BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer Review 

Welcome to our review of the BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer! If you’re a coffee lover, you know how important it is to have a reliable machine that brews great-tasting coffee. This product is designed to deliver quality and convenience in every cup. With its sleek stainless steel design and user-friendly features, it stands out among other coffee brewers. In this review, we’ll explore its key features, performance, and cleaning ease. I hope this information will clear your mind about whether it is right for you or not.

Overall Design and Look

I decided to purchase the BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer because I wanted a coffee maker that was free of plastic, especially in the parts that come into contact with hot coffee. While this machine does come with a plastic coffee basket, I found a stainless steel basket that is compatible with the brewer. This was important to me because I didn’t want to risk having plastic leeching into my coffee every day. For those who are also concerned about this, I’ve included the link to the stainless steel basket below.

The construction of the BUNN VP17-1SS is impressive. It’s almost entirely made of stainless steel, which gives it a solid and durable feel. The only parts that aren’t stainless steel are the top pour cover, the front switch bezel, and the funnel. The funnel is made of plastic, but as I mentioned, you can easily replace it with a stainless steel version. This machine is built to last, and it’s clear that it was designed with longevity in mind. It doesn’t have auto shutoff or any of the fancy features that some other coffee makers have, but if you need that, you can always use an outlet timer to set up an auto shutoff.

When I first got the machine, I was curious to see what was inside, so I took the cover off. I was pleased to find that the water tank inside is also made of stainless steel, which helps keep the water hot. This adds to the overall durability and reliability of the machine.

In terms of design and appearance, I think the BUNN VP17-1SS looks great on the countertop. The stainless steel exterior stays clean and shiny, and when it does need a wipe-down, it’s easy to make it look like new again. If you’re someone who likes having appliances that make a statement in your kitchen, this coffee maker definitely fits the bill. It’s often the first thing that catches people’s attention when they walk into the kitchen, and they usually comment on how impressive it looks. 

I originally thought that the always-hot water feature would be useful for making tea. However, it’s not as convenient as I had hoped. Some commercial units have a pour spout on the front, making it easy to dispense hot water, but this model doesn’t have that feature. To get hot water, you have to hold your cup up to the sprayer head and hope you’ve put the right amount of water in the machine. In practice, it’s easier just to pop a cup of water in the microwave if you’re making tea.

Finally, when I measured the dimensions of the BUNN VP17-1SS, I found that it’s 18.8 inches deep, 8.4 inches wide, and 17.3 inches tall. This gives you an idea of how much space it will take up on your countertop. Overall, I’m really happy with this coffee maker. It’s built to last, looks great, and does exactly what I need it to do.

Easy to Use

One of the things that might take some getting used to with the BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer is that there's no brew button or ready button like BUNN BX speed brew and BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Coffee Maker. Instead, the machine starts brewing a new pot whenever you add a full pot of water. It's a pretty simple and straightforward process, but it's worth noting that it's a bit different from what you might be used to with other coffee makers.

The machine is designed to keep the coffee in the pipeline hot by periodically turning on to reheat it. This means that you'll always have hot coffee ready to go, which is great for people who like to grab a cup on the fly. However, it's worth noting that the machine can be a bit noisy, similar to a Keurig machine. If you're a light sleeper and your bed is right next to the machine, you might want to consider unplugging it at night or when you're not using it. There's no on/off switch, so unplugging it is the best way to keep it quiet.

Coffee Taste

When it comes to brewing coffee, the BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer does a solid job. The coffee comes out hot, just the way you’d expect. One of the impressive features of this machine is how quickly it works. As soon as you pour the water in, the coffee starts coming out almost immediately, filling up the decanter in no time. This fast brewing process is a big plus, especially if you need a lot of coffee in a hurry.

The heating element in the BUNN VP17-1SS is quite effective. It keeps your coffee nice and hot, which is essential for those who enjoy sipping their coffee slowly over time. However, it’s important to remember that this is a commercial unit. Unlike typical home coffee makers that have an automatic shut-off feature, this machine will keep heating your coffee indefinitely if you leave it on. This means that if you forget about it, the coffee will eventually boil away, leaving the decanter empty. So, it’s crucial to keep an eye on it to avoid any mishaps.

