one is suitable for use in areas near sea level, and it is the most commonplace variety recommended for users. However, the high altitude model is a more suitable option for those residing in high altitude locations (above 4,000 feet). This high altitude variant is preset to compensate for pressure and boiling point differences that characterize high altitude locations. So, if, for instance, you live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or Denver, Colorado, you would need the high-altitude version of the 55200 CSB3T.
This coffee maker product is dishwasher-safe, making it convenient and easy to clean.
This product also comes with a 3-year warranty which is a testament to the confidence Bunn has in this product’s quality and durability. All parts of this coffee maker are of top-quality materials that last. In fact, most of it, including the hot water tank, is made of commercial-grade stainless steel. The result is a product that will serve you for many years to come.
Finally, the 55200 CSB3T coffee maker is 14.9 inches tall, 8.3 inches wide, and 13.9 inches long. It also weighs 7.8 pounds.
Pros
- Faster than most coffee makers
- Coffee made from this product always tastes great
- Coffee stays hot for longer without the need for reheating
- The product is known for durability
- Looks beautiful
Cons
- Concerns about excess energy usage due to hot water tank staying on
- Flushing the hot water tank can be a little complicated
- The product has no mechanism to stop brewing when the carafe is removed
2. Bunn GRB Velocity Brew
Bunn GRB Velocity Brew is a coffee maker with a reputation for speed. With it, you can make up to 10 cups (50 ounces) of coffee in 4 minutes. It can also brew enough coffee to fill a travel mug (20 ounces) in 2 minutes.
Like many other Bunn coffee maker models, the GRB Velocity Brew has a hot water tank that maintains water at the ideal temperature for brewing coffee (between 195oF and 205oF). At this temperature, you are guaranteed coffee that tastes just right.
This internal hot water tank can contain 70 ounces of water and is constructed with commercial-grade stainless steel. The other parts are also made from durable materials designed and assembled in the USA.
This product comes with a drip-free carafe that incorporates Bunn’s proprietary “lid and spout” design that prevents coffee from seeping down the outer surface of the carafe while you are pouring it into your cup. This way, you can pour out your coffee without some of it leaking and messing up your tabletop.
One other helpful feature is the warmer plate that keeps your coffee hot. All you need to do is switch it on to heat your coffee.
The GRB Velocity Brew coffee maker also has the same sprayhead you will find in the 55200 CSB3T model, which ensures that the hot water from the tank is evenly distributed on the coffee grounds for the best results.
The funnel of the GRB Velocity Brew has a unique design to accommodate taller coffee filters with flat bottoms. The greater depth makes it less likely for coffee grounds to overflow from the filter during the brewing process. And the flat bottom of the funnel and filters ensures better flavor extraction.
As is the case with all Bunn products, the GRB Velocity Brew coffee maker has a reputation for durability. This coffee maker is built to last, standing at 14.3 inches tall, 7.1 inches wide, and 13.8 inches long.
Finally, to brew coffee using the GRB Velocity Brew, just put a filter containing coffee grounds in the funnel and slide it in. The next thing would be to fill the top container with water and close the lid. When you close that lid, the cold water will enter the tank and push out the hot water through the sprayhead. And in less than 4 minutes, you will have a pot of premium coffee waiting to be enjoyed.
Pros
- 3-Year warranty on the product
- Fast coffee brewing
- Produces coffee with superior flavor
Cons
- Coffee grounds occasionally overflow when brewing with soft water
- Higher energy usage due to hot water tank being permanently on
3. Bunn BX Speed Brew Classic
The Bunn BX Speed Brew Classic coffee maker is very similar in design and appearance to the previously reviewed GRB Velocity Brew model. The only discernible difference between the two is the BX Speed Brew’s tank wrap design. The area that houses the hot water tank in the BX Speed Brew model has a beautiful cylindrical shape with a stainless steel surface.
Apart from this aesthetic feature, every other thing stays the same. The BX Speed Brew has the same 70-ounce hot water tank that maintains water at the ideal coffee brewing temperature. This makes it possible for you to brew up to 10 cups (50 ounces) of coffee in just 4 minutes. The entire process takes less time since there is no need to wait for the water to heat up first.
This model includes a drip-free carafe that incorporates Bunn’s proprietary “lid and spout” design. This unique design prevents your coffee from dripping along the outer surface of the carafe while it is pouring. The clean, singular liquid flow will save you the stress of having to mop up stray drops of coffee from your tabletop.
