Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker Review: A One-Touch Wonder!

In today’s Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker review, I’m going to do a quick rundown of all that this awesome machine has to offer. Spoiler alert: The Bonavita Connoisseur 8 Cup Coffee Maker is Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, so get your good coffee beans ready!

I didn’t include this particular machine in my guide to the best drip coffee makers, and you’re probably wondering what gives. Simply put, it was because I hadn’t had a chance to review it yet.

With that in mind, once I get a thorough hands-on Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker review completed, I’m sure it will earn a place on my list of top picks. For now, let’s take a look at what makes this Bonavita coffee maker shine.

makes superb coffee

Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker

Simple yet effective

SCA-certified

Optional pre-infusion

Quick brewing

Stainless steel thermal carafe

Small footprint

Not programmable

CHECK PRICE

Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker Review Overview

To start off, the Bonavita Connoisseur 8 Cup Coffee Maker is a compact little machine, making it ideal for smaller kitchens. It’s also great if you’d like one of these pour over style machines without compromising on kitchen real estate. You know, because you’ve somehow amassed a rather large coffee maker collection. Ask me how I know!

Regardless, this is a great little machine that’s guaranteed to brew great coffee. I say that because the SCA doesn’t go around giving Certified Home Brewer status to just any old coffee maker.

Although it is missing a creature comfort or two, its current price of $188.99 seems reasonable for a good coffee machine. If you’re a coffee lover who values simplicity and quality, this Bonavita Connoisseur is for you.

Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker Features

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff in this Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker review. I’m talking about all the features that make this such an attractive proposition.

SCA Certified Home Brewer

As I’ve already mentioned, this sweet little drip coffee machine is SCA certified. So what does that mean, exactly? Well, it means that the star of my Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker review passed a battery of rigorous testing by the Specialty Coffee Association. This is part of the SCA’s certified home brewer program.

And it proved the Bonavita Connoisseur makes a badass cup of coffee.

In fact, the SCA evaluates coffee machines in terms of water temperature, brewing time and end result. They call this the Golden Cup Standard, and they use it to define coffee quality.

Ultimately, only the best coffee makers earn the certification, so it’s kind of a big deal when a machine qualifies.

Size

Next, let’s talk about size. This particular model is only 12.4 inches (31.5 centimeters) high and 12.2 inches (31 centimeters) deep. It’s a tiny little thing, perfect for when you don’t have a lot of counter space.

In addition to its small footprint, the machine’s modest height should allow it to slide neatly underneath your cabinets. Still, keep in mind that you may have to pull it out to fill the water reservoir, as that part isn’t removable.

One-Touch Brewing

Another cool feature of this Bonavita drip coffee maker is its one touch brewing. This feature makes up for the fact there’s no programmable option. I mean, who really wants to mess with too many settings in the morning?

It’s as easy as pouring in your water, adding your paper filter and ground coffee to the filter basket and, in just one press of the power button, presto! Fresh coffee in no time.

Brew Time

Speaking of time, let’s chat a bit about brewing speed. As I mentioned before, the SCA assessed the Bonavita Connoisseur in terms of brew time. It takes about six minutes to brew eight cups of coffee, and that includes the optional pre infusion time.

There are other machines that brew a little quicker. However, six minutes is worth the wait for a machine that you are certain can consistently brew great coffee.

Brew Temperature

In addition to speed, the SCA also tested the brewing temperature on this machine before awarding it the coveted title of Certified Home Brewer. The Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker is specifically engineered to brew coffee at the optimal brewing temperature of 198-205 degrees Fahrenheit(92-96 degrees Celsius).

In other words, you don’t need to question whether you’re brewing at the correct temperature with the Connoisseur. Of course, preparing excellent coffee involves many different variables. The next step in this Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker review is to check out the water system.

Water Reservoir

One minor drawback to this particular machine is that the water tank isn’t removable. However, this isn’t a deal breaker; a lot of coffee makers have permanent water tanks. It’s just a bit of a pain if you have it tucked under your overhead cabinets.

Either way, the water tank will hold up to 44 ounces (1.3 liters) of fresh water, which is just enough for a full pot of coffee. Of course, that’s equivalent to just over eight 5 ounce (148 milliliter) cups, so if you normally pour yourself a huge mug, judge accordingly.

