Category: Commercial

BUNN 38700.0009 Axiom DV-3 Review

Its full name may be a mouthful - the "BUNN 38700.0009 Axiom DV-3 Automatic Commercial Coffee Brewer with 3 Warmers". It has to be plumbed into the main water supply, and it's dual voltage adaptable. On top of that, it's in the $500 plus price bracket.

Sounds like a true heavy-duty, commercial brewer so far, right? So let's take a close look at the BUNN 38700.0009 DV-3 and see if it really satisfies the requirements of a crowded workplace or busy reception area. Especially when it comes to what we're all interested in - ease of use and exceptionally good tasting coffee.

Read the rest of the review below:

BUNN 38700.0009 Axiom DV-3 Review

Table of Contents
What You Get The Secret Weapon
Further Controls Features & Specs
Accessories Pros and Cons
Consumer Ratings Summary

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What You Get For Your Money

What you're really buying with a coffee brewer like this is reliability and ease of use. You also want the peace of mind that comes from knowing the users of the brewer will have few complaints.

The BUNN 38700.0009 is not restricted to K-Cups or any similar capsules, unlike, for instance, the Keurig B3000SE. But, like the B3000SE, it is a true commercial brewer, plumbed into the main water supply.

It operates differently, though, having a water tank of 200 oz. (5.9 liters) capacity. This is because it decants the coffee into regular 64 oz. decanters or BUNN 1GPR one gallon coffee servers. Brewing at up to 7.5 gallons per hour it's not surprizing that there are three decanter warmers built into it.

For which you need, of course, three decanters, so it's a pity that you have to purchase them separately. But on the other hand the price of them is less than $37, so it's not a deal-breaker. You can have one for decaf, and two different regular brews in the other two.

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The Secret Weapon

BUNN's secret weapon with this brewer is in the electronics. First, the 38700.0009 can handle varying water pressures, and even water hardness, automatically. That's like guaranteeing a full flavor. This consistency theme is continued with their LCD display and the touchpad. These give you control over the brew level and the tank temperature. If there's a fault the LCD displays a diagnostic error code.

Naturally, you have pre-infusion for maximum flavor extraction. That's fully programmable. You can program the warmers to shut off automatically after a set period so your coffee doesn't overheat. And the tank temperature is allowed to fall when the brewer is not in use. Again, you have full control via the programming, and it's all good for your energy bill.

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bunn 38700.0009 review
Three warmers - should be enough for any office

Further Controls

If you want to make soups or other hot beverages then there's a separate hot water faucet. And although the 38700.0009 makes just one pot at a time, and stops when each pot is brewed, you only have to press the Brew button again for the next pot.

When you're finished at the end of the day you just turn it off via the on/off switch at the back of the machine.

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Features and Specifications:

Product Dimensions: Width: 8 1/2", Depth: 17 3/4", Height: 19"
Item Weight: 32 pounds
Shipping Weight: 38 pounds
Department: Small Appliances
Manufacturer: EMG East, Inc.
Assembled Country: USA (some components are imported)
ASIN: B0012XQRPG
Item model number: 38700.0009

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BUNN 38700.0009 review
Ah... the carafes. That's more like it.

Accessories for the BUNN 38700

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Every aspect of coffee making can be finely tuned via the LCD display
  • Electronic diagnostics for fault analysis
  • Energy-saver mode and auto warmer shut-off under user control
  • High capacity - brews up to 7.5 gallons of coffer per hour

Cons:

  • Instruction manual could be more helpful
  • Has to be connected to a separate water outlet
  • Decanters have to be purchased separately

AT the present time there is no video available showing the BUNN 38700.0009 being used. I will post a link as soon as I find one.

Consumer Ratings

There aren't many reviews of the BUNN 38700.0009 on Amazon - just 11 at the time of writing. Probably most purchasers are business owners and don't have the time or inclination to write a review. But of those who have reviewed this brewer the consensus is that it delivers great tasting coffee. They've found it easy to use and clean, and the choice of brews is wide ranging. Together they've awarded an average score of well over four stars.

One reviewer found he couldn't get hot water to come out of the spout. This was probably more to do with the way the brewer had been plumbed into the water supply than with the brewer itself. Bear in mind that the BUNN 38700.0009 doesn't come ready to brew. It has to be connected to a separate water supply, and preferably to a separate power line as well.

You may need professional help with this, though YouTube can help in resolving most issues that occur.

In short, owners of this brewer are well satisfied with its performance.