And, of course, there is also the warmer plate that keeps your coffee hot and ready to drink. You need to flick the switch in front to put it on.
All these features, including the taller funnel design and the multi-stream sprayhead, remain the same as the GRB Velocity Brew model. Even the dimensions of these two models are the same. Like the GRB Velocity Brew, the BX Speed Brew model has the exact dimensions of 14.3 inches tall, 7.1 inches wide, and 13.8 inches long.
And like all the other Bunn coffee maker models, this product comes with a 3-year warranty. This says a lot about the confidence Bunn has in the quality and durability of their coffee makers.
Pros
- Produces better-tasting coffee
- Looks exceptionally beautiful
- A time-saving solution as there is no need to wait for the water to heat up
- A taller funnel design reduces the chances of coffee grounds overflowing
Cons
- When heated, some units produce an irritating odor that takes a few days to fade
- Energy consumption is a bit high due to the hot water tank being constantly on
4. Bunn CSB2B Speed Brew Elite
The first thing you will notice about the CSB2B Speed Brew Elite is its exceptional beauty. This coffee brewer is an incredibly eye-pleasing product with a stainless steel backsplash and a matte black finish.
But the CSB2B Speed Brew Elite doesn’t just look good; it also performs well. Packed with plenty of features, this coffee brewer is one of the best you can find anywhere.
To start with, CSB2B has the usual 70-ounce hot water tank you will generally find in most Bunn coffee makers. The hot water tank allows the user to begin brewing coffee whenever needed immediately. You wouldn’t have to wait for your water to heat up as the tank maintains the ideal coffee brewing temperature. The water remains at 200oF, ready to use whenever you need it.
Tо brew your coffee with the CSB2B, you only need to place a filter that contains coffee grounds in the funnel, after which you add cold water to the tank from the opening at the top. The moment you close the lid, the coffee brewing process starts. And in 4 minutes, you will have a full pot (about 50 ounces) of premium coffee. You can also brew 20 ounces in just 2 minutes.
The CSB2B Speed Brew Elite comes with a drip-free carafe that incorporates Bunn’s proprietary “lid and spout design,” which helps prevent liquid from seeping across the outer surface of the carafe. Now it is possible to pour out coffee or water without missing the target and making a mess. The carafe also has a water level indicator that shows the volume of liquid it contains.
The CSB2B has all the other features mentioned in the reviews of the other models above, including setting the warmer plate to reheat mode to serve your coffee at serving temperature. Another great feature is the taller funnel design that makes room for taller coffee filters. This helps with preventing the overflowing of coffee grounds during the brewing process. And there is also the multi-stream sprayhead that ensures the hot water is showered into the coffee grounds evenly.
It is also noteworthy that the CSB2B Speed Brew Elite has a high altitude variant with the exact cost. This high-altitude version of the CSB2B has the same features as the regular version. The only difference is that some of the coffee maker’s parameters are altered to accommodate pressure and boiling point changes. So, those living in high-altitude locations like Colorado Springs do not have to put up with bad-tasting coffee. With the high altitude variant of the CSB2B, you can still brew great coffee even at high altitudes.
Finally, the CSB2B is 13.8 inches tall, 7.7 inches wide, and 12.4 inches long.
Pros
- Beautiful coffee maker
- Produces great-tasting coffee consistently
- Brews coffee in record time (10 cups in 4 minutes)
- The product comes with a 3-year warranty
- High altitude variant available at the same price
Cons
- Requires a flow restrictor if you prefer slower brewing for more robust coffee
- The warmer plate does not have any safety feature that can automatically switch it off
5. Bunn 52700 CSB2G Speed Brew Elite
Bunn 52700 CSB2G Speed Brew Elite is similar to the CSB2B model as far as design, features, and appearance are concerned. The only difference you will notice is the CSB2G’s matte grey and black gloss finish. Apart from this aesthetic difference, every other thing is just the same.
So, in the CSB2G, the usual 70-ounce hot water tank keeps water at the ideal coffee brewing temperature. You also get a drip-free carafe with a water level indicator.
Just like the CSB2B model, the CSB2G has a warmer plate for reheating your coffee. It also has a taller funnel for accommodating taller filters. And to enhance the beauty of the product, there is a shiny stainless steel backsplash.
As for performance, the CSB2G Speed Brew Elite can brew 10 cups (50 ounces) of coffee in just 4 minutes. It can also brew 20 ounces in 2 minutes.
There is also a CSB2G high altitude variant. You can get a version of this product that is preset to work in high altitudes for the same price.
