Bonavita Coffeemaker
For a long time the Technivorm coffee brewer has been the out-front champion consumer auto drip machine. Other than Bunn, there’s been no one that’s even been close. At last year’s Specialty Coffee Association bash in Houston, I spied a truly interesting Technivorm lookalike. I begged a sample and one day my UPS driver showed up with it on my front porch.The Bonavita 8-cup looks a lot like a Technivorm, enough to be called a knock-off. But, knock-offs serve an important place in consumer culture. They give those of us down the working class a chance to taste the gear caviar we otherwise can’t afford. So, how does it measure up?
First, the Bonavita hits the basic temperature of the Technivorm, not quite its ruler flat 200°F, but comfortably in the 195 to 205 industry spec. This will be made a big deal of by some, and I can’t deny it is at least partially true. If you’re a total perfectionist, the Technivorm will still be your machine when it comes to the art of delivering stable 200°F water to your grounds. The Technivorm produces a magical full 40 ounces in just over six minutes. This upstart brewer is capable of making the same size batch in just over five. Whether this is an improvement or not is subjective. Some might say it’s closer to the ideal “American” cup. All in all, it’s a pretty impressive feat and testament to the Bonavita’s beefy heating element. In the video review I referred to ramping up my grounds from 60 grams to 64 grams drip grind coffee for a full Bonavita pot. I have since found that simply grinding a notch finer and 60 grams does the trick.
There is one area in which the Bonavita 8-cup outperforms the Technivorm and that’s the ability to get all the grounds thoroughly soaked during brewing. This has always been the Dutch coffeemaker’s sole weakness and the Bonavita just does it beautifully, and it is a very important attribute since it means you get full, even extraction for all the precious coffee grounds. This is an area that many will miss as there’s no real easy industry specification. It’s not easy to measure, although it is simple to observe. The Bonavita does as good a job of any automatic drip coffeemaker tested so far, equal to the famed Kitchen Aid 4-cup and recent Kaloric models. And, in my opinion, this is one of the most important areas of accomplishment for any automatic coffeemaker.
The one area where the Technivorm might prove more cost effective in the long run is longevity. Technivorms are the coffeemaker equivalent of Volvo automobiles. My 30 year-old Moccamaster just chugs away. But, none of my tests indicated anything inherently slapdash about the new Bonavita either, so time will tell.
The Technivorm has a two position setting that really works when making a half batch. If you regularly make less than a full pot, it’s a nice and useful economy feature and it’s missing on the new competitor’s. I did not even test the Bonavita in any but full batch modes. Assume you will make a full pot each time in order to get the performance I did in my tests.
I’ve been brewing with the Bonavita daily for nearly three months. I brewed Counter Culture’s Finca Mauritania El Salvador with it, as well as their Jagong Sumatra, one of my current favorites. All superb, as was Oren’s Daily Roast’s Cup-of-Excellence Nicaragua La Ampliacion. I found it was almost boring in its ability to brew brilliant coffee batch after batch, minus any futzing.
I tested the glass carafe, my preference, but there’s a themos version on the way. It’s worth noting that Bonavita has earned a Specialty Coffee Association of America certification. I prefer glass carafes as they are easy to wash and really get clean, plus I toss any coffee after 30 minutes regardless of how it’s stored. In my opinion thermoses offer very little advantage.
I’d say this machine is going to give Technivorm a run for its money and a lot of people are going to go for the extra cost savings and drink some pretty excellent coffee at a bargain price. Considering there are millions of coffee drinkers, there’s room for more than one machine that performs to spec. If you’re looking for a top auto drip brewer, the Bonavita definitely fits the bill. It gets a top rating from the Coffee Companion.
Have you taken the Bonavita apart?
The Technivorm is built like a tank with a copper coil etc.
Be curious as to how this brewer which is being touted as a better bang for the buck stacks up.
As you say in your review your Technivorm is still chugging along.
Thanks!
Adam in Jersey City, NJ
Adam, No need to take either apart. You quoted me accurately. The Technivorm is one rugged machine. Whether this is worth it or not is a constant consumer balancing act. A light user might well say they’ll take their chances on the Bonavita. Others will want proven longevity. My job is not to sell either, merely to honestly point out the differences. I appreciate you recognizing that I did so.
The bonavita appears to have an open filter holder……any splashing? It also seems to have to filter holder mounted directly on top of carafe? How do you find this? Seems to be a bit of a glaring design error? Steel cconstruction with some plastic?
Thx for any info.
Hi Andy. I’m not a purist about avoiding plastic, although I prefer glass above all as the most inert material possible. Structurally, I think it’s more than acceptable. Even the Technivorm has a plastic filter holder. As far as being open, it probably costs a degree or two, but I tested it using its open filter and it performed to spec. I detected no splashing nor any fresh grounds foam overflow. In this regard it is simply an outstanding design. It is well put together, but no one will mistake it for a Technivorm, which is still number one for materials, fit and finish.
