We are living in a golden age of coffeemakers. Just a short while ago I honestly could not say this, but today I can and the biggest innovations are happening in automatic coffeemakers. It used to be the Technivorm and Bunn, and the industry didn’t understand the Bunn, so it was really just the one machine among the elite. Today there are several that meet high enough standards to motivate me to write a comparison to help make up your mind. Please read the in-depth reviews as they appear, but I wanted to get something out to clarify them side by side.
Here is the current A list:
• Technivorm
• Bonavita
• Behmor Brazen
• Bodum
• Bunn Phase Brew
Each of these has the following traits in common:
• Meets goal of brewing in under 6 minutes contact time. The Bunn and Behmor machines take longer from the time you press the button, but that’s because they’re designed to heat the entire water amount first, but none over extracts like so many automatic drip machines from other manufacturers.
• Brews at industry standard brewing temperature: 200° F.
• Gets the grounds properly wet.
Here is a profile of each, containing my observations for each machine.
TECHNIVORM KB741
The Technivorm is the original automatic drip machine champ. It is the oldest engineering design. It has a well-earned reputation for performance and longevity. It gets the water almost instantly hot and stays there ruler flat. I’ve got one that’s twenty years old. It is discolored but still performs. You could get one and call it a day. Its only weaknesses are price ($300) and a less-than-perfect showering system. It’s nit-picking but the Technivorm sometimes leaves a few dry grounds or with ultra fresh grounds, they tend to swell up and then the water drips through the center. Technivorm fans own them for years and don’t notice or care or find hacks to overcome it. Strengths: The Technivorm is the best-built coffeemaker I’ve ever tested. It does not have a single lowest-bidder part in its makeup. The one I recommend has a patented tube that ensures all the coffee is evenly distributed as it brews and it works. $279 glass carafe/$299 thermos
BONAVITA
The Bonavita is really designed by Melitta in Europe, but since they license their name to Hamilton Beach in the US, an American stage name needed to be created. It has been accused of being a Technivorm knockoff, but if it is, it’s a knockoff at half the price. In testing I found it does meet the industry temperature standard of 200°F +-5°F but it does so over a wider variance. Whether this matters to you or not is a matter of opinion, but no, it is not exactly the same. It does actually outperform the Technivorm when it comes to water saturation of the grounds. In this regard it is the best coffeemaker I’ve ever tested. Weaknesses: Build quality okay, but longevity is unproven. Strengths: Price and overall cup quality and ideal water distribution. $129/$149 glass carafe/thermos
BEHMOR BRAZEN
The Behmor wins the award as the most innovative coffeemaker of all. Invented by Joe Behm (Behmor Coffee Roaster) this one has some unique and first-ever features. Fresh coffee foams up when hot water hits the grounds, a big problem for all automatic drip machines. This rise and fall takes a minute or more. Chemex and other manual method users watch this and wait to start pouring the rest of the water over the grounds. It makes a big difference in taste. The grounds just extract better once they’re settled. The Brazen can be programmed to get the grounds initially wet, then wait between one and four minutes before running the rest of the water through. The Brazen also lets you choose the brewing temperature, even outside the recommended temperature range. As far as I know, this is a first. The Brazen has you enter your location’s altitude when you set it up (just once, and it’s easy). I know that’s a first. Setting the brewing temperature makes a profound difference; not subtle at all. Best of all, these settings are really easy to access. It’s a geek’s dream maker, but anyone can use it, it works out of the box or after setup, and temperature can be adjusted before each brew if you like. Definitely the choice for those who need absolute control and like to vary the taste for each coffee they try. $199 thermos only
BODUM BISTRO POUROVER
Bodum has long been associated with the French press, but they’ve done some other coffeemaker designs, including an electric vacuum maker. The Bodum Bistro is their first foray into the world of automatic drip. Rumor has it they simply sourced the same heating element as Technivorm. Not original, but a good choice. It has a see-through design that’s as sexy as any actresses’ Academy Awards frock (to me anyway). I’ll say it right now: It’s the best looking coffeemaker made on the planet. Weaknesses: It has a slightly tight brewing chamber. I found it can get messy with just-roasted coffee, unfortunately the kind I use. By carefully measuring the grounds you can eliminate this, but it takes trial and error with measuring and grind tweaking. Cost matches the Technivorm and its durability is yet unproven. Strengths: Beauty. $299 thermos only
BUNN PHASE BREW
Bunn is the sleeper of the group. Bunn has always met the industry specs, but their earlier brewers met consumer resistance to an always-hot water feature, good for fast brewing, but perceived wasteful. This latest one breaks with tradition. No water is stored or kept heated. You add water to start making coffee just like everyone else’s. The Phase Brew has grown a quiet reputation as Bunn’s best-ever consumer brewer. Like the Behmor Brazen, it heats all the water to desired temperature, then releases it over the grounds. It consistently brews at 200°F just like a Technivorm, and gets all the grounds wet; just does so at a lower-than-Technivorm cost. The Phase Brew has a sleeker design than earlier Bunn models. Weaknesses: Difficult to figure out how to open and close their thermal carafe. I made coffee, had to grab the phone, and came back to find my PhD friend struggling to pour himself a cup. Strengths: Top rank coffeemaker, but the price is heavily discounted due to Bunn’s wide distribution and being undervalued by marketplace. Shhh, Bank of America got a break. Why shouldn’t you? $99 Glass carafe/ $120 thermos
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
I’d be happy with any of the brewers in this group. Not one of them need apologize for being an automatic drip machine. Although I can already hear manual drip enthusiasts saying none could replace their Hario or Chemex, you might be surprised after tasting some of the coffee I’ve had from each of these machines. I know that this or that function might be more controllable using manual methods, but any of these can produce an excellent cup of coffee. In some ways they offer more control, and certainly more consistency. So here you have it… the closest I get to offering a shopper’s guide.
