May 24th, 2025 Yehudah Sunshine
How to Clean a Bunn Coffee Maker — Proper Ways To Clean Tips and Tricks and More
Bunn coffee makers are known for their reliability in commercial kitchens, but even the best brewers need regular cleaning to perform at their best. Over time, mineral deposits, coffee oils, and residue can build up, affecting flavor, brew time, and equipment lifespan.
This guide covers how to properly clean and maintain both classic and modern Bunn models. Whether you’re managing a hotel breakfast station, café, or office kitchen, these cleaning tips will help you improve coffee quality, reduce service issues, and protect your equipment investment.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Bunn Coffee Makers: Legacy and New Models
- Brand History
- FAQ
- Proper Cleaning Techniques & Maintenance Tips
- Conclusion
1. Overview of Bunn Coffee Makers: Legacy and New Models
Bunn brewers are trusted in virtually every segment of the foodservice industry—from local diners and hotel buffets to large-scale catering operations. Their equipment is known for ease of use, reliable performance, and long service life. Whether you prefer the simplicity of classic pourover models or the automation of newer digital systems, understanding your machine’s design is key to maintaining it properly.
Legacy Models
| Product Name | Ideal Environment | Features |
| Bunn VP17-1 Pourover Brewer | Diners, breakrooms, low-volume restaurants | Simple to operate, no plumbing required |
| Bunn CWTF15-1 Automatic Brewer | Hotels, staff kitchens, medium-volume service | Automatic water fill, front hot water faucet |
Legacy Bunn brewers like the VP17 and CWTF15-1 are built with simplicity and durability in mind. These models are easy to clean, with minimal internal electronics and quick-access components like filter baskets and decanter warmers. Ideal for staff with limited training, they can last for years with regular wiping, descaling, and basic upkeep.
Newer Models
| Product Name | Ideal Environment | Features |
| Bunn AXIOM DV-APS Airpot Brewer | Cafés, office pantries, catering lines | Digital interface, programmable brew settings |
Currently, one of the most accessible modern Bunn brewers on Culinary Depot is the AXIOM DV-APS. This unit offers digital diagnostics and programmable brewing profiles, making it a great fit for locations where coffee quality and consistency are key. Its internal components require more specific cleaning protocols, particularly around sensors, sprayheads, and the hot water system. Routine descaling is essential for optimal performance.
2. About the Bunn Brand
Founded in the early 1950s, Bunn has become one of the most trusted names in commercial coffee and beverage equipment. Known for pioneering innovation and reliability, Bunn has helped shape the way coffee is brewed and served in commercial environments around the world.
Bunn Company Timeline: 5 Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
| 1957 | George Bunn founds Bunn-O-Matic Corporation and introduces the first commercial paper coffee filter. |
| 1963 | Launch of the first automatic drip-brewer for commercial use, transforming coffee service in restaurants. |
| 1972 | Introduction of the pourover brewer, a staple in diners and foodservice operations still widely used today. |
| 2000s | Bunn expands globally and enters the specialty beverage market, offering machines for tea, cappuccino, and cold brew. |
| 2010s–Present | Launch of the Infusion Series and AXIOM Series brewers, integrating digital controls and energy-saving features. |
Bunn CWTF15-1 Automatic Brewer
Where Bunn Products Fit in Foodservice
Bunn coffee makers are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of foodservice environments:
- Diners and casual restaurants: Simple, rugged machines like the VP17 Pourover provide all-day reliability.
- Hotels and hospitality: Automatic models such as the CWTF15-1 keep up with breakfast service demand and offer a hot water faucet for tea or oatmeal.
- Cafés and self-serve stations: Airpot brewers like the AXIOM DV-APS provide batch brewing with minimal mess and excellent heat retention.
- Corporate kitchens and offices: Bunn’s compact models deliver quality coffee with user-friendly interfaces that require little training.
Their equipment is widely used in catering operations, convenience stores, universities, and food courts due to its scalability, fast recovery times, and long-term durability.
