Bunn My Cafe MCU Ground Coffee Drawer

Here's a video review of the Bunn My Cafe MCU Ground Coffee Drawer

Bunn My Cafe MCU K-Cup Drawer

Here's a video review of the Bunn My Cafe MCU K-Cup Drawer

Unboxing the Bunn My Cafe MCU

We're very excited to review the new Bunn My Cafe MCU.  Unlike the prior Bunn My Cafe MC that we've been using and recommending for the past year, the MCU comes to the table with 4 drawers as opposed to the MC's lone pod drawer.  The 3 new drawers that come with the MCU allow you to brew K-Cups, up to 20 grams of ground coffee or hot water.  The hot water drawer speaks for itself, so the focus of our review will be on the K-Cup and Ground Coffee drawers.  We actually love the fact that you have a hot water drawer since you won't get any odd flavors transferred to your food or tea when simply using the MCU as a hot water source.

Let's start with an unboxing of the MCU:

The Bunn My Cafe MCU comes in a similar box to the original MC.  On the front of the box you can clearly see the indication that this is a 4-in-1 brewer designed to do K-Cups, Ground Coffee, Pods and Water.

Opening the box we see the Bunn My Cafe users manual prominently displayed on top.  Lifting out the user manual and the cardboard spacer we found a sealed plastic bag with 6 pod samples.  The included samples were Baronet 12g French Roast and Colombian, Reunion Island Donut Shop, Wolfgang Puck Creme Caramel, City Steam House Blend and a Silver Service Tea pod.

The Bunn My Cafe MCU was securely packed in the paperboard material shown here.  It consisted of two halves, nicely molded to fit around the MCU with a small cardboard box tucked in the side.  It's actually nice to see Bunn using the paperboard material instead of two large pieces of Styrofoam material that I can't recycle, but I guess that's part of the draw of Bunn over Keurig anyway right?

Upon removal of the MCU from the packing material, we find the unit wrapped in a plastic bag and any loose parts held securely with special blue packing tape that leaves no residue behind when removed.

The pod drawer comes preinstalled in the MCU and the other 3 included drawers are packed inside the cardboard box shown here.

Here you can see the MCU with the 4 included pod drawers and ground coffee scooop.  The unit is compact and takes very little counter space compared to other single-serve brewers.

The Pod drawer is identical to the pod drawer from the old Bunn My Cafe MC.  It can accept any pod up to 14 grams in size.  Just be sure to push the pod all the way to the bottom of the tray to ensure the water goes through the pod and not around it!

Here's the new ground coffee drawer with the lid closed.  The ground coffee drawer has a screened lid to allow water to flow through the grounds and to prevent grounds from backing up into your sprayhead.

The ground coffee drawer has a built-in stainless steel mesh filter which allows the essentials oils to pass through into your cup.  for anyone preferring a cleaner cup, you can easily pop an Aeropress filter or cut a piece of filter paper to line the drawer.  Holding up to 20 grams of your favorite fresh roasted and ground coffee (make sure to use a high quality Burr grinder like the Baratza Encore) you can brew a very rich and bold 10 oz. cup.

The new K-Cup drawer shown here has a lid with a built-in needle to pierce the K-Cup and a rubber gasket to seal the foil top of the K-Cup.  You can use any K-Cup or compatible product like the soft-bottomed Rogers-style One Cups.   Of course the bottom of the drawer has a needle to pierce the bottom of the K-Cup

To load a K-Cup, open the lid, drop in a K-Cup and then press the lid closed.  This action ensures that the K-Cup is properly pierced.

The K-Cup drawer is a bit deeper than the other drawers so it limits your cup height a bit.  Don't forget you can remove the drip tray for more cup clearance.

The hot water drawer simply allows you to get hot water for your tea, hot cocoa, oatmeal or other needs with no flavor contamination.

The last item in the box is the ground coffee scoop.  Bunn recommends two scoops and 10 oz. of water for the perfect cup!










