Updated on May 13, 2025
Introduction to SCAA Certified Coffee Makers
SCAA certified coffee makers are designed to meet the high standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association for quality and performance.
These coffee makers ensure a great cup of coffee by brewing at the optimal temperature for rich, flavorful results. Additionally, they maintain a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) percentage of 18-22 percent, which is essential for achieving the best flavor and strength in brewed coffee.
Investing in an SCAA certified coffee maker is ideal for coffee lovers seeking the perfect cup of coffee every time.
They come in sleek, modern, or traditional designs, making them a stylish addition to any kitchen.
Beyond aesthetics and performance, these coffee makers are engineered to maintain the ideal brewing parameters, such as water temperature between 195°F and 205°F, which is crucial for extracting the best flavors from freshly ground coffee.
Many SCAA certified models feature precise water distribution systems that evenly saturate the coffee grounds, promoting uniform extraction and enhancing coffee flavor.
Additionally, these coffee makers often include features like adjustable brew strength, programmable timers, and thermal or glass carafes that keep your brewed coffee hot without compromising taste.
Using an SCAA certified coffee maker can elevate your morning coffee routine, delivering consistent, delicious coffee whether you prefer hot coffee or even iced coffee brewed fresh at home.
These machines also support sustainable coffee practices by optimizing the use of coffee grounds, ensuring minimal waste while maximizing the coffee taste in every cup.
Whether you are a casual drinker or a dedicated coffee professional, SCAA certified coffee makers provide the tools needed to brew excellent coffee that meets the rigorous Golden Cup Standard set by the European Coffee Brewing Center and the Specialty Coffee Association.
What is SCA Certification?
SCA certification indicates that a coffee maker meets the strict standards for specialty coffee, rated 80-100 on a 100-point scale. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the leading trade organization for the coffee industry. Formed in 2017 through a merger of two organizations, the SCA certification guarantees that the coffee maker consistently brews high-quality coffee with proper water temperature and brew time. Over 10,000 coffee professionals worldwide are members, including baristas and roasters.
Achieving SCA certification involves rigorous testing to ensure the coffee maker can maintain the optimal brewing parameters, such as water temperature between 195°F and 205°F and precise extraction time, which are critical to producing the best coffee flavor and aroma. This certification also evaluates the coffee maker’s ability to evenly saturate coffee grounds, promoting uniform extraction and preventing under- or over-extraction, which can negatively affect the taste of brewed coffee. The SCA’s Golden Cup Standard assesses coffee based on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and brew strength.
SCA certified coffee makers often incorporate advanced features such as programmable brew settings, auto brew functions, and thermal or stainless steel carafes that help keep the coffee hot without compromising quality.
By choosing an SCA certified coffee maker, consumers can be confident they are investing in a machine that delivers consistent, great tasting coffee that meets the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standards. The certification process supports coffee lovers and professionals alike by promoting high standards in coffee brewing, ensuring every cup brewed is a good cup that highlights the unique flavors of specialty coffee beans.
Types of SCAA Certified Coffee Makers
Drip Coffee Makers
Drip coffee makers are a popular type of SCAA certified coffee maker, offering convenience and ease of use. These machines are designed to brew coffee by dripping hot water over ground coffee beans, allowing for a consistent extraction that highlights the flavors of specialty coffee.
Automatic Coffee Makers
Automatic coffee makers are also available, providing a hassle-free brewing experience. These models often come with programmable features such as auto brew functions, adjustable brew strength, and timers, allowing users to start brewing at a set time for fresh coffee ready when needed.
Manual Brewing Methods: Pour-Over and French Press
Pour-over and French press coffee makers can also be SCAA certified, offering a more manual brewing process. These methods give coffee lovers greater control over the brewing parameters, such as water temperature and brew time, which can result in a more personalized and craft filter coffee experience.
Size and Capacity Variations
SCAA certified coffee makers come in a range of sizes, from single cup to large capacity. This variety ensures that whether you need a quick single cup or want to brew multiple servings for a group, there is a certified coffee machine to meet your needs. Larger models often feature bigger water tanks and thermal carafes to keep coffee stayed warm for extended periods without sacrificing coffee quality.
Key Features of SCAA Certified Coffee Makers
Optimal Water Temperature Control
Proper water temperature is a key feature of SCAA certified coffee makers, ensuring optimal extraction and flavor.
Thermal and Glass Carafes
A thermal carafe or glass carafe is often included, keeping coffee warm for hours without burning or overheating.
Customizable Brew Settings
Adjustable brew settings and customizable brewing options are also common features.
Convenient Design Elements
SCAA certified coffee makers often include a brew basket and a drip tray for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Consistent Water Distribution
Many models also emphasize consistent water distribution over the coffee grounds, which is essential for even extraction and enhancing the brewed coffee quality.
Programmable Brew Cycles
Some SCAA coffee makers feature programmable brew cycles that allow users to control bloom time and overall brew duration, contributing to a more consistent cup.
