You do not always need a barista for a cup of great coffee! SCAA coffee makers can bring home the experience of a supreme café to you. There is a whole range of excellent models out there, perhaps adding a slight challenge to picking the right one. Read on to find out more about the best SCAA coffee makers and discover the ultimate buying guide.
What is an SCAA certified coffee maker?
SCAA is an abbreviation for Speciality Coffee Association Of America. It is a not-for-profit organization with the intent to outline, grow, and encourage specialty coffee. In essence, the SCAA dictated and maintained the industry standards for the consistency and quality of all aspects of coffee.
The SCAA’s Certified Home Brewer Program involves the evaluation and review of various coffee makers designed for use at home. If a model meets the requirements of the SCAA, it officially gains the status of an SCAA-certified coffee maker. It is extremely difficult for coffee makers to clear the rigorous process of judgment that the SCAA has established.
What does the SCAA look for when judging a coffee maker?
The best way to assure yourself of the quality of a coffee maker is to check for SCAA certification. If a coffee maker holds certification from the SCAA, there can be no doubt about its excellence.
Take a look below to gain insight into the parameters of judgment that the SCAA uses. Despite the SCAA’s Home Brewer Program being in motion for about 30 years, only around 30 SCAA coffee makers are available in the market today!
Golden Cup Ratio
A Golden Cup of coffee is nearly a perfect cup! The Golden Cup Ratio is equal to 55 g of coffee for each liter of water. The volume of coffee is a significant player in the definition of a coffee maker’s quality. The brew basket should be able to hold the Golden Cup Ratio without overflowing while a brew cycle runs.
Uniformity of Extraction and Performance
The uniformity of extraction and performance runs parallel to the overall reliability and consistency of a coffee maker, tested via several brew cycles. The SCAA reviews five to ten coffee makers and runs ten different brew cycles on each.
Through a coffee refractometer plus Brewing Control Chart, the SCAA establishes the concentration of solubles in all coffee makers it tests. Every brewer must have a concentration of 1.15% to 1.45% of solubles, and the yield must be 18% to 22%. Based on these results, the SCAA determines the uniformity of extraction as well.
A numerical scale for rating, starting from 1 and reaching 100, gives a grade to every brewer based on the aforementioned parameters. A score below 60 on this scale is not eligible for SCAA certification at all.
Clarity
It is never pleasant to drink coffee with sediments in it. A coffee maker should brew in such a way that there are no sediments in your beverage. According to the SCAA, a brewer is only as good as the amount of solids it leaves in your cup per 100 mL of coffee brewed. There should not be more than 75 mg of sediments per 100 mL of brewed coffee.
Brewing Temperature and Time
The SCAA has very specific criteria for judging the quality of a coffee maker when it comes to brewing temperature and time. The coffee grounds and water should be in contact for more than four minutes but less than eight minutes. As for the temperature, the brewer should attain a temperature of 197.6°F within a minute.
The temperature of Coffee Within the Carafe
An essential aspect of a good coffee maker is the ability of its carafe to maintain your coffee’s temperature. You should be able to enjoy a cup of hot coffee after obtaining it from the carafe! SCAA coffee makers can keep your coffee between 1760°F and 1850°F for at least 30 minutes, without an active heater.
Manual and Instructions
A coffee maker is useful only when it comes with a proper instruction manual or operating information. SCAA coffee makers come with detailed, helpful operating information, including directions to clean as well as a tutorial for a Golden Cup.
Additional factors you should consider when buying a coffee machine
While SCAA coffee makers will not disappoint you, there are a few additional factors that you must consider when buying a coffee maker:
Capacity of Carafe
Typically, you will find carafe sizes ranging from 4 to 14 cups. The most popular size is 12. You should take your coffee requirements into account and buy a brewer that can satisfy your daily consumption.
Water Filter
If your water is not well-filtered, the flavor of your coffee may suffer. Several coffee maker models come with filters within them. While it certainly adds to the expenses and maintenance of the machine, it provides full value for the effort. You may not want to consider this feature if you already use a filtration system for your water.
Thermal vs. Hot Plate
Glass carafes with hot plates are often cheaper than thermal ones, but they can make your coffee seem bitter. They also consume more energy and tend to over-extract oils. Glass carafes also give a sleeker and tidier look than steel carafes.
