Bonavita Enthusiast 8-Cup Coffee Maker Review - The Best Coffee Machine
The Bonavita Enthusiast coffee maker is a premium drip coffee machine focused on excellent coffee, durability and simplicity. I highly recommend the Bonvita coffee brewer for anyone looking for a new coffee maker for their home or office.
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I love my morning coffee, I can't function without it. I prefer good coffee but I was never a snob. I used a Mr. Coffee machine before getting my new coffee maker. Which was convenient but the truth is that it is not even remotely close to how good home brewed coffee can get. So when that machine suddenly stopped turning on I spent days researching new machines. I saw all of the classic choices like Moccamaster, Breville and Ratio 8, but I went in a different direction.
I purchased the Bonavita Enthusiast 8-Cup Coffee Brewer which was the best choice I could've ever made. Here is the quick list of highlights, to start the coffee is luscious and incredibly tasty (never had the flavour profiles of different beans been so pronounced), it's fast (I was worried about not having a set brew time schedule option since I wake up early and don't want to have to fuss with a machine and wait too long) it makes the full batch in 5 minutes max, it is a proper shower head design so the grinds get evenly watered, the tank does not heat up, the water only gets hot inside the tubing of the machine so you are getting a super consistent temperature from start to finish, and it is durable with minor amounts of components or moving pieces.
Why The Bonavita Enthusiast is the Best Coffee Maker
Coffee Tastes Amazing: Luscious, smooth, flavorful, picks up subtle coffee notes, strong coffee.
Fast Brewing: Brews 8-cup carafe in minutes. The coffee will instantly stop pouring if you remove the carafe to fill your cup early - almost never necessary since the machine is so quick.
Sophisticated Design: The design is simple and looks good on the counter. It is also small so it does not take up much counter space.
Easy Cleaning: Easy descaling mode for automated descaling and only a water tank, grinds holder and carafe that can be removed and cleaned.
Quiet Operation: The machine is very quiet while operating.
The Perfect Amount of Coffee: I prefer hot coffee, but with my earlier 12-cup machine I was almost always having hot coffee only once every other or every third day since the pot lasted so long. I actually prefer the smaller carafe that does not take as many beans to make the pot and is usually good for that day - sometimes with a leftover cup for the next morning which is ok since I usually drink two cups.
Relatively Inexpensive: The Bonavita Enthusiast is by no means a budget coffee maker but it is very reasonably priced in comparison to its competition and the level of coffee it produces.
Key Features & Brewing Technology
SCA Certified Performance: Engineered to meet the demanding technical requirements of the Specialty Coffee Association, ensuring an exceptional and consistent home brewing experience.
One-Touch Operation: Enjoy effortless brewing with a single switch. An audible signal will alert you when the coffee is ready, and the machine features an automatic power-off function for peace of mind.
Powerful 1500-Watt Heater: A robust heating element rapidly heats water to the optimal brewing temperature range of 195°–205°F (92°–96°C) and maintains it throughout the cycle for superior flavor extraction.
Optional Pre-Infusion Mode: This setting mimics the pour-over method by briefly wetting grounds before the brew cycle, allowing the coffee to de-gas and "bloom." This crucial step enhances flavor and aroma for a more full-bodied cup.
Enhanced Showerhead Design: A wide showerhead ensures water is distributed evenly over the coffee grounds, promoting uniform saturation and preventing dry spots for a balanced extraction.
Hanging Flat-Bottom Filter Basket: Works in concert with the showerhead to achieve consistent saturation and extraction, allowing for optimal flavor development.
Durable Thermal Carafe: The brewer includes a double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe that keeps your coffee hot for hours without the need for a warming plate, which can scorch coffee and alter its taste.
Performance & Design
Brewing Speed: Brew a full 8-cup (1.3L) carafe in approximately 6 minutes, making it perfect for both quiet mornings and entertaining guests.
Compact & Stylish: With its sleek stainless steel finish and a compact footprint, the Enthusiast is designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen without taking up excess counter space.
Quality Materials: All plastic components that come into contact with water and coffee are completely BPA-free, ensuring a pure and safe brew.
Technical Specifications
Model Number: BV1901TS
Capacity: 8 Cups / 40 oz. / 1.3 Liters
Heater: 1500 Watts
Voltage: 110/120 Volts
Dimensions: 12.4" L x 6.8" W x 12.2" H
Item Weight: 6.13 pounds
Materials: Stainless Steel, BPA-Free Plastic
Filter Type: Requires 8-12 cup flat-bottom paper filters.
