Tkfowler Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2013 Posts: 3 Location: Wash dc Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Jan 12, 2013, 7:43pm Subject: Re: Bonavita Automatic Brewer - 1st Look
I just had this same problem myself with the imploding thermal carafe. Have had the machine about three weeks. Was rinsing it out before brewing and decided to wipe off a some of the oil residue with a plastic handled dish scrubber... just lightly wiping it out. Then there is a loud bang and all the glass shatters. I couldn't believe it. The glass lining is fairly thin. I think it's a design flaw.
Posted Sat Jan 12, 2013, 8:28pm Subject: Re: Bonavita Automatic Brewer - 1st Look
I agree about the design flaw comment. There are quite a few reviews on Amazon regarding imploding carafes. Did you try for a warranty replacement? Seems you would have better luck than I since you had only been using yours for three weeks.
VKirby Senior Member Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 81 Location: World Wide Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Sun Jan 13, 2013, 9:55am Subject: Re: Bonavita Automatic Brewer - 1st Look
Weird, I figured if there was a manufacturing defect it'd emerge sooner. Guess i'd go with the glass pot version anyway, but the flimsy plastic & loose handle are more concerning, because the glass either breaks or it doesn't, but build quality is what it is.
SarasotaLady Senior Member Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Sarasota, Fla. Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sun Jan 13, 2013, 12:26pm Subject: Re: Bonavita Automatic Brewer - 1st Look
Had thermal carafe implode the first time I put a sponge inside to clean container. It was replaced under warranty-- I have to remember not to put anything in the carafe to clean except swirling water .
I'm still pleased with the first few cups of coffee I get from the brewer-- hot and with flavor. I had to fiddle with it a bit to find what works for me: Baratza Maestro II grinder -- in coarse grind range . 10-11 grams of coffee per 6 oz.
Coffee does seem to cool down quickly in the carafe and it's not high tech or sturdy--lots of room for criticizing, But for me it's the taste of the coffee that counts, so I'm OK with it./ Gotta keep things in perspective.
I don't think it's a design flaw. I think it is a mix-up in the Bonavita instructions, as there are two sets of instructions that come with the carafe.
I have followed the ones on the pink sheet that state: "After each use clean your Melitta insulation jug with warm water; do not use neither washing up liquids nor wire bottle brushes."
I take that to mean no dishwashing liquid nor brushes of any type inside the carafe and only use swirling water inside the carafe and have not had any problems. I don't think sticking plastic brushes inside a glass carafe is a good idea, given the nature of glass carafes.
Plus, as one is washing them up, if one adds dishwashing liquid, it is more likely one will bang it against the side of one's sink, as that takes more time and effort to remove the soap suds. In banging it against the side of the sink, one is more likely to then damage the carafe. Little microfractures in the glass can lead to it shattering.
I preheat mine with water every morning and have found the coffee stays very hot that way.
Coffee, the finest organic suspension ever devised. -- Captain Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager
If it is of any help, the instructions that come with the original Melitta machine say:-
"...Do not clean the therm jug in a dishwasher or immerse it completely in water
Do not use wire brushes or bottle brushes.
In case of tenacious dirt (lime, coffee residues) clean inner therm jug with weakened vinegar or lemon.
Never stir contents with a metal spoon, do not pour in ice-cubes or carbonated drinks to avoid damages of glass insert."
The English translation from the German is a little odd in places, but the message is clear - like any glass thermos, the glass insert is very thin and easily damaged.
I don't think the design is that brilliant, especially the way the bottom part fits the outer stainless steel cladding. I think this unscrews to let you put a replacement liner in it although I've never done so. I wonder if it is possible that without a good but not over tight fit, it might put too much stress on the liner ?
The English translation from the German is a little odd in places, but the message is clear - like any glass thermos, the glass insert is very thin and easily damaged.
I like the design myself. Do you mean you want more padding against the bottom of the carafe?
__________ Said:
I think this unscrews to let you put a replacement liner in it although I've never done so. I wonder if it is possible that without a good but not over tight fit, it might put too much stress on the liner ?
There are no instructions for doing so included by Bonavita, nor does Bonavita sell these replacement liners. Therefore I have to conclude it would void the warranty.
Coffee, the finest organic suspension ever devised. -- Captain Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager
The design looks good from a cosmetic point of view, and I haven't ever taken mine apart, but the black plastic base doesn't fit into the stainless steel shell as well as I think it should, at least on mine. There must be a part inside which holds the inner vacuum pot in place against the seal at the top. I'm simply speculating that if too much pressure is being applied, it would cause stress on the glass.
I'll take it apart one day, but it is stored away as I generally use the Technivorm from choice these days. It doesn't make coffee any better than the Melitta, but it is much easier to clean, as everything including the water sprinkler pipe goes in the dishwasher (Glass jug, not thermal)
missy_ Said:
There are no instructions for doing so included by Bonavita, nor does Bonavita sell these replacement liners. Therefore I have to conclude it would void the warranty.
I don't know about "voiding warranty", however, if they don't sell replacement inners, there wouldn't be any point in giving instructions. I don't think Melitta sell spare inners only the complete "Ersatzkanne", although it may be a standard shape/size also used in other flasks as I am sure Melitta won't manufacture their own.
I did make a claim with Bonavita and they are going to replace my thermal carafe for free. I won't be trying to clean this one with anything more than water... I think the instructions could emphasize more directly just how fragile the glass lining is. Their manual says not to use "wire-brushes or bottle-brushes" but it should really say do not use "anything" to clean the carafe.
My point is just to put this out as one thing that happened with this version of this coffee maker and to promote some awareness of how fragile their glass lined carafe can be. At the end of the day I do still like this coffee maker.
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