Using the same pioneering technology that has brought Bunn outstanding commercial success for the past 6 decades, the Programmable Heat N’ Brew brings a delicious, aromatic cup of coffee into the home.
The large-gauge sprayhead releases water onto the grounds only when it reaches the perfect steeping temperature of 197.6°F. This creates the ideal mixture of grounds and hot water to extract all the flavor fullness without bitterness – which results in a rich, deeply flavored cup of joe.
Golden Cup certified by the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America), the HB is programmable for an auto start, and the unique dripless carafe provides a truly dribble-free pour!
Bunn HB delivers high-end quality, reliable performance, and fresh taste in a low-frills package – and it also comes with an affordable price tag.
At a Glance
- Programmable auto-start for busy days
- Digital touchpad controls
- Makes a perfect cup of java in 6-10 minutes, depending on quantities used
- A drip-free carafe offers the cleanest pour in the home market
- Unique Heat & Release Technology provides the perfect water temperature for flavor extraction
- The 50-fluid-ounce glass carafe holds 4-10 cups of coffee
- The Heat N’ Brew has been certified by the highly discerning SCAA
For optimal flavor extraction, Bunn’s exclusive Heat & Release Technology uses a digital thermometer to precisely heat the water to a temperature of 197.6°F – with a temperature range of 195-205°F being the ideal for a pot of coffee.
Only once the water has reached its ideal temperature is it sprayed over the grounds in a steady stream for full saturation, producing exceptional flavor in about 10 minutes’ time.
This is because the commercial lime-resistant spray head is designed to provide maximum turbulence. And once the grounds are flooded, the water is then held for just the right mixing time to ensure proper flavor extraction.
Turbulence is the mixture of hot water with grounds for the perfect length of time, which results in full-bodied flavor without any bitterness.
In contrast, many automatic drip machines heat the water inefficiently, and to temperatures below the ideal, which is then spurted over the grounds in small amounts. Unfortunately, this extraction process can result in a bitter-tasting cup of joe.
The drip-free carafe is another proprietary feature, and is designed to deliver a clean, dripless pour with every cup. The clever lid and spout design has a small spigot-like extension that directs the coffee in an arc – away from the spout lip and into a waiting cup – then wicks the remaining liquid back into the carafe.
Designed for superior flavor extraction, the Bunn HB has met the rigorous standards and testing of the SCAA.
It’s also fitted with a flat-bottom filter and funnel (basket style), and has a convenient tiered water level indicator inside the reservoir.
Available in attractive stainless steel and black.
Designed by Bunn in the US, assembled in China.
Dimensions And Specs
The Bunn HB measures approximately 9 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 16 1/2 inches, and weighs 4 pounds 12 ounces without the glass carafe.
The height of 16 1/2 inches makes this a tall countertop model, and it will be a snug fit under some kitchen cupboards. But, its light weight also makes it easy to move, even daily.
A glass carafe holds 50 fluid ounces, or 4 to 10 cups of coffee. And the warmer plate maintains a temperature in the range of 176-185°F for 2 hours. UL and CUL listed for household use, it’s rated at 120 volts and 1300 watts, and has an attached 3-prong grounded cord.
Pros…
- Bunn’s proprietary Heat and Release technology ensures a smooth, full-flavored cup of coffee with every pot.
- The drip-free carafe eliminates the annoying dribble-spout pour.
- A cleaning indicator will light up when it’s time to descale.
- 3-year warranty is backed by Bunn’s US-based customer service.
- Heating plate will automatically shut off after 2 hours.
- Solidly made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic construction.
- Comes with a well-written and comprehensive Use and Care Manual.
… And Cons
The extra height will be problematic for those who want to store it on the countertop under a cupboard.
Check your available dimensions carefully before purchasing, and remember to add at least a couple inches of clearance to your measurements.
Care and Cleaning
The glass carafe and brew funnel should be washed after every use. Both are dishwasher safe on the top rack, or they can be hand washed in warm, soapy water using a mild, non-citrus detergent.
Periodically wipe down the exterior of the machine, including the ledge above the funnel, with warm, soapy water and a damp cloth or sponge.
Descaling should be done every three months, or whenever the digital display reads “CLEAN.”
Techniques, Tips, and Tricks
The Heat N’ Brew’s internal system is sensitive to mineral buildup, and regular cleaning of water deposits will ensure the best-tasting cuppa with smooth operation, and will prolong the life of your machine as well.
And while the programmable auto start is a convenient feature, save it for busy days. For the best taste, you really should grind freshly roasted beans in a burr style coffee grinder just prior to use. You’ll definitely notice a difference!
Comparison to Similar Products
On the lower end of the price scale for models with precision temperature systems and a heat/release spray head, the Bunn HB is simple in its appearance and application, with little in the way of bells and whistles.
Comparable models like the OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup often have additional features, such as a “pre-infusion” bloom setting that moistens the grounds before brewing, and an option for temperature selection.
It’s also SCAA certified – however, the OXO only has a one-year warranty.
Budget-friendly models like the Cuisinart DCC-3200 have many additional features, such as an auto start, brew strength settings, a water filter, and a permanent filter, but lack the cachet of SCAA certification. And Cuisinart provides only a one-year warranty as well.
Plus, neither has the unique dripless carafe.
The Last Drop
Thanks to the proprietary Bunn Heat and Release technology, the HB Programmable Coffee Brewer is one of the most efficient automatic models on the market.
It heats the water to the perfect temperature, then releases it onto the grounds for full flavor extraction without any bitterness.
And the carafe’s dripless pour is a joy for anyone who’s ever had to contend with a dribble-spout coffee pot!
With an emphasis on elite performance for optimal enjoyment, it’s easy to understand why the HB has received the discerning SCAA Golden Cup.
The Bunn provides rock-solid value for the price, but do remember to check the height, as it’s a bit taller than most.
Available only through Bunn (at the time of this writing).
Do you java lovers have any questions or comments about this or other automatic models that you’d like to share? Find out what you need to know in our extensive coffeemaker buying guide or check out all of our in depth coffeemaker tips, tricks, and review articles now.
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About Lorna Kring
Recently retired as a costume specialist in the TV and film industry, Lorna now enjoys blogging on contemporary lifestyle themes. A bit daft about the garden, she’s particularly obsessed with organic tomatoes and herbs, and delights in breaking bread with family and friends.
I have had two, both start showing the EE O3 error message. I sent the first one back, Bunn sent another from the factory without the decency of sending a return label and it cost $18.00 to send it back. Plugged the other one in and it did the same thing. The only thing Bunn tells you is there’s no water. I just made coffee, duh.