Bunn 52700 CSB2G Speed Brew Elite comes with a 3-year warranty. The manufacturers of this product would be happy to repair or replace it if you notice any defects. But judging from the customer reviews for this product that are primarily positive, faults and product defects are very unlikely.
Finally, the CSB2G coffee maker is 13.8 inches tall, 7.7 inches wide, and 12.7 inches long. It also weighs 8.5 pounds.
Pros
- Very fast coffee brewing
- Consistently produces coffee with superior flavor
- Looks exceptionally beautiful
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Warmer plate can’t switch off automatically
- Some units may produce a foul smell which fades away after some days
6. Bunn GRW Velocity Brew
The BUNN GRW Velocity Brew coffee maker brews excellent coffee in very little time. The superior flavor of coffee made from the GRW is due to the multi-stream sprayhead that evenly bathes your coffee in hot water. The water is also set to release at the perfect rate for the best results.
The great-tasting coffee produced by the GRW Velocity Brew is partly due to the water used for brewing remaining at an ideal coffee brewing temperature of about 200oF. This is the work of a 70-ounce hot water tank fitted into most Bunn coffee maker models. The hot water tank heats water and maintains it at the right temperature for coffee brewing.
Just like other Bunn models, you can start brewing by placing a filter filled with coffee grounds in the funnel. After that, you pour cold water into the opening on top of the coffee brewer and close the lid. The cold water will force the hot water in the tank out through the sprayhead. And in 4 minutes, you will have 50 ounces (about 10 cups) of great-tasting coffee.
The GRW Velocity Brew also has a warmer plate that reheats your coffee to serving temperature. All you need to do is switch it on. It also comes with a drip-free carafe that prevents stray drops of coffee from messing up your tabletop. In addition, you also have a taller funnel design that fits taller funnels. This helps reduce the likelihood of coffee grounds overflowing.
This coffee maker is 14.3 inches tall, 7.1 inches wide, and 13.8 inches long. The product also weighs 8 pounds.
We must also add that this is the only Bunn coffee maker model for home use with a white exterior. All the others are either black or grey. So, if you just love the idea of a white-colored coffee maker, you should consider the GRW Velocity Brew.
Pros
- Produces excellent tasting coffee consistently
- Fast coffee brewing
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Higher energy consumption due to hot water tank being constantly on
- May need a flow restrictor for soft water
7. Bunn BT Speed Brew
Bunn BT Speed Brew coffee maker brews great-tasting coffee in a conveniently short time. Like most Bunn coffee makers, this product has a hot water tank that keeps water at the ideal coffee brewing temperature. That way, whenever you need to brew coffee, you wouldn’t have to wait for the water to heat up.
This makes it possible to have 50 ounces (10 cups) of coffee brewed in 4 minutes. You can also brew 20 ounces in 2 minutes.
However, what sets this product apart is the double-walled carafe. This carafe has vacuum insulation that helps it retain heat. This keeps your coffee at serving temperature for more than two hours. Plus, you will be able to enjoy your coffee hours later without having to reheat it.
Another unique feature of the BT Speed Brew is its beautiful tank wrap design. The area that houses the hot water tank has a cylindrical shape. It is made of shiny stainless steel and is similar to the BX Speed Brew model.
The BT Speed Brew also has a multi-stream sprayhead that evenly sprays hot water over the coffee grounds, producing coffee with the best flavor. We must also mention the taller funnel design that fits taller coffee filters. This feature is familiar to most Bunn coffee makers and prevents the coffee grounds from overflowing during the brewing process. Or perhaps we should say the taller funnel makes it less likely.
Finally, the BT Speed Brew is 15.1 inches tall, 7.1 inches wide, and 13.9 inches long. It also weighs 10 pounds.
Pros
- Brews coffee with superior flavor
- Fast coffee brewing
- The carafe can keep coffee hot for more than 2 hours
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Some units emit an irritating smell that fades away after some days
- May need a flow restrictor for finely ground coffee
Buying Guide
There are several coffee maker models at your disposal nowadays from different manufacturers, each with varying features. This is why making an informed choice can be a bit confusing. If you intend to buy one of these machines, here are some things you need to consider:
How Much Coffee You Drink
The first thing you need to consider is the rate at which you consume coffee. If the coffee maker is for personal use and you only drink a few cups of coffee per day, a single-cup coffee maker would be appropriate.
On the other hand, if you are a heavy drinker, a 10 to 12 cup brewer would serve you better, plus it is the best option for offices and large households that need to get their coffee fix. For large offices, you could also consider commercial models with larger capacities.