To the manufacturers who aren’t listed. I apologize but I will add anyone’s machine as they qualify. They must brew a full batch in under 6 minutes, get the water heated to the above-stated specification and get all the grounds equally wet.
Coffee Kevin,
Thanks for your reviews of these automatic drip coffee makers. Very informative indeed. I am trying to determine if the 8 or 10 cup makers would suit my needs at home. I am primarily the only coffee drinker at home, consuming 4 cups or so myself. Very rarely would I need to brew the full capacity. Would I be best suited choosing one of these models or go for a 5 cup model such as the Zojirushi Zutto EC-DAC50?
Thanks,
Jason
Jason, the best option for the four-cup market is the Zojirushi or a Technivorm with one of their half-batch filter tops. If you call Boyds Coffee in Portland, they should be able to help. I used one of these on the half-batch setting for several years and thought it was the best overall solution. But the Zojirushi is also a good choice and takes up less space.
Thanks for the reply, Kevin. Think I will look really hard at those two options. Appreciate your research!
Kevin’
Thx so very much for brewer reviews. Excited my Bonavita arrvs today! Luv your site w/informative, enjoyable education on coffee.
Becky in Lexington, Kentucky
Thanks, Becky. Let us know how you like the Bonavita.
Aaaah… good coffee even w/impaired taste buds from taking steroid med! Bonavita off the porch, outa the box, read info and quick inspect (I was almost jumping up and down), 3 water run-thrus and ready for this morning. Two yrs ago I wained back and forth w/this issue finally giving up to yet another drip maker/brand that was once pretty good FULL WELL knowing what I might run into. In store marketing… outsides look different to attract BUT the insides, where it matters, is pretty much ‘universal’. So glad I got ‘up to here’, searched ‘copper heating element’, found SCAA then you, Kevin! Bonavita not having copper didn’t bother me after your review, weighing all info involved in water/grnds contact, saturation and time. This makes coffee so quickly therefore easy for those wanting more than 40 oz cap–I gave up worrying about being able to make 10-12 cups at once after your enlightenment. I started decanting my coffee over 20 yrs ago (into glass lined carafe) so I got the thermal carafe model for simple convenience. I do, however, much prefer traditional glass carafe looks and easier, lighter to handle.
Thank you, thank you, thank you AND have a great Thanksgiving Day from Lexington, Ky. Heart of the Bluegrass
Hi Becky,
Thanks for the update. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I’ve never been to Lexington but Kentucky is such a beautiful state. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
What about the Krups KT6 or the Crusinart DCC2900?
Hi John,
I have not reviewed either yet. I’d minimally want to know how long they take to brew. If it’s more than eight minutes I’d look elsewhere. Other than that I will have to reserve judgment for an actual test.
Kevin,
Me again.. Mr. fire roasted.. I am thinking of the bunn phase brew for my parents for Christmas.
I have a Technivorm a red one like the picture and love it. My parents are Mr. Coffee people and I would like to get them a better cup. The Bunn has a programmable timer right? It is important being retired and all?? The main thing is they like really hot coffee and my mom gets up at 9 but dad is a hour later. Does the Bunn keep coffee hot that long? Does it have a hot plate with the glass model?
Since, the Bunn Phase Brew does not have the always-hot water tank, a timer might be useful. Retired or now, most people want their coffee soon after rising. I personally don’t care either way. The Bunn is a good machine. The coffee is very hot. It will stay hot for an hour using the thermal carafe. If it’s a glass carafe it has a hot plate.
One more thing.. should I close my technivorm for a minute and let the foam rest before switching it open? I thought foam was a good thing.
Foam is a good thing Delwin. It means the coffee is fresh. Cutting the power after a minute for a minute or two lets it settle. Then when you turn the brewer back on, the rest of the brewing is more efficient.
I tried turning it off this morning and it did taste better.
Thanks!
Hi Kevin,
My parents love the phase brew. She loves the hot coffee and now she does not even use the timer. Just got them some good coffee so she can really taste this machine but even her folgers taste better.
That makes sense, Delwin. Whatever coffee you use, it should be properly brewed. I’ve met more than one person who asked if it made sense to own a better coffee maker or to measure carefully considering they only drank low end coffee. I tell them of course it does. If they watch an old VHS video, and it’s grainy, it’s still worth adjusting the brightness and color. It maximizes their experience and it’s their last chance to do so.
Kevin,
I am exploring the possibility of getting a new drip machine for my fiance and myself. We currently have a regular Melitta 10 or 12 cup drip maker. The Bonavita looks really enticing! I noticed somebody commented that they do not consume 40 ounces of coffee in a day, so they were thinking about getting a different machine. Is there some sore of disadvantage or drawback in not making a full 40 ounce brew in the Bonavita (or any other coffee maker)? We typically consume around 25 ounces per day. If I am by myself, I drink 16 ounces or so. Should we rule out the Bonavita? I have a French Press, as well as a Aeropress. They are great, but to me they are not practical every day of the week when you have to get out the door. That is why I am on the quest for the ultimate drip machine! Thanks.
