When it comes to commercial-grade performance in your own kitchen, few brands command as much respect as Bunn. Known for their incredible speed and durable, no-nonsense construction, Bunn coffee makers are built to last and designed to brew a seriously good pot of coffee. We know that sifting through all the models can be a chore, so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Our goal is to help you find the perfect machine that fits your daily routine and brewing style without any fuss.
Whether you need a machine that can keep up with a busy household or you’re a coffee purist looking for precise temperature control, there’s a Bunn model built for the job. We’ve tested and compared the top contenders on the market, evaluating everything from brew time and carafe design to overall value. This review breaks down our top five picks to help you find the best Bunn coffee maker for your countertop.
Our Top Picks for the Best Bunn Coffee Maker
- Bunn Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
- Bunn NHBX-B Contemporary 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
- Bunn GRX-B 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
- Bunn VP17-1SS 17-Cup Commercial Style Coffee Maker
- Bunn BTX-B 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
Bunn Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
The Bunn Velocity Brew is a fantastic entry point into the world of fast-brewing coffee makers. Its claim to fame is the three-minute brew cycle, which is a game-changer for anyone who hits the snooze button one too many times. This speed doesn’t come at the expense of taste, thanks to the stainless steel internal tank that maintains a perfect water temperature. We found the coffee to be consistently hot and well-extracted, with no burnt or bitter notes. The simple, one-button operation and the easy-view water window make the brewing process completely straightforward.
Durability is a key feature here, with a commercial-grade design that feels solid and reliable. The 10-cup glass carafe is sturdy and features a clever no-drip spout, though it’s worth noting it’s not insulated. This means you’ll want to pour your coffee quickly or transfer it to a thermal carafe if you plan on sipping for a while. The small footprint is ideal for kitchens where counter space is precious. For its combination of speed, simplicity, and proven reliability, the Velocity Brew is an outstanding value.
Bunn NHBX-B Contemporary 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
If you prefer the convenience of a thermal carafe, the Bunn NHBX-B Contemporary brewer is a top-tier choice. This model keeps your coffee hot for hours without any need for a warming plate, which can often impart a burnt flavor to the coffee. The double-wall stainless steel carafe is effective and well-insulated, and we appreciated that the coffee tasted just as good two hours later as it did right after brewing. It also features a sleek, modern design that looks great on any countertop, a step up from more utilitarian Bunn models.
Like all Bunn machines, it uses a unique sprayhead and showerhead design to saturate the grounds evenly for a full-flavored brew. The trade-off for the thermal carafe is a slightly longer brew time compared to the Velocity Brew, but it’s still remarkably fast. The unit does require you to keep it plugged in to maintain the water in its internal tank at the optimal temperature, so it’s always ready to go. This is the model we recommend for those who prioritize keeping their coffee fresh-tasting and hot over an extended period.
Bunn GRX-B 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
The Bunn GRX-B is the workhorse of the home lineup, offering a classic design with proven commercial-style reliability. It features a large, 10-cup glass carafe that sits on a warming plate, a familiar setup for many coffee drinkers. The highlight is the commercial-grade aluminum water tank, which is built to last for years of daily use. This model brews a full pot in about four minutes, which is still incredibly fast compared to most standard drip coffee makers on the market.
We like its straightforward, no-frills operation. There’s a single brew button and a keep-warm function, making it incredibly simple to use. The flip-top lid allows for easy filling of the water reservoir, and the brew-through lid on the carafe lets you pour a cup while the machine is still brewing. While the warming plate can potentially over-heat the coffee if left on for too long, this is a minor issue if you typically drink the pot quickly. For anyone seeking that traditional Bunn durability and speed in a simple, effective package, the GRX-B is a phenomenal choice.
Bunn VP17-1SS 17-Cup Commercial Style Coffee Maker
For the ultimate home coffee setup, the Bunn VP17-1SS is a true commercial machine adapted for countertop use. This is the model you’ll see in small offices and diners, and it brings that same level of power and capacity to your kitchen. Its most striking feature is the massive 17-cup capacity, making it perfect for large families, entertainers, or serious coffee enthusiasts who go through multiple pots a day. The brewing process is, as expected, lightning-fast and efficient.
Constructed with a stainless steel case and commercial-grade components, this machine is an investment in longevity. It features a high-quality sprayhead for optimal saturation and a large, easy-to-fill water reservoir. Be aware that its size is significant, so you’ll need ample counter space. It also uses a commercial-style pour-in reservoir instead of a permanent water tank, meaning you add water for each brew cycle. If you need industrial strength and volume and don’t mind the larger footprint, the VP17-1SS is an unbeatable powerhouse.
