Bunn Programmable Coffee Maker – Heat and Brew Review

Bunn home brewer sitting on counter

OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS

A Programmable Coffee Maker

The most unique feature of this brewer is that it’s programmable. It has a digital clock that you can program to start brewing before you wake up in the morning. It’s the only coffee maker by Bunn that has this feature. It also has a warming plate that turns on during brewing and off automatically after 2 hours. Also, the Bunn Heat and Brew is a certified home brewer by the Specialty Coffee Association.

Heat N’ Brew Features at a Glance

  • Programmable Auto Start and Digital Clock
  • Brews at a consistent temperature of 200 F using a digital thermometer
  • SCA Certification – Brews at Golden Cup standards
  • Capacity of 4 – 10 cups / 20 oz – 50 oz
  • Brew time is 6-10 minutes
  • Includes a Drip-Free Carafe made of Glass
  • The warming plate has an auto turn off 2 hours after brewing. A nice energy saver and safety feature.
  • 6-stream commercial style sprayhead
  • Bunn 3 year warranty

HOW IT WORKS

The Heat and Brew uses a 2 step brewing process. It takes 6 minutes to heat the water to 200 F and about 4 minutes to brew a full 50 oz pot of coffee.

With the Heat and Brew, the benefit in waiting is that the machine isn’t wasting energy. It has a built-in sensor that will not start brewing until it is at the ideal temperature of 200 F, as recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association.

water reservoir for the Bunn Heat N' Brew tank

However, the brewing time may be too slow for some. Most other Bunn models are fast and ready to brew 24/7. They keep water hot inside, ready on demand. Some may find this convenience is a bit wasteful.

Bunn coffee makers have hot water in the tank ready to brew. The Heat and Brew doesn’t waste energy-this coffee maker only heats the water when you need it.

Also, the digital display will remind you when the machine needs cleaning. This is about every 3 months. The notification will help you prolong the life of your machine.

So if you live in an area with hard water, the Heat and Brew can be a bit more sensitive to mineral build-up. It may need cleaning more often. In that case, you will have to clean it before the 3-month mark, to keep your machine running smoothly.

One criticism of the machine is that a few people have found that it can come with a plastic taste out of the box but many also report that this goes away after a few pots.

DESIGN & DURABILITY

The body is mostly plastic and the parts are BPA-free. It doesn’t have a stainless steel commercial grade tank, as do most other Bunn brewers. Yet you won’t have plastic leaching into your coffee. All the parts of the machine that touch water are stainless steel or BPA free. However, for some, any plastic is still a concern. If this is you, you’re better off picking one of the other Bunn brewers.

The heating plate temperature falls between 176-185 F when on. The glass carafe is dishwasher safe.

The Heat and Brew is modern by design and it is a bit taller than other Bunn models, due to the water reservoir on the top. It’s 16 inches high but 20 inches tall with the water reservoir lid open. So make sure it fits under the cupboards on your counter.

Bunn home coffee maker side view
Bunn Heat N’ Brew – Side View

Although this model is more plastic than other brewers, it’s not flimsy and Bunn still gives it a 3-year warranty.

Pros

Cons

  • Slower than their other models. You have to wait 6 minutes to heat + 4 minutes to brew. No heated water in the tank 24/7
  • It doesn’t have a stainless steel commercial grade tank, as do most other Bunn models.
  • It doesn’t have a pause / stop if you want to sneak a cup of coffee before the brewing finishes. All Bunn brewers force you to wait until the full pot is complete-coffee tastes better if when you wait for the full pot to complete.
  • The brewing system is a bit more sensitive to mineral build-up from the water. It may need cleaning more often if your water is hard.
  • Ground coffee sitting overnight in the brew basket getting a bit stale

Best for Pre-Ground Coffee Users

Most find the Heat and Brew makes delicious coffee. Yet if you like to grind your coffee before brewing, this machine wouldn’t be my first choice.

Ground coffee shouldn’t sit in a filter overnight. That’s how programmable coffee makers work by design. Ground coffee starts to go stale once it’s ground and exposed to air.