Hi Kevin, we have a technivorm currently, just wondering re plastic in regards to overall construction quality & if things like the ‘tower’ under the tank were steel etc like TV. How do you find the ergonomics of having the filter body mount on top of carafe & not suspended above like TV and others? This unit is the same as ‘Mellita’ drip maker that is available in EU only is it?
Thx & rgds.
Hi Kevin,
Trying to decide between the Technivorm and the Bonavita. I have heard of Technivorms lasting 30 years. What is the longevity of the European Bonavita (Melitta)?
Thanks.
Philip
Hello Philip,
Both are excellent machines. The Technivorm has tighter temperature tolerances. It is a rule-flat 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The Bonavita has the best showerhead design since the Kitchen Aid 4-cup. You may be surprised how important this is, and how little the slightly wider temperature variance (still +/- 5 degrees F) means to the cup quality compared to the water dispersion.
The Bonavita has not been out long enough to know anything certain, but it overall feel and appearance mean anything, I would bet that the Technivorm will outlast it several times over. This is due partly to its European manufacture but even more so to its persnickety entrepreneur who stubbornly refuses to give into an “appliance mentality” and oversees over every detail, Gerard-Clement Smit.
Hello Kevin,
Based on your reviews I have bought the Melitta Aroma Excellent Glass Filter Coffee Maker the UK version of the Bonavita. Can’t wait to try it.
What grinder would you recommend for the Bonavita and an Areopress user?
Regards
Christian
Hello Christan,
It’s a good choice. I think you’ll enjoy your coffee from it. The Bonavita/Melitta requires a medium fine grind. The Aeropress does well with a finer grind. My first choice would be the conical burr Baratza Virtuoso Preciso.
Warmly,
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
I just bought the Bonavita and the Baratza Virtuoso. I’m using fresh medium roast Columbian Supremo Beans and I’m having a hard time getting my grind adjusted for the taste I’m looking for. I’m using 64 grams of coffee. Can you help me with I should be grinding with the Virtuoso?
Thanks,
Gary
Hi Gary,
I tend to err on slightly coarse grinding. That said, a reasonable way to adjust your grind is to adjust to the water line during brewing is always just a bit above the grounds bed. In other words you want the grounds submerged but never want the water too much higher. Hope that is helpful, but if it’s not, please describe what’s not tasting right. Then I can help you fine tune your setup.
Warm regards,
Kevin
Thank you very much.
Regards
Christian
Do you know if the Bonavita and the Technivorm each produce the same amount of steam while brewing? I’ve seen and sampled the Tehnivorm but can’t find anyplace in my locale to see the Bonavita.
I did not measure this. Is there a concern?
Hi Kevin,
My husband and I each drink about 16 oz of coffee in the morning. (With a new baby on the way, I’m sure we will up our intake for a few months!) Would you recommend this machine for brewing our usual 30-40 oz? Thanks!
Congratulations on your baby’s pending delivery. Well, you’re brewing just a bit more with this machine, which is a 1.25 liter capacity. I find 60 grams of medium fine grind coffee works to make a full batch. So, you could do with a slightly smaller capacity machine, but you’re not far off. Plus if you should have a friend drop over, you have an extra cup to offer them.
I just bugoht one 3 I just bugoht one 3 days ago. Came with a different filter, and it makes a great cup of coffee. Way better than one we had before. The filter makes a huge difference if you have hard water. I like the fact that you can take the filter holder out, clean that bad-bitty up, while cleaning the filter and have a fresh pot every time. It looks like the filter you pulled out of there was used .
When you say a full pot you mean filling the water reservoir all the way to 10 cups line (with the metioned 60gr of coffee)?
Excellent review by the way, mine is on its way 😉
Pascal
Hi Pascal. I always test a full batch. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Any updates on Bonavita reliability.?
One thing I see constantly in reviews of the Technivorm is the cheap build quality.
This does not match with your experiences from what I can tell.
What has been your perceptions talking to many owners and users?
Reliability is a key point for me.
I appreciate build quality, but even fine autos can be a pain to maintain.
Regards
ED
Well, Ed, my single Bonavita sample is holding up fine. There’s a slightly loose band under the warming plate. If I played with it I’m sure I could make it worse, but nothing so far that would indicate a poor build quality. As for Technivorm, they are peerless in my opinion. I’ve got three of them and they run like champs. If I were to open a coffee brewer rental service, I’d definitely base my business on Technivorms. No issues. Also, not much in maintenance. I rarely delime them, and I’ve had a MoccaMaster (White 1 liter model) since the early 1990s. I finally replaced the filter holder because it looked bad, but I’ve never had a mechanical problem.
The price is the only obstacle I know of.
Thanks Kevin.
Three? Wow. How heavily do you use them?
I wonder if the negative reviews are more of an emotionalresponse to the price.
I don’t think I have ever seen such a wide gap of reviews from hate it to love it.