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BUNN 38700.0009 review
BUNN 38700.0009 Diagram

Summary

The BUNN 38700.0009 Axiom DV-3 commercial coffee brewer is a reliable workhorse that delivers to its users what they want without any undue fuss. It's not completely "set and forget", as you have to brew one carafe at a time. But with a generously sized tank and a high-volume brew capability, it's almost as hands-free as they come.

It's not tied to K-Cups or anything similar, so you have a wide choice of brews. Most importantly, it's extremely easy to use, and gives a high level of control to the user. It may not win any prizes for style or looks, but then who needs that for an office coffee maker?

So if you're looking for a rock-solid, reliable, coffee maker for your busy office or reception area then this brewer deserves careful consideration.

For current pricing information on Amazon, follow this link>>>

'Coffee Lover'

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Keurig B3000SE Review

"Our most advanced brewing system for large offices." That's how the Keurig B3000SE Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine is described by Keurig themselves.

A coffee brewing system that is used by dozens, possibly hundreds, of people throughout the day has to be advanced. They all want different brews, in different strengths, with different flavors and in different amounts. And they don't want to have to go through a complex procedure to get it, either.

So, against this considerable challenge, how does the Keurig B3000SE coffee maker measure up?

Read the rest of the review below, to find out:

Keurig B3000SE review

Table of Contents
Heavy Duty Office Machine Coup de Grace
Spoilt For Choice Easy As LCD
Cleaning It Up Features & Specs
Accessories Pros and Cons
Consumer Ratings Summary

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A Heavy Duty Office Machine

Keurig's B3000SE is designed and built for constant heavy use. The kind of use that only a large, busy office can provide. And if you've ever worked in such a place you'll know that people don't want to wait for their refreshment. They want it at the touch of no more than a couple of buttons.

They want an intuitive interface so they don't have to think unduly. So they can seamlessly carry on talking with their colleagues about the latest office management techniques and other gossip.

But they also want their exact choice of brew to taste good, and not have overtones of the previous brew. And they certainly don't want any interruptions for refilling the reservoir or anything else that could spoil their day.

Can the Keurig B3000SE handle all of that? Let's see. It has an LCD display that is simple to use (more on that below), and it has speed. It uses regular K-Cups (not "my K-Cups" as it's a commercial machine), so there's no messing with actual grinds. The capsules are auto-ejected and every 35 to 40 brews the display alerts you to empty the bin. If you need more storage you can add a platform that takes another 70 empty capsules.

The Coup de Grace

You're also alerted if you forget to put your cup on the drip tray or a K-Cup pod in place. And if you want hot water only there's a separate dispenser for it. You can easily rinse the internal works clean of any vestige of the hot chocolate brewed by the previous user.

And, finally, the coup de grace. The B3000SE is plumbed in to the main water supply. This does away with a reservoir and all its attendant cleaning and constant refilling. This coffee brewer can happily go on supplying coffee in all measures and from all kinds of K-Cup all day. Non-stop and without complaint or even much attention at all.

That seems to have the "heavy duty" box ticked.

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Spoilt For Choice

Using the K-Cup capsules, the B3000SE can brew in sizes of 4-oz, 6-oz, 8-oz and 10-oz. The 4-oz is really for espressos or iced coffee. If you want a larger brew you can flip the drip tray and insert a mug of up to 20-oz.

As for blend and taste, you are restricted to K-Cups. However, in an office environment this matters less than at home. And you still enjoy a choice of K-Cups that extends to over 200 coffee and tea varieties. And a dozen or so of the top coffee and tea brands. If that's not enough, you can set the brewing temperature to between 187 and 192 degrees, according to your preference.

There's a separate hot water dispenser for when you need hot water for tea or some other beverage. You can get up to 10-oz at a time. It does make some noise when working, though only for a matter of seconds. Nothing that sounds out of place in a busy office.

There's one final level of choice. If you're the boss, paying for office refreshments out of your own pocket, you'll like this. You can connect the B3000SE to a vending machine so users have to pay for their drinks. This setup can take both US and Canadian currencies, and increases prices in 5-cent units.

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Keurig B3000SE review
Keurig B3000SE - another view

Easy As LCD

An office machine like the Keurig B3000SE might be used by dozens of different people all the time. So it has to be simple to operate, and it is.

The four buttons below the LCD screen are used to select from the choices presented. The LCD readout is inter-active and intuitive, and key to the simplicity of operating the machine. Even the language can be selected on setup from English, French and Spanish.

Most users will just lift the brew handle, place their cup on the drip tray, put the K-Cup in place, close the handle, select their cup size and press the button.

It's not only for selecting your drink. The LCD display also provides diagnostic messages when something's wrong, such as if the capsule bin needs emptying. And, of course, if 60 seconds is a long time to you, you can check progress on the LCD screen.