How Often You Drink Coffee
Maybe you are not the type that gulps down several cups of coffee at once. But if you drink coffee frequently (every one or two hours), you will need a coffee maker with at least one of these two features:
You could go for one that comes with a thermal carafe that can keep coffee hot for much longer. These usually have vacuum insulation that prevents heat loss.
Another option is to buy a coffee maker with a warmer. This feature allows you to quickly reheat your coffee whenever you are ready to drink it.
Without these features, you will have to brew coffee afresh each time you need it. This would be stressful for a frequent drinker. Either that, or you will have to make do with cold coffee, which is not so palatable.
Your Altitude Matters Too
If you do not understand the science behind this, you may find this strange. If you live in a city located at a high altitude (higher than 4,000 feet above sea level), your normal coffee brewing process will produce coffee that tastes different. And you may not like the change in taste.
Without going into details, this change is caused by the lower boiling point of water at higher altitudes.
To fix this, you will need to go for a coffee maker whose parameters are already adjusted to accommodate the higher altitude. Despite the high altitude location, these adjusted coffee makers will still brew great-tasting coffee.
The Size You Can Accommodate
Coffee makers vary in size, and some models can be pretty bulky and tall. If you do not have space in your kitchen to accommodate a large machine, you should consider buying something smaller.
How Long You Are Willing to Wait
Do you hate the idea of having to wait for your coffee to brew?
Then, what you need is a programmable coffee maker. These allow you to set a time when you would want to have your coffee brewed. Once the timer is set and everything is in place, the machine will handle the rest. Just show up at the right time, and you’ll have a cup (or pot) of hot coffee waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about Bunn coffee makers:
1. How do I clean my Bunn coffee maker?
Due to the design of its hot water tank, cleaning a Bunn coffee maker can be a little complicated. But once you’ve done it a few times, you will master the process. Now, here is how you do it:
- First, you need to pour about 70 ounces of vinegar into the opening at the top to displace the water inside the hot water tank.
- Unplug the machine and let the vinegar remain in the tank for about two hours.
- Remove the funnel, unscrew the sprayhead and wash it.
- Pour in cold water to displace the vinegar in the hot water tank.
- Pour in cold water a few more times to thoroughly rinse the vinegar.
Once you’ve done these, your Bunn coffee maker is clean inside and outside. Finally, it is essential to note that the manufacturers recommend you do this at least once in three months.
2. How do I stop the funnel from overflowing?
The brew funnel in a Bunn coffee maker is taller than usual. This helps prevent overflowing. But if you still experience overflowing while brewing coffee, here are a few things you should try:
- Make sure the brew funnel has been inserted properly
- Use Bunn coffee filters which are slightly taller than others
- Remove the funnel and check if the sprayhead is correctly fitted
If all these fail to stop the problem, you can contact Bunn for a flow restrictor sprayhead. This will be sent to you free of charge. That will likely solve the issue.
3. What should I do if the brewing time takes longer than usual?
If, over time, you notice that your Bunn coffee maker is no longer brewing coffee as quickly as it used to, you should clean the sprayhead. In most cases, slower brewing happens because of debris blocking the sprayhead. Just wash and rinse the sprayhead, and that should solve the problem.
It would be best to consider flushing the hot water tank with vinegar to prevent the sprayhead from getting clogged again soon after cleaning. Check the answer to the first question for cleaning instructions.
4. How do I brew a small amount of coffee instead of a whole pot?
The amount of cold water you add to your Bunn coffee maker is the exact amount of hot water that will be displaced. So, if you want to brew just three cups of coffee, just add three cups of cold water instead of a full carafe.
The rule is simple: the volume of water you add is the amount of coffee you will get.
5. How do I set up my Bunn coffee maker when I am using it for the first time?
After you unpack and assemble your Bunn coffee maker, here is what you need to do:
- Fill the opening on top with about 70 ounces of water.
- Place the carafe under the funnel and close the lid of the machine.
- Repeat the two steps above until water comes out of the funnel.
- Dispose of the water and switch on the hot water tank.
Conclusion
Bunn has been in the business of manufacturing coffee makers and accessories for decades. They are probably the most recognizable name in the industry. And their products are known for exceptional quality and durability.
If you have decided to buy a Bunn, we hope this review that highlights the 7 Best Bunn Coffee Makers has been helpful to you and that your Bunn coffee maker will provide you with perfectly brewed cups of coffee for years to come.