Hi Lucas,
This is what many people do. They buy a machine planning for having a friend or two drop over. It makes sense, and if you regularly drink a couple of cups, it’s not that much extra to make, and if someone does drop over, you have enough to spare. Now, the other side of it is you are always spending extra on coffee. Let’s say you make a full batch using 60 grams of coffee per pot. If you made a batch with a smaller machine of say 24 oz you could use a third less coffee, quite a savings. To be honest, the best coffeemaker for this reasoning is a Technivorm 741. http://www.technivorm.com/products/brewers_for_home-use/kb_741_ao_white_metallic/ It has a two position brew volume setting. At the half batch setting on the filter holder it slows the drip rate enough to make that perfect four cups you seek. This way you can expand and contract your volume, which is actually difficult with any other drip machine.
The Bonavita is a good machine, but it does not allow for this. The Technivorm costs more, quite a bit more, but the savings in coffee beans to feed it will help pay the difference. That’s my thought.
Thanks for the response Kevin. Could we just purchase a Bonavita and simply just not make the full 40 ounces if we don’t drink that much coffee? Kinda thinking the Bonavita cause of the price.
Also, do you have any thoughts on an electric burr grinder? I have a Hario Mini Mill, but was thinking about getting an electric burr grinder as well. A local coffee shop suggested the Baratza Encore. Thanks.
Lucas
Yes, you can, but you have to consider the trade-offs. The brewing contact time is less, so you must compensate either by upping your grounds-to-water ration and/or grinding finer to extend the contact time. It can be done, but it takes some tweaking.
For an drip coffeemaker the best I’ve tried is the Baratza Preciso. I have not tested the Encore. Both feature conical burrs, but whether they are the same is not known.
Thanks Kevin!
I am planning on buying either the Bonavita or the Bunn described in your article. However, I am concerned over the reports of the Bonvavita thermal carafe “exploding” and the high number of failures reported about the Bunn on Amazon. Do you have any comments about either of these? I will be replacing a Krups that I’ve used almost daily since 1980!
Steve, I have to say my experience with both machines showed them to be reliable, but although my tests are extensive, they involved on sample. Perhaps others can give us a wider perspective. As far as I know both companies stand behind their products.
See on down below for my comment on “exploding” carafes. Sorry, I should have replied right here under your posts on that subject.
I currently own a Technivorm KBT-741 but I am intrigued by the Brazen, I really like the pre-soak option, I usually keep my TV closed for about a minute thus pre-soaking the grounds, the Brazen’s brew cycle is slower than the TV.
The Brazen also takes up less counter space.
Hi Brian, I’ve been testing the Brazen for 90 days and my review is about to go to press. It’s a great invention. Yes, you can emulate the preinfusion with a Technivorm. George Howell did this when he demonstrated the Technivorm in the Coffee Brewing Secrets DVD. The Brazen has a wonderful extra feature: it allows you to place a 6-cup Chemex in place of the thermal carafe and then offers manual release.
Bonavita thermal carafe — I was also concerned prior to purchasing. I’ve used another brand of glass-lined thermal carafes for 20 years to decant prepared coffee and keep it hot—never had any problems. I always prep the carafes with hot water for 5 minutes prior to filling with hot coffee. I wanted the Bonavita thermal model but was concerned after reading a few “exploding” reviews so I called their customer support. They said not to brew hot coffee into a cold carafe (prep first w/hot water) and do not use a bottle brush to clean inside the carafe. I now have the Bonavita Thermal model and love it. I got an extra thermal carafe at Amazon, Melitta 8 cup Pour Over Coffee Brewer—it’s exactly the same stainless carafe except for the Melitta logo on the same side as the handle and includes the same filter basket w/stainless handle ($10 less than ordering the carafe ONLY from Bonavita support). I always purchase an extra carafe for “insurance”—years ago I broke a glass carafe and had to find a replacement before I could use my brewer.
Hi Kevin, How do you store your fresh roasted coffee beans to keep fresh during use? Do you have a favorite container type or what? I understand that fresh roasted beans properly stored stay fresh for two weeks. I recently read something about 15 being the number to go by—green coffee beans should be roasted within 15 months, fresh roasted beans should be used up within 15 days, fresh grounds should be brewed within 15 minutes.
I forgot to mention how much I’m enjoying your book “The Art and Craft of Coffee”. I read about freezing and storing roasted beans but wondered if there’s a particular ‘air-tight’ container you think is good for keeping beans (not frozen) for a few days until used up.
Kevin, thanks for the thorough reviews of these coffee makers. My wife and I are in the market for a new machine and your reviews are proving very helpful. We have a question: do these machines have built-in water filters? We don’t have a ready source of filtered water, so a built-in charcoal filter is a good thing. Thanks!
Hi Ed, There are coffeemakers with built in water filters. I rarely use them myself, because my water is too hard to brew properly. I use bottled water. Or I use a Pur filter ahead of the unit. I will try to mention it in my reviews if one is supplied.
Hi Ed,
I will keep publishing which machines have it and which don’t. Other than the problems of replacement, many folks use bottled water. Others use Pur or other water filters in pitchers and then pour that water in. I will keep an eye out. There are some units that do offer such filters.
Interesting comparisons. I am not a coffee hobbyist per se, just want a decent cup of coffee that tastes like the brews made by the best local roaster using the very same beans they sell, in this case Aztec Dark, provenance unknown by me.
