Introduction
Embarking on the journey to find the perfect coffee maker? Join us as we dive into a detailed comparison between two formidable contenders: the Bunn VP17-1SS and the CWTF15-3. These Bunn Coffee Makers bring distinct features to the table, promising an unparalleled brewing experience. Whether you prioritize pour-over simplicity or automatic excellence, we’ll unravel the unique characteristics of each model to guide you towards your ideal caffeinated companion.
Below is the comparison of two Bunn Pour Coffee Makers
BUNN 13300.0001 VP17-1SS Pour- over Coffee Brewer
Features
Durable construction: The Bunn VP17-1SS is built to last, with a stainless-steel exterior and internal component that are designed for commercial use.
No plumbing required: It means that it does not need to be connected to a water supply or drain. Instead, you manually add water to the machine’s water reservoir.
Fast brewing: The Bunn VP17-1SS can brew a full pot of coffee in just a few minutes.
Stainless steel internal components: In addition to its stainless-steel exterior and water tank, the Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer features stainless steel internal components that help ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Multi-spray head design: The machine’s multi-spray head design ensures that the coffee grounds are fully saturated, resulting in a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.
Compatible with a variety of decanters: The Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer is compatible with a variety of decanters, including glass decanters, thermal carafes, and airports, making it a versatile option.
Portable: Although the Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer is not small, it can still be considered portable due to its ability to be used without a water line connection. This means that the machine can be placed in various locations, such as catering events, food trucks, or outdoor markets, as long as there is an available electrical outlet. Additionally, the machine’s stainless-steel exterior makes it durable and resistant to damage during transport, which adds to its portability.
Simple to use: The Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer is designed to be easy to use, with a simple on/off switch and easy-to-read indicators.
How does it work
The Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer is a pour-over coffee maker that operates without the use of a pump. The machine uses gravity to move water from the water reservoir to the spray head and onto the coffee grounds.
The spray head is a perforated metal disk that sits above the coffee grounds in the filter basket. The water is dispersed evenly over the coffee grounds. This ensures that all the coffee grounds are saturated with water and that the coffee is brewed evenly.
The brewed coffee then drips down from the filter basket and into the pot below. The warming plate beneath the pot helps to keep the coffee warm until it’s ready to be served.
Things to Consider About the Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer
Decanter: The Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer does not come with a decanter, so you will need to purchase one separately. Fortunately, the machine is designed to be compatible with a wide range of decanter sizes and styles, including those offered by Bunn. When choosing a decanter, be sure to consider size and material compatibility with hot coffee.
Energy usage: The Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer is designed for commercial use and is meant to be plugged in and used continuously. However, it’s important to note that the machine uses a small amount of electricity to keep the water in the reservoir hot, which can increase energy costs over time. Using an appliance timer to limit the machine’s use to certain hours of the day when it is needed most can be a good way to reduce energy usage while still ensuring that the machine is available when needed.
Filter basket: The Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer comes with a plastic filter basket. However, a stainless-steel filter basket is available as an optional accessory for those who prefer it.
However, to use this filter basket, you must also purchase a Tip Kit. This is because the stainless-steel funnel has a larger hole than the plastic funnel that comes with the machine, which can cause under extracted and weak coffee. The Tip Kit reduces the size of the exit hole to match the original flow rate. It is important to note that both the stainless-steel filter basket and the Tip Kit are sold separately and come at an additional cost.
Have the decanter in place: it’s important to have the decanter in place when pouring water into the machine to avoid making a mess. The reason for this is that the brew cycle starts as soon as water is poured into the reservoir, which means that coffee will start to flow out of the machine immediately. If the decanter is not in place, the coffee will spill onto the counter or the floor, creating a mess and potentially wasting coffee.
Price: The Bunn VP17-1SS Pour over Coffee Brewer is a higher-end coffee maker, so it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. The cost may be a consideration for some users when deciding on a coffee maker.
Heating water to ideal temp: The Bunn VP17 Pour-Over Coffee Brewer typically takes around 15 – minutes to heat cold water to brewing temperature. However, the exact time may vary depending on factors such as the amount of water being heated and the initial temperature of the water. It’s important to note that the machine is designed to maintain a constant brewing temperature once it has reached the appropriate level, so subsequent pots of coffee will require less time to heat up.
Pros
- Fast brewing time and high volume output for busy settings
- Portable design allows for use in various locations without a water line connection
- Durable stainless steel exterior provides added protection and longevity
- Easy to clean and maintain for continued use
- Optional upgrades available for personalization and improved functionality (similar models have three or two warmers)
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other coffee makers on the market
- Requires manual pouring of water for each pot, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome
- May use more energy compared to other coffee makers due to the need to keep the water reservoir hot
- Plastic filter basket may not be as durable or long-lasting as the optional stainless steel basket
Bunn CWTF15-3 Coffee Maker
Features
Three warmers: This coffee maker features three separately controlled warmers that allow you to keep multiple pots of coffee warm and ready to serve.
