FAQs about BUNN Home Brewers

Brewing delicious coffee in a BUNN Home Brewer is unlike using any other home coffee machine. We've done our best to anticipate questions you might have, but you are welcome to call 908-393-4379 for more information.

 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
When I first set up my coffee brewer, why doesn't coffee come out?

Before plugging in the brewer the first time, please do the following:

B, GR, and NHB 10-Cup Models
Step 1. Raise the hinged flip-lid (or swivel lid to side if using an NHB). Note: The post protruding from the screen is connected to a stopper that controls the flow of water into the tank. When lid is closed and the post is depressed, the stopper will be raised and water will flow into the tank.

Step 2. Slide an empty brew funnel into the brewer under the warmer switch. Pour one decanter full of water into the screened area on top of the brewer. Place decanter on the warmer. Close lid. Wait three minutes to allow the water to flow into the tank. Repeat this process. When the tank is full, 4 to 6 cups of water will flow through the funnel and into the decanter.

Step 3. Plug in the brewer.

Step 4. Press the bottom of the vacation switch, located on the lower left side of the brewer, to the "ON" (lower) position. The vacation switch controls power to the tank heater. Initially you will have to wait approximately 15 minutes for the water to reach brew temperature.

Step 5. Empty any water that has collected in the decanter.

B8 and GR8 8-Cup Models
Step 1. Raise the hinged flip-lid.

Step 2. Slide an empty brew funnel into the brewer under the warmer switch. Pour one pitcher of water (filled to the 48 oz. line) into the screened area on top of the brewer. Wait two minutes to allow the water to fill the tank. Pour a second pitcher of water into the brewer. When the tank is full, 4 to 6 cups of water will flow through the funnel and into the decanter.

Step 3. Close the lid and plug in the brewer.

Step 4. Press the bottom of the vacation switch, located on the lower left side of the brewer, to the "ON" position. The vacation switch controls power to the tank heater. Initially you will have to wait approximately 15 minutes in FORM for the water to reach brew temperature.

Step 5. Empty any water that has collected in the decanter.

BT10 Model
Step 1. Raise the hinged flip-lid. Note: The post protruding from the screen is connected to a stopper that controls the flow of water into the tank. When lid is closed and the post is depressed, the stopper will be raised and 4 to 6 cups of water will flow into the tank.

Step 2. Slide an empty brew funnel into the brewer. Pour one carafe full of water into the screened area on top of the brewer (there is no need to have the lid on the carafe at this time). Place carafe in position on the brewer. Close lid. Wait three minutes to allow the water to flow into the tank. Repeat this process. When the tank is full, some water will flow through the funnel and into the carafe. Leave the carafe in place.

Step 3. Plug in the brewer.

Step 4. Press the bottom of the vacation switch, located on the lower left side of the brewer, to the "ON" (lower) position. The vacation switch controls power to the tank heater. Initially you will have to wait approximately 15 minutes for the water to reach brew temperature.

Step 5. Empty any water that has collected in the carafe.

 
When I pour in a container of water, I don't get a full pot of coffee?

Water absorbs into the coffee grounds and coffee filter. If the brewer has not been used for several days or if you have brewed several partial pots of coffee, some water will have evaporated and you will have to replenish the water supply by pouring more water into the brewer.

 
Why is my coffee dripping out very slowly?

The sprayhead may be clogged. Check the round disk (sprayhead) above the brew funnel. The holes in this part must always remain open. If they are clogged, remove the sprayhead and clear the holes using a toothpick.

Always unplug the brewer before deliming or cleaning the sprayhead. The brewer could be clogged with mineral deposits.

How to delime your brewer
NOTE - Unplug the brewer and let it cool down before deliming.

Step 1. Remove the sprayhead by turning it with your fingertips and set it aside.

Step 2. Insert all but two (2) inches of the flexible deliming tool (supplied) into the sprayhead tube.

Step 3. Slide the tool in and out five (5) or six (6) times to loosen lime in the sprayhead tube. (You may need to twist, push and use some force when inserting the tool.) Remove the tool.

Step 4. Prior to replacing sprayhead, pour one decanter of fresh water into the brewer, position the empty decanter on the brewer, and close the lid.