Unsurprisingly, every cheapo drip machine I’ve bought doesn’t come close. So being an engineer living in the almost middle of nowhere Nova Scotia, I’ve researched this on the web, and have almost mailed off for a TV about 4 times, but add the $300 price to another $250 for the least expensive Baratza grinder, and I always got cold feet at the last moment. I mean, that’s a lot of delicious $1.70 larges direct from the roaster.
However, Bodums became available locally recently, the only one of the five you mention here. A division of Hudsons Bay company flogs all the usual cheap magnetic stainless steel drippers with timer this and that, but also the Bistro. Sign up for their store credit card, and I walked out of there with the Bistro and its companion burr grinder for $256 total.
Followed the easy instructions for both, ran my usual mugful of water through the machine to heat up the carafe ( something I’ve always done with any dripper), and a few minutes later, I was walking around hooting and hollering. By golly, I like this coffee better than the roaster’s brew!
So, for someone not interested in minutiae of presses, vacuums, stirring and whatnot, this bit of kit does the job for me all right. Being a technical geek, however, I did of course take things apart to see the construction quality, and figured out how the carafe bottom needs to be tightened to seal the stainless jug properly inside. It’s easy, everything screws apart. Quite well made, I think, and anyone who thinks this could be retailed for a hundred bucks is dreaming.
Based on what I read here about infusion, I just run a few ounces into the grounds, turn it off for 90 seconds or so, then back on. Even better results, thanks. Plus even the cheapy grinder works well so far.
Could not be more delighted. Thought the expert might be mildly interested in this small area of coffeedom, as I personally could not care less about anything but a good conventional cup of brew.
Hello Bill. Thank you for your comments.
hi kevin
i am using the kitchenaid ultra 4-cup coffee maker, how does it rate in your opinion to the above coffee makers as to taste of brewed coffee.
thanks
Sorry Guy, I totally missed your question. The KitchenAid Ultra 4 cup is among my favorite-ever coffeemakers. It achieves a roughly 190 F contact temperature. This, some say, is too low to produce the best coffee. I would say use your own taste buds. I find it does an excellent job. I’m sure there are coffees that offer more flavor extracted higher, but I can live with this machine right where it’s at. It does just about the best job I’ve every noted at getting all the grounds soaked. After testing coffee brewers for 20 years, I’m inclined to regard the ability to soak all the grounds on par or higher than a degree or two closer to the arbitrary 195 temperature specification. My opinion: Great machine. I own two.
Hi Kevin,
I saw your review video on the EC-DAC50, it looks like the perfect machine for me. Upon reading some of the reviews on Amazon, some people are reporting lower than ideal temperatures. I’m not sure if their measurement methods are incorrect (they didn’t detail how they did them), there are QC issues with these machines, or perhaps your review sample was ‘tweaked’ before you received it.
In any case, how did you perform your measurements, so I can verify my machine (should be here in a couple days) is performing like it should. (I have a thermocouple setup that should work well for this)
Thanks for all the hard work!!
Bob
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your comments and question. I set the thermometer just below the spray head. One thing I cannot know is product consistency. I am pleased to learn reviewers at Amazon are even trying to measure temperature. With some brewers this is a real challenge, but happily not this one. I believe if hot temperature with no losses is of paramount importance, you should also be looking at the new Kitchen Aid single-serve, which makes nearly the same amount of brew, but has a more closed temperature loop. Both machines meet the industry range of 195 to 205, but that’s a ten degree span and I agree that a couple of degrees makes a flavor difference. Beyond that it’s personal preference. Be sure to use a fast-acting thermometer. I use an Omega HH25kf, which is highly regarded.
I would like to purchase a Bonvita coffee maker but having trouble deciding between the glass carafe and the thermal. I dont want a metal tasting coffee but not sure which carafe to buy can you suggest?
Both are valid, but I prefer glass. It cleans up more easily. I realize many believe thermoses keep the brew hot longer without developing bitterness, but my admittedly limited experience is this isn’t worth it to me. I do not consume coffee that is more than forty minutes off the brew. Not to boast, but any time I make coffee around here, someone finishes the pot within a half-hour and within this time range I notice no difference.
Love this blog or whatever it is about the coffeemakers!
I got the bonavita the other day with the thermal carafe. It did not keep the temperature of the coffee HOT for even a half an hour! So I am so glad you like the glass…..I just ordered it and sent the other back!
Also was interested in your 4 cup review for the kitchenaid. I have a Cuisinart 4 cup and it makes sensational tasting coffee! I like it but want something that makes a larger amount.
The Bonavita is so very simple to use! I like using my sink sprayer to fill the tank and love the setup for the grounds. Hope I like it as much with the glass carafe!
Thanks for all the information.
Annie
Thanks for the complement, Annie. I think you’ll like it. Let me know.
Warm regards,
Kevin
Kevin, we are looking for a replacement for our aging Braun (no longer available in the US, and now only in 220 Volts) and recently purchased a MELITTA 10-CUP THERMAL ELECTRIC COFFEMAKER – Model 46894. While this looked like a valid replacement, we have found that the freshly brewed coffee is not as hot as with the Braun and in certainly cools off more quickly even in the thermal carafe. We are at 5,100′ elevation. Do you have any suggestions for us to get the same results that we got with the Braun??
