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5+ Best SCAA-Certified Coffee Makers in 2024

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This is a review of the best SCAA-certified coffee makers for homes. Keep reading to learn more.

I have become addicted to SCA bottled coffee lately, which makes me want this type of coffee consistently. Hence, I wrote a guide on all the best SCAA-approved coffee makers.

I chose the Technivorn Moccamaster as the best pick because it has one of the most extended warranties I’ve seen and doesn’t have many buttons. Making it exceptional for beginners who want a great, consistent taste.

technivorn moccamaster

Technivorn Moccamaster: Best Overall

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 16.5 × 32.3 × 35.5 cm (D, W, H)
  • Water Reservoir Size: 4 cups
  • Material: Stainless steel, glass, & copper
  • Glass or Thermal Carafe: Thermal
  • Warranty: 5 years

It’s out of many folks’ budgets, though. I’ll provide plenty of alternatives throughout this piece.

Let’s begin.

6 Best SCAA-Certified Coffee Makers for Home

  1. Technivorn Moccamaster: Best overall
  2. Braun MultiServe: best budget pick
  3. Breville Precision Brewer: best thermal coffee maker
  4. OXO Brew 9-cup: best for large groups
  5. Cuisinart PurePrecision 8-cup: best for beginners
  6. GE Cafe Specialty: best machine in the UK

What is SCAA/SCA Certified?

SCAA certification, by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, is a designation for coffee makers. It means the machine meets the association’s rigorous standards for quality and performance.

There’s also the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) outside the States. I’ll use SCA and SCAA throughout this piece.

These standards encompass factors like water temperature, brewing time, and the ability to extract the full range of coffee flavors. The aim is to ensure a high-quality, consistent brewing experience.

I’ll cover SCAA requirements later.

6 Top Specialty Coffee Association Recommended Coffee Makers

If you’ve read the previous section, you’ll know why this machine targets SCA (SCAA)-approved machines only.

Anything you may not understand—e.g., carafes—I’ll clear up later on in the buyer’s guide. Once you’re done reading these mini reviews, keep going.

Keep in mind that no SCAA-certified coffee makers have built-in coffee bean grinders. You must buy a separate one. Why? Don’t ask me, I’m not the SCA or SCAA.

Otherwise, let’s jump into our first pick.

1. Technivorn Moccamaster: Best Overall

technivorn moccamaster
Price *$$$
Dimensions16.5 × 32.3 × 35.5 cm (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size4 cups
MaterialStainless steel, glass, & copper
Glass or Thermal CarafeThermal
Warranty5 years

Pros

  • Delivers great tasting brew.
  • Requires little work to operate.
  • Maintains optimal brewing temperature.

Cons

  • It’s a pricey investment.
  • Not ideal for brewing small quantities.
  • The plastic parts aren’t dishwasher-safe.

The Technivorm Moccamaster suits those who enjoy the process of brewing and are okay with investing a bit more time and effort into their morning cup.

The Moccamaster justifies its higher price tag with its superior performance and quality. The machine, with a high-quality build and a 5-year warranty, will last for years, offering long-term value.

That’s thanks to the stainless steel components and carafe. The latter will also enable you to maintain your coffee’s temperature throughout the day without burning your coffee.

Warming plates included with glass carafe makers often burn coffee when left for too long.

Whether this machine’s beginner-friendly is up to interpretation. I think it’s beginner-friendly because it doesn’t have many buttons you must learn. There’s only an on/off switch.

Considering the lack of features (e.g., programmability), it’s pricey. But well-built. A company wouldn’t have the guts to offer a 5-year warranty if they didn’t believe their product would last long.

There is an automatic shutoff feature, though. A welcomed addition for those in a rush who risk leaving their machines running.

However, it’s not a single-serve coffee maker. You could fill the reservoir to match the amount of coffee you want. Fixed.

Speaking of the reservoir, it’s plastic. I wouldn’t throw it in the dishwasher; unless you want it to melt. You must wash it by hand.

