So while I have been waiting for my coffee Area to be clean enough to do a proper video review. I have been using both products. This couldn't have come at a better time for me as my Technivorm moccamaster was sent in for repairs which ended up costing me $25 in shipping charges. So far in the several years I have been using Bonavita products I have yet to incur a penny of charges, not that there hasn't been small issues but as far as customer support goes they are truly second to none. I place them higher than Technivorm for sure and we'll see over the long run but they are definitely better than even Baratza for me at this point, which is in some elite company.
On the Brewer some notes in the 2 days and two party's it's been used;
1. They redesigned the lid that screws on after the brew cycle. it is thicker and seems to have a different feel when you depress the plunger to pour contrasting from my old 1800 TH. I am thinking this was designed better to retain heat longer. Typically I am not a fan of this design. I prefer the Newco, and Tecnivorm style of pass through lid that allows for pouring without removing brew baskets, and screwing on a separate lid. This brewer would be perfect to me if they could solve this and it would then definitely be a technivorm Killer aside form the better customer service.
2. the on/off button is simpler and simply works better. The on/off button on the older brewers was inconsistent but it seemed to be a robust design. This switch seems more like something you could pick up at Fry's electronics or something but more importantly it has been working flawlessly in the limited time i have used it.
3. The basket is flat bottom. i personally prefer the cone shape, I am not sure why it is an aesthetic thing for me. But it also seems to be on the better brewers. If they had a choice that would be great. I can see how this could solve a better use of space issue or maybe a speed of brewing issue, but if that is the case then it should also result in a thermal lid that doesn't need to be installed separately.
4. The water tank looks even more like a technivorm on the newer models. It's a good thing I like the look of the transparent tube.
5. They still come with a sample of descaling powder - I like this.
Lastly I am not sure why Melitta decided to have these brewers and products rebadged "Bonavita" it has somewhat created it's own culture like "Lexus" did when it came out. But Melitta I think is a better brand name recognition, I would have like Melitta to stay.