Yet, I haven’t heard anyone complain about this, so it’s a minor quibble. Many people love the convenience of programmable coffee makers. It doesn’t seem to bother most when the benefit is waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

You should not buy this brewer if…

You want your coffee in under 4 minutes. If so, you’re better off with a Speed Brew Bunn brewer.

Plastic components bother you. The Heat and Brew is a little more plastic than their other models. It doesn’t have a commercial-grade stainless steel tank like other Bunn brewers. Some people will see this as a disadvantage.

You like to grind and then brew. This machine is programmable to brew in the morning but it doesn’t have a grinder. You do have to put ground coffee in the night before.

You live at an altitude of 4000 ft. Do not to buy this model as you may get an Error 003 message. You are better off with one of the Bunn Altitude models.

CONCLUSION

There are many coffee makers on the market, and choosing one can get confusing. Yet I truly believe you can’t go wrong with a Bunn home brewer.

If you love the idea of a programmable model that will brew coffee when you wake up, then this is a great fit.

One of the most important elements of good brewing is the correct temperature. Bunn gets this right every time. It brews consistently for ideal coffee extraction.

The Heat and Brew is a good choice if you don’t need the machine ready 24/7. It makes excellent coffee and only heats the water when you need it. It will help you save on your water bill and lower your carbon footprint.

If you want something faster, then you might be better off with the Bunn Speed Brew series.

If you like to grind coffee beans in the morning, then you are better off with a grind and brew coffee maker.

There is nothing complicated or fussy about the Bunn Heat and Brew- that’s why people like it. It’s designed for one function-to make coffee at golden cup standards.

It has a 3-year warranty. That tells you how confident they are of their product.

If you buy a Bunn brewer, expect to have if for a long time as they tend to last. I know many people who have had one for over 10 years.

There will always be less expensive options for a coffee maker. Yet if you spend a little extra now, a Bunn brewer is well worth it in the long run.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe (Easy)

Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

This Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe is easy to make at home-no need to wait for fall. You need minimal equipment and it takes less than 5 minutes.

If you have an espresso machine, you can use it to make the coffee and steam the milk. If not, just make some strong coffee and froth with the French Press. That’s all I use in the short video tutorial below.

You can use any type of milk or milk alternative if you want to make this a vegan latte.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe (Easy):

Makes 1 cup

Total Time: Under 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice
  • a shot of espresso or 1/4 cup strong coffee
  • 3/4 cup milk or any milk alternative you prefer

1. Add 2 tbsp pumpkin puree, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, to a coffee cup.

2. Add 1/4 tsp Pumpkin Spice or make your own by blending cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves (see ratios below) .

3. Add 1/4 cup espresso or strong coffee. Use an espresso machine if you have one, or an Aeropress, or a French Press to make the coffee. Mix and set aside.

4. Heat and then pour hot milk, or any milk alternative into the French Press to froth (I am using organic soy milk in the video below).

5. Pour the foamed milk over the Pumpkin Spice mixture.

That’s it! Enjoy.

These are the spice and soy I use:

  • Simply Organic Pumpkin Spice
  • Silk Organic Soy Milk (Soy foams really well)

How to Make Pumpkin Spice

You can buy a Pumpkin Spice blend at many grocery stores or make it yourself by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves in the following ratios:

  • 3 tablespoons ground Cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice (optional)

Some people think that Allspice is the same thing as Pumpkin Spice, however, it’s actually is made from the dried unripe berries of a tree called the Pimenta Dioica. While not essential, it will add a little dimension to your Pumpkin Spice blend, if you have it.

The mixture will make enough for several servings, so store it in an airtight container out of direct sunlight for next time.

Easy Turmeric Latte (How to)

Golden Milk

In this recipe, I make an easy Turmeric Latte, also known as Golden Milk or Haldi Milk.  A Turmeric Latte is an anti-inflammatory hot drink, great any time of day. While Turmeric has many health benefits, this beverage typically has no coffee in it, and yet it is gaining popularity at coffee shops and health food cafes around the world as a healthy caffeine-free alternative. If you need your caffeine though, you can also add a shot of espresso-it’s delicious both ways!

If your local cafe isn’t offering this yet, a Turmeric Latte is easy to make at home. You most likely have these spices in your cupboard already! To save time, you can pre-mix the spices so that you have them on hand.