Need something more affordable?


2. Braun MultiServe: Most Affordable SCAA-Certified Coffee Maker

braun multiserve coffee machine
Price *$
Dimensions7.1 × 13 × 15 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size10 cups
MaterialStainless steel & glass
Glass or Thermal CarafeGlass
Warranty3 years

Pros

  • Offers seven brewing size options.
  • Features a self-cleaning system.
  • Comes with a built-in freshness indicator.

Cons

  • The drip stop feature is not immediate.
  • Freshness timer is not entirely accurate.
  • The machine is quite bulky, taking up significant counter space.

The Braun MultiServe caters to a range of preferences, from single cups to a full carafe, making it perfect for individual use and entertaining guests.

Its sleek and sturdy design includes a freshness indicator, a feature not commonly found in other coffee machines. Despite being a bit pricey, the quality and versatility of the Braun MultiServe make it a worthwhile investment for any coffee lover.

Unlike the previous pick, this one offers more buttons than many minds can handle. “Bold” extracts beans slower, resulting in a stronger taste. “Light” extracts faster for a lighter flavor. “Over Ice” provides even lighter, slightly diluted, coffee.

The Gold button brews per SCA standards. I’ll cover all these later in this guide because I don’t want to repeat myself a million times.

The “Clean” button automatically descales your machine. This process is when you clean out mineral buildup.

You also have 6 cup sizes (including carafes). Great for brewing for yourself or groups. But the drip stop feature isn’t reliable. It supposedly automatically stops running when you remove your cup from under the nozzle.

Instead, it’s a delayed response, which could result in spillage.

The Freshness Indicator guesses your coffee’s freshness based on the period it sat in the carafe. But it’s not accurate. Factors like sunlight, how long it sat on your counter, and more will impact your coffee’s “freshness.”

Considering the machine’s cost and other useful features, it’s still worth the buy when overlooking the Freshness Indicator and drip stopper.

This next one will keep your drink warmer for longer.


3. Breville Precision Brewer: Best SCA Coffee Maker With a Thermal Carafe

breville precision brewer
Price *$$$
Dimensions7.5 × 12 × 15.75 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size60 fl oz = 10 6-oz cups
MaterialStainless steel
Glass or Thermal CarafeThermal
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of controls for customization.
  • Capable of brewing single cups or travel mugs up to 20 oz.
  • Includes a child-safe lock feature for safety.

Cons

  • Makes a significant amount of noise during operation.
  • Requires a learning curve.
  • Does not include a cone filter.

The Breville Precision Brewer is ideal for those who appreciate the ability to control variables like temperature and flow rate and enjoy the convenience of a fully programmable brewer.

Its extensive features and programmability set it apart from its competitors. It might not be worth the investment if you’re looking for a simple coffee maker, though.

But for those who love to experiment with their brews, the Breville Precision Brewer is a great choice.

Are you tired of your children using your coffee maker? Good news, the Precision Brewer includes a child lock. It’ll prevent those pesky kids from making their coffee when they shouldn’t be drinking it.

But how do you unlock it? By unplugging the unit or pressing and holding the AUTO START button for 5 seconds. Don’t let your kids watch you unlock it; otherwise, they’ll learn pretty quickly how to get in.

It’s not the most effective feature, but a welcomed attempt.

The LCD UI is nice, but not great if the screen breaks. You manage the following brew settings with a knob:

  • Fast
  • Gold
  • Over Ice
  • Strong
  • My Brew
  • Cold Brew

What about cup compatibility? Remove the carafe and place a single cup or travel cup under the spout. Fill the reservoir with that cup’s size and brew.

The included thermal carafe will keep your drink warmer for longer without relying on a warming plate. Unlike most coffee makers with thermal carafes, this one’s SCAA-approved.

You will need to learn how to operate this machine due to the lack of tactile buttons. I read through the manual and didn’t find myself confused. I’m confident you’ll learn how to use it quickly.

You’ll also need to buy cone filters if you want to brew less than 40 oz of coffee. This isn’t the worst con, though. That award goes to the noise this machine produces. I wouldn’t use this thing to brew coffee when other folks are fast asleep.

Maybe you’re after something for groups.


4. OXO Brew 9-Cup: Best SCAA-Certified Coffee Maker for Large Groups

oxo brew 9 cup
Price *$$$
Dimensions8.3 × 15 × 17.2 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size9 cups
MaterialStainless steel
Glass or Thermal CarafeThermal
Warranty2 years

Pros

  • Brews coffee at optimal temperature for full flavor extraction.
  • Features a quiet brewing process, enhancing user experience.
  • Includes a programmable auto-start for convenience.

Cons

  • Requires significant counter space due to its tall design.
  • Brew time is longer compared to other coffee makers.

The OXO Brew 9 Cup is ideal for coffee fans who crave a superior daily coffee experience with a programmable machine.

It might seem expensive, but it competes well with other SCAA-certified brewers. It’s programmable, delivers an excellent cup of coffee, and is designed with keen attention to detail, making it straightforward to set up, clean, and program.

The double-walled stainless steel carafe stands out among other machines with metal carafes due to its ability to retain heat better. Making it ideal for keeping drinks warmer throughout the day.

If you want to set the maker to brew coffee at a specific time, do so with the auto-start feature. Great for having coffee ready when you wake up. And it won’t wake you up like most coffee makers, since it has quiet operation.

I wouldn’t get it if you have low-hanging wall cabinets due to their height. I’d only get it if you have an area where you could easily access the top of the machine—e.g., a coffee cart or on top of a dishwasher. Because that’s how you access the water tank.

And it allegedly takes longer to brew coffee compared to other machines. Fix this issue by programming it to brew 6–10 minutes before you’d need it. Because it takes around 6 minutes to brew.

Beginner-friendly machine inbound.


5. Cuisinart PurePrecision 8-Cup: Best SCAA-Approved Machine for Beginners

cuisinart pureprecision 8 cup
Price *$$
Dimensions7.5 × 12 × 13.5 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size8 cups
MaterialPlastic
Glass or Thermal CarafeGlass
WarrantyLifetime

Pros

  • Brews very hot coffee quickly.
  • Offers adjustable temperature & strength control.
  • Comes with an easy-to-access water tank.

Cons

  • Doesn’t brew at optimal temperature consistently.
  • Glass carafe is fragile & easy to break.
  • The lid is difficult to remove & leaks when tilted.

The Cuisinart Pure Precision CPO-850 is best for those who value convenience and customization in their morning routine

It includes a charcoal filter for purifying water before brewing, contributing to a superior taste. The machine’s ability to maintain heat for 2 hours post-brewing makes it convenient.

All these factors make the CPO-850 a worthwhile purchase for coffee lovers seeking quality and convenience.

The PurePrecision is excellent for beginners because it has a simple(ish) setup. You’ll use a combination of buttons and flipping through settings on the LCD to schedule a cup of coffee, adjust your coffee’s temperature strength and temperature, and automatically descale.

Then, the auto-shutoff feature works for those who worry about accidentally leaving their coffee machines running after use.

You can’t get more beginner-friendly than this. However, it doesn’t provide an “entry-level” flavor. Aside from the SCA certification and control over your drink’s temperature/strength, there’s also pre-wetting.

It’ll wet your coffee beans to aid with even flavor extraction. Resulting in a better-tasting cup.

So long as you don’t break the fragile glass carafe. I recommend opting for the thermal carafe variation. It’ll keep your coffee warm throughout the day without relying on a warming plate.

The carafe’s lid also doesn’t have the best design. Despite being difficult to remove for cleaning, it also leaks when tilting. Don’t stand close to your carafe when pouring your coffee.

Whether the water tank is easy to access is up to interpretation. If you don’t have a low-hanging wall cabinet, then yeah, it’s easy. Otherwise, you should keep this on a coffee cart or in an area where it’s easy for you to reach the top of your machine.

