BUNN vs. Technivorm
Both BUNN and Technivorm, the manufacturer of Moccamaster coffee makers, are leaders in the coffee maker industry. BUNN stands out for high-speed brewing and consistency, while Technivorm provides handcrafted, modular designs.
BUNN vs. Technivorm: Comparison Snapshot
| Category | BUNN | Technivorm |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Specializes in high-volume commercial coffee equipment designed for speed, durability, and consistent performance | Focuses on premium handcrafted coffee makers engineered for precise brewing temperatures and specialty production |
| Typical Price Range | $$$$ | $$ |
| Strengths | Brewing speed; commercial-grade durability; consistency | Copper heating elements; durability; longevity |
| Considerations | High energy consumption; sprayheads may clog; tall, heavy units that may require a water line connection | Tall profile; visible wires and plastics; costly replacement parts |
| Best For | High-volume operations requiring continuous traditional coffee brewing | Cafes, hospitality spaces, and lower-volume operations focused on premium drinks |
About BUNN
BUNN began in the 1840s when Jacob Bunn opened a grocery store in Springfield, Ill., which became Bunn Capitol Wholesale Grocery Company. In the 1950s, George Bunn established the company's beverage equipment division, later incorporated as BUNN-O-Matic. Today, BUNN is a leading manufacturer of commercial coffee and tea brewing and dispensing equipment.
Key Strengths:
- Exceptional brewing speed
- Consistent extraction temperature
- Reliable performance in high-volume operations
About Technivorm
Technivorm was founded in 1964 by Dutch engineer Gerard Clement Smit, initially manufacturing step ladders and shelving. In 1965, Smit designed a home coffee grinder and later partnered with Douwe Egberts to develop a home brewing system. Technivorm introduced the Moccamaster 68 brewing system in 1969, entered the commercial coffee maker market in 1974, and continues to develop and produce handmade residential and commercial Moccamaster coffee makers in the Netherlands.
Key Strengths:
- Handcrafted construction in the Netherlands
- Optimal brewing temperature and consistency
- Even saturation and pre-immersion drip-style system
Key Differences Explained
Performance and Reliability
BUNN coffee makers are known for speed and high output. Models with internal water tanks keep temperatures between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating heat-up times. Depending on the model, some brewers can produce 3 to 34 gallons of coffee per hour. With proper care and maintenance, many BUNN brewers remain in service for up to 15 years. Technivorm commercial coffee makers produce at most 60 ounces per brew in approximately six minutes. Copper heating elements maintain steady water temperatures to prevent coffee bitterness. The Moccamaster KBT features adjustable brew-basket flow control for smaller batch brewing. Technivorm coffee makers can last up to 25 years with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Design and Ease of Use
BUNN designs its coffee makers for consistent brewing and ease of operation. Internal stainless steel tanks maintain water temperatures, while sprayheads evenly saturate grounds to support flavor extraction. Depending on the model, units may include insulated thermal carafes or multiple warming stations. Straightforward controls and streamlined designs also help simplify staff training and daily use. Technivorm's modular design and simple analog controls reduce staff training time. Handmade with BPA-free plastics, these units feature thermal stainless steel or glass carafes. Some units feature a manual flow-rate adjust arm, and many models include a drip-stop feature that automatically stops the flow of coffee when the carafe is removed.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance steps for both brands are similar. Brew funnels, baskets, decanters, and thermal carafes should be cleaned daily with warm water and mild soap. Remove and soak the sprayhead in a commercial-grade deliming solution weekly, using a deliming tool to remove debris from the holes in the sprayhead. Depending on water hardness, descale the coffee maker every one to three months. BUNN and Technivorm machines are built to withstand heavy use in commercial operations and can last for years with proper use and maintenance.
Price and Value
BUNN's value comes from its durability, speed, and temperature control. Stainless steel internal tanks support rapid heating for consistent temperatures in commercial settings. Technivorm units typically cost less yet are handmade using aluminum, steel, non-toxic plastics, and copper internal parts, performing best with lower-volume batches. Copper heating elements maintain optimal brewing temperatures to extract flavor without bitterness.
Which Coffee Maker Brand Is Right for You?
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-Volume Operations | BUNN | Designed for continuous use in high-volume operations, brewing up to 34 gal./hr. |
| Small or Startup Businesses | Either | Either brand would be a strong choice depending on the application; choose the brand that best suits your needs |
| Design and Craftsmanship | Technivorm | Stands out for its handmade construction and minimalist design |
| Traditional Brewing | BUNN | Features straightforward controls that support reliable batch production |
Shop BUNN at KaTom
Explore KaTom to find BUNN coffee makers, tea brewers and dispensers, parts, and more. Contact our foodservice equipment specialists to choose the best fit for your operation. BUNN coffee makers differ in installation and performance, so the right choice depends on your kitchen setup.
