The BUNN CSB2B Speed Brew Elite is a 10-cup drip coffee maker that keeps 70 oz of water hot in an internal tank, so BUNN says it brews a full carafe in 4 minutes. It costs $165.00 on BUNN's retail site and is designed and assembled in the USA.
What is the BUNN CSB2B Speed Brew Elite?
It is a home version of the way BUNN builds commercial brewers. Instead of heating water as it brews, the machine holds a commercial grade stainless steel tank of hot water at all times. You pour cold water into a bowl on top and, because the hot water is already waiting, brewing can start right away. BUNN calls it "The Fastest 10-Cup Home Coffee Maker" and notes that the claim is based on its own internal testing against similar coffee makers.
The CSB2B has a matte black finish with a polished stainless steel backsplash and top band, a carafe BUNN calls drip-free, and a switch activated warmer plate. BUNN also sells a High Altitude version at the same price, so check the part number before ordering if you live high up.
BUNN CSB2B Speed Brew Elite specs
| Model | CSB2B, 52700.0002 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10 cups, 20 oz to 50 oz per brew |
| Brew time | 4 minutes for 50 oz, 2 minutes for 20 oz |
| Hot water tank | Stainless steel, keeps 70 oz hot |
| Sprayhead | Commercial style multi-stream |
| Warmer | Switch activated warmer plate |
| Size (H x W x D) | 13.8 x 7.7 x 12.4 inches |
| Warranty | 3 years on all Speed Brew models |
| Made in | United States |
| Price | $165.00 |
BUNN does not list wattage, weight or a timer on this page. It also does not say what the carafe is made of, though the carafe is sold as a spare part. A flow restrictor is sold separately with the Speed Brew parts bundle.
How does the BUNN Speed Brew hot water tank work?
Most home drip makers heat cold water on demand, which takes time. BUNN's design skips that step. The tank keeps 70 oz of water hot, and BUNN says you can brew "at the flip of a lid." The pour-in bowl has a water level indicator to show how much you have added, and it takes 20 oz to fill a travel mug or up to 50 oz for a full carafe.
The multi-stream sprayhead is meant to shower the grounds evenly, which BUNN compares to a cafe. The funnel is taller than most, built for BUNN filters that are 1/4 inch taller than other filters, which BUNN says allows fast water flow and prevents overflow of the grounds. That means you should plan on BUNN filters, and the page lists a 1,000 count box of flat bottom filters as an accessory.
Because the tank is always heated, the machine draws power while it sits there. Nobody has measured it here, and the page does not give a wattage, so the standby cost is unknown. What BUNN does say is that the carafe is drip-free, with a lid and spout that arc the coffee into the cup and wick the rest back into the carafe.
BUNN CSB2B vs BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Platinum Thermal
The BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew Platinum Thermal is the same family at $185.00. It uses the same 70 oz hot tank, the same 4 minute brew for 50 oz and the same 3 year warranty, but it swaps the standard carafe and warmer plate for a vacuum-insulated, double walled stainless steel thermal carafe, with no hot plate.
The decision is about how you drink the pot. A thermal carafe keeps coffee warm without a heater and avoids a warming plate cooking the last cups, and it costs $20.00 more. The CSB2B's warmer plate is switch activated, so it is not on by default. If you pour most of the pot within the hour, the cheaper CSB2B does the job.
BUNN CSB2B vs Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select 10-Cup
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select 10-Cup is the premium rival for people who want a handmade drip brewer. It makes 10 cups (40 oz), takes 4 to 6 minutes for a full carafe by the maker's figures, has a half or full carafe selector, a glass carafe on a warming plate, a 5 year warranty and is handmade in the Netherlands. Its price is not stated on the page we hold.
The BUNN is faster for a full pot, holds more at 50 oz, and carries a shorter 3 year warranty. The Moccamaster promises temperature control that follows the volume you choose; the BUNN promises speed through its hot tank. Neither maker has been tested here, so choose on what you value: speed and US assembly, or a longer warranty and a European build.
Is the BUNN CSB2B Speed Brew Elite worth it?
At $165.00 it is priced above ordinary 10-cup makers and below the premium European brewers. The extra money buys speed, a larger carafe and a hot tank, and a 3 year warranty is longer than many cheaper machines offer. It does not buy a timer, a grinder or a strength setting, because none is listed.
There are trade-offs. BUNN's brew figures start at 20 oz, so small batches are not the focus. The brew funnel needs BUNN's taller filters. If you want a programmable start, look elsewhere.
Who should buy the BUNN CSB2B Speed Brew Elite (and who should not)
Buy it if you want a full carafe in about 4 minutes, brew for a family or for guests, like a simple machine with a few controls, and value US assembly with a 3 year warranty. It also suits people who fill a travel mug each morning, since 20 oz takes about 2 minutes.
Skip it if you want a programmable timer, if you brew single cups, if you do not want a tank that stays heated, or if you prefer a thermal carafe, in which case the CSB3T above is closer. Anyone living at altitude should look at the High Altitude version instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the BUNN CSB2B brew?
BUNN says a full 50 oz carafe takes 4 minutes, and a 20 oz brew for a travel mug takes 2 minutes. These are BUNN's own figures.
How many cups does it make?
It is a 10-cup machine. You pour 20 oz to 50 oz of water into the bowl, and a level indicator shows how much you have added.
Does it keep water hot all the time?
Yes. A stainless steel tank holds 70 oz of hot water. That is how BUNN gets the short brew time.
What filters does it use?
BUNN filters, which are 1/4 inch taller than other filters. The page lists a 1,000 count flat bottom filter box as an accessory.
Where is the BUNN CSB2B made?
BUNN says it is designed and assembled in the USA.
What is the warranty?
BUNN lists a 3 year warranty on all Speed Brew models.