Stay tuned for a more detailed review of the MCU's performance.  We'll be focusing on the K-Cup and Ground Coffee drawers.

Pod Brewer Cleaning & Descaling

Pod brewers, just like regular coffee makers, require periodic maintenance and cleaning to perform at their best and to extend the life of your brewer.  Scale buildup from hard water is the #1 enemy of your brewer.  With some simple white vinegar and a little time, you can keep your pod brewer running like new.

Here are the recommended cleaning procedures from Bunn for their My Cafe line of pod brewers.  The general cleaning and descaling instructions will work for any pod brewer, so adapt to you own brewer like a Senseo or Grindmaster as needed, but the specific instructions on cleaning and assembly of the sprayhead/seal are specific to the Bunn pod brewers.

Basic Cleaning
Before beginning any cleaning procedure, unplug the brewer to avoid the accidental start of a brew cycle. Clean the pod holder, drip tray and drip tray grate after each use, using a damp cloth and mild detergent and rinse. With the pod holder and drip tray removed, use a damp cloth with mild detergent to wipe the area below the pod holder and into the drip tray area. Occasionally, wipe the outside of the brewer with a damp cloth.
Periodic Cleaning/Descaling
Periodically (every 3 months is ideal), you should clean and descale the brewer to clear any mineral deposits that may have accumulated due to impurities in the water source. If these deposits are not removed, they can impair the operation of the brewer and reduce the product life. There are several commercial products available specifically for descaling such as URNEX®.  White vinegar is a natural and effective product that is safe to use and contains no chemicals.  We think vinegar is an ideal choice for descaling.

1. Fill the reservoir with undiluted white vinegar. If you are using a powdered descaling mix, do not add the powder directly to the reservoir. (Descaling product must be mixed into a solution before it is added to the reservoir).
2. Place an empty pod holder into the brewer. Be sure the holder is locked into place, and set the your brew volume to the maximum position (if adjustable).
3. Place an empty cup or bowl on the drip tray grate that will hold at least 14 oz. of liquid, and press the COFFEE BREW BUTTON to start a brew cycle.
4. Once the brew cycle has finished, empty the cup and set it back onto the drip tray grate. Press the COFFEE BREW BUTTON again to start a second brew cycle.
5. Once the brew cycle has finished, allow your pod brewer to sit for 2 to 4 hours to let the vinegar really work on the scale deposits inside your brewer.  If your brewer has a reservoir, empty the remaining solution, or vinegar from the reservoir. Remove the Pod Holder; clean the reservoir and pod holder thoroughly using a mild detergent, then rinse. 
6. Fill the reservoir to the maximum line with fresh clean cold water and place the pod holder back into the brewer.
7. Place the empty cup or bowl back onto the drip tray grate and press the COFFEE BREW BUTTON to begin a brew cycle.
8. When the cycle has finished, empty the cup. Repeat step 7 at least two more times to remove the vinegar or descaling solution from the tank.
9. Clean the pod holder with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
10. Proceed to the Cleaning The Sprayhead/Seal section.

Cleaning the Sprayhead / Seal
Press the Power Switch into the off position.

1. Unplug the brewer and allow it to cool down. (Minimum of 1 hour.)
2. After the unit has been allowed to cool, remove the pod holder and set aside.
3. Using your fingers, rotate the sprayhead/seal assembly clockwise until the sprayhead and seal are removed. NOTE: If the sprayhead and seal are separated, they must be reassembled as they were when removed from the brewer. CAUTION: Improper reassembly could result in personal injury from scalding water. NOTE: See Assembling Sprayhead/Seal and Inspecting Sprayhead Seal located further down page for more information.
4.  Clean the sprayhead and seal with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
5. Using your fingers, rotate the sprayhead/seal assembly counter-clockwise until it is finger tight.
6. Replace the pod holder.
7. Plug in the brewer and press the POWER SWITCH to restore power to the brewer.