Dishwasher Safe Components
Dishwasher safe components, such as the brew basket and carafe, add convenience and ease of upkeep for daily use.
Safety Features
Additionally, several certified machines incorporate hot plates with automatic shut-off functions to keep coffee hot safely without compromising flavor.
High-Quality Materials
The use of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel carafes and BPA-free plastics, ensures durability and maintains the purity of coffee flavor.
These features collectively help coffee lovers achieve a great coffee experience every time, aligning with the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standards.
How to Choose an SCAA Certified Coffee Maker
Consider Your Preferred Brewing Method
When choosing an SCAA certified coffee maker, consider the type of brewing method you prefer.
Size, Capacity, and Build Quality
Think about the size and capacity of the coffee maker, as well as the features and customizable options.
Look for a coffee maker that is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association and has received the Golden Cup Award.
Additionally, consider the material and build quality of the coffee maker, as durable materials like stainless steel and BPA-free plastics can enhance longevity and maintain coffee purity.
Temperature Control and Carafe Type
Pay attention to the coffee maker’s ability to maintain the optimal brewing temperature between 195°F and 205°F, as this is crucial for extracting the best flavors from your coffee grounds.
Evaluate whether the coffee maker includes features such as a thermal carafe or a glass carafe, which help keep your brewed coffee hot without overheating or burning it.
Customizable Brewing Features
Check if the coffee maker offers programmable brew settings, auto brew functions, or adjustable brew strength to customize your brewing experience according to your taste preferences.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance, looking for dishwasher safe components like the brew basket and carafe, as these can save time and effort.
Additional Safety and Convenience Features
Finally, think about additional features such as hot plate shut-off functions, consistent water distribution systems, and a reliable drip tray, which contribute to a safer and more enjoyable coffee brewing process.
Top SCAA Certified Coffee Makers
Technivorm Moccamaster
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing...
- The top coffee maker choice of coffee brewing experts
- Easy use, one button Operation and 4-6 minute brew time for 40 oz. of Coffee
The Technivorm Moccamaster is renowned for its exceptional build quality and consistent brewing performance, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike. Handmade in the Netherlands, each unit undergoes rigorous testing to meet the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standards, ensuring optimal water temperature and precise extraction time. All models of Technivorm coffee makers are certified by the SCA for coffee brewing standards. This coffee maker features a unique copper heating element that maintains water temperature between 196°F and 205°F, the ideal range for brewing specialty coffee.
One standout feature of the Moccamaster is its efficient water distribution system, which evenly saturates the coffee grounds for uniform extraction and enhanced flavor. The machine includes a durable glass carafe or an optional stainless steel thermal carafe, both designed to keep your coffee hot without compromising taste. Its user-friendly design includes a simple on/off switch, a brew basket that is easy to remove and clean, and a drip-stop feature that allows you to pour a cup mid-brew without making a mess.
The Technivorm Moccamaster is also built to last, with high-quality materials such as BPA-free plastics and metal housing, ensuring durability and longevity. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate craft filter coffee and want a reliable machine that delivers a perfect cup every time, whether you’re brewing a single cup or a full pot for guests.
This coffee maker’s reputation is bolstered by its consistent ability to meet the stringent requirements of the Specialty Coffee Association, making it one of the best SCAA certified coffee makers on the market. Its combination of precision, durability, and simplicity makes it a top contender for anyone seeking the best coffee makers for home use.
Breville Precision Brewer
- The Breville Precision Brewer Thermal is a 60 oz drip coffee maker with thermal carafe that allows...
- AUTOMATIC PRESETS AND CUSTOMIZABLE: 6 unique brewing modes ensure you enjoy the perfect balanced...
- PRECISE & ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE: Coffee maker with precise digital temperature control (PID), 3...
The Breville Precision Brewer stands out as a versatile and innovative coffee maker designed to meet the exacting standards of the Specialty Coffee Association. It offers a wide range of customizable brew settings that allow coffee enthusiasts to adjust parameters such as bloom time, brewing temperature, flow rate, and brew strength. This level of control ensures that every cup meets personal taste preferences while adhering to the SCAA’s Golden Cup Standards.
One of the key features of the Breville Precision Brewer is its ability to brew both single cup and full pot sizes, making it suitable for various household needs. It also includes a cold brew setting, catering to those who enjoy a smooth, refreshing iced coffee. The machine’s stainless steel thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for extended periods without sacrificing flavor, while its intuitive LCD interface makes programming and operation straightforward.
The Precision Brewer is equipped with a high-quality water tank and a precise heating system that maintains the optimal brewing temperature between 195°F and 205°F, essential for extracting the best flavors from freshly ground coffee. Additionally, its brew basket is dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup after use.
With its combination of advanced technology, flexibility, and adherence to SCAA certification, the Breville Precision Brewer is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want to experiment with different brewing profiles and enjoy consistently great coffee at home.
OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker
- BetterBrew Precision Brewing controls water temperature and optimizes brew cycles for rich,...
- Fully programmable and easy to use, a single dial lets you choose cups, program the time and set the...
