Bunn VP17 Commercial Coffee Maker Stainless Steel - Overview

This is Bunn VP17 commercial coffee maker that I've decided to use at home. While this machine is expensive, it will almost certainly outlast the plastic machines on the market today. It has no pumps or other moving parts to break. The body and internal reservoir is stainless steel. You can even opt for a stainless steel funnel. Compared to a Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Hamilton Beach, or Krups machine, this unit is built far better and is certainly more reliable.

[@Drmikekuna]

About 10 years ago I bought the home version of this coffee maker (with a thermal carafe ). It has been an excellent coffee maker and it is used every day, often multiple pots per day (5 adults at home). I am very pleased with my machine. I think the home brewer pulls less power, but it probably still adds a few bucks/month of electricity.

[@gabrielo8922]

It is important to note that you need to use the “TIP KIT” (Bunn part # 01031.0000) when using the optional stainless steel funnel filter holder basket (Bunn part # 20216.0000) on the VP17. The SS funnel has a larger hole than the original plastic funnel. The larger hole makes the flow rate too fast on the VP17, so it results in under extracted and watered down coffee (without adjusting grind size). The tip kit reduces the size of the exit hole to match the original flow rate. You can compensate with finer grind size to slow down the flow rate, but the results are different. I’m guessing that Bunn uses the 20216.0000 (SS funnel) for other coffee makers that are designed to have faster flow rates, and rather than creating another version with a smaller hole, they released a “Tip kit” to reduce the size of the hole. The 01031.0000 Tip Kit can add between $5-$15 to your upgrade cost.

[@hfrt29]

i just saw that on anotha video👍

[@mariahriv3095]

Is the funnel tip made of steel?

[@brucevodka]

Yes @@mariahriv3095

[@thomasjeane9766]

Thank you for your simple and straightforward review. I have the VP-17 in my home, and I 100 percent agree with everything you've said about it, and I also appreciate your creating a new and more recent review. I have read that others have said that the unit is "Built like a tank," and that's absolutely true. I've had mine for about four years, and I also have the stainless steel brew basket. I really like the fact that all the inside parts, except for a small number of rubber gaskets, are stainless steel, and there's no plastic that contacts either the water or the coffee, and I do agree, too, that that makes for a better tasting cup. I only make one pot of coffee per day and since I'm in my late 60's I expect it will outlive me. And one other thing--should you find yourself needing any repairs, it's nice to know that Bunn is an American company, and they do have several service centers throughout America. That means if there's a problem it can be repaired, and not trashed. Great machine and thanks again.

[@scroogemcduck4486]

Excellent video. Thank you for keeping it simple. No crazy music, no "smash that like button" Great job!!!

[@PeggyRoberts-uy4tc]

I purchased my VP17-1 in 2006 and have used it virtually every day since. I've always used filtered water and have never been concerned with scaling. Considering that I replaced plastic home coffee makers on average one every three years, the Bunn has paid for itself just on that alone. This will outlast me. Great machine...

[@roachroacharito9113]

Great video. Thanks. I've used these in various configurations for 40 years at work. I'm retired now & got this to support my Java dependency at home. I've never used one with only a single warmer switch & no "brew ignitor". (Hitting that baby & firing it off at daybreak was damn near Pavlovian!) Anyhoo, thanks man. Very well done & answered all my questions. All the best.

[@thenutcracker2921]

Thank You. I recently bought a coffee maker to replace one that was failing and while it came with every bell and whistle I wanted it is a conical filter system and I much prefer the smooth mellow sweetness of flat baskets. I desperately wanted to go commercial but talked myself out of it due to price but decided an hour before watching your video I was going to take the plunge and return this unit for a commercial Bunn. Your video gave me much needed info. 👍

[@semitrailertechnician4926]

Dont forget the tip kit for the stainless basket which is $15.

[@BenG123]

thanks for the review. Long term BUNN fan here, glad to see this model as we are considering it.

[@F_C...]

The use of a timer is brilliant.

[@generalarmamentcompany]

I just purchased this I’m excited to receive it thank you for the review

[@jakp8777]

Very nice coffee maker. Very reliable unit and will last forever.

[@reereelization]

So thankful for your tutorial. Funny how there isn’t much info on this. I really appreciated your video.

[@bwd1963]

I just got mine today ,ive been wanting one for years now.

[@chrisw.3077]

congrats, that’s awesome!

[@harrycrane1035]

Great video! How long does it take to warm up if I plug it in to make a pot of coffee?

[@richardslaby8527]

Thanks so much for making this video sooooo helpful

[@kieranjimenez1808]

Thank you Chris! I just bought a VP 17 Series 3, second-hand. I was super excited, but sadly cant get it to work. The problem is that I fill up the reservoir but water never comes out the spout. When the reservoir is full, the water just starts to leak out of the sides of the machine. Is the spout obviously plugged somewhere, or am I making a mistake somehow? Thanks for any insight!