* This recipe has a pinch of pepper in it which boosts the health benefits and absorption of Turmeric so don’t leave it out!

Watch this short video to see how easy it is to make a healthy Turmeric Latte at home:

Turmeric Latte using Fresh Spices

If you want to use fresh spices here are the ingredients:

    • 1 heaped teaspoon peeled and finely chopped fresh turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon peeled and roughly chopped ginger
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1-1.5 tablespoon maple syrup / coconut sugar / honey
    • 1/2- 1 teaspoons coconut oil
    • pinch sea salt
    • pinch of pepper
    • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 cup almond milk/coconut milk

Heat on the stove, then put in a blender to mix (optional), then serve.

Homemade Latte using Just a French Press (How to)

How to make a latte at home without a machine

You can make a homemade latte without an espresso machine. All you need is a French Press, hot milk and hot water.

One of the small cons of a French Press is the mess-some find cleaning out the grounds in the bottom annoying.

how to make a latte at home without a machine
Homemade latte using just a French Press – the result

Also, there are quicker methods for making coffee. It takes 3-4 minutes for coffee to steep in a French Press and about 1 minute in an Aeropress Coffee Maker.

Regardless, you can’t go wrong owning a French Press. Many coffee lovers have one at home-it’s the most versatile of coffee makers. It’s simple to use and it makes great tasting coffee.

In addition to coffee, it has many other uses, one of which is to froth milk. Many people either don’t know this or forget. You can foam milk and almost all dairy-free alternatives in a French Press, often more easily than on a traditional espresso machine or an electric milk frother!

Here is a simple recipe to make a latte at home using a French Press and check out the quick 1-minute video tutorial below:

Homemade Latte using a French Press

Heat the Milk to a maximum of 165 F

1. Heat 1 cup Milk on the stove (or with a microwave). You can use any milk you prefer. I’m using Soy in the video. The ideal temperature for a Latte is 155-165 F.

 

 

Make coffee in the French Press while the milk heats
While the milk heats prepare the coffee

2. While the milk heats, add 1/4 cup fresh ground coffee to the French Press (regular grind is fine).

 

 

 

 

Brew coffee in a French Press
Add hot water to brew the coffee in the French Press

3. Add about 150-180 ml hot water (just under boiling). Use less water if you like stronger coffee.

 

 

 

 

Steep coffee in a French Press
Let coffee steep in the French Press 3-4 minutes

4. Let coffee steep for 3-4 minutes.

5. Press down on the French Press. Pour the coffee into a cup and set aside.

 

 

6. Clean out the French Press and pour in your hot milk.

7. Plunge up and down for about 30 seconds, until the milk texture changes. It will feel slightly thicker and foam.

 

8. Pour the frothy milk over your coffee. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Espresso vs Coffee – What is the difference?

Espresso is coffee.

It is a brewing method that produces a more concentrated amount of coffee in a much shorter brew time than drip coffee.  Hot water is forced through fine grounds, under high pressure, typically using a machine.  It is often served in small cups and with a layer of crema on top (a golden foam).

In comparison, coffee is typically brewed with hot water poured over ground beans. Water drips through the grounds by gravity – no pressure is applied.

The most common method of brewing coffee in America is often called ‘drip coffee’, as it relies upon gravity for extraction.

Aeropress Coffee Maker – The Inverted Method (How to)

Aeropress Inverted Method

My favourite way to use the Aeropress coffee maker is by using the Inverted Method. The video below is a quick “how to” on the subject.

The Inverted Method is less messy-I like to press the coffee through, rather than let it drip, as it does when you follow the instructions on the box.

Despite what some say, the Aeropress coffee maker does not make true espresso. However, it does make great coffee for such a simple and portable device. I take this with me on my travels.

The Aeropress has a huge fan base and many users love to experiment and innovate with unique recipes-a popular one being the Inverted Brewing Method, which is used in the video I link below.

There is even a World Aeropress Championship, where Aeropress users compete to showcase their own recipes.

https://www.worldaeropresschampionship.com/

Many of us don’t have time in the morning to fuss with scales and thermometers, so don’t worry about being precise.  The device is pretty forgiving – the most important thing is to use fresh coffee and if you’re me, not to spill it.