bunn and curtis

BUNN vs. Curtis

Both BUNN and Curtis are recognized as leaders in the mid- to premium-tier commercial coffee brewing market. BUNN stands out for its brewing speed, while Curtis is known for its advanced technology. Both brands offer durable equipment that supports consistent performance in high-volume operations.

BUNN vs. Curtis Comparison Snapshot

Category BUNN Curtis
Overview Known for fast brewing performance, durable construction, and reliable equipment designed for high-volume coffee service Recognized for customizable brewing technology, precision controls, and versatile beverage systems for a range of foodservice operations
Typical Price Range $$$ $$$
Strengths Speed of brewing cycles, user-friendly designs, and capacity Advanced technology, capacity, and precision
Considerations Sprayhead becomes clogged, especially with finer grounds, without consistent cleaning Pre-heat and setup time up to 30 minutes to reach operating temperature
Best For High-volume brewing and fast-paced coffee service Customizable brewing programs and specialty applications

About BUNN

Jacob Bunn opened a grocery store in the mid-1800s in Springfield, Ill., that later grew into Bunn Capitol Wholesale Grocery Company. George Bunn founded the beverage equipment division in the 1950s. Today, BUNN is a leading manufacturer of commercial coffee and tea brewers and dispensers.

Key Strengths:

  • High-speed and high-volume brewing capabilities
  • Consistency and quality
  • Known to last up to 10 years in commercial settings with proper care and maintenance

About Curtis

Founded in 1941, Curtis is still a family-owned business located in California. The brand manufactures commercial coffee and iced tea brewing equipment and beverage dispensers. Curtis is a leading manufacturer of commercial brewing systems for a variety of operations.

Key Strengths:

  • Advanced brewing technology
  • Energy efficiency
  • Programmable and customizable settings

Key Differences Explained

Performance and Reliability

BUNN is known for speed and efficiency with units featuring stainless steel tanks that maintain ideal water temperatures. A full pot of coffee can be produced in three to four minutes. The TITAN® DBC coffee brewer can produce 34 gallons of coffee per hour. Curtis coffee makers include stainless steel boilers and are known for their longevity in high-volume operations. Curtis' Omega (OMGT10) twin unit can brew 36 gallons of coffee per hour with consistency and control.

Design and Ease of Use

BUNN's stainless steel internal water tank preheats water to an optimal 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. A multi-stream sprayhead evenly saturates coffee grounds to ensure full flavor extraction. Depending on the configuration, BUNN coffee makers feature insulated carafes or up to six warmers to maintain coffee temperature. Curtis products feature IntelliFresh® technology that digitally controls heat, keeping coffee at an ideal temperature without scorching. Touchscreens provide precise control over time and temperature. Many units include pre-programmed settings with options to customize recipes.

Maintenance and Durability

With proper care and maintenance, BUNN brewers last up to 10 years in high-volume environments. Clean brew funnels, decanters, and the sprayhead daily to prevent buildup. Use a deliming tool or white vinegar monthly to remove deposits. With daily cleaning of sprayheads, brew cones, and exterior surfaces, Curtis brewers can last up to 15 years. Descaling every one to three months is necessary to maintain performance.

Price and Value

Both brands derive their value from durable stainless steel construction that supports continuous use and consistent beverage quality. Pricing varies by model based on capacity and technology. Their product lines include options suited for small cafes to high-demand commercial operations.

Which Coffee Maker Brand Is Right for You?

Scenario Best Choice Why
High-Volume Operations Either Both brands offer models capable of producing more than 30 gallons of coffee per hour while maintaining consistency; choose the model that suits your operation
Small / Startup Businesses Either While BUNN and Curtis are known for their large-capacity brewers, they also offer units that accommodate lower-volume operations
Programmable Features Curtis Many brewers include advanced digital controls and customizable brew settings
Fast Brewing Performance BUNN Internal hot water tanks maintain rapid brewing speeds

Shop BUNN & Curtis at KaTom

Both BUNN and Curtis offer dependable brewers for commercial kitchens. KaTom carries a wide selection of coffee brewers and tea dispensers from each brand to help streamline your operation. Browse available models and sizes to find the right fit for your needs.