Assembling the Sprayhead / Seal
If the sprayhead and seal are separated during removal or cleaning, they must be reassembled properly.

1. Identify the top of the seal. The top of the seal that seats against the roof of the sprayhead ramp has a rough ridge that can be felt by running your fingers across the surface of the seal. The bottom is smooth.
2. Identify the top of the sprayhead. The top of the sprayhead has a star pattern and a threaded hole where the sprayhead attaches to the brewer.
3. While carefully stretching the seal, guide the sprayhead into the channel of the seal. Make sure it is completely in the channel.

When properly assembled, the sprayhead will slide easily into the channel of the seal and will not cause any buckles in the surface of the seal. If the sprayhead seems to be difficult to seat, and you must stretch the seal more than a slight tug, the assembly is not together correctly.  CAUTION: Improper reassembly could result in personal injury from scalding water.

Inspecting the Sprayhead / Seal
When disassembling your brewer for cleaning, inspect the sprayhead seal for cracks, tears and holes. Although the seal should last for an extended period of time, damage can occur through handling.CAUTION: The seal confines the hot liquid to the pod holder.Replace the seal if it becomes damaged. This part is available to order online.

Cleaning the pod holder
To prevent residue build up, it is a good idea to periodically disassemble the pod holder/screen assembly and clean it with a mild detergent.

1. Press and hold the POD RELEASE BUTTON while sliding the pod holder out.
2. Flip the POD HOLDER upside down and place the holder cavity over the palm of your hand.
3. Using a small object, press the tab of the POD HOLDER INSERT through the hole in the bottom of the pod holder to remove.
4. Clean the screen and holder using a mild detergent and rinse. (Dishwasher Safe)
5. Press the insert back through the hole in the bottom of the POD HOLDER.

Cycling the brewer
If the brewer has not been used for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to cycle your brewer before brewing a cup of coffee or tea.

1. Remove the reservoir and pod holder from the brewer, clean with a mild detergent and rinse.
2. Refill the reservoir to the maximum line.
3. Insert an empty pod holder into the brewer.
4. Set the volume control lever to the maximum setting.
5. Place a bowl or cup on the drip tray grate that will hold at least 14 oz.
6. Press the coffee brew button.
7. When the brew cycle has ended and water drip out has stopped, carefully remove the pod holder and remove any excess water.

CAUTION: Water is hot! You are now ready to brew.

Storing the brewer
Unplug the brewer and wait for it to cool. If your Pod brewer has been used, it must be stored above 32ºF / 0ºC to prevent damage to the internal water tank. Empty and dry the water reservoir before storing.  NOTE: Water will remain in the internal tank. If stored for an extended period of time, refer to Cycling The Brewer section above before using.

Black Friday Sale and Giveaway

The Coffee Artisan would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! We're getting the party started early this year with great specials starting before Thanksgiving and going all weekend long through Cyber Monday.

To celebrate the holiday this year, we're offering a double savings opportunity. Not only will you receive 10% off your order total using coupon code BLACKFRIDAY, but you'll also earn DOUBLE Artisan Club Rewards Points throughout the sale. Don't forget that with the Artisan Club Rewards program you earn 1 point for every dollar you spend and those points can be cashed in for $$$ off your future purchases.

 

We're also giving away $20 gift certificates to five lucky customers.  To be eligible for the random drawing, simply place an order using our BLACKFRIDAY coupon code between Wednesday, November 23rd and Monday, November 28th. Each order placed counts as one entry in the drawing. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 29th on our Facebook page.  Winners will also be contacted directly by e-mail. 

     

It's time to start saving and winning!  The sale and giveaway starts now and ends Monday, November 28th @ Midnight EST. 

Stock up for the holidays and share some great coffee with the friends and family you're thankful for!

