BUNN HG Phase Brew 8-Cup Home Brewer Review

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(More customer reviews)After my trusty Cuisinart DCC-1200 12-Cup Brew Central Coffeemaker, Black and Stainless Steel died after 5 years of steady use, I decided to 'upgrade' to a Bunn.The Bunn HG brewer is different from previous Bunns because it heats the water for each brew right before actually brewing, as opposed to inefficiently keeping a water tank heated 24/7, 365 days a year (previous Bunn models).It is for this reason, and the Bunn name, that I enthusiastically dove in and bought it.To make a long story short, I am not so enthusiastic after using it--read on for details.

The carafe.It actually is the cleanest pouring carafe I have ever used--not a drop spilled.However, it consists of a plastic rim attached to a lower portion of glass.Coffee leaks at this junction no matter how fast you pour, producing a steady stream of coffee that dribbles down the outside of the coffee pot and onto the counter top.Not sure if I just got a bad carafe or if this problem is more common.

Full capacity brewing.The way this unit works is you add up to 8 cups of water to the tank.When turned on, it boils this water until the total temp reaches 200 deg F (about 6 mins), then it releases it over 4 minutes through the coffee funnel and into the carafe.The problem is that if the full 8 cups of water are added to the tank, a little comes out during the boil phase from between the spin lid and top of the tank.This then goes down the sides of the tank, drips on the pot and down to the warming plate where it hisses and boils (no, I didn't overfill it--it was right on the max line).I did not experience this with a little under 7.5 cups water in the tank.

Build.This unit actually looks like it came from Captain Picard's ready room and is unique looking.However, there is a lot of open space in it's design--the unit is not compact.Also, there are only two supports holding up the water tank and the brew basket.During the aforementioned boil phase, the vibrations of the boiling water cause the tank to visibly shake.It isn't excessive and in no way harms the unit, but it adds a chintzy feel to this unit and could easily be solved by supporting the tank on three sides. In addition, it is just about 15.5 inches tall, but my cabinets sit exactly 15.25 inches above my countertops. Grrr!

Lastly, 8 cup capacity is just barely enough for me and my wife--a larger capacity would be nice.

In all fairness, the unit makes good coffee.However, so do other coffee makers that only cost half as much.Even if a replacement carafe would solve the leaking coffee problem, I feel there are too many issues present for a $100 coffee brewer.

ADDENDUM (11/4/10): I decided to keep this unit when the place I bought it from wanted to charge a 15% restocking fee (my fault for not reading the fine print).I contacted BUNN about the leaky carafe and they sent out a replacement, which works good--no leaks.Unfortunately, I went to make coffee the next day but nothing happened.The display showed it was working, but it did not heat the water.I called BUNN again, and they sent another brewer.So far, this one is working just fine.I have to say BUNN customer service has been excellent in dealing with my issues--both times sending out replacements promptly.

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Product Description:
Phase Brew is different than other drip coffee makers. Unlike ordinary machines, the Phase Brew doesn't "drip" right away. In fact, it doesn't drip at all. That's because the revolutionary Heat and Release Technology heats all the water to the right temperature during the 6-minute heating phase, then quickly releases it through the unique sprayhead for an optimal 4-minute brewing phase and amazing coffee flavor. BUNN Phase Brew - Brews better, not bitter.

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