Bunn Coffee Makers & Espresso Machines - Page 5 - Recent Questions, Troubleshooting & Support

* Check bunn.com for a free download of manual for this brewer. * If this is a pour over (VPR, VPS, etc.) then you must pre fill it then pour in one pot of water to get one pot of brewing hot water out of it. * If this has an external tank of water then it must be filled and make sure the float sensor works and pops up to indicate a filled tank. * But most likely this is a CWTF, CW, or larger commercial brewer that has a plumbed in water line. If this is the case then the tank must be pre-filled and heater turned on. (a switch in the back) Installation is usually done by the vendor or service tech. It should have been tested and brewed to check water level of brew. Follow the brewing instructions. * Still not working? Call vendor for service. It could be timer, brew switch, water level board, water fill valve,brew valve. all need check and service to replace as needed. Many larger units have high voltages so call the tech to be safe. Aloha, ukboy57

There is usually a warmer blanket or heat control that will keep the brewer at a ready temperature. * If your noticing a lot of boiling that continuously runs for more than 30 mins then the brewer needs to be serviced. The thermostat is probably shorted. * Reheating is normal for table units, especially in a cold office. If it comes on more than normal (say within 5 mins) then have the brewer checked. The thermal blanket is bad and or the thermostat is set too high. (or out of calibration) Needs to be replaced. * Call vendor for service to be safe Aloha, ukboy57

VPS/VPR (VP17-3 are the same except it has 3 lower warmers) are pour over brewers. Like the 12 cup brewers you find at home, they need to be filled with 12 cups of water (a full pot), heated and then peculated over the coffee grounds and collected in a decanter. BUT there is one main difference! The VPR and similar COMMERCIAL coffee machines are quick brewers. They usually have a pre-heated pot of water stored inside the machine. * VPR's and similar machines REQUIRE a pre-fill and heating period prior to brewing. This means it's sitting on a level table and filled with water until water sprays from the brew head. At this point the unit is plugged in and the heater is turned on (there may be some water discharge from brew head as the water expands). Ready light will come on in about 15 mins. * To Brew; Place coffee grounds in filter, place in funnel and brew head, clean empty decanter under funnel, slowly pour one full decanter of water (cold or hot) into brew tray. Do not overflow tray. Allow water level to sink before adding more water. Only fill with one pot as an equal amount will come out the brew head and funnel. * Make sure the decanters are all the same size. do not mix a 12 cup pot with a 10 cup pot. One will over fill and the other will under fill. Make sure they match (in cup volume) FYI; Thermo Air pump pots are usually bigger than one pot. Typical filling only to 3/4th of the container. (I think most are in 2.5 to 3 liter sizes) * If your not getting a full pot then the brewer was partially empty. The second brew (if done within the next hour) should come out full. * If your still not getting a full pot then the water is leaking or is boiling off. Does it always steam from the top? Thermostat is shorted. Unplug the brewer and call vendor for service. * Final; If your unplugging when not in use. Then follow the Pre-heat instructions mentioned above prior to plugging the brewer back in. If the tank has been emptied at night or dried up after an idle week. Then there is a chance you may over heat and blow the thermal fuse. Or at best have a half pot short brew as the water dried up. * Note leaving the brewer plugged in without brewing daily is not a good idea. The water evaporates and eventually drys out the pot. Takes about 1-2 weeks but it does blow the fuse(s) and the unit will need service. * Final; Follow the Bunn set up and care instructions (manuals from Bunn.com for down loading. *FREE*) Aloha, ukeboy57

There is usually a warmer blanket or heat control that will keep the brewer at a ready temperature. * If your noticing a lot of boiling that continuously runs for more than 30 mins then the brewer needs to be serviced. The thermostat is probably shorted. * Reheating is normal for table units, especially in a cold office. If it comes on more than normal (say within 5 mins) then have the brewer checked. The thermal blanket is bad and or the thermostat is set too high. (or out of calibration) Needs to be replaced. * Call vendor for service to be safe Aloha, ukboy57

VPR has a semi-sealed tank that keeps +1 pot of water heated and ready to brew. Pouring in a full pot of cold water will fill the top tray and allow a slow trickle of cold water into the top which forces hot water to over flow into the brew basket. This continues until all the cold water drains into the heater tank. So the brew is matched volume per volume. UNLESS the tank was empty or not filled prior to brewing. Follow the brewing instructions from Bunn (on line for *FREE* download at Bunn.com) * If it leaks (from the bottom) only when you pour in water. Then your pouring it too fast and over flowing the fill tray. slowdown, watch the level in the tray. do not fill past the lid. * If it leaks just sitting (not brewing) then there is a hole in the tank. Call for service. * If it leaks after filling the tray half way. then the top of the tank has a leak, loose, cracked, or missing gasket. There is quite a few gaskets on the lid. Call for service. * Final; Leaks are always bad around electrical equip. Best to unplug and call for service to be safe. Aloha, ukeboy57

The Axiom uses a water level probe to keep the heater tank filled with water at a set level. The hot water facet takes water directly from the top of the tank. It's gravity fed with only the weight of the top portion of the water (the hottest area) to flow into the faucet. It is possible that your faucet 'Boot' or spring is bad and needs replacement. But it's designed to give you a single cup of hot water. Do not expect to fill a pot (or large french press) with this faucet. * Call your vendor for service. Aloha, ukeboy57 (the parts manual) https://catalog.bunn.com/public/docs/39131.0000/E17/01/000/39131.0000.pdf

You should call your vendor for service. *** The following is for information only. Equipment should be serviced by a qualified tech. *** VPS are pour over brewers. Like the 12 cup brewers you find at home, they need to be filled with 12 cups of water (a full pot), heated and then peculated over the coffee grounds and collected in a decanter. BUT there is one main difference! The VPR and similar COMMERCIAL coffee machines are quick brewers. They usually have a pre-heated pot of water stored inside the machine. * VPR's and similar machines REQUIRE a pre-fill and heating period prior to brewing. This means it's sitting on a level table and filled with water until water sprays from the brew head. At this point the unit is plugged in and the heater is turned on (CWTF's have a toggle switch behind the machine). Brewer will pre-heat the water (there may be some water discharge from brew head as the water expands). Ready light will come on in about 15 mins. * To Brew; Place coffee grounds in filter, place in funnel and brew head, clean empty decanter under funnel, slowly pour one full decanter of water (cold or hot) into brew tray. Do not overflow tray. Allow water level to sink before adding more water. Only fill with one pot as an equal amount will come out the brew head and funnel. * FYI Coffee grounds are usually in pre-messured packets for office use. A simple guide is one tablespoon per cup. (level or heaping spoon is up to you) * Since your brewer was bubbling at one point. I'm guessing it had water in the pre-heater at one time. But if it's not in use and left plugged in all that time then the water has probably boiled off. Hopefully someone unplugged the brewer prior to the unit blowing the thermal fuse. * You can test the VPR by following the Pre-fill instructions I've listed earlier. If the brewer heats up and does not continuously boil (shorted condition) then try a brew. If it works then your okay. Otherwise the unit will need service for a blown high limit or bad heater element. * Call your coffee vendor anyway. Many coffee vendors will service your brewer of even replace it as long as you buy coffee from them. Ask around. Aloha, ukeboy57

The A10 has a semi-sealed tank that keeps +1 pot of water heated and ready to brew. Pouring in a full pot of cold water will fill the top tray and allow a slow trickle of cold water into the top which forces hot water to over flow into the brew basket. This continues until all the cold water drains into the heater tank. So the brew is matched volume per volume. UNLESS the tank was empty or not filled prior to brewing. Follow the brewing instructions from Bunn (on line for *FREE* download at Bunn.com) * If it leaks (from the bottom) only when you pour in water. Then your pouring it too fast and over flowing the fill tray. slowdown, watch the level in the tray. do not fill past the lid. * If it leaks just sitting (not brewing) then there is a hole in the tank. Call for service. * If it leaks after filling the tray half way. then the top of the tank has a leak, loose, cracked, or missing gasket. There is quite a few gaskets on the lid. Call for service. * Final; Leaks are always bad around electrical equip. Best to unplug and call for service to be safe. Aloha, ukeboy57 PS. Check your using the correct size decanter for this brewer. If it's a 10 cup brewer then make sure all the decanters in the office is also 10 cup. Pouring a 12 cup pot into brewer will have 12 cups of coffee come out (over flowing the 10 cup pot.) Note that not all decanters are made the same size. Other brands may be different. Test by filling a pot with water (from faucet) then pouring directly into pot in question. It should match and not under fill nor over fill.

Check bunn.com for free download of manual. *** the following is for information only. Equipment should be service by a qualified tech. *** * Thermal fuse is pretty standard for all bunn equipment. They are readily available from many on line sources as well as a local restaurant equipment store (FESCO, Restaurant supply parts, etc.) * though thermal high limit fuses blow when no water is in the brewer when powered up. This means the heater element got hot enough to melt things and eventually over heat the fuse. Replacing the fuse may not solve all your brewers problems. * It might be wise to check for a repair kit on line, just to be sure your covered for other problems. * Final, Check your warranty before performing any repairs. You could probably get the whole unit replaced. Aloha, ukeboy57

Check bunn.com for free download of manual(s) Call your vendor for service. Especially if this equipment is on loan from them, Aloha, ukeboy57

You should call your vendor for service. Especially if this equipment is on loan from them. *** The following is for information only. Equipment should be serviced by a qualified tech. **** * Bunn.com has a free download of their manuals. * Check the parts diagram if you have assembled everything properly. Often people forget the 'button' (looks like a nickel with a dent in it.) * Perform the following adjustments WITHOUT beans as they will prevent you from hearing to any problems. * Opening the burrs too wide (turning too far counter clockwise) will have the plate scraping the cover and you get metal flaking along with a teeth chattering/grinding sound. Turn the adjustment several times CLOCK-WISE and try again. If you still get grinding then take everything apart and check for objects in the burr area then reassemble according to the parts diagram. Make sure you have the correct model and diagram. * Closing the burrs too tight (Clock-wise) will have the burrs touch and lock up together. There is another loud grinding sound but not as bad as hitting the case. Though back it off fast as you will ruin the plates if they over heat. * Note; Once you get things in range. (No loud metal chatter or grinding sounds. Just a nice hum and whirling sound. The you will need to calibrate the plate. Go ahead and add a few table spoons of beans. Keep it to a very small amount as you will probably end up dumping them (a waste). I use 'expired' or old beans for this. * Calibration is done by grinding a few beans at a time. You must clear the beans completely before adjusting to the next setting. Keep turning the dial to the fine setting. Keep grinding small doses until you get to the level of grind that matches the finest setting on the dial (usually Turkish grind which is almost a powder.) Adjust this back (Larger) a bit as most people end up burning the beans at this fine a grind. It also takes forever to grind a whole bag, even with only 10 oz of beans. Lock down the adjustment screw once your satisfied with the grind matching the dial. * Note; If you find the motor trips out often then back off the grinder for a larger (course) grind. *Finally check with your vendor if your still having problems. Aloha! ukeboy57

You should call your vendor for service on any commercial brewer. (Especially if it's on loan from them) *** the following is for information only as all repairs should be performed by a qualified tech.*** * There is an on/off heater switch located in the back of the brewer. This should be on when the brewer is needed. There will be a 20 minute wait for the "ready" to brew light comes on. If you brew before the light comes on then the coffee will be only warm. * If everything is on and looks okay but it takes forever to light the ready light then the main heater is not working. Call your vendor for service. Aloha, ukboy57 P.S. The 3 liter brewer has a much larger tank than the regular 2.5 brewer. So expect it to take a bit longer to reheat a full brew. Some customers will request the 'Airpot' or 'Pump pot' to be filled to the top which means even more water is needed to be heated. Expect at least a 20-30 minute wait on reheating. I've found that customers that use this large a pump pot will brew +3 pots in a row. (Regular, Decafe, and a 2nd regular or 'flavored' coffee.) Often brewing without waiting for the ready light. If this is the case then mention this to your vendor. You may need a 2nd brewer, larger brewer, or have the brewer hooked up to the 'Hot' water line to get pre-heated water to the brewer (though they may need to modify the water valve to one that is rated for hot water inlet line.). If your using larger 3L decanters then having pre-heated decanters and using the 'pour over' function can aid with faster brews. Though this method is a lot of work for the operator.

VPR has a semi-sealed tank that keeps +1 pot of water heated and ready to brew. Pouring in a full pot of cold water will fill the top tray and allow a slow trickle of cold water into the top which forces hot water to over flow into the brew basket. This continues until all the cold water drains into the heater tank. So the brew is matched volume per volume. UNLESS the tank was empty or not filled prior to brewing. Follow the brewing instructions from Bunn (on line for *FREE* download at Bunn.com) * If it leaks (from the bottom) only when you pour in water. Then your pouring it too fast and over flowing the fill tray. slowdown, watch the level in the tray. do not fill past the lid. * If it leaks just sitting (not brewing) then there is a hole in the tank. Call for service. * If it leaks after filling the tray half way. then the top of the tank has a leak, loose, cracked, or missing gasket. There is quite a few gaskets on the lid. Call for service. * Final; Leaks are always bad around electrical equip. Best to unplug and call for service to be safe. Aloha, ukeboy57

VPR has a semi-sealed tank that keeps +1 pot of water heated and ready to brew. Pouring in a full pot of cold water will fill the top tray and allow a slow trickle of cold water into the top which forces hot water to over flow into the brew basket. This continues until all the cold water drains into the heater tank. So the brew is matched volume per volume. UNLESS the tank was empty or not filled prior to brewing. Follow the brewing instructions from Bunn (on line for *FREE* download at Bunn.com) * If it leaks (from the bottom) only when you pour in water. Then your pouring it too fast and over flowing the fill tray. slowdown, watch the level in the tray. do not fill past the lid. * If it leaks just sitting (not brewing) then there is a hole in the tank. Call for service. * If it leaks after filling the tray half way. then the top of the tank has a leak, loose, cracked, or missing gasket. There is quite a few gaskets on the lid. Call for service. * Final; Leaks are always bad around electrical equip. Best to unplug and call for service to be safe. Aloha, ukeboy57

The KitchenAid Pro Line on the Williams Sonoma site only shows counter top pour over type brewers. Most "Plumb in" brewers are commercial level brewers. The common Brands are Bunn, Curtis, Bloomfield, Kraft, etc. All commercial brewers require a qualified technician to install. Most require plumbing, electrical, and set up prior to uses. The installer will hook up the water line, fill and test the brewer, adjust it to the size of decanter you are using. Check the coffee amount matches your brewer and decanter. * I would recommend taking a look at the Bunn CWTF line for a model that would fit your needs. (I'm a retired coffee tech that worked on many brands. Bunn is very reliable. Curtis would be another good choice.) Aloha, ukeboy57 (W/S link below) https://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/electrics/coffee-makers/?cm_type=gnav

You should call your vendor for service. Especially if this equipment is on loan. *** The following is for information only. All repairs should be performed by a qualified tech.*** Okay, I'm NOT going to ask how you turn the burrs. * The starter capacitor is bad or disconnected. It's the bulge on the top of the motor. * There usually a schematic on the back plate or panel. * Go to bunn.com to download the Bunn manual which has the wiring diagram on the back pages. This should be a FREE download. AVOID using the word "manual" as it will re-direct you to scam sites that charge for free stuff. * I know following the wires is a bit tricky.. Especially on the G9-2 with everything doubled. Take your time or seek help from a tech or your vendor. * The capacitor is round and usually attached to the motor like a 'hump' on the side or near the top. If you didn't take it apart then one of the wires in the switching side may be miss wired or loose. Check both for loose and correct wired. Careful around the capacitor as it may still have a charge! * The capacitor is used to kick start the motor with it's heavy burr plates. Oh, and if your still having problems with low power. Check the motor for burnt smell as you may have overheated and fried the motor. They usually have thermal resets, but if you kept forcing the reset to keep grinding then the motor is defiantly burnt out. Aloha, ukeboy57 PS. Removing the rotor can be tricky. I did have one with a bolt ground up between the two plates. Hammer time! Not fun. Try a large gear puller but you really have to be careful and not damage the shaft. Check the manual to make sure you have all the parts assembled right. There is a 'button' that goes under the adjustment screw. Looks like a nickle with a dent in it. Also adjusting the burrs too far out will grind metal (from the case) or grind the burrs if it's too far in. Many try to grind stuff to "Espresso" fine grind to get more flavor from the brew but this just shortens the life of the burr plates and overheat the motor which is not rated for this fine a grind. (use a G3 or espresso grinder for this purpose.)