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Cleaning Up The Keurig B3000SE

Ease of cleaning is important in an office environment. As we've seen, there's no reservoir to clean. The outside of the B3000SE just needs a wipe with a damp cloth once in a while. The internal works should be regularly cleaned by running a measure of hot water only, and discarding it.

You can remove the drip tray very easily for cleaning. The filter should be replaced at least every six months. Descaling should be carried out regularly, using 80-oz of descaling solution. Some users simply do a regular brew with vinegar and water and find that works perfectly well.

As for servicing, if you regularly purchase your K-Cups from a dealer then he will probably be happy to service your machine free of charge. Worth checking out.

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Features and Specifications:

Product Dimensions: 17.4"H x 18.0"D x 12.0"W
Item Weight: 37 pounds (35 lbs. empty)
Shipping Weight: 37.4 pounds
Water supply: Direct line, plumbed in (3/4 inch garden hose fitting)
Brew sizes: 4-oz, 6-oz, 8-oz, and 10-oz
Electrical: 1400W, 120VAC
Plug type: 3-Wire Grounded
Manufacturer: Keurig
ASIN: B0081VRKDA
Item model number: K3000SE
Usage: Commercial use only
Power: 1,400 watts
Voltage: 120VAC / 60Hz

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Keurig B3000SE review
Keurig B3000SE - side view

Accessories for the Keurig B3000SE

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Speed - brews prepared in under a minute
  • Convenience - uses K-Cup® packs
  • Safety - mug and K-Cup® sensors
  • Energy Saving Mode
  • Auto on/off
  • Direct Water Line Plumbing

Cons:

  • No filter included (and you need one)
  • May require a plumber for installation
  • Instruction Manual unclear on some matters

Watch this useful YouTube Video of the Keurig B3000SE being put through its paces -

Consumer Ratings

Keurig is one of the leading coffee maker manufacturers and have been named the coffee maker "Brand of the Year" for all five years from 2012 to 2016 by the Harris Poll EquiTrend® Equity Study. You can read more about them in our review of the Keurig K45 here.

At the present time there are less than 40 reviews of the Keurig B3000SE coffee maker on Amazon. They give an average score in excess of 4 out of 5 stars, with over 70 per cent giving four or five stars.

Many reviewers love how it functions non-stop with hardly any attention required. That's largely down to having it plumbed in to the main water supply, and no reservoir to worry about.

The ease of use and lack of mess is also appreciated. The used capsules just fall into the bin by themselves at the end of the brew.

Some users complain that they don't seem to have all the parts they need to install it. That underlines the fact that you need a plumber to set up this coffee maker properly. The instructions also leave something to be desired, but if you employ a plumber then you won't need them.

All in all, most users of the Keurig B3000SE are very happy with their purchase.

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Summary

The Keurig B3000SE is a heavy duty coffee maker for use in a busy office or reception area. It's not for domestic use unless you want another device plumbed into your domestic water supply.

It is easy to use, and cuts out the mess often associated with K-Cup machines. You really do need a plumber to set it up, but once that's done then maintenance is very easy.

So if you need to keep your workforce happy and/or impress commercial visitors, the Keurig B3000SE coffee maker is an extremely good choice.

For current pricing information on Amazon, follow this link>>>

'Coffee Lover'

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Keurig K145 OfficePRO Brewing System Review

The Keurig K145 OfficePRO Brewing System, as the name implies, is a commercial coffee maker intended for use in an office environment. You can only purchase either direct from Keurig or from an authorized distributor such as Amazon.

Yet plainly many people opt to have this as their domestic coffee maker. There must be a reason, or maybe several reasons. Let's take a close look at the K145 and find out why, and if this confidence is justified.

keurig k145 officepro
Keurig K145 officepro

Table of Contents
What You Get For Your Money Why Some Heavy-Duty?
A Commercial Brewer At Home? Features & Specs
Accessories Pros and Cons
Consumer Ratings Summary

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What You Get For Your Money

The Keurig K145 OfficePRO is a single serve machine, brewing one cup at a time. You have three sizes to choose from - 6, 8, and 10-oz. You make your selection by way of a chunky knob that sits on the top, rather than the traditional push-buttons.

It's designed to be switched on at the start of the working day and off at the end. If no-one switches it off then, as long as the auto-off feature has been activated, it switches itself off after two hours of non-use.

Being always on, it brews your cup of coffee in less than a minute. You can choose what you want from over 500 varieties of tea, hot cocoa, or an iced beverage. Anything that is covered by the K-Cup system, and that includes 75 well-known brands. And since this machine is not part of the Keurig 2.0 technology, you're not restricted to 2.0 pods.