Pre-Infusion

Next, let’s look at the optional pre infusion mode. This works by pausing the brewing cycle, allowing the water from the shower head to saturate the ground coffee. After it sits for just a bit to allow the aroma of the coffee to develop, the brewing process continues.

Honestly, I don’t know why this is an optional feature. If I have a coffee brewer with a pre infusion function, I’m going to want to use it every time the machine brews. Why would you not want the best drip coffee the machine can offer?

Shower Head

So, you may have noticed that I refer to this machine as a drip coffee machine throughout my Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker review. That’s technically what it is, but it actually brews coffee in more of a pour over style. That’s all thanks to the shower head and bloom time.

The shower head soaks all of the coffee grounds at the same time, as opposed to a classic drip coffee maker where there’s only one outlet for water in the middle. This promotes an even saturation of those coffee grounds, which in turn creates the perfect environment for uniform flavor extraction.

As I said above, the shower head works together with the pre infusion mode to allow your coffee to develop the optimal flavor profile. That said, your coffee is only as good as the beans and water you use to brew it!

Thermal Carafe

I’m super happy that the Bonavita Connoisseur comes with a thermal carafe. I’m not a huge fan of glass carafes and hot plates, as I think that combo degrades the flavor of the coffee over time. It just so happens there’s a glass carafe version of this machine.

Some people love them, but give me a thermal carafe any day.

According to Bonavita, the stainless steel carafe with the lid on will keep the coffee inside right around the 175-185 degrees Fahrenheit (80-85 degrees Celsius) mark. That’s perfect for sipping!

Audible Signal

Since the thermal carafe is made of stainless steel, how will you know when that delicious full pot of happiness finishes brewing? The Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker is equipped with an audible signal to let you know when your coffee is ready.

Go ahead, brush your teeth in the bathroom with reckless abandon; it’ll chime from the kitchen when it’s done! And in case you miss it, there’s an automatic power shutoff for safety.

Filter Basket

Another cool feature that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing is the filter basket. It’s a hanging flat bottomed filter basket, unlike other Bonavitas, where the brew basket sits directly on the carafe. And of course, all plastic parts on the Bonavita Connoisseur are BPA-free.

Unlike some coffee machines with removable filter baskets, the Connoisseur’s filter and brew basket is all one piece. However, it is still removable for easy cleaning. Also, you’ll need to use paper filters for brewing. The standard 8-12 cup paper filters will fit, provided they have a 3.25 inch (8.25 centimeter) diameter base.

Warranty

I have to say I’m not totally smitten with Bonavita’s one year warranty. I mean, sure, it’s a standard coverage time for a coffee machine in this price range. But, there are many more that offer at least two years of coverage on parts and labor.

At any rate, a warranty is a warranty, and it’s better to have one than not at all. Honestly, I don’t think you’d ever need to use it, since the Bonavita Connoisseur looks to be rather well made and has great reviews.

How to Use the Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker

Anyhow, let’s go over how easy it is to make coffee with the Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker.

First off, pour fresh water into the water tank. Settle a paper filter inside the brew basket, then add your coffee grounds. At this point, allow me to recommend moving on from the outdated measuring spoon method and buying a coffee scale. Trust me, you’ll start getting way better results!

As an aside, I recommend grinding your own beans as opposed to using pre ground coffee. Partly because there could be roaches in ground coffee, but mostly because you’ll miss out on the true flavor of the coffee. Take a look at my burr coffee grinder guide; you won’t be disappointed!

Okay, back to brewing. Once you have your fresh grounds in the filter basket, situate the carafe (sans lid) under the brew basket. Then, push the power button to brew.

If you want to use the optional pre infusion mode (and who wouldn’t?), press and hold the power button until you hear the chime twice and the button blinks. Then, press again to brew.

Easy peasy, right? You’re six minutes away from a tasty fresh brewed coffee! Oh, and don’t forget to replace the carafe lid once your coffee is ready!

Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker Cleaning

Once the brewing process is complete, cleaning up is pretty straightforward. The filter basket, brewer lid and carafe lid are all dishwasher safe on the top rack. Even so, I recommend hand washing everything with mild soap and warm water. After all, no one wants dishwasher residue in their coffee.