Hi Glen, If getting a hot cup of coffee is your goal I suggest two machines: The Technivorm Mocca Master 741 (or any of them, they’re all the same in this regard) or the Bunn Phase Brew. In my experience these two automatic drip machines deliver the hottest coffee. The Technivorm has the most stable brewing temperature of any machines I’ve tested, except the Bunn Phase Brew. The Phase Brew actually gets the water to brewing temperature, all of it, before any of it is released over the grounds. Hope this helps.
Kevin,
Interesting and informative website. Glad I found it.
Some people express health concerns about the parts that make up coffeemakers. For example, does the water touch aluminum parts, or plastic parts that are not BPA-free?
I am considering purchasing one of the coffeemakers among the group you have recommended. Would you recommend or not recommend any of the models based on health concerns about the parts?
Regards.
David
Thank you David. Bodum, Bunn and Technivorm have told me their brewers are BPA-free. I can’t say with certainty that any others have issued such a certain statement. But, I think this is worth pursuing, perhaps even adding it as a category for reviews, since it is both a widespread concern and should be known by the manufacturers. Given your criteria and what I know, offhand I’d suggest the Bodum Bistro, Bunn Phase Brew and Technivorm models. All performed very well in their reviews and handily meet industry specified brewing temperatures and kept brewing contact times well within the recommended times.
Kevin
So glad I stumbled onto this website!
I am considering either the Bonavita (price is a bit more appealing) or the Bodum Bistro (very trendy looking! and rates high for making great coffee too). As mentioned about the Bodum, I am not at all opposed to a little bit of “thickness” to my coffee and love french press coffee too.
I am the only coffee drinker (unless you would count my husband who likes a weak Folgers version with plenty of water done in a Mr Coffee) in the house and usually settle for the brew from a 4-6 cup drip pot so while I did read the answers you gave about the Bonavita (to Lucas and Jason) about making smaller pots, I am wondering how the Bodum Bistro would do with a smaller batch of brew.
Some of the earliest memories of my life include the smell of coffee being ground in grocery stores and sneaking some Sunbeam Vacuum Brew from my parents early morning pot.
BTW, I will be checking out your book “The Art and Craft of Coffee”.
Thanks for the interesting and helpful information here!
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the kind words. Within this group are all worthy machines. The Bodum and the Behmor Brazen will give you closer brew to your Bodum French press due to using metal filters, but none of them entirely matches the press’s cup quality you like so well. That is not a flaw with these machines; it is a characteristic of the wider spacing of the press filter combined with the nature of steeping coffee. These are all drip machines. As far as making smaller batches, these four are optimized for full batches. To make smaller batches takes some experimentation with all drip machines. As you reduce the amount of grounds you shorten the contact time. It’s simply because there is less coffee to drip through. The solution is to use less, and grinding a notch finer, thereby slowing the drip while increasing surface area. It can be done, but it’s trial and error. Hope this helps.
Kevin
Hi, thank you for this article. I’d like to consider one of these makers, but the capacities are too small. Do you have any experience with a great 12+ cup drip coffee maker?
Hello, John. You’re welcome. So far, I have not had the pleasure of testing a 12-cup coffeemaker that does a great job. I suspect the trouble is it requires a rather beefy heater to get that much water heated and through the grounds within a reasonable time period. Until I do, I suggest you consider contacting a restaurant supply house and getting an inexpensive commercial drip brewer. Most of these models meet their specs. Their weakness overall are their lack of styling and inability to brew smaller batches.
Kevin thanks for your reviews. I have purchased and tried 4 different brewers within a 13 month period and only one that’s included in your reviews. I have a Brazen which I’m pretty pleased with, however I was wondering if there was another brewer on the market that out performs the Brazen. I was really looking for an expert’s unbiased opinion concerning the Brazen and TECHNIVORM and your reviews really helped me nail the decision to keep my Brazen without trying the TECHNIVORM. I roast my own organic beans and the soak feature on the Brazen really comes in handy. I also want your viewers to know that although Brazens customer service is communicated via email, their response time and service is very good.
You’re very welcome, Clifton. The Behmor Brazen’s soak feature is so important, I’m surprised more models don’t feature it. But if you are dealing with ultra fresh coffee, it is really an advantage. I routinely dial in a two minute soak time for fresh roasted/just ground beans. Thanks for your feedback about their customer service. Since I now know most of the manufacturers, that is one area difficult for me to judge.
After many hours of reading and comparing, I got the bonavita with glass carafe. Best money I ever spent. Delicious hot coffee, 100% of the time. It looks great too.
I have some experience with coffee makers, as I’ve been drinking coffee almost daily for the past years. I tried out multiple coffee machines from different manufacturers and found the ones from Bunn delivering the best coffee for the price. Besides a very good price/quality rapport they are easy to program, make a great cup of coffee, and they never broke, even after exceeding the warranty.
Hi Richard,
Thanks for your comments.
Kevin
Kevin,
This article is a couple years old. On a daily basis, I brew a couple good sized mugs, but not a full pot. In an earlier comment you mentioned Boyds for a half batch filter top, but Boyd’s shows nothing on-line. Do you have any updated suggestions for my scenario? My budget is toward the Bonavita or the Bunn Phase Brew. Thanks
Hi Mark,
Boyds no longer distributes or sells the Technivorm KB741 Moccamaster, the one I recommended for half-batches. It has an ingenious and effective sliding switch which closes the valve, slowing the drip rate so that it approximates a full batch. I’m still pleased with it and, so far, no one has quite copied it enough to motivate me to suggest anything but the original.
