The Bunn Velocity Brew BT is the simplest machine our testers put through the wringer — and one of the fastest. The Bunn Velocity accomplishes this by keeping hot water in its reservoir at all times. Even with the advantage of hot water constantly on hand, the Bunn didn't brew the best-tasting coffee, and it didn't reach optimal brew temperatures.
Brew quality is one of the most important factors we considered when testing the Bunn Velocity Brew. While this coffee maker is quick to brew and simple to use, the brew quality isn't anything to get too excited about. The average brewing temperature was only 190.3°F, quite a bit below the ideal range of 195°F to 205°F. There is no option to adjust or change your water temperature and no pre-infusion option. The filter basket is flat-bottomed and plastic, and there is no switch or button to press to turn the machine on or off. Water distribution on this monster of a machine is not the most impressive. After brewing, there were grounds everywhere and a noticeable sunken-in area in the center of the brewing basket. The Bunn didn't give the most impressive cup of coffee, but it wasn't horrible. The results tasted much like diner coffee, honestly, so if that is your preference, this is your machine.
The Bunn Velocity is one of the easiest machines to operate on the market. It is foolproof to use, with a basket that loads by sliding it in from the front and a very accessible water reservoir opening just above. The Bunn is about as simple as it gets. Just put as much water in as you want brewed into coffee, add your grounds, and close the reservoir lid. There are no indicator lights and no hot plate, so the manufacturer does recommend preheating your carafe with warm water before you begin. While there isn't technically a sneak-a-cup feature, opening the tank lid will effectively pause the brewing process.
The water reservoir is found on the back of the machine, but water is poured in the front. The opening is plenty large to pour into — a 5-inch by 3-inch rectangular space. You cannot see how much water is in the reservoir, so it's important to be particular about how much water you pour in. The minimum brew amount is 20 oz, and the maximum amount is 50 ounces, which is four to ten cups of coffee. It is also impossible to see how much coffee is in the carafe without removing the lid, but the carafe pours like a dream. The lid screws on easily, with indentions on either side for your fingers to make it brainless to put on and remove. We didn't like that we had to turn the pot completely upside down to get the very last drops, but all in all, we enjoyed the design of the Bunn Velocity carafe.
The Bunn Velocity does not have much in the way of dishwasher-friendly parts and pieces. The carafe lid is the only thing that claims to be top-rack dishwasher safe, but the manufacturer then recommends not putting it in the dishwasher at all. After brewing, we found there were consistently quite a few rogue grounds that had to be rinsed out of the basket. The basket has a large protruding handle, making it simple to remove and dispose of your grounds, but the grounds tend to get everywhere and aren't contained within the filter. We often had to clean the shower head, and then also pick the grounds from the lip where the basket sits. There is no descaling liquid included. Instead, the manufacturer recommends using white vinegar on the inside and mild dish soap on the outside. How you are meant to fully rid the mysteriously sealed reservoir of vinegar is not something that Bunn includes any details or suggestions about.
The Bunn Velocity consistently topped out at a brewing temperature several degrees below the optimal range in the brewing basket, ranging from 187°F to 193.9°F (all measurements were taken at sea level). On the other hand, the average brewing time of the Bunn Velocity was quite impressive and consistent, rocking in at around 3 minutes 40 seconds. We were thrilled with how dependable and quick this machine is, making it a great coffee machine for a crowd.
This brand of coffee machine is the standard used in many restaurants and diners. While the Bunn Velocity Brew is made for home use, it is a bit on the large size and is rather tall compared to most others we've tested. The machine is quite simple to use and shockingly fast to brew. While it doesn't make the most amazing coffee in the world, it could be useful in an office setting or for a large family gathering where multiple pots will be needed quickly.
For those looking for a little higher-end taste, the OXO 8-Cup is a great option that quickly and consistently brews a good cup of coffee. If you're looking for a little less expensive drip coffee machine, you might consider the large-capacity Hamilton Beach 2-Way.
