Choosing the ideal drip commercial coffee brewer from the multitude of options available can be a daunting task.
There are not too many reliable manufacturers that make quality commercial-grade coffee machines.
BUNN is a leading coffee machine manufacturer. That is why a majority of the recommended commercial brewers are made in the USA by BUNN.
This article summarizes the pros and cons of several commercial pour-over coffee machines that can make a lot of coffee quickly.
All the BUNN machines listed here are backed by a 3-year warranty (learn more about their warranty).
Although we recommend a few commercial coffee brewers, they may not be the right model for your situation. Considerations should be given to:
- Amount of Warmers
- Water Line Connection
- Brewing capacity
- Price
If you know what features are most important, then finding the perfect commercial coffee machine will be much easier!
The Best Commercial Coffee Maker
The BUNN VP17-1SS is the best commercial coffee machine.
This is due to the stainless steel reservoir, speed of making coffee, taste, and value for the price compared to other drip commercial coffee brewers.
Read the full review below to find out if this great coffee maker is suitable for your application.
Click here to jump down and read why!
Although we recommend a specific commercial coffee maker, it may not be the right model for your situation.
The commercial coffee brewers in this article are geared more toward volume and not so much style. They are commercial-grade coffee makers for:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Parties
- Hotels
- Fundraisers
- Churches
- Catering Services
- Events
- Large Meetings
- Conventions
- Seminars
- Commercial Spaces
- Coffee Shops
These are the types of busy events and locations where fresh coffee must always be available.
Many people don’t want instant coffee, but a pourover commercial coffee brewer must deliver quickly, like instant coffee. Homebrewers can’t keep up, and specialty coffee makers, like single-serve coffee makers, simply won’t do.
We’re talking volume at a fast rate.
A commercial coffee brewer doesn’t make different coffee drinks.
The best commercial coffee makers concentrate on consistently producing one coffee drink that is as close to perfect as possible.
The commercial machines listed here brew coffee quickly. Some users complained that models make weak batches.
To combat this, jump to this section to read what to do to get the best batch out of the commercial coffee maker that you choose.
Also, Walmart and especially Sam’s Club sometimes have better deals on most of these models. Be sure to check around for the best price.
As of this writing, Target does not offer commercial coffee makers.
BUNN VPR Series
There are several coffee makers in the VPR series that are available. The main differences between the two we reviewed essentially come down to how many carafes come with the machine and how many warmers.
One of the design features is that it clears much-needed counter space by stacking the carafes. There is no plumbing or electrical work needed to install these models.
All you need to do is manually pour cold water into the tank located on top of the tower, behind the upper warmer, & add ground coffee beans.
That being said, it begins differently than traditional coffee makers.
Before it can begin the brewing process, it must first be turned on & warmed up, or you’ll risk damaging the coffee maker or simply getting bad-tasting coffee that won’t make any coffee lovers happy.
One of the drawbacks is the noise and doesn’t have an auto shutoff.
There isn’t a water level indicator either on this commercial coffee maker.
Some users have complained about overflowing & leaks around the top seals.
I’ve had this experience on other BUNN models, but it was due to overfilling the water tank.
If you need BUNN replacement coffee pots, then jump to the bottom of this article and review your choices for the best deal.
The most popular VPR model as of this writing is the BUNN VPR-2GD.
The BUNN 33200.0001 includes two carafes with black handles, one orange coffee pot, and filters. This model is an all-in-one set. Everything you need to get started is included.
BUNN VPR Models
For best results, view table in landscape. Click the model # number to see data.
Pros
- No water line or electrical wire work necessary
- Brews a pot fast
- Stainless steel heating elements
Cons
- May be noisy for home
- Must follow specific instructions to startup
- No on/off switch or auto-shutoff
- Continuously heats water
BUNN VP Series
There are eight models available in the VP series. The BUNN VPR series has a cord attached & does not require plumbing. Water must be manually added.
Our top choice for the best commercial coffee maker is the VP17-1SS, shown above.
BUNN states that the VP series is best for serving up to 15 lbs of coffee a week.
A more accurate description of the stainless steel model is on Amazon.
Click here to jump to the section and read about the differences between the VP17-1SS & VP17-1 models. The only difference between the VP17-1 & VP17-3 is the number of warmers.
The VP17 models available have a simple on/off switch for the warmer. There isn’t a power switch for the coffee machine itself. To turn off, it must be unplugged.
Pro tip: Don’t unplug it while it’s heating water, or sparks will fly. Consider getting a power strip with a switch on it.
It’s possible to make a few cups at a time. It completely empties the water in the tank to make a pot of coffee. As soon as you add water to the machine, it starts to brew hot coffee in the coffee pot.
Make sure you have the glass decanter already in place & coffee grinds in the funnel.
The VPS model #04275.0031 is more of a side-by-side setup. Which may free up some valuable counter space.
The VPS model doesn’t require plumbing.