You also have a 48-oz water reservoir with a removable lid, and that is itself easily removed. So re-filling, or just topping up, is easy. You can remove the drip tray when you want to fill a travel mug that otherwise would be too tall for the machine. And you can dispense hot water, eg for a cup of tea, by pressing the brew button without inserting a K-Cup.

Finally - and if you're new to Keurig coffee makers this will be very helpful - you get a bonus. A variety pack of 12 K-Cup pods.

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Why Are Some Of The Components Of The K145 Heavy Duty?

The Keurig K145 OfficePRO has a water tank that holds enough for four or five cups. Its typical use is meant to be in an office of up to 15 people. It is going to be in regular use throughout the day, day after day. So if there are any weaknesses they are going to show up quickly.

A common weakness of coffee makers is the pump. If this gives out, the machine has to be scrapped. For that reason, Keurig have given this machine a heavy-duty pump system. This is what their home models used to have before they introduced "Quiet Brew Technology".

The power cord is also heavy duty. This machine often operates in an environment where several other high-powered machines are powered on the same circuit. Possibly it's overkill, but better safe than sorry, especially where electricity is concerned.

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Keurig K145 officepro
Keurig K145

If It's A Commercial Brewer, Why Do So Many People Use It At Home?

Good question. It may be helpful here to look at another very popular Keurig coffee maker - the Keurig K45. You can read our review of this machine by clicking here (opens in a new tab).

As you can see, the K45 is very similar to the K145. It has the same size of water reservoir, and the same auto-off feature (with the same 2-hour period). It has the same sizes of brew and is equally fast, brewing in 30 to 60-seconds when switched on. And the drip-tray makes way for a travel mug when you want.

But the Keurig K145 OfficePRO has more. And I'm not just talking about the heavy duty components and the chrome and silver trim. It has a brew/drain switch at the rear, and a drain button which expels all the water from the inner tank. You don't even have to move the machine. Very useful if you want to pack up for removal or storage.

Heavy duty, though, is often the clincher. The K45 has a quieter pump that lacks the strength and toughness of that in the K145. With the prices being not that dissimilar, it's no wonder that many coffee lovers have opted for the K145. The price of a tougher, longer-lasting pump may be a little more noise, but it's a price many people feel is worth paying.

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Features and Specifications of the Keurig K145 OfficePRO:

Package Dimensions: 16.7 x 15 x 12.6 inches
Item Weight: 14.9 pounds
Shipping Weight: 14.9 pounds
Manufacturer: Keurig
ASIN: B00I9IML3O
Item model number: K145
Warranty: 1-year

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Keurig K145 officepro
Removing the Water Tank

Accessories

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Always ready to brew plus brews in 60-seconds or less
  • Choose from 6-oz, 8-oz, and 10-oz cup sizes
  • Auto-off feature
  • 48-oz water reservoir (removable)
  • Heavy duty pump system lasts longer than most home machines

Cons:

  • Not compatible with My K-Cup
  • Can be noisy if on a hard surface (see below for a remedy)

There aren't any decent videos available on YouTube at the present time that give any more information on the Keurig K145 OfficePRO. I'll check periodically and when I find one I'll upload it here.

Keurig K145 officepro
Easy Control Panel

Consumer Ratings

Most popular among reviewers of the Keurig K145 OfficePRO is the huge choice of brands and flavors of K-Cups available. If you use filtered water then cleaning is, for the most part, very easy. A warning light shows when you should clean with a de-scaler. It helps to clean a coffee maker with vinegar every six months or so, as well.

There's much to be said for a coffee maker that brews your coffee in a minute, with little preparation required. And that can brew a variety of different drinks without the taste of the previous brew migrating into your own.

Some users have commented that if you use the 10-oz cup size the coffee is weaker. The answer seems to be to use a dark roast, which will give you a fuller flavor.

Others don't like the level of noise produced by the pump (though most users have no problem with this). I've covered this earlier, but here's a tip. If you find the noise tiresome, place your machine on a folded towel or half inch thick sheet of foam. That should reduce the sound level by more than half.

The K145 enjoys an average rating on Amazon of well over 4 at the present time, from over 870 reviewers. Nearly four fifths give 4 or 5 stars.

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Keurig K145 officepro
Lifting the handle

Summary

The Keurig K145 OfficePRO is a heavy duty coffee maker that is fast and easy to use. It's built to be strong enough to cater for a small office of fifteen or so people. Its pump, the Achilles Heel of many coffee makers, is of industrial strength.