Steel of thermal carafes maintains excellent temperatures while preserving the flavor of your drink. However, they come with a heavier price tag than hot plate coffee makers. A drawback of thermal carafes is that the level of coffee in the container is not visible. It is especially inconvenient for large coffee machines.
Cost
You should bear in mind that SCAA coffee makers are bound to be more expensive than common coffee making machines. The cost of these machines is high because they utilize superior technology and materials for their construction. You should buy a coffee maker only if you feel confident that its features provide full value for its price.
Versatility
SCAA coffee makers do not seem to be very versatile- but this is due to the fact that they are already functioning at their peak! Despite this, you will still be able to find some models with greater programmability. Make sure you test the scope for customization before buying a coffee maker if you prefer setting your own parameters.
The Best SCAA Coffee Makers
Here, you will find a curated list of the 12 Best Drip Coffee Makers that have been certified and approved by the SCAA. Read on for comprehensive reviews so that you can make a wise decision when you purchase your very own coffee maker!
Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT Coffee Brewer
The Technivorm Mochamaster 79112 KBT coffee brewer is a highly recommended drip coffee maker. This is one of the topmost SCAA coffee makers that provide great tasting coffee without much hassle. Very easy to clean and operate, the coffee maker delivers exactly what it promises.
The most important reason to opt for this coffee maker is its high quality. Mot just the quality of the coffee it delivers, but the quality of the brewer itself is exceptional. It will be your kitchen companion for a long time. Despite the technology being a little dated, there will be no question about the product’s longevity.
A copper boiling component is present inside the water reservoir, which heats the water to the right temperature. It also releases just the correct amount of water that helps the coffee bloom. It takes a slight pause, after which the coffee maker starts the brewing. There is an auto-off feature that gets activated after 100 minutes.
You can choose the temperature of the heat place. There are two options for this, which are 175°F and 185°F. However, one thing to note about this model is its price. The brewer is quite expensive, and some people may not be able to afford it. On the upside, the price of the model is worth the functions that it provides.
Pros
- In six minutes, the brewer can make about 10 cups
- Automatic shut-off function after 100 minutes or when eater reservoir is empty
- The plastic used in manufacturing is BPA/BPF/BPS-free
- Made from high-quality materials making it durable and long-lasting
- A large capacity coffee maker
Cons
- Expensive option as compared to the other coffee makers
- Not as many programming options available
- Glass carafe might overheat the coffee and alter the taste
Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System
Another one of the best products in the SCAA coffee makers category is the Ninja CP307 hot and cold-brewed system. Ninja is quite a well-known brand for coffee makers, and this model is no different. Using this coffee maker, you can brew ice-cold coffee as well as tasty hot coffee.
If you are looking to make iced coffee in the summer, this model would be the best for you. Without having to soak coffee grounds overnight, the CP307 will provide you with an authentic iced coffee in just 10 minutes. To make iced coffee, the temperature can be reduced to 110°F. For brewing over iced coffee in less time, the temperature can be set at 205°F.
The best thing about the brewer is the presence of two different baskets for making tea and coffee. There will be no issue about the taste getting mixed since the baskets are used for making separate beverages. This added feature may not be present in many coffee makers, making the Ninja CP307 unique.
The tea maker can brew different kinds of tea, such as Oolong, Green, Herbal, White, and Black. You just have to choose the kind of tea on the control panel, and the machine would set the temperature automatically, making you the perfect tea.
Pros
- The frother in-built in the brewer helps make cold and hot beverage equally good
- The design of the coffee maker is modern and sleek
- Two-in-brewer makes coffee and different types of tea
Cons
- May face some issues while cleaning the narrow-mouthed carafe
- Lack of warm plate
Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker
The CM407 specialty coffee maker is another great product of the Ninja brand. This model provides six different coffee brew sizes. These sizes are single cup, travel mug, half carafe, XL cup, full carafe, and XL multi-serve. There are also four types of brews that are classic, over ice, specialty, and rich.
The most recommended type of brew is the specialty that gives an authentic and concentrated taste. Another great thing about the model is its quietness with which the brewer operates. The Ninja CM407 is quieter than most of the other models of the Ninja brand. There are also features such as a high-end reusable filter and frothing arm.
You can find two types of carafe for the brewer, which are thermal and glass. Both of these are good, but the glass carafe is less expensive and is best for people who do not let their coffee sit for long. Additionally, the design of the brewer is sleek, like any other Ninja model. The build of the Ninja CM407 is very modern.