Bonavita recommends descaling the brewer around every two months, or more often if you’re in a hard water area. A vinegar and water mix works, but can leave behind a smell or taste. So, pick yourself up a good citric acid descaler to help out with the descaling process.

Bonavita Connoisseur 8 Cup Coffee Maker Specifications

Bonavita Connoisseur vs Other Drip Coffee Makers

So, how does the Bonavita Connoisseur measure up against its competitors? All of the machines below are capable of brewing some of the best drip coffee around, thanks to their SCA certified engineering. Let’s see how they stack up.

Bonavita Connoisseur vs BV1900TS

First up, we’ll take a look at the Bonavita Connoisseur’s sister model, the Bonavita BV1900TS.

I have to admit, it took me a minute to find the differences between these two machines. They are both SCA certified with a stainless steel carafe and have an 8 cup capacity. In terms of function, they’re nearly identical.

However, the subject of today’s Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker review has an audible signal when the brew cycle is done. In addition, the price tag is a little different, with the BV1900TS model coming in at $179.99.

Last but not least, the hanging filter and showerhead combo makes for better flavor extraction, according to Bonavita. With the BV1900TS model, the brew basket sits atop the stainless steel carafe itself.

Bonavita Connoisseur vs Moccamaster KBT

Next, let’s look at the Technivormm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer. I have a soft spot for this one; it’s been in my kitchen for a long time. If you’re a lover of all things retro, you’ll probably like the look and feel of the Moccamaster KBT.

The Bonavita Connoisseur and the Moccamaster brew coffee in similar ways. Indeed, they both have thermal carafes, hanging brewer baskets and brew almost the same amount of coffee. Plus, both machines are SCA certified.

However, the Moccamaster has a five year warranty, whereas the Connoisseur is covered for one year only. That said, the Moccamaster is priced at $339.00, which makes our Bonavita machine much more budget friendly.

Related: Moccamaster KBGV Select Hands-On Review

Bonavita Connoisseur vs Breville Precision Brewer

For our third comparison, let’s put the Breville Precision Brewer alongside the Connoisseur. Again, this Breville brewer is SCA certified and able to brew to the Golden Cup Standard as one of its six brewing options. It’s the same style of machine as the Connoisseur, but much larger.

And with the higher number of features and options comes the inevitable higher price of $299.95. That’s in Moccamaster territory. I’m not saying the Breville isn’t worth it, but there’s something to be said for the simplicity (and affordability) of the Connoisseur.

Check out: Breville Precision Brewer Hands-On Review

Bonavita Connoisseur vs OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker

Next, let’s take a look at the Bonavita Connoisseur and the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker. Again, the OXO coffee brewer is a home coffee brewer with SCA certification. As with the other machines mentioned here, it’s also the same pour over style drip coffee maker and brews roughly the same amount of coffee.

In contrast, the OXO coffee brewer has the option to brew a single cup, versus the Connoisseur’s six to eight cup brewing recommendation.

It’s important to note that, unlike the Moccamaster and Breville models, the OXO 8 Cup coffee brewer’s price point is right about the same as the Bonavita Connoisseur. You’ll pay $199.95 on Amazon for the OXO.

So why choose the Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker instead of the Oxo 8 Cup coffee maker? In my experience, the OXO machine can be a little finicky when it comes to getting the coffee to water ratio just right.

Check out: OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker Hands-On Review

Bonavita Connoisseur vs Other Coffee Makers Comparison Chart

Verdict: Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker Review

makes superb coffee

Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker

Simple yet effective

SCA-certified

Optional pre-infusion

Quick brewing

Stainless steel thermal carafe

Small footprint

Not programmable

CHECK PRICE

In short, the Bonavita Connoisseur 8 Cup Coffee Maker is a dandy little coffee maker for $188.99. The lack of a programmable option isn’t a dealbreaker for me, given all the other benefits the machine offers. However, I still don’t get why Bonavita didn’t make the pre infusion mode standard.

Thanks to its SCA certification, you can be sure this Bonavita coffee brewer is going to consistently brew great coffee. I’d be more than happy to enjoy an amazing cup of joe in the morning with just one press of a button.

Bonavita Connoisseur 8 Cup Coffee Maker Review FAQ