[@rodhoutx]

It's neat how the basic design for these hasn't changed and such a simple concept. My parents had the home version of this one back in the late 90's. When it finally started leaking 10 years later, they tried one of the regular coffee makers. They just couldn't get used to that LONG time of 12 or so minutes for a pot of coffee, so they bought another Bunn. I had one too, but I'm not a big coffee drinker and I think they do better making a full pot of coffee than small amounts. I tended to use it more as a hot water dispenser :-) Also, the home version pulled much less on the kill-a-watt... around 15 watts if I remember. I LOVE that you got the stainless coffee basket... I think it is an option versus a plastic one as the default?

[@rosannekelly8743]

What do you put in the basket in order for the grinds not to go into the coffee? Is there another stainless steel basket to put in a basket?

[@UWI-Anna]

A good coffee maker that gives pretty consistent brew.

[@rem45acp]

I'm considering purchasing this for my home. My wife and I are trying to replicate the taste of Dunkin Donuts hot coffee, and, as they use these machines, we should be able to do it if we buy fresh beans and use filtered water. Even trying that with Mr.Coffee makers taste nothing like dunkins, always burnt. Is it truly worth it over the velocity brew model? Also, what timer do you have yours plugged in?

[@gaylestroble5914]

Great video! Thank you for the information you did well with explaining. I have a "very similar" commercial Bunn machine from work given to me. Will you do a video showing how you descale yours to keep it clean and sanitary? I want to be certain my maker is clean so I have the best clean water for brewing! Thanks again for for the information you've already provided!!!

[@Midaxiom]

I just found one of these at Goodwill for 30 bucks. Thanks for the video.

[@chrisw.3077]

Nice find!

[@barbarastein6693]

Thanks for the video. We just got solar panels so the energy commentary was very helpful. I'm wondering why you have to pour water in the top to make a pot when the reservoir is full? Doesn't the water just draw from there?

[@rem45acp]

You pour cold water through the top, and it displaces hot water in the reservoir, thereby immediately starting the brewing process. BUNN is all about keeping water at that right temperature and having it on hand.

[@ahmadaamer6]

I was looking at this machine for my local Masjid. We have a newly built gym with an attached kitchen. Our gym is used as a multi-purpose hall a lot. I decided against this machine because we don't have a lot of open space. What space we have in our kitchen is underneath cabinets. We needed a machine that will last in a commercial application and be similar to a standard coffee machine. We went with the Technivorm CDT Grand. It is everything we need in a coffee machine and it's durable. If I wasn't so concerned about space and power I would have probably gone with the Bunn just because when it needs to get repaired you can usually find a local place to get it repaired. The Technivorm is very repairable, but all the repairs need to be done by Technivorm at their factory. Also, an advantage is that it brews more coffee in a single brew. 60 ounces is a full pot.

[@Tejas_Shah]

Thanks for the video! Sounds like you must keep the reservoir full at all times. Is this true? Is there a way to only put in what you plan to use (then have the unit empty out)?

[@chrisw.3077]

the reservoir must always be about 2/3rd full. otherwise, there’s nothing to heat. No easy way to empty the unit that I’m aware of.

[@glock19m]

great video thank you

[@craigarons8492]

you said no plastic touches the water. What about the handle and top of the decanter? Is that plastic. If so do you know if its BPA free?

[@user-dw7cy3ef5k]

I have a BUNN coffee maker now that I love but… it only keeps the coffee hot for approximately 2 hours and we drink coffee for at least 4 hours in the morning. We are able to turn the hot plate on again but we are constantly forgetting so I am searching for another coffee maker but it has to be a BUNN. You didn’t mention anything about the hot plate. Is the red switch that says LOWER below the switch an on/off switch for the hot plate?

[@grebben]

Great video! Is there a specific coffee/water ratio that you find works best with this? Thank you!

[@ahmadaamer6]

Just use 1:16 and adjust after tasting the coffee. Usually the manufacturer might have some recommendations on ratios.

[@DaveWalsh14]

Excellent video. What amount of coffee do you use for a full and half pot? I own the same coffee maker and have not been able to find this information anywhere. Also, is there a grind that you recommend?

[@rem45acp]

I'm in the same situation. I'm discovering that about 2.25 ounces of ground coffee for a full pot is nice and strong. Or do 7grams per 5oz cup. Doing a 2tbsp coffee scoop per cup, even 8oz cup is waaay too strong. But the other options are good.