Step 5. Check the holes of the sprayhead. If plugged with lime, they may be cleared by using a toothpick. Clean the sprayhead with a cloth and mild detergent. Rinse the sprayhead with water, then reinstall.

Step 6. Plug in the brewer and allow the water in the tank to reheat before using (approximately 15 minutes). NOTE: The frequency of deliming depends on the mineral content of your water.

 
Why does my coffee taste weak or bitter?

The taste of your coffee can be caused by all or any combination of the following:

  • Variation in the mineral or chemical content of the water (For example, high sulfur content water will carry a strong taste).
  • Variation in brands, mixes, quantity, or quality of coffee.
  • Old or improperly stored coffee can easily taste stale. Coffee should be stored in a clean, dry place away from heat registers and vents or extreme cold for maximum freshness.
  • Size of the coffee grind affects the ability of the brewer to extract the oils that add flavor to your coffee.
  • Missing sprayhead. If the sprayhead is missing the grounds will not be soaked properly. To request a new sprayhead, use the FORM form in the Parts and Services area of this website or call 800-352-BUNN (2866).
  • If you have soft water or drink decaffeinated coffee, you may need a flow restrictor to replace the sprayhead you are currently using. This will slow down the flow of water, giving you a stronger flavor of coffee. To request a flow restrictor, use the FORM form in the Parts and Services area of this website or call 908-393-4379

 
Can I pour cold coffee back into the reservoir to reheat it?

This is not recommended since it can cause damage to your coffee brewer.

 
Why do I get grounds in my coffee (why does my funnel overflow?)

You could be using the wrong filter. BUNN coffee filters are designed to specifically fit our brewers; others may cause problems.

  • Softened water, decaffeinated and/or finely ground coffee can cause brew funnel overflow. You may need to change your coffee recipe or replace the factory sprayhead with a special flow restrictor sprayhead. To request a flow restrictor, use the FORM form in the Parts and Services area of this website or call 800-352-BUNN (2866).
  • The sprayhead may be missing from your coffee brewer. To request a sprayhead, use the FORM form in the Parts and Services area of this website or call 908-393-4379.

 
Why does my coffee brewer make loud rumbling noises?

When the water is being heated to the proper temperature, it can make gurgling or boiling sounds. If these sounds are getting louder, there may be a mineral deposit buildup. To prevent this, please follow these steps.

How do I clean my brewer?
BUNN recommends you perform this periodic cleaning at least every three months.

Step 1. Slide an empty brew funnel into the brewer under the sprayhead and center an empty decanter on the base plate.

Step 2. Open the lid and pour one quart of white vinegar into the top of the brewer; close the lid. Empty the decanter when liquid stops flowing from the funnel.

Step 3. Allow the brewer to sit for two hours.

Step 4. Unplug the brewer. Remove the brew funnel and sprayhead from the brewer and set them aside. Clean the sprayhead with a cloth and mild detergent.

Step 5. To drain the brewer, continue to Step 6, OR to clear vinegar out of brewer without draining, pour a decanter of fresh, cold water through the brewer. Position decanter on warmer, then close the lid to allow the water to run through the brewer. After it has run through, empty decanter, and repeat the process approximately 8 - 10 times. Proceed to Step 9.

Step 6. Cool the brewer by pouring a full decanter of fresh, cold water into the top of the brewer. Place decanter on the base plate and close the lid. When water has stopped flowing from the brewer, empty the decanter. Repeat this process and set the decanter aside.

Step 7. Grasp the back of the brewer and carefully turn it upside down over a sink as shown. Most of the water in the tank will flow from the sprayhead tube opening. Some water may flow from the area around the top lid. Continue tipping the brewer until the flow stops.

Step 8. Replace the sprayhead and funnel after the water has been drained. Pour a decanter of water into the top of the brewer. Place the decanter on the base plate; close the lid. Repeat this process with another decanter of water. Water will flow out of the funnel after the second decanter. When flow from the funnel has stopped, empty the decanter and pour an additional decanter of water into the brewer. Place the decanter on the base plate and close the lid.

Step 9. If you have not replaced the sprayhead and funnel, do so now before proceeding. Taste the water coming out of the brewer. Pour additional decanters of fresh, cold water into the brewer as needed until the water has no vinegar taste.

Step 10. Plug in the brewer and allow the water in the tank to reach brewing temperature before using (approximately 15 minutes).