The model is quite tall, which can be good for some and bad for some. If you lack storage space, the tall structure can be a hassle to place. You have to let it sit around your counter even when it is not being used. That is why you need to see if the model is a convenient option for you.
Pros
- Six kinds of brewing sizes and four kinds of brewing types
- Comes with many extra accessories and attachments
- Equipped with an auto-timer
Cons
- Tall size may be inconvenient for some people
Bonavita BV1900TS 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker
The Bonavita BV1900TS is a highly recommended drip coffee maker that is SCAA approved. The design of the Bonavita coffee maker is like any other classic model. You can find several Bonavita coffee maker reviews that specify some of the model’s strong points. This tank is placed on a stainless steel body, which proves to be a strong base.
Weighing just 6.13 pounds, the coffee maker is not very heavy. You can store and carry around the coffee maker easily to another part of the kitchen. One time brew makes about 8 cups of coffee. With a 1500W heater, the coffee maker maintains a moderate temperature between 195°F and 205°F.
One interesting feature of the coffee maker is the pre-infusion mode. This can be enabled by holding the power switch for about 5 seconds. When the mode is enabled, a small amount of the hot water drips on those coffee grounds. This ensures that the coffee grounds bloom before the brewing starts.
The thermal carafe of the coffee maker keeps your coffee hot for at least two hours. However, one drawback is that the maker’s brew basket is placed directly above the carafe. That means the machine cannot be paused in the middle when the brewing process is on.
The machine’s best thing is that it is a very cheap option and can be afforded by everyone. Another feature is the one-touch button that is very easy to operate.
Pros
- The brew head is large that evenly extracts and wet grounds
- Cleaning the carafe, shower head, and brew-basket is very easy
Cons
- No variety in programs
- No automatic shut-off function
Braun KF7170SI BrewSense Drip Coffeemaker
The Braun KF7170SI is a stainless steel model that is equipped with an LED display. There is a PureFlavor system that enhances the taste of your coffee. The lid of the carafe helps seal on the flavor of the coffee by minimizing air exposure. Another feature is the anti-drip system that lets you pull out the carafe in the middle of the brewing cycle without any mess.
Several other interesting features like the automatic timer enable you to select the particular time you want your coffee made. The best thing is that the price of the coffee maker is quite moderate and affordable. You will find that the brewing time is perfect, which creates a very smooth tasting coffee.
The control panel of the coffee maker is digitalized and very easy to use. With a standard placement, you will not find any problem using the coffee maker. The control is also very easy to view, and you can customize it according to the kind of coffee you want to drink. You will find a fresh cup of coffee every day with this amazing coffee maker from Braun.
The design of the Braun coffee maker is extremely durable and modern. You will just need to follow the basic maintenance tips to use your coffee maker for a long time. The Braun brand provides you with a warranty for three years. However, you can change the machine only once during the warranty period in case of any faults.
Pros
- The machine has a very quiet operation
- Brew time does not exceed ten minutes
- Perfect temperature control
Cons
- The water reservoir is small
Breville BDC450BSS Precision Brewer Coffee Maker
The Breville BDC450BSS Precision brewer coffee maker stands out from the other coffee makers with its many features. The first noticeable thing about the coffee maker is its design and look. It has a very stylish design made from stainless steel of high-quality with plastic finishing. The water reservoir is transparent that lets you see the amount of water you are filling.
It is equipped with a fast brewing mode that lets you enjoy twelve cups of coffee in just seven minutes. This is one of the fastest SCAA coffee makers on this list. It is perfect for large families or people who have frequent guests. You will not have to spend much time making large numbers of coffee.
You will also be able to use several brewing options. Whether you are a strong coffee lover or a cold coffee lover, you will find many options. The coffee maker is perfect for every coffee lover who can enjoy their favorite coffee type.
Another great thing about the coffee maker is the thermal carafe made from stainless steel that keeps the temperature hot without changing the flavor.
Even though there is provision for twelve cups of brewing, you can also brew fewer cups. If you just want to make two to six cups, that is possible with the coffee maker. This will not compromise the taste of the coffee in any way.