Bunn G9 Retail grinder usually has a large "Chaff" plate located inside the top portion of the discharge port. There is usually a handle connected to this plate to allow the last bit of grounds to fall out of the chute. It looks like a 'trap door' that swings open and close. You will need to replace it if it's missing. * Some places use a bag clip to attach a coffee bag to the chute so all the grounds can drop into the bag. This clip (with a small metal chain attached) also helps with the static electricity. Aloha, ukeboy57

The VPR manual is on the bunn.com website. (Free) *** the following is for information only as all repairs should be performed by a qualified Bunn tech. *** * The VPR has two heaters in the brewer. There is an element inside the water tank (cylinder) which is wrapped in a warmer blanket which is also heated. (Like and electric blanket) * There will be one or more warmer "Hot Plates". * Most VPRs will power up as soon as it's plugged in. In other words there is no On/Off switch (though this may have changed in newer models or called a 'Vacation' switch that turns off all the internal heaters.) * Each additional warmer plate will have it's own on/off switch. * Internal heater(s) have thermal fuses on each heater. There may be a 2nd thermal fuse or High Limit on the tank - it looks like a disk with two tabs. The thermal fuses look like diodes that sometimes are enclosed in a plastic tube. There should be continuity on all good fuses. If it's open then replace. * The element is straight forward. Similar to what you would find in a water heater. Which is basically what this brewer is. Just on a smaller scale. * There is a bulb style thermostat wired in series with the main heater element. This is should be set to boil the water but it should not boil constantly. If it's always boiling then it's shorted. If it does not switch on when the dial is turned clockwise. Then it's open. Need to replace. * Okay final note; I'm guessing the real question here is what the wires look like in the real brewer and not a bunch of lines on a paper. Most Bunn brewers come with a schematic (electrical) diagram under the top lid or inside a panel. So I've had that problem myself even though I have an Electronics background. You just have to take your time and follow each wire to the component. It's all there. But again, this should be performed by a Qualified Tech. Aloha, ukeboy57

The NHS-B has a semi-sealed tank that keeps +1 pot of water heated and ready to brew. Pouring in a full pot of cold water will fill the top tray and allow a slow trickle of cold water into the top which forces hot water to over flow into the brew basket. This continues until all the cold water drains into the heater tank. So the brew is matched volume per volume. UNLESS the thank was empty or not filled prior to brewing. Follow the brewing instructions from Bunn (on line for *FREE* download at Bunn.com) * If it leaks (from the bottom) only when you pour in water. Then your pouring it too fast and over flowing the fill tray. slowdown, watch the level in the tray. do not fill past the lid. * If it leaks just sitting (not brewing) then there is a hole in the tank. Call for service. * If it leaks after filling the tray half way. then the top of the tank has a leak, loose, cracked, or missing gasket. There is quite a few gaskets on the lid. Call for service. * Final; Leaks are always bad around electrical equip. Best to unplug and call for service to be safe. Aloha, ukeboy57 P.S. If you did splash too much water then wipe up as much as you can. Leave it out on a towel or paper towels to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. If you dump all the water out of the brewer (and tank) then you will need to pre-fill it with a pot of water PRIOR to plugging in the brewer. Follow the set up instructions in the manual. Let it heat up and try again. If it's still leaking then there is a hole in the tank. Call for service.

What a scam. I am a professional electronic technician trained in safe practices in electrical work and they won't sell me the replacement switch. I will source a suitable replacement from one of the big electronics supply catalogs. This will be my last Bunn coffeemaker.