 
How do I drain my coffee brewer?

Unplug the brewer, place an empty decanter on the warmer plate and pour cold water through to lower the water temperature. Wait 15 minutes for brewer to cool.

Remove the glass decanter and filter basket from the coffee brewer.

Remove the sprayhead (the round disk above the brew funnel) by turning counterclockwise.

Grasp the brewer and carefully turn it upside down over a sink. Most of the water in the tank will flow from the sprayhead opening but some water may flow from the area around the top lid. Continue tipping the brewer until the flow of water ceases.

Reinstall the sprayhead when all of the water has drained from the brewer. Securely tighten it by turning clockwise. DO NOT plug in until you repeat Initial Brewer Set-Up Instructions.

 
Is it safe to leave my coffee brewer plugged in at all times?

Yes. This brewer has a specially designed tank to keep the water at the proper temperature. The constant supply of hot water assures the correct method of brewing in less than three minutes.

 
What if I don't plan to use the brewer for several days?

If you won't be using your brewer for several days, you can position the main power switch (on the side) to "off". This will completely shut off the brewer.

 
Can I purchase an internal replacement part?

For your safety, under UL requirements, internal parts can only be installed by factory trained personnel. Seals, gaskets, warmer plates, and warmer plate switches are the only repairable parts. To ask a service-related question, use the form in the "Parts and Services" area of this website or call 908-393-4379.

 
What might cause my coffeemaker to leak?

Leaking can be the result of one or more of the following causes:

  • Improper maintenance or care.
  • Normal wear and tear.
  • Deterioration of seals or gaskets within your brewer that naturally occur over time.
  • Accumulation of mineral deposits from your water. Clean your brewer regularly.

 
I need information regarding warranty, repair and exchange options.

To obtain more information, use the form in the "Parts and Services" area of this website or call 908-393-4379 to speak with a Customer Support representative. Please be prepared with the model name of your coffeemaker and the serial number located on the bottom of your unit.

 
I live at a high altitude. Can I use a BUNN brewer?

Yes. BUNN makes models for altitudes of 4,000 ft. and above. The "D" in the model name indicates that it is for high altitude applications.

 
How can I brew the best tasting coffee with my BUNN brewer?

BUNN recommends you DO:

  • Keep coffee stored in a clean, dry place away from heat registers and vents or extreme cold for maximum freshness.
  • Use enough coffee (one tablespoon per cup or about 1 1/2 inches of coffee in a flat-bottom filter)
  • Make sure you use good-tasting water. Check your water source for softened or hard water. If necessary, run your water through a water treatment filter.
  • Use the correct coffee brewing equipment for maximum performance. We recommend a quick brew time, using a brewer that keeps water at 200° Fahrenheit (the ideal temperature) and mixes the grounds for full flavor extraction.
  • Use a thermal carafe if you plan to hold coffee more than 20-30 minutes. Coffee can be held in a thermal carafe for up to 60 minutes without losing flavor.
  • Make sure to clean your glass decanter every day.
  • Use only quality controlled paper filters designed to fit your brewing equipment.
  • Dispose of filter and grounds immediately after brewing to prevent drip-through of unwanted flavors trapped in used coffee grounds.
  • Clean your brewing equipment at least once a week (especially the sprayhead area).

BUNN recommends you DON'T:

  • Mix fresh brewed coffee with previously brewed coffee as this will dilute the taste and affect the flavor of the whole pot.
  • Brew over previously used coffee grounds because all of the flavor has already been completely extracted.
  • Re-heat for serving any coffee with a temperature below 175° F
  • Serve coffee brewed with beans or ground coffee past the freshness date.
  • Let coffee "bake" on a brewer. Twenty to 30 minutes is the maximum time allowable for an open pot to deliver a perfect cup of coffee.
  • Serve coffee in pots or decanters that haven't been properly cleaned, since acids and other organic materials can taint even the best brewed coffee.

 
Can I use the BT stainless steel carafe on any BUNN brewer?

No, the stainless steel carafe can only be used with the BT10 Brewer.

 
Why does my brewer leak water into the decanter overnight when the lid is left open?

Our 10-cup brewers (NHB, B10, GR10 and BT10) are not designed to hold water in the upper water basin for an extended period of time, such as overnight.