I have been told many times by coffee people ” in the know ” that the brew temperature should be 205 degrees.
I am using an old Krups and would like upgrade without a big expense. No more than $200. would good . What do you suggest and is the temperature within limits ?
The range should be from 195F to 205F. With $200 to spend, you should be in good shape. There are a number of models in this price range that meet this temperature specification. BonaVita, Bodum, Bunn and Behmor all fall in this price range and get the temps you need to brew properly. Hope this helps.
Hi Kevin,
thanks for the nice article. Almost two years have now passed since it’s been written – are there any newer coffee makers that should be now taken into consideration?
Thanks!
Hi Nikola,
Those are still the leaders. I just saw plans for an update to one of them. There will be a new product introduction at CoffeeCon San Francisco this summer.
Warm regards,
Kevin
Hi, Kevin —
Sadly, I missed SF CoffeeCon. May I ask which one of your 5 favorite automatic drip coffee makers was updated, and what the update is? And do you know if there are any plans to make a programmable Bonavita?
Thanks!
Hi Diane,
The new product introduction in San Francisco was KitchenAid, who has introduced a new automatic drip coffeemaker. I got several tastes of it, but my test will wait until I can really put it through its paces.
Bonavita – not sure. I know they’re doing some things, but I have not had a sample yet. I’ll share it the moment I see something.
Yesterday I started earth-shaking research on coffee makers and the proper way to make coffee. Haven’t had a cup of real coffee (at home or abroad) for several years. I absolutely gave up trying to make it at home; couldn’t understand why my very expensive $10 coffeemaker wasn’t working!?! Learned so very much online yesterday, starting from the principal of campfire coffee, on up. And was introduced to SCAA. Ran across you today and fell in love! And I particularly enjoy the many comments from your followers- very educational to a clunkhead like me. Intend to look for your book(s?), and check back on your site from time to time. This morning I made coffee – in a Mason jar). My goodness – heaven on earth! It’s amazing what you can do if you follow instructions, i.e., SCAA. Still narrowing down my pick from the “under $200” range. Thank you for being here, and thanks to you who write in.
Thank you, Patty for the nice words and for taking time to write. I started out just like you did, and I realized the differences between coffee makers changed my cup quality as much as did different quality beans (probably ground coffee in my early experiments. I’m happy to help in any way I can. BTW, although you can easily make great coffee with a jar if you know the parameters, making an effective electric automatic drip maker is more difficult.
Yes, I learn much as well from those who write. I consider this an exchange of ideas. I learn as much as I educate when I come here.
Warm regards,
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Curious to know if you’ve had opportunity to test the new, SCAA approved Kitchen Aide pour over coffee maker ? (not yet available to the public) the concept seems to be pretty innovative.
Hi Yamina,
I had tastings at CoffeeCon San Francisco a few weeks back. That doesn’t constitute a thorough Coffee Companion test, but it sure did taste promising. I have asked KitchenAid for one as soon as they are available. I will put a bullet on testing and publishing the results.
I wanted to share a few of my personal experiences. I have been accused of being a coffee snob for about the last 20 years. During that time I have owned a few of the original Capresso Coffee Team coffeemakers, then subsequently owned a couple of the Coffee Team Therm units. I still use one of them at my home. The one I had at my office stopped working after 7 years, and it had been purchased at Williams Sonoma when they used to offer a lifetime warranty for electrics which they sold. I went back after 7 years with the machine and the original carton (chalk one up for the pack rats) and was told that they don’t carry Capresso products any longer. The machine had been purchased for $299.00, so they replaced it with a new Technivorm at no cost to me. I have used this now for about one year and absolutely love it. The only thing I can criticize it for is the fact that the brew basket drip stop is manual, and if you don’t remember to open it back up the next time you brew, you have a major mess to clean up. I did this once, and learned the hard way. It would be nice if they had a carafe like the Capresso thermal carafe with the automatic system. The other concern I had about the Technivorm at first was the fact that it doesn’t turn off automatically, and as long as the carafe is in place, the power remains on. However, I have forgotten to turn it off multiple times without any problem. I contacted Williams Sonoma with my concern about burning out the heating element in this manner, but was told that should not happen if the power is left on to the unit.
I recently bought my mother a Bonavita machine for Mother’s day after reading some rave reviews about it. She has really had nothing but praise for it until this past week when the carafe was being rinsed out and the glass suddenly exploded all over the place. She reported that after calling Bonavita, they informed her that they had changed the design of the thermal carafe so that it no longer has glass inside, since this has been a major problem with the type which she has. When my Capresso unit at home finally fails, I will undoubtedly replace it with a Technivorm. It’s simplicity is what makes it so consistent and reliable. Although it seems pricey at first, if it lasts for even 10 years, that comes out to about 30 dollars a year. If you bought a latte at Starbucks once daily for a week, you would spend more than that.
Hello,
Thank you for your note. You seem to have purchased some of the best coffeemakers. I have not had a Technivorm that had such a feature as a valve I needed to open before brewing. My Technivorm also has a timer that automatically shuts off the heat after about an hour. It always works and I hear the physical shut off from across the room. Technivorm does make several models with thermals carafes and they work beautifully and as seamlessly as you report Capresso’s to function.
I tested the Bonavita and it does a fine job as well, as my review indicates.
We are living in a new golden age of good coffee brewers. I recently tested around 20 of them for Consumers Digest magazine and even many mainstream, less-wonderful models are getting better, although most still do not perform at the quality level set by the ones you’ve mentioned.
