Draining Your Bunn Coffee Maker for Storage
Quick answer
- Unplug the brewer from the electrical outlet.
- Turn off the hot water tank switch, if applicable.
- Allow the brewer to cool completely before handling.
- Open the faucet or dispense hot water until the tank is empty.
- For models with a drain plug, remove it carefully to fully empty the tank.
- Wipe down the exterior and interior components.
- Store in a clean, dry place away from extreme temperatures.
Who this is for
- Bunn coffee maker owners preparing for an extended vacation or move.
- Individuals needing to store their Bunn brewer seasonally or for maintenance.
- Anyone looking to properly winterize their Bunn coffee maker to prevent damage.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
Before you begin, identify your specific Bunn model. Some Bunn brewers have a hot water tank that needs to be emptied, while others are pour-over models without a tank. Check your manual for model-specific draining instructions. For models with a hot water tank, locate the tank drain plug if it has one.
Water quality and temperature
Ensure your Bunn coffee maker has cooled down completely before attempting to drain it. Handling a hot brewer can lead to burns. If you’ve been using hard water, consider a descaling cycle before draining for long-term storage to prevent mineral buildup.
Grind size and coffee freshness
While not directly related to draining, if you’re storing the brewer, ensure any remaining coffee grounds are discarded. Stale grounds can harbor mold and leave unpleasant odors in the brew basket or carafe during storage.
Coffee-to-water ratio
This is primarily a brewing concern, but ensuring your brewer is empty of all water is crucial for storage. Any residual water can lead to mold, mildew, or even freeze damage in cold environments.
Cleanliness/descale status
A clean brewer stores better. Before draining, consider running a cleaning cycle. After draining, wipe down all accessible surfaces. If you haven’t descaled in a while, it’s a good idea to do so before storage to prevent hard water deposits from solidifying and becoming harder to remove later.
Before draining for storage, it’s a great time to run a cleaning cycle. Using a good coffee maker cleaning solution can prevent mineral buildup and ensure your brewer is fresh for its next use.
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Step-by-step how to drain Bunn coffee maker for storage
1. Unplug the brewer.
- Good looks like: The power cord is completely disconnected from the wall outlet.
- Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug, which can lead to electrical shock or accidental heating during draining. Avoid by making this the absolute first step.
2. Turn off the tank heater switch (if applicable).
- Good looks like: The switch, usually located on the back or side, is in the “off” position.
- Common mistake: Draining hot water from a tank that’s still heating, which can be dangerous. Always confirm the heater is off and allow time for cooling.
3. Allow the brewer to cool completely.
- Good looks like: The exterior of the brewer is cool to the touch, and no steam is visible. This may take 1-2 hours after turning off the heater.
- Common mistake: Rushing the cooling process, leading to potential burns from hot water or surfaces. Be patient; safety first.
4. Position the brewer over a sink or large bucket.
- Good looks like: The brewer is stable and there’s enough space for the water to drain without splashing.
- Common mistake: Using a container that’s too small, leading to overflow and a messy cleanup. Estimate the tank capacity and choose an appropriately sized basin.
5. Open the hot water faucet or dispense hot water.
- Good looks like: Water flows steadily from the dispenser until the tank is empty. For models without a faucet, you might need to repeatedly press the brew button without coffee grounds.
- Common mistake: Not fully emptying the tank this way, leaving residual water. Continue dispensing until only air comes out.
6. Locate and remove the drain plug (if present on your model).
- Good looks like: The drain plug, typically at the bottom rear of the unit, is unscrewed, and remaining water flows out. Refer to your manual for its exact location.
- Common mistake: Forcing the plug or using the wrong tool, which can strip or damage it. Use the appropriate wrench or screwdriver if needed, as specified in your manual.
If your Bunn model has a drain plug, make sure you have the correct tool to remove it. You can find specific Bunn coffee maker parts, including replacement drain plugs if yours is lost or damaged, on Amazon.
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7. Tilt the brewer to ensure all water is removed.
- Good looks like: Gently tilting the brewer forward, backward, and side-to-side allows any hidden pockets of water to escape.
- Common mistake: Skipping this step, leaving small amounts of water that can lead to mildew or freezing damage. Take a few extra minutes to ensure thorough draining.
8. Wipe down the interior and exterior.
- Good looks like: All surfaces are dry and clean, free of water spots or coffee residue.
- Common mistake: Leaving moisture inside, which promotes mold growth during storage. Use a clean, dry cloth.
9. Replace the drain plug securely.
- Good looks like: The plug is finger-tight or tightened according to your manual’s specifications, preventing leaks when the brewer is eventually refilled.
- Common mistake: Overtightening the plug, which can damage the seal, or not tightening enough, leading to future leaks.