3. FAQ
1. How often should I clean my Bunn coffee maker?
Daily cleaning of brew funnels, decanters, and external surfaces is essential. Weekly sprayhead cleaning and monthly descaling are recommended for most commercial operations. High-volume or hard water environments may require more frequent maintenance.
2. What’s the best way to descale a Bunn coffee maker?
Use a commercial-grade, non-toxic descaling agent designed for stainless steel. Follow the descaling steps outlined in your model’s Bunn operator manual. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any residual solution.
3. Why does my coffee taste bitter even after cleaning?
Lingering coffee oils, buildup in the sprayhead, or poor-quality water can all impact flavor. Ensure you’re regularly cleaning all contact surfaces and consider using a water filtration system to improve brew consistency.
4. Can I use vinegar to clean a Bunn coffee machine?
While vinegar is a common DIY descaler, it’s not recommended for commercial Bunn models. It may not be effective enough for heavy scale and can void warranty terms. Stick with manufacturer-approved products listed in the Bunn service documentation.
5. How long do Bunn coffee makers typically last?
With regular cleaning and descaling, Bunn brewers often last 5–10 years in commercial settings. Some models have been known to operate reliably even longer when properly maintained and used in moderate-duty environments.
Bunn AXIOM DV-APS Airpot Brewer
4. Proper Cleaning Techniques & Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your Bunn coffee maker is one of the most effective ways to extend its life, maintain beverage quality, and prevent service disruptions. Over time, coffee oils, mineral deposits, and hard water scale can compromise both flavor and machine performance. The good news: most maintenance tasks are simple, fast, and can be built into your team’s daily routine.
According to a BUNN brochure:
Make sure everything related to coffee brewing and serving is clean and free from lime and hard water deposits, especially the following:
- Serving area
- Sprayhead/Funnel
- Servers
- Water Reservoir/Pitcher
Never clean with steel wool or other abrasives that can cause flaking or scratching, leading to further pitting, corrosion, and deposits.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
- Wipe down external surfaces with a clean, damp cloth and mild detergent. This helps remove splashes, oils, and residue that can harbor bacteria.
- Rinse brew funnels and decanters after each use to prevent buildup of coffee oils that can affect flavor.
- Empty and clean any dispensers, airpots, or servers with warm soapy water. Bunn recommends cleaning these components daily to preserve taste and sanitation. View Bunn’s cleaning instructions for brewer-specific guidance.
Weekly Maintenance
- Inspect sprayheads for clogs. Remove and clean them with a soft brush or deliming tool.
- Clean water reservoir if accessible, especially for pourover models like the VP17-1, to eliminate scale and stagnant water.
- Sanitize internal tubing and lines on automatic brewers, especially in high-use settings like hotel buffets or conference centers.
Monthly Deep Cleaning & Descaling
- Run a descaling cycle using a commercial descaler suitable for stainless steel equipment. This helps remove lime buildup in the boiler and water lines. Bunn offers guidance for descaling in their operator manuals.
- Check and clean internal filters or screens to prevent debris from affecting water flow.
- Inspect gaskets, valves, and sprayhead seals for wear. Replace any components that show signs of degradation.
For environments with hard water, descaling may need to be done more frequently—sometimes biweekly—to avoid heat element failure or heater timeout issues.
5. Conclusion
Bunn coffee makers are built to handle the demands of busy commercial environments, but like any piece of equipment, they perform best with consistent care. From removing daily residue to descaling internal components, proper cleaning ensures great-tasting coffee, reduces downtime, and extends the life of your brewer.
For more information, service parts, or to explore the full line of Bunn commercial brewers, visit the Bunn product page on Culinary Depot.
Need a Commerical Coffee Maker?
We hope you have found this article helpful. Our motto is, “The right equipment is everything.” That includes properly caring for the right equipment. Culinary Depot carries commercial coffee makers that are perfect for any business type: