Bonavita BV1900TS 8-Cup Carafe Coffee Brewer

We purchased the Bonavita BV1900TS 8-Cup Carafe Coffee Brewer so our reviewer could put it to the test in their kitchen. Keep reading for our full product review.

The quality of your daily cup of joe can vary wildly from coffee maker to coffee maker. Some machines don't keep the coffee hot enough, while others don't brew a consistent strength. This is where we (and our coffee obsession) come in.

We recently tested the Bonavita BV1900TS 8-Cup Carafe Coffee Brewer for a few weeks to see what it could do. We compared it to popular competitors—we were also testing two other machines at the same time—and evaluated how easy it was to use, clean, and set up. So is it worth it? Read on to find out.

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Buttons: There's just one

While other coffee makers may boast a complicated display panel, this product has zero digital readouts or complicated setup instructions. In fact, the front of the machine has just one button—an on/off switch—so it's very easy to use. The markings on the water reservoir are also simple to read.

Pre-Infusion Mode: Take your coffee to the next level

This coffee maker has a very interesting feature called "Pre-Infusion Mode," which is meant to create a more flavorful cup. The mode creates a "bloom," which means the coffee grounds are lightly soaked before the real brewing process begins. A bloom is especially important if you're using freshly roasted beans (less than 10 days old) because flavorful gases that are still trapped in the beans release when hot water is introduced.

To invoke this mode, you simply hold the power switch for five seconds until the light flashes twice. This then engages a spray ball that pre-soaks your grounds. We found that the Pre-Infusion Mode made a big difference in how each pot of coffee tasted.

Cleanup: Don't put it in the dishwasher

There are a lot of instructions about what not to do when cleaning this coffee maker: Don't put it in the dishwasher. Don't leave coffee in the carafe too long or it will become discolored. Don't use scrubbing pads because you'll damage the stainless steel finish.

While it's quite easy to clean—you just need to use a soft damp cloth and mild dish cleaning liquid to remove residual coffee grinds and liquids—we wish the washing process was quicker and more convenient. We don't usually have time to wipe out the carafe every morning when we're trying to dash off to work.

Check out our guide to the best coffee tools you can buy today. 

Portability: Keeps it hot

Once you’ve brewed a pot, you can carry the stainless steel thermal carafe to wherever you’re sitting without having to worry about burning your fingers or finding a trivet. Another impressive feature: The coffee stays hot in the stainless steel carafe thanks to the machine’s 1560-watt heater and advanced heating control. We found that it stayed hot for up to two hours.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best coffee makers.

Price: Not worth the price

At $112, the Bonavita BV1900TS doesn't quite live up to its price tag. While we found the brewing process to be quite simple and appreciated that the carafe kept our coffee hot, the simplicity of the machine doesn't match its price. There are other coffee makers on the market that can provide the same satisfaction for less.

Competition: Better options with better prices

Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker: Listed at an MSRP of $100, the Cuisinart 14-Cup option allows you to pre-plan your perfect cup of coffee each morning, making your mornings that much easier. The machine also brews 14 cups of coffee per pot, which is perfect for entertaining guests. We tested the Cuisinart 14-Cup and found that it has better features—and delivered a finer cup of coffee—than the Bonavita.

Keurig K55 K-Classic Single Serve Programmable K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker: Keurig's K55 features Keurig's signature brew method using K-Cups or pods. The downside to this machine is that only one cup of coffee is produced per pod. While the lower price tag $84) and the ease of using the machine is very appealing, we preferred the quantity and value of the Bonavita BV1900TS.