The quality and variety of brews it can produce is undeniable. It's backed by a one-year warranty and Keurig's well-known customer care.

It is probably advisable to purchase, if not from Keurig direct, from an authorized distributor (such as Amazon). This is to ensure you get everything you're paying for.

So if you like what you see, then go ahead and purchase this model from the link below.

For current pricing information on Amazon, follow this link>>>

'Coffee Lover'

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BUNN 13300.0001 VP17-1SS Review

The most complex thing about the BUNN 13300.0001 VP17-1SS Pourover Coffee Brewer (or BUNN VP17 for short) is its name. But despite the simplicity of its operation this is, in the words of one reviewer on Amazon, "a quality product made of commercial grade materials". Another reviewer on Amazon writes, "My set up is worth every penny spent".

The enthusiasm of most reviewers on Amazon for this product is loud and clear. Can everyone really be that happy with it? Let's take a closer look at this highly-rated coffee brewer.

Read the rest of the review below:

BUNN VP17 1SS
The BUNN 13300.0001 VP17 1SS That's right - no carafe! But still very popular.

Buy from Amazon

Table of Contents
Is It Suitable For You? Solidly Built?
No More Cold Coffee Cleaning
Features & Specs
Accessories Pros and Cons
Consumer Ratings Summary

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Is The BUNN VP17-1SS Suitable For Your Requirements?

If you require coffee regularly throughout the day, fresh and hot, then the answer is undoubtedly yes. BUNN have made this brewer for heavy use. It's ideal for small hotels and boarding houses, small to medium sized offices, cafes - anywhere people congregate throughout the day and need refreshment. What about a busy restaurant? Yes, there too, even if as a "back-up".

Just plug it in anywhere there's a power supply, pour water in the top, and the coffee starts brewing immediately. The heating element can be left to turn itself on and off as required to keep the water hot. This is why the brew takes only about three minutes. It can handle up to 3.8 gallons an hour, which it decants into standard 64-oz decanters.

As for domestic use, many users are householders and use it at home. However, if you're looking at just one or two people then you'd be wiser to stay with a single-brew machine.

"Pourover" may mean that you only have to pour in as much water as it takes to make the amount of coffee you want. But all the same, it's difficult to make just one cup with the BUNN VP17. To do it justice you really need to work it hard, churning out carafe after carafe. And it will do this all day long, month in and month out, very happily.

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Is It Really That Solidly Built?

The BUNN VP17 is made almost entirely from stainless steel. Like all BUNN coffee brewers, it is assembled in Canada. Surprisingly, the funnel mechanism is plastic, which seems a little penny-pinching on the part of BUNN. Probably it's to keep the price down, but you can easily replace it with a stainless steel component. Check it out on Amazon by clicking here. You'll want the BUNN 64-oz stainless steel decanter as well (check this as well on Amazon).

The design is modular, so if one component fails then it can easily be replaced. Parts and spares are readily available. This makes a refreshing change from the "throw-it-away-when-it's-bust" thinking behind so many cheap coffee makers.

It is heavier and taller than most other coffee makers. Check the dimensions below to ensure it will fit on your kitchen worktop.

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BUNN VP17 1SS
The BUNN 13300.0001 VP17 1SS with carafe this time (but sold separately)

No More Cold Coffee

When you're brewing up to 3.8-gallons an hour then even with a swift take-up rate you have a problem. Keeping your brewed coffee hot until it's ready for "distribution" and consumption. The BUNN VP17's Warmer, or hot plate, takes care of that. And you have control too - you can turn it off if, for example, you're using a thermal carafe to keep your coffee warm.

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Cleaning It All Up

This product is nearly all stainless steel, so cleaning isn't really a problem. Just a quick wipe with a damp cloth is normally all that's required for the outside. Internally, you should wipe the underside of the funnel regularly. Steam from the sprayer head often condenses there. You have to remove the sprayer head and clean the metal tube and spring.

A couple of tips here. Always put the pot in place before starting a brew, and don't use this machine just to get hot water. If you don't obey then you'll probably have a mess to clean up.

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Features and Specifications:

  • Product Dimensions: 17.7 x 8 x 17.8 inches
  • Item Weight: 24 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 26.6 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Bunn
  • Assembled: Canada
  • ASIN: B0000DIWZC
  • Item model number: 13300.0001

Get more information and buy it now on Amazon >>>

BUNN-13300_0001 VP17 1SS
No excuses for not knowing the measurements!

Accessories

 

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Fast brewing - 3 minutes
  • Solid construction means failures are rare
  • Warmer/hot plate keeps coffee hot after brewing

Cons:

  • Can be noisy when heating water
  • Heavier and taller than most other coffee makers
  • Decanter is not included

I haven't found a suitable video review of the BUNN 13300.0001 VP17-1SS yet. As soon as I do I'll place a link to it here.

Consumer Ratings

This coffee brewer has earned a very high score of over 4.5 from over 170 reviewers on Amazon. Generally, users love the solid build and the great coffee they can make with it. And, of course, the one to three-year warranty on parts.

So many of them have had to replace their cheap, plastic coffee makers nearly every year for many years and they're glad that the hassle and expense of that are over. They like that they can brew four cups of Starbucks for no more than what they used to pay for one K-cup.

A few users don't like the noise the BUNN VP17 sometimes makes when in brewing mode, but it appears this can usually be rectified by de-liming the machine. The plastic funnel assembly and the lack of a decanter are other complaints, but these can be remedied with only a little extra expense.

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Summary

The BUNN 13300.0001 VP17-1SS is more expensive than most coffee makers, but that expense is justified. You'll save in the long term because this product will stay the course.

It's a commercial machine intended for heavy duty service. If you can provide the volume of coffee-making work that it demands then you'll be well satisfied with your purchase. We recommend this coffee brewer.

For current pricing information on Amazon, follow this link>>>

Coffee Lover

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BUNN BT Velocity Brew 10-Cup Thermal Carafe Home Coffee Brewer Review

The BUNN BT Velocity Brew 10-Cup Thermal Carafe Home Coffee Brewer is a # 1 Best Seller on Amazon, so let's see why that should be.

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

Table of Contents
A 10 Cup Machine Power & Reliability
Flavor Is It Easy To Use?
A Precision Instrument Features & Specs
Pros and Cons Consumer Ratings
Summary

The BUNN BT - A 10 Cup Machine

If you're only brewing a few cups a day then perhaps a coffee maker like the BUNN MCU would be better for you. The important point about the BUNN BT is that it not only makes you a full carafe of 6 - 10 cups (50 ounces) of coffee at a time, but that it keeps the water in the stainless steel internal water tank hot all the while it is on.

This makes it an ideal coffee maker for a small office, or for a house where a lot of people come and go most of the time, and stop by for a brew. The coffee in the carafe stays hot for at least 2 hours, and up to 4 hours, depending on room temperature and conditions, so you won't be constantly brewing up.

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Power and Reliability

BUNN have been manufacturing coffee makers for over 40 years now, and in that time have established themselves as a solid brand name with an enviable reputation. They've made this machine with an 800-watt heater and an internal thermostat.

This means you can heat the tankful of water up from room temperature in about 14 minutes, using just 160 watts of electricity, and then later in the day have hot coffee brewed in three and a half to five minutes for another six to ten cups.

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What About the Flavor?

So many factors influence the flavor of the coffee, and they all have to be right. The vital processes are the heating of the water to the right temperature, filtering it through the coffee grounds for maximum flavor extraction, the coffee grounds themselves, the water itself, and the prevention of anything unwanted from entering your cup.

The BUNN BT uses a spray head design to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated by the water evenly and completely. Some users have found that the water can overflow and make a mess on the work surface - see below for more on this and how to prevent it.

If you can prevent one or two potential problems with it then this coffee maker can deliver great tasting coffee from the first cup to the last.

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Is The BUNN BT Easy To Use?

Once you've inserted your coffee grounds and filled the water reservoir, it's as easy as closing the lid. That's all you need to do to start the brew process. Unless you switch it off, the machine is always on, with a vacation switch to turn it off when you go away for a few days.

A Precision Instrument

I mentioned just now about how some people have had a problem with the water overflowing during the brew process. It's important to remember that any coffee maker is a precision instrument, and needs a little attention from time to time to be kept in optimum working condition.

Little things like the filter you use can make all the difference. If your filter is not quite long enough then the water level can rise above it and overflow. Make sure your filters are not too short. The best filters for the BT are BUNN's own, as stated in the User's Manual. They're reasonably priced if you order direct from BUNN.

A restrictor flow head, available free of charge from BUNN, can also cure this problem. It does extend the brewing time by about 20 seconds, but you will probably consider it worth the wait. Other causes have been the use of unbranded filters that are too short or grinding the coffee too finely.

And, as with all coffee makers, if you don't clean it now and then you're bound to have problems. Clean the sprinkler and outlet area regularly, and use the supplied brush on the delicate parts.

There's more advice on this topic on the Questions and Answers section of the Amazon page.

