Reviews You Can Rely On

Bunn Velocity Brew BT Review

This machine is fast to brew and easy to use, though it brews outside the lower end of optimal temperature range
gearlab tested logo
Bunn Velocity Brew BT Review (This machine's fast brewing speed would do well in an office or venue with several people needing a caffeine fix...)
This machine's fast brewing speed would do well in an office or venue with several people needing a caffeine fix quickly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $160 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Bunn
By Kendra Ridenour ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jan 10, 2024
51
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 13
  • Brew Quality - 35% 3.1
  • User Friendliness - 30% 8.5
  • Ease of Cleaning - 20% 3.4
  • Consistency - 15% 5.3

Our Verdict

The Bunn Velocity Brew BT is easily one of the most unique machines we've tested. We loved the speed with which the Bunn consistently managed to brew pot after pot, but there are a few things that make this machine a little off-putting. It tends to brew on the lower side of things, outside the optimal brew temperature range, making optimal flavor extraction impossible. There are no settings, programmable features, or bells and whistles of any sort, but the strangest feature we found was the water reservoir. The tank is front-loading, which is highly convenient, but there is absolutely no way to access the reservoir in the back. You cannot see how much water is in the machine, let alone get in to clean it. Still, if you value simplicity and expedience, this tall brewer may be what you're after. See how the Bunn fared when compared to others in our best drip coffee maker review.
REASONS TO BUY
Very fast brew time
So simple and straightforward to use
Water reservoir access in on the front
Easier to fill
REASONS TO AVOID
Large footprint and very tall
Can't manually clean the water tank (only with vinegar rinse)
Brews at too low temps

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Drip Coffee Maker for Most People
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Drip Coffee Machine on a Tight Budget
 
Price $160 List$80 List
$69.99 at Amazon
$70 List
$69.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$34.99 at Amazon
$25 List
$24.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
51
79
54
50
47
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Brewing at a low temperature, this quick machine makes a simple, okay cup much like one you'd expect to get in a dinerEasy to use, programmable options give you the tools to brew your coffee to your likingThis inexpensive machine gives you a few key features without breaking the bankAn inexpensive brewer that makes decent coffee with programmable functionsWhile we think this machine gives a mediocre cup of coffee, it is convenient to use and affordable
Rating Categories Bunn Velocity Brew BT Ninja 12-Cup Progra... Hamilton Beach 2-Way Black+Decker 12-Cup... Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mi...
Brew Quality (35%)
3.1
7.8
3.5
4.5
4.1
User Friendliness (30%)
8.5
8.7
6.1
5.4
6.1
Ease of Cleaning (20%)
3.4
7.9
6.9
4.5
4.5
Consistency (15%)
5.3
6.5
6.1
6.2
3.6
Specs Bunn Velocity Brew BT Ninja 12-Cup Progra... Hamilton Beach 2-Way Black+Decker 12-Cup... Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mi...
Average Brew Temperature 190.3 °F 202.5 °F 191.9 °F 192.2 °F 194.1 °F
Average Time to Brew 6 Cups of Coffee (minutes) 3.66 8.48 7.9 7.88 8.09
Scheduled Brewing No Yes Yes Yes No
Preinfusion No Yes, not adjustable No No No
Footprint Dimensions (H x W x D) 15.3" x 7.0" x 13.0" 14.5" x 9.5" x 8.3" 13.9" x 12.2" x 11.1" 8.2" x 12.2" x 11.0" 10.0" x 6.5" x 8.0"
Cup Capacity 4 - 10 cups 1 - 12 cups 1 - 12 cups 2 - 12 cups 1 - 5 cups
Single Serve No Yes Yes No Yes
Filter Shape Flat Cone Flat Flat Flat
Power Draw 850 watts 1100 watts 950 watts 975 watts 650 watts

Our Analysis and Test Results

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.

Performance Comparison


The Bunn Velocity brews a quick pot of coffee.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brew Quality


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.

bunn velocity brew bt - after brewing, there was a bit of a mess in the basket, as well as...
After brewing, there was a bit of a mess in the basket, as well as the lip that the basket slides into.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

User Friendliness


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.

bunn velocity brew bt - we found the front-loading water reservoir very convenient. the...
We found the front-loading water reservoir very convenient. The little white post sticking up through the grate initiates brewing as soon as the tank's lid is closed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

bunn velocity brew bt - the carafe poured beautifully, but we did have to turn it completely...
The carafe poured beautifully, but we did have to turn it completely upside down to get the last drops.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Cleaning


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.

bunn velocity brew bt - this machine didn't have dishwasher safe parts and pieces, which was...
This machine didn't have dishwasher safe parts and pieces, which was a bit disappointing. However, it wasn't too much of a pain to wash by hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Consistency


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.

We measured the temperature in the brew basket during brewing, and the Bunn Velocity Brew BT had a lower brew temperature than we usually like to see.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Bunn Velocity Brew BT?


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.

bunn velocity brew bt - while the bunn brews at a lower than optimal temperatures, is does...
While the Bunn brews at a lower than optimal temperatures, is does brew very quickly and the taste is passable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What Other Drip Coffee Makers Should You Consider?


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.

bunn velocity brew bt - the flavor we got from this machine was alright - much like diner...
The flavor we got from this machine was alright - much like diner coffee - though not anything a coffee snob would be impressed by.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Kendra Ridenour