If one has limited counter height is there a technivorm that is better suited?
Regards
Ed
I use them surprisingly often, Ed. The Technivorm prices are high, but so is the build quality. The Bonavita is not poorly built, but it does not have come close to the Technivorm in this area. I think they’re about the same height. I do not think it is different enough to make that a factor.
I love my Bonavita Coffeemaker! Just had it a little over a week and the transition from my other major brand was a pleasure. The only downside in my opinion is the fact that the glass carafe doesn’t have a cup indicator like mostly all other coffeemakers have. When I go to fill it up with water it would be nice to see where the 4, 6 and 8 cup levels are. I know they’re on the coffeemaker reservoir but that doesn’t help when you’re filling the carafe with water.
I’m glad to hear you’re happy, Connie. I know what you mean about the cup markings, but it appears to be the trend. My Bonavita is holding up nicely. I see a lot of them. So far, so good.
Greetings Kevin,
I hope that you can respond to this question as this post is over a year old!
I am thinking of purchasing the Bonavita with the stainless carafe. Do you have an opinion regarding this newer model and is your sample still holding up well and problem free?
I have been using a Braun 10 cup for many, many years so I have not been keeping up on new models of coffee makers until now.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Lisa,
I think you’ll be very happy with the BonaVita. Mine is performing well. There’s no claim it is as robust as a Technivorm, but it brews very well and is certainly reasonably well built. They are quite the bargain right now.
Warm regards,
Kevin
Kevin,
Thank you so much for your prompt response!
I just made my purchase of two since the price is so good right now. I’m hoping that the two will get as much life as one Technivorm… I was able to pay less for two of the Bonavita than it would have cost to purchase one Moccamaster. Thank you again for being there for those of us who are attempting to learn the joy and pleasure of “the gold cup”.
By the way would you happen to know of a decent coffee that is more medium/light rather than medium/dark? We don’t care for strong coffee and we do use a flavored creamer. Thank you again and I will be waiting for your reply.
A good coffee? There are so many. If you let me know what town you live in I might be able to recommend someone local, always my first choice. However, a favorite roaster of mine is Oren’s Daily Roast. Let me first disclose that Oren Bloostein is a personal friend at this point, but I met him through his coffee and it’s what I would call a medium light roast, in general. As a great roaster should do (in my opinion) he customizes his roast for each varietal. Currently, a number of roasters who buy great beans automatically roast too light. I almost can’t believe I’m writing this since a short while ago I was complaining that roasters were going too dark. Again, not to dis anyone. There are a number of wonderful coffee roasters out there. I want to try them all.
The Bonavita certainly does make an excellent cup of coffee. We use green organic beans and roast every day. The BV is the best drip coffee maker we have ever used.
HOWEVER… if something goes wrong with it, it is a pain to repair. Stores that sell it to you will NOT handle the repair, and direct you to the distributor. There you have to provide your personal details and an email, along with other personal information – on a NON-SECURE website. The cap on our carafe broke after six months. I expected a simple phone call and my PO box address would have a replacement winging it’s way in a day or two. No such luck! A premium product should provide premium service – not so with the Bonavita.
Based on my experience with this simple repair I would NOT recommend this product to my friends. Perhaps when they remove the barriers, to honest and straightforward customer service at the distributor, and provide premium service for the premium price, I would change my mind.
Hi Nick,
I appreciate your feedback, both on the brewer’s positive performance and any problems you’ve had with repairs. Needless to say, I have not had any of these issues, but that does not nullify yours. Hopefully, the Bonavita folks will see your feedback.
Hi,
I’m in the coffee maker selection process. Your review and experience is well done! Thank you.
Question(s): what is the maximum amount (ounces) that the TV makes in a single batch? I THINK BV makes 40oz. But I can’t tell on the TV though I have seen one being sold with a 64oz carafe. Does that suggest I can brew 64oz in a single brew? Thank you in advance.
Hello Jay,
The Technivorm models most seen in the US are 1.25 liter models, which translates into 42 ounces.
There is a Technivorm CD Grand model that brews 1.9 liters, or approximately 61 ounces.
If you want a half gallon, that’s the one you need. They look identical in style, just larger.
Warmly,
Kevin
Hi, Kevin–
We’ve had our BonaVita for several months, (purchased upon your review!) and of automatic coffee makers, it reliably and consistently makes the best cup of coffee we have had.
I have just purchased the Baratza Virtuoso Preciso, (it comes today!) and I wonder what a good starting point grind would be.
Thank you,
Jil
Hi Jill,
That’s great to hear! As far as the grinder, I’d start off dead center. As far as how to know, it’s a combination of obvious physical things: Obviously if it overflows in the basket, it’s too fine, but that unit is pretty forgiving. Mostly I suspect it will be a simple taste test. If it’s too strong, coarsen it up, and if it’s too weak, make it finer. Feel free to contact me again. It’s a winning combination.
Warmly,
Kevin