Cons
The VP series seems to be the same as the VPR. It doesn’t have any auto-shutoff or power switch. It takes around 10 – 15 minutes to heat up the water in the reservoir but only 3 minutes to brew a pot of coffee
Some people complain that the brewing temperature doesn’t get the coffee hot enough to make perfect coffee. BUNN claims that the brew temperature is 185°F, which is at the low end of the spectrum according to the National Coffee Association.
There are several do-it-yourself methods to fix this, which require a separate thermostat and some electrical wiring know-how.
BUNN VP Models
For best results, view table in landscape.
Click the model # number to see data.
Pros
- No plumbing or electrical wire work necessary
- Brews a pot fast
- Stainless steel reservoir
Cons
- Large
- Loud when heating water
- Must follow specific instructions when brewing
- No on/off switch
- No auto shutoff
BUNN SplashGard Funnel - Replacement Funnel
If you’re looking for a replacement funnel for a BUNN commercial coffee brewer, then we recommend the stainless steel SplashGard.
You’ll never have a plasticky taste with any BUNN model due to the steel water tanks.
The only thing made of plastic is the included SplashGard Funnel. You can find a stainless steel funnel on Amazon here.
Most coffee makers have a stainless steel construction, but the water reservoir is made of plastic, which is common practice for home coffee makers. Because the water is heated in plastic, it has a plasticky taste.
What’s the difference between the VP17-1SS & VP17-1
The VP17-1SS is the stainless steel version of the VP17-1.
The VP17-1 BLK is the same but has a black case and is about 11% cheaper as of this writing (Summer 2022).
What does “low profile” mean on BUNN Commercial Coffee Brewers?
Low-profile refers to having warmers on the bottom as opposed to on top of the brew tower.
BUNN AirPot & Commercial Brewer Review
The last three BUNN commercial coffee makers are serious commercial-grade coffee makers that brew in bulk. They are not portable and require plumbing via a water line.
The first of the three is the BUNN CWTF15-3, which is like a more powerful & version of the VP17-1. At 8.3” wide, it may save you some much-needed counter space while still offering three warmers.
It hooks up to a water line, but it also fills up manually via the pour-over slot. You’ll notice there is a hot water faucet in the front that is convenient for making hot food & beverages.
BUNN Commercial Airpots
The last two models make use of an airpot.
An airpot is a portable coffee tank made of stainless steel on the outside and glass on the inside.
The sleek tower carafe design looks professional, is durable, and is relatively easy to clean.
Users should push a lever to dispense coffee. It keeps your coffee at a consistent temperature without burning it.
BUNN airpots are typically sold separately.
BUNN recommends a commercial airpot if you make up to 50 pounds of coffee per week.
The biggest drawback was the price of each one. Starting at $960 without the airpot, it’s not cheap.
Commercial products are not as simple to use as domestic models, & this one is no exception. The instructions have a few steps to start, which may be confusing.
There are a couple videos on YouTube that show how to run the machine properly.
This is especially true for the DUAL TF DBC BrewWISE. The BUNN DUAL TF DBC dual satellite coffee brewer (34600.0000) has digital controls that let users change the temperature. It also has automated program settings that let users record specific recipes and brew with a push of a button.
BUNN Airpot OEM Deep Filter Basket
BUNN Airpot Filters
For best results, view table in landscape.
Click the model # number to see data.
Pros
- Airpot models brew 3.9 & 7 gallons per hour, respectivly
- Choose between using pour over or direct plumbing line
- Stainless steel
- Brews directly into airpot
- Digital control on CWTF15-APS model
Cons
- Learning curve to use
- Airpot & decanters sold seperatly
- Pricey
- Needs extra piece to brew maximum advertised amount
BUNN Airpot Review
There are three main airpots sold by BUNN. The main difference is the capacity. Keep in mind that a liter is about 4 cups (US).
BUNN machines brew coffee straight into the airpot. Close the lid and take it anywhere. With the lid on, simply push down the top lever to pump out coffee.
The lid comes off for easy cleaning.
For best results, view table in landscape.
Click the model # number to see data.
BUNN Replacement Coffee Pot
There are two different styles of BUNN coffee pots. The Easy Pour® is one example. The big difference between them is that the Easy Pour® has a stainless steel bottom.
The other difference between the two carafes is the color of the handle.
For best results, view table in landscape.
Click the model # number to see data.
BUNN Replacement Coffee Pots Set
You can find the assorted 3-pack of color BUNN replacement decanters at Amazon.
BUNN Thermal Coffee Carafe
Coffee burn because it sits on the warmer too long? This thermal decanter stays warm for hours.
BUNN Easy Pour Replacement Coffee Pot
Updated version of the BUNN coffee pot. Click to find various colors and styles available.
Which Commercial Coffee Machine is Best for You?
Depending on what your commercial needs are, BUNN coffee makers are an excellent choice. There are a lot of different commercial coffee makers from BUNN that make it simple to find the best one to suit your needs.
There are other manufacturers; however, we felt that BUNN had the best warranty and track record with their new commercial coffee maker.
Once you understand what you want, it’s easy to find the best commercial coffee maker.
