ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Specifications
Performance Comparison
Brewing Quality
The Bonavita BV1900TS employs traditional automatic drip brew technology. With a special flat-bottomed brew basket and extra wide showerhead, plus the pre-infusion feature, this machine is designed for full saturation and ideal extraction of coffee grounds. During our test, we confirmed the brewing temperature was 199°F, well within the SCAA specifications. We also timed the brew process, and it takes 5 minutes for the water tank to empty (add 15 seconds for pre-infusion). Since there is no brew stop, you'll have to wait an additional 1 minute and 45 seconds for the brew basket to drain. This means a hot cup of coffee delivered in around 7 minutes, which is also within the SCAA specifications. The temperature in the carafe after brewing was 178°F, and after an hour, it was 166°F. The thermal carafe's temperature retention was average compared to other machines we tested.
The Bonavita reached the ideal temperature window for brewing, hitting 199°F.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Taste Test Results
The Bonavita BV1900TS was a hit during our blind coffee taste test. We had 31 coffee drinkers sample a cup of black coffee from our machines and rate each one on overall taste, flavor, body, acidity, and color. The Bonavita came in 2nd overall, earning it our Editor's Choice Award. There is no doubt that the Bonavita delivers an excellent cup of coffee. To learn more about how we tested the Bonavita against other coffee makers, please read our How We Test section.
The Bonavita thermal carafe features thumb-operated pouring.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Design Quality
We love the look and feel of the Bonavita. It is constructed using high quality materials from the brewer to the carafe, and everything felt really smooth when we were using it. The pour lid, once switched onto the thermal carafe, works well and doesn't drip.
Ease of Set Up and Clean Up
The Bonavita BV1900TS is a straightforward machine to set up and use. The reservoir is made of clear, BPA-free plastic with marked measurements, and it is easy to refill. The brew basket sits on top of the carafe, which we thought was inconvenient because you have to switch it with the lid after the brew cycle is complete. We did like that the thermal carafe has a mouth that is wide enough to fit your entire hand in for cleaning. This was unusual among the thermal carafes we tested.
Bonus Features
In terms of bells and whistles, the BV1900TS offers few. With one touch, you can start the machine to brew a pot of coffee. The single switch also offers the pre-infusion option, which allows the grounds to be initially saturated before the full brewing process begins, and it only adds about 15 second to your brew time. This machine does offer an auto-off function so you never have to worry about leaving the machine on.
The Bonavita carafe comes with a separate pour lid.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Best Uses
We think this Bonavita model is ideal for the no-nonsense coffee connoisseurs who aren't on a budget, but don't want to shell out over $300 for a Moccamaster. It's simple, but it brews an excellent cup of coffee.
Value
At $189.99, the BV1900TS 8-Cup is one of the more expensive machines that we tested. It does come with a 2-year limited warranty, which is pretty typical for this price point.
Conclusion
We were impressed with the performance of the Bonavita 8-Cup Coffee Brewer during our tests and gave it our Editor's Choice Award. We verified that it brewed at the ideal time and temperature, and our taste testers ranked it as their 2nd favorite machine (after the significantly more expensive Moccamaster). We didn't mind the manual operation of this coffeemaker, but if you are looking for a programmable option, we'd recommend considering the OXO On Barista Brain instead. As a side note, you might want to use less ground coffee than the 80g recommended in the Bonavita's owner's manual depending on the type of coffee you are brewing. During our tests, we found that 80g of the dark roast from Peet's overflowed the filter but 80g of our medium roast from Intelligentsia did not. Not surprisingly, this is a great brewer for under $200. It lacks some bells and whistles but makes a great cup of coffee.
Alternatives
OXO On Barista Brain
- $200
- SCAA Certified Home Brewer
- Programmable
Technivorm Moccamaster Thermal KGBT 741
- $340
- SCAA Certified Home Brewer
- Manual Operation
- Overall Award Winner
KitchenAid Pour Over Coffee Maker KCM0801
- $170
- SCAA Certified Home Brewer
- Glass Carafe and Warming Plate System
We suggest that you check out our Buying Advice for Coffee Makers to get an idea for what machine will best suit your needs.
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