Bunn BTX-B 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
The Bunn BTX-B strikes a great balance between the basic models and the higher-end thermal carafe option. It features a sleek, black design that is more contemporary than the GRX-B, and it includes a programmable clock and timer. This allows you to set the machine to automatically brew a pot at a specific time each morning, a convenience feature that many coffee drinkers will appreciate. It still utilizes the fast brew system and the commercial-style water tank that Bunn is known for.
This model uses a glass carafe on a warming plate, so it’s best for those who drink their coffee relatively quickly. The programming is simple to set up, and the auto-brew function worked reliably in our tests. It also includes a brew basket that pauses the cycle when the carafe is removed, so you can pour a cup mid-brew without making a mess. For anyone who wants the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of programmability alongside classic Bunn speed and durability, the BTX-B is an excellent option.
The Best Bunn Coffee Maker: Our Top 5 Reviews
When you need a pot of coffee ready in minutes, a Bunn coffee maker is a classic choice. Known for their speed and durability, these machines are a staple in diners and homes for a reason. We have spent time with several models to help you find the best Bunn coffee maker for your countertop. Our main focus was on brew quality, ease of use, and of course, that signature fast brewing time.
Our top pick goes to the Bunn Velocity Brew. This is the model you have probably seen everywhere. It features a 10-cup capacity and uses a unique spray head to saturate the grounds evenly, which results in a full-flavored pot in about three minutes. It has a simple on/off switch and a large water reservoir you keep full, so it is always hot and ready to brew. It is the definition of reliable.
For those with less counter space, the Bunn NHS Velocity Brew Slim is a fantastic option. It brews directly into a travel mug, which is perfect for single servings. It still uses the same thermal tank technology for speed, making it a great space-saving machine without sacrificing the quick brew time Bunn is known for.
If you prefer a more modern approach, the Bunn My Café Multi-Use Brewer is worth a look. This versatile machine can make a single cup using pods or a full 10-cup pot with ground coffee. It is the most flexible Bunn model, offering the best of both worlds for households with varying coffee preferences.
For commercial-grade strength at home, the Bunn BTX-B is a powerhouse. It is built with stainless steel and brews directly into airpot servers, keeping coffee hot for hours. This is the model for serious entertainers or small office settings where coffee is constantly in demand.
Finally, the Bunn CW Series is a true commercial unit, but we are including it for those who might want a used or refurbished model for a home setup. It is incredibly durable and consistent, though its larger size makes it better for a garage workshop or a very dedicated coffee enthusiast’s kitchen.
Choosing between them comes down to your needs. The standard Velocity Brew is our recommendation for most people—it is simple, fast, and makes a great pot of coffee. Consider the Slim for single servings, the My Café for versatility, or the BTX-B for heavy-duty use. No matter which you pick, you are getting a machine built for speed and longevity.
FAQ
Why are Bunn coffee makers so fast?
Bunn coffee makers use a unique internal system. They have a special heated water tank inside that keeps a large amount of water near the ideal brewing temperature at all times. When you add coffee grounds and press the brew switch, this pre-heated water is immediately available. It does not need to spend time heating up from room temperature like most other drip machines, which cuts the brewing process down to just a few minutes.
Do I need to leave my Bunn coffee maker on all the time?
Yes, to get the full benefit of its speed, you should leave it plugged in. The internal tank is designed to maintain the water’s temperature continuously. Turning it off and on will cause it to use more energy to reheat the entire tank of water from a cold state, which defeats the purpose. It is built to run 24/7 efficiently.
Can I use regular coffee filters in a Bunn?
Most Bunn home brewers, like the popular Velocity Brew model, require specific Bunn-style paper filters. These are flat-bottomed filters, not the cone-shaped ones you find for most other drip makers. It is important to use the correct style to ensure water flows through the coffee grounds properly and to avoid any leaks or overflows.
How do I clean and descale my Bunn machine?
Regular cleaning is simple. You should wash the brew funnel, lid, and carafe with warm soapy water after each use. For decaling, which removes mineral buildup, Bunn sells a specific liquid decaling solution. You run this solution through a brew cycle (without coffee) and then follow it with several cycles of fresh water to rinse the system clean. How often you need to do this depends on how hard your water is.
What is the main difference between the home and commercial Bunn models?
The main differences are construction, capacity, and intended use. Home models are made from more plastic materials to be lightweight and cost-effective for countertop use. Commercial models, like those found in restaurants, are built with much heavier-duty materials like stainless steel to withstand constant use throughout the day. They often have larger capacities and brew into airpots instead of glass carafes.
Where can I find replacement parts for my brewer?
Genuine Bunn replacement parts, like carafes, brew funnels, and decaling solutions, are best purchased directly from the Bunn official website or from authorized distributors. This ensures you get parts that are designed to fit your specific model correctly and safely. This is a key part of maintaining the best Bunn coffee maker you can own.