- Temperature-controlled brewing keeps the water between 197.6–204.8°F /92-96°C – the ideal...
The OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker is another excellent choice among the best SCAA certified coffee makers, known for its combination of sleek design and precise brewing capabilities. This coffee maker is engineered to meet the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standards, ensuring that every batch of brewed coffee achieves optimal flavor and quality.
One of the standout features of the OXO Brew 9 Cup is its intelligent microprocessor-controlled brew cycle, which replicates the pour-over brewing technique. This allows for precise control over water temperature, which is maintained within the ideal range of 195°F to 205°F throughout the brewing process. The machine also features a rainmaker shower head that evenly saturates coffee grounds, promoting uniform extraction and enhancing the overall coffee flavor.
The OXO Brew 9 Cup comes equipped with a stainless steel thermal carafe that keeps your coffee hot for hours without compromising taste or quality. Its user-friendly interface includes a simple on/off switch and a brew basket that is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Additionally, the coffee maker has a programmable auto-start function, allowing coffee lovers to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee every morning.
Durability is another key aspect of the OXO Brew 9 Cup, built with high-quality materials designed to last. For those who appreciate craft filter coffee and want a reliable, consistent coffee maker that delivers excellent coffee flavor with every brew, this model is a fantastic option.
Overall, the OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker stands out for its precision, ease of use, and ability to consistently produce a great cup of coffee, making it a worthy contender in the realm of SCAA certified coffee makers.
Ratio Six Coffee Maker Series 2
- Simplify Your Routine - Tired of complicated coffee rituals? The Ratio coffee maker streamlines your...
- Precision Shower Head - Experience optimal water distribution and extraction with the...
- Crafted Perfection - Unlock the full potential of your coffee beans with the pour-over process of...
The Ratio Six Coffee Maker Series 2 is a standout among SCAA certified coffee makers, known for its elegant design and precise brewing capabilities. This model combines modern aesthetics with advanced technology to deliver a consistently excellent cup of coffee that meets the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standards. The Ratio Six coffee maker includes a unique silicone heat shield to maintain the temperature of brewed coffee.
One key feature of the Ratio Six is its use of a stainless steel thermal carafe, which keeps coffee hot for hours without compromising the delicate flavors. The machine maintains the optimal brewing temperature between 195°F and 205°F, ensuring proper extraction of coffee grounds for a rich and balanced taste.
The Ratio Six also features an intuitive control panel that allows users to customize brew strength and volume, catering to different preferences and serving sizes. Its brew basket is designed for even water distribution, saturating the coffee grounds uniformly to enhance flavor extraction.
Durability and ease of maintenance are also priorities in this model. The carafe and brew basket are dishwasher safe, making cleanup straightforward. Additionally, the Ratio Six incorporates a drip tray and an automatic shut-off feature for safety and convenience.
With its combination of style, functionality, and adherence to SCAA certification, the Ratio Six Coffee Maker Series 2 is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want a reliable, high-quality machine that consistently produces a perfect cup of coffee.
Bunn Heat N Brew Coffee Maker
- Heat N' Brew 10-Cup programmable coffee maker features professional grade technology to deliver the...
- CAFÉ TASTE AT HOME - Our commercial style multi-stream sprayhead evenly showers hot water over the...
- BREW A TRAVEL MUG OR A CARAFE - Brew as little as 20 ounces to fill a travel mug, or brew a full...
The Bunn Heat N Brew Coffee Maker is a reliable and efficient option among SCAA certified coffee makers, known for its quick brewing time and consistent temperature control. This coffee maker is designed to maintain the ideal brewing temperature between 195°F and 205°F, ensuring optimal extraction and rich coffee flavor that meets the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standards.
One of the key advantages of the Bunn Heat N Brew is its powerful heating system, which allows it to brew a full pot of coffee in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or when serving multiple guests. The machine features a stainless steel thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours without compromising taste or quality, eliminating the need for a hot plate that can sometimes burn coffee.
The Bunn Heat N Brew also includes a simple and user-friendly interface, with an easy-to-use brew basket that is dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning. Its drip tray and water tank are designed for quick refills and minimal mess, enhancing the overall brewing experience.
Durability is another strong point of this coffee maker, built with high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting performance. The Bunn Heat N Brew is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who prioritize speed, convenience, and consistent coffee quality in their daily routine.
Overall, the Bunn Heat N Brew Coffee Maker stands out for its ability to deliver a perfect cup of coffee quickly, making it a valuable addition to the lineup of the best SCAA certified coffee makers.
Conclusion
For coffee lovers and professionals alike, the assurance of quality, consistency, and craftsmanship provided by SCAA certified coffee makers makes them a valuable addition to any kitchen. Whether brewing a morning coffee or preparing iced coffee for a refreshing treat, these coffee makers meet the needs of all coffee enthusiasts seeking the perfect cup every time. Ultimately, the best SCAA certified coffee makers combine functionality, durability, and superior brewing performance, elevating your coffee experience to new heights.