Pros
- Both large and small brewing capacity
- Different options for brewing
- Strong and rich coffee flavor
- Customized according to the requirement of coffee lover
Cons
- Expensive
- May need extra equipment
- The coffee maker is heavy and hard for portability
Cuisinart CPO-800P1 PurePrecision 8-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Brewer
A very strong contender in the best SCAA coffee makers is the Cuisinart CPO-800P1 PurePrecision pour-over coffee brewer. It makes one of the tastiest coffees that you have ever had the experience of drinking. This is due to the Pour Over technology of the coffee maker. There is a process of pre-wetting the coffee, which lets it bloom.
The construction of the coffee brewer is from high-quality stainless steel. It promises longevity and will be completely worth the money that you pay for it. There are a glass carafe and a digital touchpad that lets you control the coffee maker’s functions. It has a very sleek design that will match the modern look of your kitchen.
There will be 8 cups of coffee that can be made from one brewing session. The brew timing is also not much; hence, you will not have to wait for the coffee to be made for a long time. There are also adjustable functions for temperature and strength. The brew temperature can be set to hot and extra hot, and the strength can be set to mild, bold, and medium.
You may let the coffee sit in the carafe for about two hours without any change in the temperature. The main thing that people search for is the taste of your coffee. There will not be any change in the taste of your coffee. You can enjoy a very right and piping hot coffee within a few minutes.
Pros
- The water tank is easy to access
- The flavor is retained
Cons
- Optimal temperature is not used for brewing
Behmor Brazen Plus Coffee Maker
The Behmor Brazen Plus is a very advanced coffee maker that will give you an exceptional cup of coffee. Some amazing functions are present in the coffee maker. The three main programs are elevation, pre-infusion time, and temperature. Depending on the area you are residing in, the water boiling temperature can be adjusted.
The brewing time of Brazen plus can be slower than the most coffee maker. It takes about 10-12 minutes for one batch to complete brewing. This is because the water boils like an electric kettle then goes on to the brewing process. However, this is not a drawback since this brings a unique and rich taste to your coffee.
The coffee maker’s brew head is very large and can be used with both basket paper filter and mesh filter. You can find compatible paper filters that can make the process clean and smooth. The best thing about the Behmor Brazen Plus is the absence of a heating plate. Instead of this, a thermos is used to maintain the temperature of the coffee.
You can make 8 cups of hot coffee in one brewing session. Even if you keep the coffee sitting for about two hours, the thermos will maintain the temperature. Despite the numerous functions, operating the coffee maker would not be a hassle. There is also an instruction manual in the package for better understanding.
Pros
- The thermos keeps the temperature of coffee warm
- Automatic switch-off function
- The water tank is easily accessible
Cons
- Tank marking is not clear
- Carafe does not have any markings
Motif Elements Pour-Over Style Coffee Maker
The Motif Elements pour-over style coffee maker is one of the most recommended models of the brand. It makes sure that you can enjoy your daily cup of coffee just the way you like. The main focus of the model is its exceptional speed. The coffee maker can provide you with a cup of coffee in very little time.
The time taken by the carafe to brew the coffee is not more than five minutes. This time frame also includes the pre-infusion process. The specialty of motif coffee maker is the correct temperature that is maintained for the extraction process. However, people who love very strong coffee may find the taste to be a little weak.
Another feature of the motif coffee maker is the thermal carafe that will keep the coffee temperature intact for a good time. This means that even if you leave the coffee in the carafe for about an hour, it will not get cold. Along with that, many programs help you make a good tasting coffee.
There are sensor measures in the coffee measure that help detect the power used for the pumping and heating process. Additionally, the construction of the coffee maker is quite durable that ensures long term usage. The container is double-walled, keeping the heat stores and not letting the air go out easily.
Pros
- The showerhead is excellent for exceptional extraction
- The machine can be maintained and cleaned easily
- Bloom function is a very good feature
Cons
- Cleaning the carafe can be a hassle
- The shape may not be suitable for all kitchen tops
Mr. Coffee BVMC-PSTX95 10-Cup Optimal Brew Thermal Coffee Maker
A very highly certified SCAA coffee maker is the Mr. Coffee BVMC-PSTX95 that uses the technology of automatic drip-brew to make its coffee. The high temperature is locked to about 205° C with increased speed to make the best quality coffee. You can brew 10 cups within seven minutes, which is quite fast.
Along with this, the thermal carafe helps retain the heat of the coffee that you make. The stainless steel construction, along with the carafe, will lock all of the heat even when the coffee is left unattended for some amount of time. That means that you will always have a piping hot cup of coffee to drink.