Good luck.
WOW just what I wwas seardhing for. Came here by searching for 5 cup coffee
maker review
Hi Kevin. I found your site while in search of some good, knowledgable information about drip coffee makers. My husband and I both love our morning coffee…2-3 cups each…lol…and our current machine is literally on its last ‘brewhaha’! We have never taken the time to look into the art of coffee making(water temp, grounds saturation, etc) until now while searching out a good coffee maker. It sort of come upon us by surprise actually…lol! We had never put much thought into our coffee before today. I know…I can only imagine your facial expression after reading that last statement…lol!! Anyway, we just wanted a great cup of coffee (although, anything would be better than what we have been drinking) and to find a coffee maker that would be a good purchase based on reviews of current users. Instead we found ourselves becoming educated and quite honestly, a little obsessed with being able to make a great cup at home. With that being said, we are now torn between the Technivorm and the Bonavita that you have mentioned in your review. I feel like the Technivorm is where it’s at but, the grounds saturation thing has me leaning towards the Bonavita. Aggghh! I can’t decide so I’m asking you to help us choose…lol! I like both with the glass carafe and I definitely want a coffee maker to not be difficult to keep thoroughly clean. Making the pot first thing in the morning and not grabbing a cup until the whole pot has brewed is a ok with us too. The auto shut off is on both and a feature I do love since I can be quite forgetful, especially while under the influence of a couple cups of coffee…lol! Longevity is important, as it is an investment. Between these two machines I just don’t know which beats out the other! What do you think? Also, would you recommend Roastmasters.com to order from? Secondly, do you think our cup of coffee will be less enjoyment if we use a blade grinder instead of a burr grinder for the beans? I’m not real inclined to spend the huge difference on the burr grinder if we aren’t going to really notice much difference. Lastly, would you please tell us your consistent top three coffee bean preferences? Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance for any information you can share with us on our journey to improve our coffee!!!
Hi Jennifer,
About the only thing I can add to my reviews is that both the Technivorm and Bonavita brewers are capable of brewing excellent coffee. I own both and use both interchangeably. Please don’t take my (or any reviewer’s) remarks too seriously. I could live happily with either as my sole brewer. If you’re the type of person who was proud of owning a Volvo 240 that lasted forever, the Technivorm will appeal to your sense of long term value. If you want to save a few dollars and get a brewer that otherwise meets the same specifications, the Bonavita works just as well. Although it is not quite as ruler flat as the Technivorm, it has the slightly better sprayhead, although it would be overstating it to say it outperforms the Technivorm.
Just a few years ago, there were very few consumer coffeemakers that were worthy of top end coffee beans. This is no longer the case. We are in a golden age of coffee brewers. Hope this helps.
I would definitely get a burr grinder. The grinder is a big part of the equation. Capresso makes a conical burr grinder that sells for under $100.
I enjoy all kinds of coffee, but I never endorse coffee brands. I make one friend and a hundred enemies. Truthfully, above a certain point, they are all good. Beans are like music. Personal taste is the final determinant.
Let me know which brewer you choose. It’s a problem, but a tasty one and there’s no wrong answer, as long as you choose from our top picks.
Hi I have been a longtime coffee drinker but only been recently converted to drinking it black. I have also recently been doing my own espresso and pour over drinks And I think its time to upgrade my 10 year old Krups machine even as we think it still makes a decent cup. As you have seen on a separate thread, I am looking at the 4 – 5 cup zoji.
In general, how would good vs mediocre coffee makers be different in terms of taste? I really havent tried many coffee makers as I have only had that 1 krups machine that has been with me for years and years And I have always thought that bad coffee was a result of too much water or little grounds or just bad beans. But all things being equal, how earth shaking would the difference be?
Would age also be a factor in the coffee an old machine wwould make? Would it eeteriorate over time and would age make it brew less hot over time?
Lastly I just want coffee that tastes good. I think theres too much talk about the mythical 195 – 205 degree range that people dont even mention how the coffee tastes anymore. If a machine doesnt reach or is not consistently that high would a slower drip rate compensate and is 185 still better than 175 or do they all start to taste the same at anything lower?
Thanks for your input. Been really helpful.
Still struggling with the TV 741. Small sprayhead. Try closing the valve, covering the grounds and even stirring the grounds before opening the valve 1/2 way. We like strong coffee and need 60 grams of coffee per 20 oz of water to come close. Consumer drip machines had a wider spray head and time the brew using bold or 1-4 cup settings. any ideas?
bob
Hi Bob
Assuming your Technivorm brews as designed, I would focus on trying a darker roast of coffee to start. “Strong” coffee is pretty subjective, but 60 grams of French Roast per 20oz of water would taste vastly “stronger” than 60 grams of light or medium roasted coffee ground to the same consistancy.
Another possibility lies in the relative fineness or courseness of the coffee beans you prefer. You have a Technivorm, and it appears you use a scale to weigh your beans. If you don’t already have one, consider getting yourself a burr grinder. Using your current favorite bean ground fresh to a finer consistancy will very likely increase your palates perception of coffee “strength”. It should not take too much experimentation to produce good results.
Your Technivorm is an excellent machine which will do its best work on a full { 40 oz ] pot. Try a darker roast and/or a finer grind and you should be quite happy.
