TB3Q

Overview

The BUNN TB3Q is a commercial iced tea brewer for preparing fresh tea from real tea leaves. It brews 3-gallon (11.4 L) batches and can brew directly into portable servers. The Quickbrew feature provides a shorter brewing cycle. BUNN lists the TB3Q, 29-inch trunk as a 3-gallon iced tea brewer; the TB3Q is also available as a brewer-and-server package, listed separately with a TD4T server.

The operating guidance in the supplied tea-service manual covers brewing a 3-gallon batch, checking brew-water temperature, keeping tea fresh, cleaning the brewer and serving urn, and responding to common problems.

Key Features

• 3-gallon batch brewing: Makes 3 gallons (11.4 L) of iced tea per batch.
• Quickbrew cycle: The supplied product details identify Quickbrew as a shorter brewing cycle.
• Portable-server brewing: Brews directly into portable servers.
• SplashGard funnel: The funnel deflects hot liquids away from the operator’s hand.
• Tea brewing capacity: The BUNN catalog lists a range of 16.3 to 26.7 gallons per hour for the TB3Q.
• Listings: The manufacturer listing identifies NSF and UL.

Specifications

• Product type: Commercial iced tea brewer
• Manufacturer model: TB3Q, 29-inch trunk
• Manufacturer product number: 36700.0013
• Batch capacity: 3 gallons (11.4 L)
• Brewing capacity: 16.3 to 26.7 gallons per hour; the catalog also gives 26.7 gallons per hour as the listed capacity
• Dimensions: 34.2 inches high x 11.5 inches wide x 22.5 inches deep
• Electrical rating: 120 V, 14.4 A, 1,730 W
• Power cord: Attached
• Plug: 5-15P
• Water connection: 1/4-inch
• Listings: NSF and UL

Installation & Requirements

The available product information lists a 120 V electrical supply, 14.4 A, 1,730 W, an attached cord with a 5-15P plug, and a 1/4-inch water connection. Check that the electrical and water services at the intended location match these listed requirements before installation. The supplied TB3Q information does not specify clearance or ventilation requirements.

Operation

Prepare and brew a 3-gallon batch

• Start each batch with a clean, empty brew funnel and urn. Position the urn lid so it does not interfere with the dilution-water flow.
• Use two 2-ounce tea bags for a complete 3-gallon brew. Place the bags side by side in the centre of the brew basket and return the basket to the brewer.
• Slide the funnel into the funnel rails until it stops. Place the ON/OFF switch in the ON position and briefly press the start switch.
• Allow the cycle to finish and wait until tea has stopped dripping from the funnel tip. Then carefully remove the funnel and discard the used tea bags. Do not reuse tea bags.

Check brew temperature and batch size

The tea-service instructions call for brew water at 195°F or higher, measured at the spray head. If the water does not reach that temperature, the instructions identify a potentially faulty temperature probe or thermostat, or lime scale on the temperature probe or boiler, as possible causes. The manual directs operators to call for service if the temperature is outside the stated range.

The service guidance also describes adjusting batch size using the circuit-board SET/LOCK switch and START/BREW switch. To increase a batch, hold START/BREW until three clicks are heard, release it, then press it again as needed; each additional press adds two seconds to brew time. To decrease a batch, press and release once for each two seconds to remove, then immediately hold START/BREW until three clicks are heard and release within two seconds. To set the liquid level, hold START/BREW until three clicks, release it, and turn the ON/OFF switch to OFF when the desired level is reached. The setting is stored until reset. The instructions say to adjust the needle valve to change the concentration-to-dilution ratio.

Sweetened or flavoured tea

Let the brew cycle finish before adding sweetener or flavouring. For a 3-gallon batch, the instructions specify adding the contents of two appropriate flavour or sweetener packs. Wearing a foodservice glove, use a clean stainless-steel spoon or whisk long enough to reach the bottom of the urn and mix until the sweetener or flavour is dissolved. Put the lid on the urn promptly, identify the flavour on the urn, and discard the tea after six hours.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Brewer cleaning

• Turn the brewer OFF and wipe its exterior daily.
• Remove the sprayhead daily. Wash it in hot water and dish detergent, rinse, sanitize and air-dry it. Check that the sprayhead holes are clear, and wipe the area around the sprayhead.
• Clean the brew basket after each use. Wash the funnel tip and screen so they are free of tea particles and residue, then rinse, sanitize and air-dry them.
• Keep the funnel interior and strainer clean. The service guidance warns that a dirty or clogged strainer can slow the flow of brew water and tea, and that residue in the funnel can affect the tea’s flavour.

Urn and faucet cleaning

For daily cleaning, turn the faucet counterclockwise to remove it from the dispenser, unscrew the faucet cap and disassemble the parts. Wash them in a mild-detergent solution, rinse in clean water, then sanitize in a warm chlorine solution at 75°F with 50–100 ppm chlorine for at least ten minutes. Rinse the parts and let them air-dry overnight. Scrub the faucet body with a bristle brush. Clean the inside of the dispenser and faucet shank with a small brush, mild detergent and water, then rinse thoroughly. The instructions also call for preparing sanitizer in a clean bucket, using a commercial sanitizer with 50–100 ppm available chlorine and at least 3% available chlorine; they name KAY-5 Sanitizer and direct users to follow its mixing instructions. Use the solution to brush through the faucet shank three times, rinse the dispenser thoroughly, and let it air-dry overnight before reassembling the faucet and attaching it clockwise.

For weekly cleaning, fill the dispenser with a warm chlorine solution at 75°F and 50–100 ppm. Draw about 2 ounces through the faucet so the solution contacts its components, and leave the dispenser to soak overnight. Perform the daily faucet and dispenser cleaning the following morning. The service instructions recommend replacing the faucet seat cup every six months; they list BUNN part 00600.0000 for the seat cup and 03260.0001 for the faucet assembly.

Tea freshness

Check the tea-bag case’s “Enjoy By” date, rotate stock first in, first out, and use the bags before that date. The guide states a 12-month shelf life from the manufacturer date. Discard bags after brewing rather than reusing them. Store tea at room temperature away from items that can affect its taste, and keep the case closed between uses to limit moisture exposure.

Troubleshooting

• Brew cycle will not start: The guide lists no water or no power as possible causes. Check that the water lines and valves are open, confirm the brewer is plugged in or check the circuit breaker, and check whether the ON/OFF switch is working. The front enable/ON-OFF switch may also be the cause.
• Weak or bitter tea: Check for a missing sprayhead or brew-funnel tip and replace the missing part. A dirty sprayhead or brew basket can also cause this taste; clean and sanitize them.
• Dirty dispenser faucet: Disassemble the faucet, clean its parts and sanitize them.
• Brew water below the specified temperature: Measure at the sprayhead. The instructions identify a temperature probe or thermostat problem, or lime scale on the probe or boiler, as possible causes and direct the operator to call for service.

Applications

The TB3Q is suited to commercial foodservice locations that serve fresh iced tea by the batch. Its 3-gallon batch size and ability to brew into portable servers support service for dining areas, beverage stations and catered or meeting service where a server can be moved to the point of use. The manual’s six-hour discard limit applies to brewed tea held in the urn.