Coffee grounds leaking out of the basket

Coffee overflowing onto the counter is a common complaint found in response to many automatic drip coffee makers. The following are potential solutions that can be used to rule out "operator error" vs. a defect or malfunction:

1. Don't overfill the basket with grinds.
2. Ensure you are using the correct grind for an automatic drip coffee maker, neither too fine nor too course. (See instruction manual.)
3. Do not overfill with water. Use the carafe to pour water into the reservoir. This is because a "cup" in coffee terms is defined as 6 oz, not 8 oz.
4. Make sure the filter cone/basket clicks into place and that the carafe is centered and pushed all the way in.
5. Try a permanent filter rather than a paper filter or vice versa.
6. Only use the correct permanent or paper filter (see manual).
7. Make sure that the Pause 'n Serve button isn't sticking. (If it is activated too long the brew will escape over the top of the cone/basket. This may be more apt to happen if the alignment of the carafe and the basket is incorrect.)
8. Clean your machine with vinegar or as instructed by your user manual at least three times per year, more if your water supply is hard. A properly cleaned machine is less likely to suffer a burned out heating element, to take too long to brew, to produce "off" tasting coffee, or to clog and overrun the filter basket as the water runs through the grinds.
9. Ensure that the coffee machine is sitting level on the counter.

there's probably a 'silicon rubber' hose that feeds hot water to the 'grounds basket'- it may be loose, or damaged. is it leaking water, or coffee?? we have a bunn 8-cup, which has a pre-heated water tank that brews a pot in about 3 min. energy waster, but when you need coffee, you need coffee!!! is your filter holder properly centered? is the carafe lid hole clean and un-obstructed?
if it's leaking water, and not too costly to replace- you may consider replacing it with a new one!
good luck!

I had this problem after about a year of use. The thermal carafe lid had become clogged enough with coffee sludge (fine grounds/oil) and hard water deposits to slow the flow through the lid. I soaked the lid in a bowl of 2 cups hot soapy water + 2/3 cup white vinegar for a few hours, agitating the lid in the mixture every 1/2 hour or so.
Then, I rinsed the lid and packed baking soda in every opening and dropped it back into the mixture - hoping the fizzing action of the baking soda+vinegar would help loosen any remaining sludge.
I rinsed it again, and whacked it against the side of the sink for a final effort to loosen sludge. Repeated the baking soda + rinse + whacking a couple of times. No more problems.

In the future, I plan to do the soak at every Cleaning cycle/every couple of months.

Or, if you don't want to deal with it, replacement thermal carafe lids are available from Cuisinart for $6 + shipping.

Coffee overflowing onto the counter is a common complaint found in response to many automatic drip coffee makers. The following are potential solutions that can be used to rule out "operator error" vs. a defect or malfunction:

1. Do not "pack" or otherwise overfill the cone/basket with grinds.
2. Ensure you are using the correct grind for an automatic drip coffee maker, neither too fine nor too course. (See instruction manual.)
3. Do not overfill with water. Use the carafe to pour water into the reservoir. This is because a "cup" in coffee terms is defined as 6 oz, not 8 oz. Note: Some coffee makers define as little as 5 oz as a cup.
4. Make sure the filter cone/basket clicks into place and that the carafe is centered and pushed all the way in.
5. Try a permanent filter rather than a paper filter or vice versa.
6. Only use the correct permanent or paper filter (see manual).
7. Verify that the Pause 'n Serve button isn't sticking. If it is activated too long the brew will escape over the top of the cone/basket. This may be more apt to happen if the alignment of the carafe and the basket is incorrect.
8. Clean your machine with vinegar or as instructed by your user manual at least three times per year, more if your water supply is hard. A properly cleaned machine is less likely to suffer a burned out heating element, to take too long to brew, to produce "off" tasting coffee, or to clog and overrun the filter basket as the water runs through the grinds.
9. Ensure that the coffee machine is sitting level on the counter.

before plugging in place your empty filter basket in the coffee maker and place a pot under it. Slowly pour in two pots of water using the pour pitcher. Now you can plug it in. it'll take 15 min to heat up first time . when you brew your first pot leave your water level a little short,because the water will expand (only the first time)

I do apologize that you haven't received an answer. The thermal carafe can be replaced at no cost to you but simply calling customer service with the model and date code.

The grind on your coffee is too fine, and if not there is too much coffee in the basket, hence the overflow.

I emailed the company again and they are replacing the thermal carafe at no charge. Thanks!

My brother has a Bunn that does the same. I think the coffee filters he is using are too short. If you think this might be the problem too, try an internet search for Bunn coffee filters. Hope this helps!