[@brucevodka]

I'm trying to duplicate the Dunkin Donuts level (using their beans), I found the right coffee to water ratio is 19 to 1. 17 to 1 was too strong. Any thoughts?

[@hfrt29]

Thank you for this info

[@reereelization]

How many scoops of coffee do you put in the filter?

[@Eurotool]

If I understand correctly: say I want one cup of coffee, I first need to make sure the reservoir is up to the limit. Then, I turn on the machine, pour in one cup of water, then wait until 1 cup of coffee comes out?

[@kieranjimenez1808]

I am also confused about this…

[@K--dj6ye]

Nice!

[@Alpha8713]

Nice machine. Do you have to make a full pot every time, or can you make a half-pot (and, if so, how)?

[@travelinghamburger6093]

Im wondering the same thing. Its only my wife and I at home and im on the road for days at a time so she would only make a 1/2 pot. Common sense tells me if you pour in 1/2 carafe of water then it “should” only push out the same amount….but I dont know for sure.

[@rem45acp]

@@travelinghamburger6093 What ever you pour in is what you get out.

[@ahmad1620]

@@rem45acp same question . What if i plug to the water source directly I'm really interested to this machine for home use

[@dtholloway28]

What coffee are you using?

[@quietone7167]

Can this coffee maker make only 6 cups? And does it use a lot of electric?

[@Adeline9418]

We have big commercial ones at my work. In a hotel.

[@Williamjclopez82]

How long does it take for the water to heat up once you plug it in?

[@chrisw.3077]

Maybe 10-15 mins from room temp. It is powerful given that’s a good amount of water to heat up.

[@Williamjclopez82]

@@chrisw.3077 Thank you Chris! I just ordered me one of these machines. I can't wait to have it here!

[@semitrailertechnician4926]

Is your bunn loud when it heats up mine is load and I was wondering if this is normal.

[@chrisw.3077]

It’s sounds like a tea kettle without the whistling.

[@elmuchogrumpy]

You might just have scale buildup in the tank. You probably should descale it.

[@andersEndigital]

Might as well also spring for a 64oz stainless or glass pitcher as well, then the only plastic that will come in contact with anything is the plastic grate where the water is poured in. Not sure why Bunn didn't make that a steel mesh.

[@chrisw.3077]

The issue with the plastic is what happens to it when it heats up or what it can possibly leach under heating. It is virtually impossible to have your water completely avoid plastic these days.

[@PaulOutsidetheWalls]

3:40 "It's aggressive!"😆

[@jonterhaar2573]

So, what exactly does the "Lower" switch do?

[@chrisw.3077]

Turns the burner on and off to keep the coffee hot

[@rjminton534]

Is this the only plastic free coffe maker?

[@jicalzad]

Good question, been looking for non plastic drip options

[@jicalzad]

Do they make a smaller version?

[@brucevodka]

Hi, I'm only getting water temp of 193, I'd like like to get 200 plus, any suggestions?

[@chrisw.3077]

I believe there is a thermostat adjustment. Did you read the manual and adjust this?

[@brucevodka]

@@chrisw.3077 Thank you Chris for getting back to me, Happy New Year. Yes I have adjusted the knob to full. I am getting 198 but I remember in the 2000's someone said if you open the top, there is a coiled wire and I just don't remember if they said push it deeper in the hole for 203+ or pull it it out for the 203+. I have opened it up today and before I fiddle I will do more research.

[@keithblume5159]

@@brucevodka the thermocouple bulb cannot touch the sides of the boiler. Also when you measure the water temperature you do not measure the water at the filter basket or the carafe. You take the small screw at the top off, remove the top cover and measure the water temp with a probe inserted into the hole above the boiler where the water from the fill tray falls in. The translucent silicone plug on top of the boiler where the thermocouple bulb goes in can be pulled off and reinstalled with the silicone plug 4.5" above the top of the thermostat bulb and not touching sides. Bunn commercial has a generous warranty on the thermostat and can refund the new one if you buy it from them and returned old one under warranty

[@brucevodka]

@@keithblume5159 Thank you Keith, Happy New Year and thank you for taking the time to reply. I have the lowered the coil about an inch and a half into the silicone plug, it has given me the extra heat I was looking for, I'm hitting 203 now which is totally acceptable. If I have the situation you described I will contact Bunn for a replacement.

[@keithblume5159]

@@brucevodka glad you are back in business with the Bunn!

[@travelinghamburger6093]

Theres only my wife & I at home, could you pour in only 1/2 pot of water and just brew a 1/2 pot of coffee?

[@chrisw.3077]

Yes, you could, you’d just have to experiment with the correct amount of coffee grounds that tastes right with only half a pot etc.

[@travelinghamburger6093]

@@chrisw.3077 10-4 on that, thanks for replying !!!