10. Store the brewer in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment.
- Good looks like: The brewer is placed in a cupboard, pantry, or garage where it won’t be exposed to extreme heat, cold, or humidity.
- Common mistake: Storing in a damp basement or unheated garage where temperatures can drop below freezing, potentially damaging internal components.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not unplugging the brewer | Risk of electrical shock or accidental heating. | Always unplug before starting any maintenance or draining. |
| Draining while the tank is hot | Burns from hot water or steam. | Turn off the heater and allow at least an hour for cooling. |
| Not fully emptying the tank | Mold, mildew, stale odors, or freeze damage in cold climates. | Tilt the brewer, use the drain plug (if applicable), and ensure no water remains. |
| Forgetting to turn off the hot water tank switch | Brewer continues to heat an empty tank, potentially damaging the heating element. | Always turn off the tank switch first, then unplug. |
| Storing in a damp or freezing environment | Rust, mold growth, or internal component damage from freezing water. | Choose a dry, climate-controlled storage location. |
| Not cleaning before storage | Coffee residue hardens, mold grows, attracting pests. | Thoroughly clean and descale the brewer before draining and storing. |
| Overtightening/undertightening the drain plug | Damaged plug/seal or future leaks when refilled. | Tighten according to manual; don’t force it, but ensure it’s snug. |
| Not replacing the drain plug | Water will leak out when the brewer is refilled for use. | Always replace the drain plug securely after draining. |
| Rushing the process | Incomplete draining, potential safety hazards, or damage. | Take your time, follow steps methodically, and prioritize safety. |
| Not consulting the manual for your specific model | Missing model-specific instructions for draining or parts. | Always refer to your Bunn owner’s manual first. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your Bunn brewer has a visible hot water tank switch, then turn it off first because it controls the heating element.
- If you’re unsure if the brewer has a hot water tank, then check your model’s manual because some Bunn models are pour-over only.
- If the brewer has been recently used, then allow at least an hour to cool before draining because hot water and surfaces can cause burns.
- If your Bunn model has a drain plug, then locate and remove it after dispensing water because it ensures the most complete drainage.
- If you plan to store the brewer in an unheated garage or basement, then ensure all water is completely removed because freezing water can damage internal components.
- If you notice any scale buildup, then descale the brewer before draining because it’s easier to remove before it hardens during storage.
- If you are moving the brewer, then secure all removable parts like the brew funnel and carafe because they can get lost or damaged during transport.
- If you see any residual moisture after draining, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth because moisture can lead to mold or mildew.
- If your brewer has a hot water faucet, then open it to dispense water for draining because it’s the primary way to empty the tank.
- If you don’t have the original packaging, then wrap the brewer in a clean towel or bubble wrap before storing because it protects against dust and minor impacts.
FAQ
Why do I need to drain my Bunn coffee maker for storage?
Draining prevents several issues, including mold and mildew growth from stagnant water, potential damage from freezing temperatures if stored in an unheated area, and the buildup of mineral deposits if left for extended periods. It also ensures the brewer is clean and ready for use when you retrieve it.
How long does it take for a Bunn coffee maker to cool down before draining?
After turning off the hot water tank switch, it’s best to allow at least 1 to 2 hours for the internal tank and heating elements to cool down sufficiently. For safety, always confirm the exterior is cool to the touch before proceeding.
Can I just pour out the water from the top of my Bunn coffee maker?
No, simply pouring from the top will not completely empty the internal hot water tank. Bunn brewers are designed with internal plumbing that requires specific draining methods, such as dispensing through the faucet or removing a drain plug, to ensure all water is removed.
What if my Bunn coffee maker doesn’t have a drain plug?
Many Bunn models, especially home brewers, do not have a dedicated drain plug. In these cases, the primary method for draining is to repeatedly dispense hot water through the faucet or brew cycle until no more water comes out. You might need to tilt the brewer gently to dislodge any remaining water.
Should I descale my Bunn before storing it?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Descaling before storage removes mineral buildup that could solidify and become harder to clean later. A clean, descaled brewer will be in better condition when you’re ready to use it again.
How should I store the empty Bunn coffee maker?
Store your drained and cleaned Bunn coffee maker in a clean, dry, and temperature-stable environment. Avoid places with extreme heat, cold, or high humidity, such as uninsulated garages or damp basements. Covering it with a cloth can protect it from dust.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific troubleshooting for Bunn brewer malfunctions (e.g., not heating, leaks).
- Detailed descaling instructions for various Bunn models (refer to your manual).
- How to set up and prime a Bunn coffee maker after storage.
- In-depth reviews or comparisons of different Bunn coffee maker models.
- Commercial Bunn coffee maker draining procedures (this guide focuses on home models).
- General coffee brewing techniques or recipes.