Hi Bob,
I’ve been thinking about your challenge. When pouring only twenty ounces (four 5 oz cups) of water through your Technivorm, you are indeed increasing the grounds-to-water ratio, which should make for a strong brew. Yet, you are also shortening the contact time. I realize you’re closing the valve to extend it. Somehow I think something else is going on. Kurt suggested a different roast. Maybe. A burr grinder is also a good idea, if for no other reason than increasing consistency. Typically, the Technivorm does its magic with a 64 gram “throw weight” (that’s what they call it in a restaurant) per full pot. If you’re unsure about grind, you might ask your local coffee shop to grind a drip grind sample. As far as the spray head goes, I realize some say it’s not the Technivorm’s strong suit, but it’s not so ineffective that it won’t make strong coffee. I’ve been able to make very good, full strength brew with three Technivorm models, including the one you’ve got. It’s a fine coffeemaker. Let’s help you work to make it work for you.
Hello again Bob, and to Kevin too
Kevin clarifies a point I made when I stated your Technivorm does its best work on a full {1 or 1.25 L.} pot; your coffee needs the extra time in contact with the water to release its full flavor. If you are making 20oz. pots with 60gram throw weights { new term for me}, you might try doubling both water mass and throw weight. Close the valve, submerge the grounds for the bloom and stir as you have been doing before opening the valve and finishing the brew cycle.
If that doesn`t make your coffee stronger, look at the grind next if the coffee is fresh and has been properly stored. As Kevin again clarifies, a good burr grinder will allow you to fine-tune your bean grind and most importantly, provide a more uniform grind consistancy. Your current grind may be too coarse and the brew time too short based on 20oz`s of water to extract the flavors you expect to find in your coffee.
For my own very good full strength brew, I measure a throwweight {depends on bean type – this week Yrgacheffe Kochere} of 68-75 grams for a 1.25 L pot, then grind it in the 12-15 setting range using a basic Baratza Encore grinder. I use paper filters in my Technivorm CDGT. I can pre-soak my grounds by depressing the contact switch the carafe closes,then a soak and stir before replacing the carafe and continuing the brewing.
I hope you check back here with good news.
Hello,
I am very interested in the Bonavita BV1900TS. I really appreciate your review on it. This is probably a very crazy question, but is the Melitta 46894A (sold by Hamilton Beach in the US) also a good machine then since Melitta gives their name to it? Will there be quite a difference in the quality of the coffee? I have read reviews that the 46894A gives bitter coffee – that the brewing cycle is too long and not hot enough. Is the Melitta a good choice for the budget-minded or is the money better put towards the Bonavita? I really enjoy coffee but am not a true connoisseur – so am not sure if I’d do just as well with the 46894A. The Bonavita sounds amazing though!
Thank you for your opinion,
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
Actually, you have a great question. This whole Melitta/Bonavita/Hamilton Beach confusion is reflective of international distribution that crosses all product lines. I am old enough to recall London Records in the US were labeled London Records in the UK, and Decca Records in the US was a different label.
I have not tested the specific Hamilton Beach brewer you have noted. I can say that the previous brewer of their’s I did test did not meet industry standards for brewing contact time. This resulted in excess bitterness. Also, the brewing contact temperature was not to spec either. It would be inappropriate to assume this carries over to the newer model, but it’s worth waiting until a review (where someone measures it) is published.
Meanwhile, the Bonavita brewers all meet both temperature and contact times recommended by the industry. Every Bonavita brewer I’ve tested performs well, not only meeting these standards, but also doing things harder to measure objectively, but equally important, like getting all the grounds wet. I think the choice is pretty straightforward. I do not think you need to be a connoisseur to notice, but you are more likely to become one with a machine that brewers properly.
Warm regards,
Kevin
Thank you very much, Kevin. I really appreciate your reply. I will invest in the Bonavita brewer and will savor the coffee it gives. Neither my husband nor daughters drink coffee but our friends will enjoy this too. Thank you for your help!
My best wishes to you!
Lynn
Hello Lynn,
I’m sure you’ll like it. Let me know!
Warmest regards,
Kevin
Hello, after reading this amazing article i am too delighted to share my knowledge here with mates.|
I am sorry, I do not know who distributes them outside the US. Perhaps the company will read this post and reply.
hi kevin
does the new 5 cup bonavita measure up to scaa standards. i ask because it is so new and i have not seen any serious analysis of it’s performance. plus the fact it is so much less costly than the rest of the bonavita line, raises a red flag.
also what is the latest on the longevity of the bonavita line if they are heavily used. i make at least four batches a day.
Hi Guy,
I am waiting for a review sample. Bonavita told me they are running short on inventory. Since they’ve always sent product, I have no reason to assume otherwise. I am eager to review this one, as this size is just about perfect for two people to have a couple of cups each.
Warmly,
Kevin
Kevin:
A fascinating blog I randomly happened upon while doing my
due diligence prior to buying a new coffeknowledgee maker. Your passion and knowledge is evident and appreciate. Like a previous commentor I am interested in the 5 cup Bonvita. As a matter of fact I was about to pull the trigger; but have decided to wait for your review to do so. Have you any idea when that might take place.
Think you for all your work in this arena.
Anxiously awaiting review of above. Husband has a birthday coming up and this will be his gift if all is well.
Hi Susan,
I understand. I will test it and report as soon as possible.
Warm regards,
Kevin
The machine looks elegant. It can easily fit anywhere, and those with a space crunch will love it. It is quite compact in size but not as heavy at the same time.
Yes! Finally someone writes about general.