BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker Review

I was excited to try out the BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker, which promises to brew a pot of coffee in just a few minutes. Is it worth the investment? In this review, I’ll put this coffee machine to the test and give you the lowdown on its performance, features, and whether it’s the right product for you. This review will help you decide if the BUNN CSB3T is the right choice for you.

Overall Design

When you choose the BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker, you can feel confident knowing that it's assembled right here in the USA. This is a point of pride for many, as it speaks to the quality and craftsmanship that goes into making this coffee maker. 

Now, I understand that $170 might seem like a lot to spend on a coffee maker. But here's the thing—you're investing in a top-notch machine from a brand that has built a solid reputation for being reliable and trustworthy. It's not just about the coffee maker itself; it's about the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're getting a product from a company that stands by its quality.

When you first set eyes on the Bunn drip coffee maker, you can tell right away that it’s built to last. The design is simple and straightforward, which means it’s focused on function over flash. However, it still manages to have a touch of sophistication, thanks to the stainless steel accents that give it a little bit of shine. 

One feature that really stands out to me is the mirrored backsplash. It adds a sleek and polished look to the coffee maker that elevates the overall design. I will admit, though, I was a little disappointed when I discovered that the backsplash is made of plastic rather than stainless steel. It's a minor letdown, but nothing that detracts from the machine's overall appeal. 

Plus, the mirrored surface has a quirky little benefit—it can serve as a quick check for your hair while you're making your morning coffee. It's a small, but nice, bonus that adds a bit of fun to your daily routine.

Another thing you’ll notice about the BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker is how simple it is to use. There are no complicated buttons, dials, or LCD screens to worry about. Instead, the machine has just one control—a straightforward on/off switch located on the side. This simplicity is a big part of what makes this thermal coffee maker so user-friendly. It’s designed to be easy to operate, so you can focus on enjoying your coffee rather than figuring out how to make it. 

Its stainless steel thermal carafe fits perfectly below the brewing basket, making it easy to collect your freshly brewed coffee. And with the flip-top lid on the brew group, adding water is a breeze. In the end, the Bunn Speed Brew is a no-frills coffee maker that does exactly what it’s supposed to do—make great coffee, simply and efficiently.

Water Reservoir

 The water tank of BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker is made from commercial-grade stainless steel, which is a big deal. Why? Because it means this coffee maker is built to last. The quality of the material is impressive, giving you that extra confidence in the machine’s durability and solid construction.

It’s not just a small tank; it can hold a whopping 70 ounces, or 2.07 liters, of water. That’s quite a lot, which means you can brew plenty of coffee without constantly having to refill it. Whether you’re making just a single cup or an entire pot, this large tank has got you covered. It’s all about making your coffee-making routine smoother and more convenient, so you can enjoy your coffee without the hassle.

What really sets this coffee maker apart, though, is how it handles water temperature. The internal hot water tank keeps the water at a steady 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the perfect temperature for brewing delicious coffee. The best part? Once the water is heated, the coffee maker is always ready to brew. No waiting around for the water to warm up each time you want a cup. This feature is a real time-saver and adds to the convenience of using this coffee maker every day.

One of the standout features of the BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker is its versatility. Whether you need a quick 20-ounce travel mug of coffee or a full 10-cup carafe, this machine can do it all. It’s designed to be flexible, so you can easily switch between different brewing needs without any fuss. And let’s not forget the speed. The manufacturer claims that it can brew a full carafe in just four minutes. Naturally, I was curious and decided to put this claim to the test. I’ll share those results later, but let’s just say I was pretty impressed with how fast it worked.

There is, however, one feature that’s missing: a drip-stop function unlike Bunn BX Speed Brew. This means if you try to pour yourself a cup before the brewing cycle is finished, you’re going to end up with coffee everywhere. It’s a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re in a rush. 

Thermal Carafe

The BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker comes with a vacuum-insulated, double-walled stainless steel carafe like Cuisinart 12-Cup thermal coffee maker that’s built to impress. This carafe has a 50-ounce capacity, which is perfect for brewing a large amount of coffee in one go. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful design of this carafe, especially the drip-free feature. It’s designed to ensure that you can pour your coffee smoothly without any mess. The handle is ergonomically designed, making it comfortable to hold and pour, though I should mention that it does feel a bit flimsy. Despite this, it still gets the job done effectively.

One of the standout features of this carafe is the proprietary lid and spout design. This design allows for a steady and quick flow of coffee, making it easy to fill your cup without any spills or drips. It’s one of those small details that make a big difference in the overall coffee-making experience. 

Another great thing about this carafe is its ability to keep your coffee fresh and hot for at least a couple of hours. So, if you’re someone who likes to enjoy their coffee slowly over time, this carafe has you covered. You won’t have to worry about your coffee getting cold too quickly, which is a huge plus.