[@aaronb.6794]

Do you know how many cups per hour this can make?

[@chrisw.3077]

I absolutely do. I wouldn’t have been taking into account all relevant factors if I didn’t know this. This is actually a very important consideration that someone may take into account when deciding to purchase this unit for their home. According to the below document, this unit can make 62 8 oz. cups of coffee per hour. I find this to be quite impressive and worthy of my home. catalog.bunn.com/public/docs/0000000000000010000023041/M03/33/000/13300.0001.pdf

[@aaronb.6794]

@@chrisw.3077 Sounds perfect for my home office

[@chrisw.3077]

It will make you, your family, and any home office coworkers you have as full of coffee as their wildest dreams.

[@keithblume5159]

Great review. I have a request. Bunn appears to make a retrofit for the green indicator lamp:Bunn 12986.0000 Could you add this to your machine and show the process? The wiring diagram for a VP-17B shows the indicator light installed in parallel to the tstat. Also Bunn 25105.0000 decal with indicator light

[@chrisw.3077]

Where is that going to go? There’s no place to put that light.

[@keithblume5159]

@@chrisw.3077 the hole for the light is already in the chassis. The VP-17 used to have a ready light. Need the light kit PN. 12986.000 and also VP17 decal with light indication PN. 25105.000

[@chrisw.3077]

@@keithblume5159 where is the hole?

[@keithblume5159]

@@chrisw.3077 if you look behind the front panel it has a hole on the right for a ready light and a hole on the left for a water heater switch.

[@keithblume5159]

@@chrisw.3077 Bunn has three front decals one with ready light and heater switch PN. 25105.003 NLA, one with ready light PN 25105.000 and your current decal with no lights PN 25105.004

[@AndrewDasilvaPLT]

Prices have nearly doubled.

[@chrisw.3077]

Wow, from $248 (when purchased 7/7/21) to $420 on Amazon (4/8/24). Doesn’t include the stainless steel upgrades I mentioned in the video.

[@InquilineKea]

What about the taste of plastic?

[@chrisw.3077]

What about it?

[@richardr2238]

Everyone needs to know that this machine is 18.8" deep, so for the average person who lives in an apartment this would NEVER fit on thier countertops, it"s massive because it"s designed for COMMERCIAL use ! I would highly recommend the GRB model which is only 13" deep and is the same internally, except for the plastic funnel and far less expensive to use ! This is just about bragging rights that you have the same coffee maker all the restaurants use, it"s just not necessary, and very impractical , IMO !

[@chrisw.3077]

Richard, it is a large machine, but to say the GRB is the same internally as the VP17 just because it has a stainless steel reservoir does not make it so. I wish very much that Bunn would make a true miniaturized VP-17 more suited to home use, but they don’t and any company who would redo their logo like the Bunn management did isn’t worth trying to reason with.

[@richardr2238]

@@chrisw.3077 Hi Chris, I did not expect a reply , but remember I'm talking about the HOME unit that lasts an average of 10+ years, and does not take up SO much counter space! I just got the speed brew "classic", which is the same one they been making for 30 years, it makes a GREAT cup of coffee ,and I LOVE it ! BUT, that being said, I"M sure you will no doubt enjoy that "commercial" Bunn, because Bunn is the BEST !

[@gabrielo8922]

@Richard, you are incorrect. GRB operates on similar principle, but the components of the VP17 are superior. True, the VP17 is targeted for a commercial kitchens and not intended for home use, but there are reasons that SOME people would be interested in it for home use. I looked at the GRB, and it’s not for me. Way too much plastic, not just in the basket filter holder, but also in the shower head and internal water lines. It should already be obvious to anyone watching this video that this is a commercial product not intended for residential use. That is the whole point of the video. The only coffee makers without plastic that I can find for consumer home use are made by a small company called Ratio, but they are expensive and have poor reliability reviews. That’s what lead me to look at the VP17. Yes, it is way too large for most home kitchens but it is a compromise I’m willing to make for a reliable plastic-free coffee maker.

[@keithblume5159]

I also ordered the Bunn stainless vacuum decanter. By Zojirushi PN. 36029.0001

[@gabrielo8922]

Does this thermal carafe work (fit) on the VP17, or you are using a different model of coffee maker? Does the Thermal Carafe slide around on the warmer plate or is it easy to center into position? Obviously on the VP17 you will want to turn off the heater on the warming plate, but I wasn’t sure if Bunn’s thermal carafes can be used on the VP17 since Bunn only shows the glass and plastic/stainless steel.

[@keithblume5159]

@@gabrielo8922 it sits just fine. It doesn't register on the warming plate like the glass one would but it's a small sacrifice for having such a nice carafe.