One thing you’ll notice when using the BUNN Pour Over coffee brewer is that there will be a lot of water droplets on the underside of the unit, right where the sprayer head is located. This is due to the steam produced during brewing. After you’ve finished brewing, it’s a good idea to grab a paper towel and wipe up those droplets to keep the machine clean and in good condition.

Additionally, it’s important to maintain the sprayer head and the metal tube inside the unit. BUNN includes a spring with the machine specifically for cleaning this part. It’s a simple task, but it helps ensure that your coffee maker continues to perform well over time. If you want to more flavors, then you should check the Ninja CFN601 or the Ninja CFP101.

How to Make Coffee with BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer 

So, you're ready to start brewing some delicious coffee with your BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer? Great! It's actually pretty straightforward, and I'll walk you through each step.

First, you'll need to grab a BUNN filter and insert it into the funnel. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it's securely in place.

Next, pour your fresh coffee grounds into the filter. Don't just dump them in, though - take a few seconds to gently shake the funnel to level out the bed of grounds. This will help ensure that your coffee brews evenly and tastes amazing.

Now, slide the funnel into the funnel rails on the brewer. This will secure it in place and get everything ready for brewing.

Place an empty dispenser beneath the funnel to catch the freshly brewed coffee. You can use a glass carafe or a thermal dispenser - whatever you prefer.

The next step is to pour one pitcher of tap water into the screened area on top of the brewer. This is where the brewer will do its magic and turn that water into a delicious cup of coffee.

Finally, when the brewing process is complete, simply discard the grounds and filter. You can compost the grounds or throw them away, and wash the filter to use again.

How to Clean  BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer

One of the best things about the BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer is how easy it is to keep clean. I mean, we've all had those little plastic consumer machines that seem to accumulate grime and stains no matter how hard we try to clean them. But not the BUNN VP17-1SS. This machine is a breeze to clean, and that's a big deal because a clean machine makes better-tasting coffee.

The good news is that you don't need any special cleaning products or equipment to keep your BUNN VP17-1SS in top shape. In fact, a wet paper towel is all you need to wipe down the entire machine. It's that simple.

The stainless steel funnel is also a cinch to clean. I like to take it apart and give it a good scrub with a magic eraser. It's amazing how easily it comes clean, and it looks like new again.

The carafes are also easy to clean, and I've found that Urnex Tabz and a Bunnsaver brush do the trick. It's worth noting that cleaning your carafes regularly is important to prevent any buildup or bacterial growth. But with these tools, it's a quick and easy process.

How Long Does it Take to Make Coffee with the BUNN VP17-1SS?

So, you're wondering how long it takes to make coffee with the BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer? Well, I’m happy to tell you. The machine is designed to work quickly and efficiently, so you can get your coffee fix fast.

You fill the machine with two full pots of water, and it heats them up to the perfect temperature. Then, when you pour in the next full pot of water, the machine pushes one pot of hot water into the coffee grounds chamber. This means you can make two pots of coffee fairly quickly, which is great for busy mornings or when you need a coffee boost.

Now, if you're wondering how long it takes to heat up subsequent full pot pours, the answer is about 20 minutes. This is because the machine needs to heat up the water to the perfect temperature, which takes a little bit of time. But trust me, it's worth the wait. The coffee that comes out of this machine is always hot and delicious, and it's worth the extra few minutes it takes to heat up the water.

Final Verdict 

The BUNN VP17-1SS Coffee Brewer is an excellent choice for anyone who values quality and efficiency. Its stainless steel design is not only stylish but also easy to clean, ensuring that you can maintain it without hassle. The ability to brew multiple pots quickly is a significant advantage for busy households or offices. Plus, the rich, flavorful coffee it produces will satisfy even the most discerning coffee lovers.

While the machine requires a bit of initial setup, the convenience it offers in the long run makes it worthwhile. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable coffee brewer that delivers great taste and easy maintenance, the BUNN pour over coffee brewer is definitely worth considering. It’s a smart investment for those who appreciate a good cup of coffee!