Personally, I always prefer a thermal drip-free carafe like BUNN CSB3T, rather than a glass carafe like Empstorm Coffee Maker and  Ninja CFN601. The reason is pretty straightforward. A warming plate, which is often used with glass carafes, tends to slowly cook the coffee as it sits. This can lead to a bitter and overcooked taste that nobody really wants. 

Freshly brewed coffee deserves to stay fresh, and that’s where the thermal carafe comes in. It maintains the coffee’s temperature naturally, without the need for a warming plate, preserving the coffee’s flavor for a longer time. This way, you can enjoy your coffee just as it was meant to be enjoyed—fresh, hot, and full of flavor.

How Much Time It Takes to Make Coffee?

I know you're all eager to find out whether the BUNN Speed Brew Platinum Thermal Coffee Maker Stainless Steel lives up to its name and reputation. Can this coffee maker really brew a full 50-ounce (1.47-liter) carafe of coffee in just four minutes, as the manufacturer claims? Well, let's get straight to it. The short answer is no, it doesn't quite hit that mark. 

During my test, I set out to see just how fast the Bunn csbt3 Speed Brew could really brew a full carafe. The result? It clocked in at just over five minutes. While that’s slightly longer than the advertised four minutes, it’s still impressively fast when you consider the amount of coffee being brewed. Five minutes is hardly a long wait, especially when you’re getting a full carafe of coffee in return. So while it might not be as speedy as the manufacturer claims, it’s still one of the faster coffee makers out there.

I didn’t stop at just testing the full carafe, though. I wanted to see how the Bunn Speed Brew handled smaller amounts, like the 20 ounces (591 milliliters) of coffee I brew for my travel mug. This time, I was happily sipping away less than three minutes after starting the brew cycle. That’s pretty quick, especially if you’re someone who needs their coffee on the go in the morning. The BUNN 55200 CSB3T definitely delivers in terms of speed, even if it doesn’t quite match the advertised four-minute mark for a full carafe.

Coffee Taste

I know many of you prefer your coffee to come out piping hot, almost at a mouth-scalding temperature. If that’s your style, you’ll be pleased to know that the Bunn CSB3T coffee maker certainly delivers on this front. The coffee it brews is hot enough to satisfy those who like their coffee to be almost too hot to drink at first. You won’t be disappointed if you’re someone who values a really hot cup of coffee.

As for the quality of the coffee itself, I found it to be perfectly decent. It’s the kind of coffee that gets the job done—good enough to start your day, but maybe not the kind that’ll leave you raving about it. I didn’t have any major complaints about the flavor, but I also wasn’t exactly blown away by it. The Bunn Speed Brew produces solid, reliable coffee, which for many people is all they really need. It’s not going to compete with a high-end espresso machine like Sincreative CM5700, but it doesn’t need to. For what it is—a fast, efficient drip coffee maker—it does a respectable job like Braun KF7150BK.

How to Clean It? 

First things first, you should rinse the funnel after each use. It's a good idea to get into the habit of doing this, because it's going to prevent any old coffee oils from building up and affecting the taste of your coffee. Now, the manufacturer says that the funnel is dishwasher-safe, but I wouldn't recommend putting it in there. It's just not necessary, and it could potentially damage the funnel. Same goes for the carafe's pour-through lid. 

Next up, descaling. This is something you should do every couple of months, depending on the hardness of your water. You don't want limescale buildup to start affecting the taste of your coffee, or worse, damaging your machine. So, how do you descale the BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker? It's pretty simple, actually. Just mix equal parts water and white vinegar in the tank, and let it sit for an hour or two. Then, run a brew cycle to rinse the machine out. Easy peasy.

Finally, there's one more thing you should do to keep your coffee maker in top shape. The Bunn Speed Brew comes with a deliming tool, which you should use to clean the spray head tube. And, if you need to, you can use a toothpick to clean out the spray head holes. It's a good idea to do this every now and then, just to make sure your coffee is flowing smoothly and evenly.

So, there you have it. With a little bit of maintenance, you can keep your Brew Coffee Maker running like a well-oiled machine. 

Final Verdict

The BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker is a great option if you want a fast and straightforward brewing experience. It might not hit the exact four-minute brew time, but it’s still quick and efficient. The coffee stays hot for hours, thanks to the thermal carafe. The design is simple, with no unnecessary features, making it easy to use. While the coffee it brews is good, it’s not exceptional. However, if speed and ease of use are your priorities, this coffee maker is a reliable choice.

I hope you found my hands-on review of the Bunn Speed Brew Platinum Coffee Maker helpful! I’d love to know what kind of coffee maker you have in your office. Please feel free to contact me!