Included Components:
- Bonavita Enthusiast Brewer
- 1.3L Double-Walled Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe
- Hanging Filter Basket
- Carafe Lid
- Showerhead
- Sample pack of paper filters
- Descaling powder
Water tank with fill lines for water measurement.
Removable flat bottomed filter basket that works with cone or basket filters.
Coffee grinds water shower for even water distribution.
Coffee to carafe connection.
Water tank detachable for easy filling.
Thermal bonvita carafe.
Bonvita coffee maker buttons for power, brew, bloom and descaling.
Heating pad on top of machine for mugs to warm.
Care and Maintenance
Easy Cleaning: The carafe lid, filter basket, and showerhead are all top-rack dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleanup.
Regular Descaling: To maintain optimal performance, consistent temperature, and brewing speed, it is recommended to descale your brewer every 100 uses, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water. For best results, use a biodegradable, phosphate-free coffee machine descaler.
Get The Best Coffee Flavor Over Everything
The Bonavita Enthusiast is engineered with a singular focus: to unlock the true potential of your coffee beans by mastering the critical element of temperature. It achieves the coveted "Golden Cup" standard of the Specialty Coffee Association by employing a powerful 1500-watt heater that heats the water as it brews, rather than holding it in a heated reservoir. This ensures that from the first drop to the last, the water saturating your coffee grounds is precisely within the optimal range of 195° to 205°F. This consistent and accurate temperature is paramount for proper extraction, allowing the complex flavors to be drawn out without scalding the grounds and introducing bitterness.
This thermal precision is the foundation for a truly exceptional cup of coffee. The Enthusiast further refines the brewing process with an optional pre-infusion mode, a feature that emulates the technique of a skilled barista. By briefly pre-wetting the grounds, it allows them to de-gas and "bloom," opening them up to release their full aromatic potential. This crucial step, combined with a wide showerhead and a flat-bottom filter basket, ensures a uniform saturation that prevents dry clumps and promotes a balanced extraction across the entire coffee bed. The result is a consistently luscious, smooth, and flavorful brew that captures the subtle, nuanced notes of your chosen beans, delivering a strong, satisfying cup every single time.
Compare Bonvita Enthusiast with Other Coffee Makers
| Feature | Bonavita Enthusiast | Moccamaster KBGV Select | Ratio Six | Breville Precision Brewer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 Cups / 40 oz. / 1.3 Liters | 10 cups / 40 oz / 1.25 L | 8 cups / 40 oz / 1.25 liters | 12 cup / 60 fl oz |
| Brewing Technology | One-touch operation with optional pre-infusion mode. Wide showerhead for even saturation. | Selector switch for half or full carafe, adjusting brewing speed and hotplate temperature. Copper boiling element for precise temperature control. | Automated pour-over process with bloom and brew phases. Die-cast aluminum heating element. | Preset modes including Brew and Cold Brew. Custom settings for bloom volume, bloom time, brew temperature, and flow rate. |
| SCA Certified | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carafe | Double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe | Glass carafe with an independent hotplate | Thermal Carafe | Dual-wall thermal carafe |
| Filter Type | 8-12 cup flat-bottom paper filters | Cone-shaped brew basket | Not specified | Flat bottom and cone filter baskets included |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, BPA-Free Plastic | Metal, BPA, BPS, BPF, and phthalate-free plastic | Precision stamped stainless steel, borosilicate glass water lines, BPA-free copolymer water tank | Metal, plastic |
| Dimensions | 12.4" L x 6.8" W x 12.2" H | 12.75" W x 6.50" D x 14.00" H | Not specified | 14.65 x 6.98 x 16.05 in |
| Weight | 6.13 pounds | 6.00 lbs | 8 lbs | 10.98 lbs |
| Power | 1500 Watts | 1475 W | 1400 watt | 1650-1700 Watts |
| Voltage | 110/120 Volts | 120 V | 120 volt | 120V/60Hz |
| Warranty | Not specified | 5 years | 5-year warranty | 2 year repair or replacement warranty |
| Special Features | Descaling mode, compact design, quiet operation, audible signal when ready. | Handmade in the Netherlands, available replacement parts, automatic drip-stop. | One-button simplicity, unique heat shield for increased extraction, removable power cord. | Programmable delayed start, removable water tank, multiple filter basket options included. |
Carina Davis
I researched coffee machines for days before deciding to ge the Bonvita coffee maker. And I am so pleased that I did. The machine is simple but the coffee result is unmatched, it tastes so good. The machine is a standout in terms of brewing performance and quality. I hope this in-depth review helps you make the best descision.
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