BUNN ST Velocity Brew 10-Cup Thermal Carafe Home Coffee Brewer

CUSTOMER REVIEW



It seems that everyone who writes a review for a high-end coffee maker is either a condescending twit or an utter dipshizzle. I hope I can find a middle ground (utter twit?) to help you decide to buy the Bunn STX coffee maker.



The initial set up of this coffee maker is easy. My initial impression of the coffee maker is that it is simple, sturdy, and well made. Most of the components are stainless steel, including the funnel basket, the thermal carafe and the tank. The lid to the thermos is well-made, with clear arrows indicating the quarter-turn to tighten the lid. There are no leaks, fluid pours out quickly, and maybe a tablespoon of coffee is left in the bottom when you pour the last cup. There is only one "vacation" switch that controls the tank heater: on or off. To brew coffee you slide shut the lid of the water inlet--after the thermal carafe is replaced under the funnel, which might be contrary to your current routine.



Initially, you must prime the tank heater with water before you can make your first batch. The instructions were clear and this was easy. A pot of coffee truly takes less than three minutes to brew with the machine's preheated water. This coffee maker is supposed to be left on so that it keeps the water in the tank at 200 degrees at all times; if you choose to turn off the pot to save electricity, it takes approximately 10 minutes to heat the water again. The machine is somewhat loud when it is actively heating cool water, but when the heater turns off you know the water is ready. A second pot of coffee can be made immediately, as long as you have emptied the thermos.



Because the machine brews so quickly, there is no need for a "pause brew" feature. Because it brews into a thermos, there is no need for a plate warmer. Because this coffee pot is intended for coffee aficionados who appreciate fresh-ground beans, there is no clock or timer. Because there's not a bunch of gizmos to flake out, this coffee pot does one thing and does it WELL. As such, Bunn offers a three-year warranty. Me likey.



It did take a pot or two of coffee to dial in the perfect flavor. Because it brews so quickly, my first pot of coffee, even though I used 10 heaping tablespoons of medium-grind whole bean coffee for a 10-cup brew, was relatively weak. I use a Kitchenaid burr coffee mill (another five-star review I should write) and I dialed my grind approximately one-tenth finer to compensate. My next pot, ten heaping tablespoons for ten cups, was slightly too strong, so on my third pot I reduced the amount of grounds. Perrrrrrrfect.



Every step up in machinery or technique will change the way your coffee tastes. It's amazing what the difference is between the same beans, same batch, same grind, same amount, sent through my seven-year-old Krups drip machine as this Bunn. Similarly, it was a huge difference when I upgraded from my old Braun burr mill to the Kitchenaid coffee mill. If your first pot of coffee isn't spot-on, I suggest that you adjust your mill settings or try upgrading your beans, 'cuz the problem does not reside with this pot.