Automatic operation: The CWTF15-3 automatically controls the entire brewing process, from heating the water to brewing the coffee, ensuring consistent and even delivery of high-quality results.
All stainless-steel construction: The Bunn CWTF15-3 Automatic Pour over Coffee Brewer has an all-stainless-steel construction for durability and easy cleaning. This includes the exterior, interior water tank, and spray head.
Hot water faucet: The coffee maker includes a hot water faucet for making tea, hot chocolate, and other hot beverages.
Fast brew time: The CWTF15-3 can brew a full pot of coffee in just a few minutes, thanks to its high wattage heating element and large spray head.
Simple operation: The coffee maker is easy to use, with a simple on/off switch and clearly marked control buttons for each warmer.
SplashGard funnel: The coffee maker features a patented SplashGard funnel that deflects hot liquids away from your hands, reducing the risk of burns and spills.
Convenient pour-over option: The CWTF15-3 includes a pour-over feature that allows you to brew coffee without a water line, making it perfect for locations without easy access to water lines.
How does it work
The Bunn CWTF15-3 Automatic Pour over Coffee Brewer works by using a water line to fill the machine’s internal tank with water. Once the tank is full, the water is heated to the optimal brewing temperature and then dispensed through a spray head that evenly distributes the hot water over the coffee grounds.
Unlike some other coffee makers, the CWTF15-3 does not have a pump. Instead, it uses gravity to pull the water from the tank and through the brewing process. This makes the machine simple to operate and easy to maintain, as there are fewer parts to clean and replace.
Some things to consider about the Bunn CWTF15-3
Water source: The CWTF15-3 requires a water line to operate, but you can also use the pour over method if you don’t have access to a water line.
Hot water faucet: If you choose to use the pour over method, you won’t be able to use the hot water faucet. The hot water faucet is only intended for dispensing a cup of hot water at a time and attempting to dispense more than 8-10 ounces at once may result in cool water.
Energy usage: The CWTF15-3 unit uses a small amount of electricity to keep the water in the reservoir hot, which can increase energy costs over time.
Pros
- High quality coffee brewing
- Durable and reliable for commercial use
- Can be used with a water line or pour over method
- Hot water faucet for dispensing hot water
- Three separately controlled warmers to ensure you always have a hot pot of coffee ready.
Cons
- May use a lot of energy to keep water hot
- Does not come with a decanter
- Can be expensive compared to home coffee makers
Difference between The Bunn VP17 and CWTF15-3
| Feature | Bunn VP17-1SS | Bunn CWTF15-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Water Line Connection | No | Yes |
| Hot Water Faucet | No | Yes |
| Decanter | Not included | Not included |
| Warmers | One | Three |
| Construction | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Factors Affecting Quality of Bunn Pour-Over Coffee Makers
To understand why certain Bunn pour-over coffee makers rank higher than others, it’s essential to consider the factors that affect the quality of these machines. Here are some details on some critical factors to keep in mind when evaluating Bunn pour-over coffee makers:
Material Quality
The quality of the materials used to make a coffee maker can have a significant impact on the machine’s durability, performance, and overall quality. For example, a coffee maker made from high-quality stainless steel will likely last longer and be easier to clean than one made from cheap plastic. The quality of the materials used in a Bunn pour-over coffee maker can affect everything from the taste of the coffee to the machine’s lifespan, making it a crucial factor to consider when ranking these machines.
Brew Time
The amount of time it takes for a coffee maker to brew a pot of coffee can also impact its quality. A coffee maker that brews coffee quickly may sacrifice flavor for speed, while a slower brewing machine may produce more flavorful coffee. The ideal brew time will depend on personal preference, but it’s essential to consider this factor when evaluating Bunn pour-over coffee makers.
Water Temperature
The temperature of the water used to brew coffee can significantly impact the quality of the coffee. Water that’s too hot can result in bitter, burnt-tasting coffee, while water that’s too cold can result in weak, flavorless coffee. A Bunn pour-over coffee maker that can heat water to the ideal temperature range of 195-205°F can help ensure that the coffee produced is of high quality.
Capacity
The capacity of a coffee maker can also impact its quality. A coffee maker with a small capacity may be suitable for individuals or small households, but it may not be sufficient for larger groups or events. Similarly, a coffee maker with a large capacity may be too much for individuals or small households. Bunn pour-over coffee makers come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to consider the machine.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Bunn pour-over coffee makers excel in reliability, efficiency, and catering to the demands of high-volume commercial coffee production. Despite a potentially higher initial cost compared to other coffee maker types, their enduring durability and extended lifespan establish them as a worthwhile investment for businesses seeking a steadfast coffee source.