Sincerely,

Chad Elliott

The Coffee Artisan

San Francisco Bay OneCups - The K-Cup® Alternative

Rogers Family Company just recently turned the single serve coffee world upside down with the launch of their new line of coffee pods called San Francisco Bay "OneCups".  Rogers Family Company is a family owned coffee roaster known for their coffee brands like San Francisco Bay, Black Mountain Gold, The Organic Coffee Co., Fairwinds Coffee Co. and others.

Having already been in the single serve coffee market with their own Black Mountain Gold coffee pods, Rogers Family spent the last 4 years developing a new single serve coffee pod designed for use in single cup brewers that brew K-Cups^®.  Unlike traditional K-Cups^®, Rogers Family's new SF Bay OneCups are designed with an exposed filter bottom instead of a plastic cup so there's less waste.  OneCups are packed immediately after roasting and like traditional roasted coffee are packaged in one-way valve bags for freshness.  Each bag holds 12 cups, so the typical coffee drinker can easily finish a box in a week to make sure the coffee stays as fresh as possible.

San Francisco Bay OneCups are made with the highest quality 100% arabica coffees, freshly roasted and ground moments before packaging.  Don't be fooled with other K-Cup^® alternatives that are actually just instant coffee in disguise.  OneCups are the real deal and they smell and taste great.

Rogers currently offers 4 varieties of their popular San Francisco Bay coffees in OneCups including:

• French Roast
• Fog Chaser
• Organic Rainforest Blend
• Decaf French Roast

Priced at just $6.99 per box of 12, SF Bay OneCups are very competitively priced when compared with typical 12 packs of K-Cups^® at your local grocer priced between $7.99 and $9.99.  When purchased with our 5% off everyday discount using coupon code SSCIS4ME or our 10% off discount for first time orders using coupon code NEWCUSTOMER and then combined with our FREE UPS Ground shipping for orders $75 or more, SF Bay OneCups can be purchased for less than $0.53 per cup.

Here are a few quotes from test consumers who were able to preview the OneCups:

“The flavor was full and rich, the coffee aromatic, and the overall taste as good or better as most K cups.”

“I like how good they smell before and during brewing and I really liked the flavor and taste of the coffee, it was rich and flavorful. I also liked the filtered bottom of the cup, it seemed more appropriate for coffee brewing.”

“It saves the environment while at the same time reducing trash and making a great cup of coffee.”

“I was very impressed with the fact that they are more environmentally sound. I was, honestly, rather skeptical of how they would work in a Keurig brewer, but was convinced they work very well after brewing the first cup.”

Try some for yourself and taste the Rogers Family difference today!

"Keurig"® and "K-Cup"® are registered trademarks of Keurig Incorporated.

Top 25 Pods for Sept 2011

Here's the list of our top 25 coffee pods for September 2011.

1. The Coffee Artisan 100% Hawaiian Kona Extra Fancy
2. The Coffee Artisan Dark Side *EXTRA BOLD*
3. Fratello French Saigon Dark
4. Cafejo Espresso Italiano GOLD
5. Black Mountain Gold Hawaiian Kona
6. Reunion Island *EXTRA BOLD* French Roast FTO
7. Fratello Organic Dixie Voodoo
8. Fratello Burundi Kinyovu
9. The Coffee Artisan Ethiopian Harrar *EXTRA BOLD*
10. Community Coffee Dark Roast
11. The Coffee Artisan Artisan Blend
12. The Coffee Artisan Papua New Guinea *EXTRA BOLD*
13. Reunion Island French Roast FTO
14. Fratello Dixie Voodoo Natural Decaf
15. Cafejo Colombian GOLD
16. Baronet 100% Colombian
17. Baronet 100% Colombian *12 GRAM*
18. Black Mountain Gold Costa Rican
19. Reunion Island Kona Blend
20. The Coffee Artisan Dark Side
21. The Coffee Artisan Dark Side Decaf
22. Cafejo Kona Blend
23. Cafejo Costa Rica
24. Cafejo Vienna Roast
25. Cafejo Signature Blend