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Here's a short video showing the key features of the BUNN BT:

Features and Specifications:

  • Product Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 10 inches ; 10 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 10 pounds
  • 800 Watt Heater
  • Internal Thermostat
  • Spray Head Design
  • Item model number: BTX-B
  • Warranty: 3-year, limited

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Thermal carafe keeps taste and temperature of coffee for 2-4 hours.
  • 50-ounce capacity reservoir for up to 10 cups.
  • Stays on all day for 3 minute brew time.
  • Vacation switch.
  • Easy to use - just close the lid to start a brew.

Cons:

  • Needs regular cleaning to avoid water overflow.
  • You're tied to BUNN filters - other makes may be too short.
  • Sprinkler can come off too easily - be careful not to throw it out with the used grounds.
BUNN BT
BUNN BT

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Consumer Ratings

The BUNN BT scores well over 4 on average in over 2,000 reviews on Amazon at the time of writing. Nearly two-thirds of reviewers give it the full five stars. They love its great looks and that the taste of the coffee doesn't deteriorate even after 2-4 hours in the carafe.

Some have had a problem with the coffee overflowing during the brew process. I've already dealt with this problem.

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Summary

BUNN have shown their confidence in this product by covering it with a 3 year limited warranty. The quality of the coffee produced by the BT is superb, and the brew time very fast.

The BUNN BT Velocity Brew 10-Cup Thermal Carafe Home Coffee Brewer is ideal for a small office or a domestic set-up where there are two or three people who drink a lot of coffee. If this is you, click the link below to find out more about this high quality coffee maker.

 

 

 

'Coffee Lover'

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BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer Review

The BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer is almost identical to the BUNN BXW, but is a few dollars more expensive. The main difference appears to be that the BXW is available only for US residents, whereas the GRB can be shipped to selected countries overseas. Be that as it may, both coffee makers come from a company that is synonymous with coffee makers and that has an excellent reputation not only for producing high-quality merchandise but also for providing outstanding customer and after sales service.

BUNN GRB review
BUNN GRB review
Table of Contents
Volume Use
Quality By Design
Features & Specs
Pros and Cons
Consumer Ratings
Summary

If by any chance the product you purchase is defective in any way then BUNN will replace it quickly and at no cost to you. Will you need to keep this reassurance in mind when considering this particular coffee maker? Let's see.

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The BUNN GRB - Great for Volume Use

Like so many coffee makers, this model works well when it is used how the manufacturers intended. Some products are meant for occasional use, and some for heavy use. This is for heavy use.

That means the warming plate that keeps the coffee in the carafe hot is on all the time. Indeed, it has to be. Likewise, the hot water tank is always keeping the water in the reservoir hot so you can produce a piping hot cup of joe within three minutes at any time the machine is on.

But if you only place a demand on it of three or four cups a day then you'll be paying to keep the water (and the coffee in the carafe) hot all day, which is unnecessary and expensive. The water in the tank may evaporate, and the coffee in the carafe become too hot, affecting the taste. If you think that's a danger for you, perhaps the BUNN MCU would be a better choice.

While BUNN themselves have marked this model for domestic use, it is ideal for serving an office full of people, as well as a large family, or in any environment where people are regularly helping themselves to a brew.

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Quality By Design

Probably the most distinguishing feature of the BUNN GRB coffee maker is the spray-head, which ensures the coffee grinds are evenly sprayed with water at the optimum temperature to bring out the best taste.

The stainless steel tank, with its internal thermostat, and the porcelain-coated warming plate do the rest to ensure the production of up to 10 cups of coffee of the highest quality.

Features and Specifications:

  • Brews 4 to 10 cups (20 to 50 -ounces) in about 3 minutes
  • Glass carafe and porcelain-coated warming plate with lighted on/off switch
  • Unique sprayhead ensures even, complete coffee flavor extraction
  • Stainless steel internal hot water tank keeps water heated to optimal brewing temperature of 200 degrees F
  • Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
  • Height: 14-7/8"
  • Width: 7-1/8"
  • Depth: 13-7/8"
  • Weight: 6.8 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
  • Item model number: GRX-B
BUNN GRB review
BUNN GRB

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Free and quick replacement if product is defective; instant hot coffee whenever you need it; spray-head ensures optimum flavor.

Cons: Expensive to run if used for only one or two people.

Customer Ratings

Scoring well over 4 from over 1,280 reviews on Amazon at the time of writing, the BUNN GRB has attracted the full 5 stars from the vast majority of its reviewers there. The next largest score for it by far is 4 stars. Most of the reviews have gushing praise.

What about the negative reviews? These tend to focus on part failures and the cost of keeping the reservoir water boiling hot and the carafe contents warm for periods when they're not required (but hey, this IS a 10 cup model, remember?).

Following the instructions to the letter when setting it up appears to be more important for the BUNN GRB than for most coffee makers, and this is something that some negative reviewers seem to have neglected.

In fairness, this model does seem more suited to heavy, regular use, rather than just one or two people wanting an occasional brew, so bear that in mind when making your buying decision.

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Summary

Provided you're going to give the BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer a fair amount of use, and you like your coffee brewed to perfection, then this product deserves a place on your short-list.

BUNN GRB review

'Coffee Lover'

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Keurig K130 (In-Room) Brewing System Review

keurig k130
keurig k130

The Keurig K130 Brewing System (formerly known as the B130) is really intended for commercial use in a hotel (hence Keurig describing it as "In-Room"). So what's the difference between ordinary domestic use and hotel use? The end result in both instances is supposed to be a delicious cup of coffee or tea, is it not?

Well, consider this. With a domestic machine, you want the freedom to choose your own brew. You might prefer coffee in the mornings and tea in the afternoons, or to vary the blend from one day to the next. And with domestic use usually meaning more than one person using it the variations are likely to be even more pronounced.

But people staying overnight in a hotel or boarding house are not so varied in their tastes and are unlikely to be carrying a sachet of their favorite brew with them. They prefer to choose from a selection in their hotel room. And, of course, they're not likely to drink more than one or two cups at a time.

Table of Contents
Ease of Use plus Speed Adaptable for Travelling
Features & Specs Pros and Cons
Consumer Ratings Summary

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So Keurig dispensed with unnecessary features and made this coffee maker so that it can be operated by anyone very easily just by selecting a K-Cup and pressing the bar to commence the brew. You don't even need to know how to use a coffee maker. And don't forget there are over 200 varieties of gourmet coffee, tea, cocoa and iced coffee to choose from, so there's something for everyone.

It does have only a single-use water reservoir, but then that's probably all you're likely to need when staying in a hotel or motel. The water is heated in the reservoir before being funneled into the K-Cup, where the actual brewing is done. Very simple.

So is this the coffee maker that you are looking for? Let's see.

The Keurig K130 Gives You Ease of Use Plus Speed

This product has to be very easy to use. Many of the people operating it will not have come across it before. And Keurig have made it just about as easy as it comes, with directions printed permanently on the machine itself.

Speed is another factor. Many people have to leave their hotel early in the morning to continue their journey, and they don't want to be delayed by a coffee maker. At under 3 minutes to brew a cup, they won't be delayed by the K130.

Adaptable to the Needs of the Traveller

The Keurig K130 Brewing System can brew any K-Cup brew or your own regular coffee grounds (which suits some of us and not others). All you need is a reusable filter. However, it has to be said that this unit works best with regular K-Cups.

Features and Specifications:

  • UL & c-UL Listed: Commercial use only
  • Power: 700 Watts
  • Voltage: 110-120VAC
  • Weight: 7 lbs. empty
  • Shipping Weight: 9 pounds
  • Dimensions: 11.1"H x 10.0"D x 7.0"W

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Instructions printed on the machine; speed - 3 minutes to a brew; can brew regular coffee grounds as well as K-Cups; low price; stylish looks; easy to store.
Cons: Single-use water reservoir.

Take a look at this video review from an American housewife -

Customer Reviews and Scores

This product scores around 4 stars out of 5 from over 2,880 reviews on Amazon.com at the time of writing, with well over 50 per cent of scores being the maximum of 5. Among the criticisms raised were the limitation to one cup size, and the noise factor. But this coffee maker is a one cup size machine and described as such, so it's not really fair to post a low score for that - if you want more cup sizes you might consider the Keurig K45 or K65. And other reviewers say the noise is not very noticeable and is short-lived anyway.

Most people love the stylish good looks of this machine, its reliability and the way it can be stored away inconspicuously. Mainly the people who knew the limitations of the K130 were satisfied with it. Some have had problems with Keurig's Customer Service because the K130 is really a commercial product not meant for domestic use.

Keurig's website describes the product rather ambiguously as "specifically designed for hospitality" rather than coming out and saying it's for commercial use only, so it may be wise to check before you buy that there won't be any problems over the way you plan to use it.

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Summary

If you're not buying the Keurig K130 Brewing System for sporadic use by one individual at a time, as in a hotel, for instance, then it may be best to consider the Keurig K65 or K75 instead. Those models are more expensive, but then the main reason for the K130's economy on price is that it doesn't need the features that domestic use demands.

However, if you do need it for commercial use then your choice of the K130 is a good one. That is, provided it is still available. Click the button below to find out.

Keurig K65 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System

'Coffee Lover'

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