Another very important element that contributes to the taste of the coffee is the water used. To enhance the water’s cleanliness, a filtration system is present in the coffee maker to make the taste of the coffee richer. The Mr. Coffee model is equipped with a water reservoir that can be removed to fill water and clean.
Mr. Coffee brewer is quite an affordable product and has a very modern design. The coffee maker’s power consumption is 1300 Watt, and it has a lengthy cord of about 30 inches. With a weight of 5.1 pounds, the coffee maker is compact and lightweight. You can take the coffee maker to another part of the kitchen with no hassle.
The filter of the coffee maker need not be changed like other coffee makers. This is because Mr. Coffee brewer is equipped with a permanent in-built filter in gold-tone. This saves money and eradicates the dependency on low-quality filters. You just need to clean the filter properly, and the taste will be exceptional.
The water reservoir lid is slightly loose, which you should always keep an eye on. This can cause spills if the lid is not attached properly.
Pros
- Permanent gold-tone filter in the coffee maker
- Very easy to operate
- Pre-programming feature to make you the perfect coffee
- Budget-friendly coffee maker
Cons
- Loud sound during the brewing process
- The lid of the water tank is quite loose
Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach 49980A gives you the special feature of making coffee in two ways. With this feature, you can make both a single coffee cup and a carafe full of coffee. This lets you easily measure the amount of coffee you will be made to not waste. These modes can be changed with a single switch placed on the machine’s front panel.
You can change the coffee mugs’ size, and all of these sizes would fit into the 49980A. This can be done easily using the adjustable height feature. All you need to do is place the cup on the plastic base and adjust the height. This ensures that the shorter cups are placed near the dispenser and avoid any spilling.
There is also a mesh filter present in the coffee maker on the single-serving side. This is for people who like using coffee grounds. Another feature of the coffee maker is automatic brewing. Here you will need to specify a time slot according to when you want your coffee. It takes five minutes for the coffee to brew, so set your time according to that.
If you have made a carafe full of coffee and have some leftover, you do not need to worry about it cooling down. Keep the coffee in the carafe itself, and the hot plate would prevent the coffee from becoming cold.
Pros
- The coffee maker is affordable
- Can be programmed to brew automatically at the set time
- Feature of automatically pause/serve
- Brew strengths can be shifted between regular – bold
Cons
- Flavor adjust control is missing
- The temperature of the hot plate cannot be adjusted
Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker will serve you with excellent value for its price. It is available in sizes of 12 as well as 14 cups, making it a flexible model. It comes with a vast array of impressive features as well- all at a reasonable cost. It is one of the very few SCAA coffee makers that are capable of brewing an entire carafe in this range.
The Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker offers a completely aromatic, 24-hour programmability. You can tune it to fit your requirements for every brew. What’s more, is that this coffee maker also features a self-cleaning element, an ability to turn off automatically, and a 1-4 cup range.
While there are several positive aspects of the Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker, it does have some drawbacks too. For instance, it uses a hot plate for controlling temperature, which can take away the flavor. It also tends to cause sedimentary deposits in your drink if you push the limits even slightly.
Pros
- Extremely convenient, programmable characteristics
- Contains a pause feature
- Cost-effective and affordable
- Reusable filter
Cons
- Reusable filter demands constant cleaning, often an inconvenience
- Does not feature a sensor to indicate the presence of a carafe for brewing automatically
To Sum Up
There is no better way to start your day than with a hearty cup of excellent coffee. With SCAA coffee makers, you do not have to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy your drink!
The SCAA has extremely strict criteria for evaluating coffee makers. The comprehensive evaluation guarantees that any coffee maker with SCAA certification will be immensely high-quality. SCAA coffee makers have the tendency to be slightly expensive, but they are certainly worth the price.
As per popular opinion as well as overall features, Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT is perhaps the best coffee maker with SCAA certification. It promises premium delivery while maintaining the flavor and quality of your coffee. It also boasts of excellent durability, with several customers vouching for its longevity.
The Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT coffee brewer is loaded with an assortment of helpful and handy features. It is convenient to use and does not create any hassle for cleaning either. A conclusive positive factor is that the container does not use any potentially toxic materials for construction- so you can rest assured of your health!
With the help of this guide, you will be able to select the most suitable coffee maker for your home. It is time to revel in some flavourful coffee with a superior coffee maker!