Last one.


6. GE Café Specialty: Best SCA-Approved Coffee Maker, UK

ge cafe specialty
Price *£££
Dimensions31.75 × 18.5 × 35.8 cm (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size10 cups
MaterialStainless steel
Glass or Thermal CarafeThermal
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Delivers barista-quality coffee.
  • Offers voice-to-brew technology.
  • Features a sleek, modern design.

Cons

  • Requires frequent cleaning.
  • Has a high price point.
  • Lacks a built-in grinder.

The GE Cafe Specialty is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who value convenience and variety in their daily brew.

It’s great for those in the UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries because it can support various taste preferences. And water with varying amounts of minerals (hardness).

Considering its advanced features, such as the voice-to-brew technology and the ability to make a wide range of coffee types, the GE Cafe Specialty is worth the price. Its high-quality construction and consistent performance justify the investment.

It looks like a typical “smart home” appliance with a sleek, modern look. Funny enough, it is. It allows you to use Google Home, Alexa, and the SmartHQ app to control the following:

  • Auto start time
  • Temperature
  • Number of cups you want
  • Strength
  • Descale mode

That means you must connect the Specialty to a SECURE Wi-Fi network for the app to work. If you don’t want to use the app, use the buttons to perform all the listed functions.

It doesn’t have a built-in grinder, which no SCA-approved coffee maker has and costs a pretty penny. But it’s worth the cost. And it comes with a thermal carafe. A huge surprise to me, considering many smart home appliances don’t use high-end materials.

Why’s that so good? Because it’ll keep your drink warmer for longer.

Does SCAA certification make a difference?


Does SCAA Certification Matter?

If you buy an SCAA-approved coffee maker, your device went through multiple tests and consistently showed great results.

Such a seal of approval proves that a coffee machine can brew superb coffee that matches the highest standards regarding flavor, beverage clarity, and temperature. 

This seal of approval isn’t easy to obtain.

A coffee machine has to implement a particular design and construction to reach the SCAA standards. That’s why it might be hard to find SCAA-certified models among the best coffee makers under $100.

Typically, more expensive devices can withstand the SCAA’s tests.

SCAA Requirements for Coffee Makers

Here are points the SCAA uses to determine whether coffee makers are worthy for their certification:

RequirementWhy the SCAA Has These Requirements
Golden Cup RatioOptimizes brew strength using total dissolved solids​​.
TemperatureOptimizes extraction of flavors from the coffee at the point of contact with water​.
Brewing TimeEnsures optimal extraction based on grind size​.
ClarityCan affect coffee taste
TemperatureThe temperature requirement is the same as the brewing temperature requirement mentioned above​​.
PerformanceRefers to the consistency of flavor across multiple cups of coffee.
ExtractionEnsuring that water flows evenly through & around coffee particles, optimizing flavor extraction​.
Pre-infusionRequired for balanced extraction​.
ManualCoffee makers must include thorough manuals.

The following sections will provide details for all the information provided in the table.

1. Golden Cup Ratio

The Golden Cup is equal to 55 g of ground beans per 1 liter of water. This number changes depending on the size of the filter basket. A brewer must then handle a single full brewing cycle without overflowing.

The Golden Cup is also used to determine the strength of the brew—measured in Total Dissolved Solids, or TDS—which should equal 11.5–13.5 grams per liter. TDS refers to measuring all organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water.

2. Optimal Brewing Temperature

A good SCAA certified coffee maker should maintain the temperature between 195 and 205 °F [1].

Brewing temperature must remain consistent and not exceed 205 °F.

3. Brewing Time

The SCAA believes that there’s the right amount of time during which the coffee grounds and the water should remain in contact. The brewing time should sit between 4 and 8 minutes, which the organization checks in every coffee maker.

4. Beverage Clarity

Excessive sediment can affect the coffee flavor and decrease its quality. According to the SCAA, every 100 ml of coffee should contain less than 75 milligrams of sediment.

5. Carafe Temperature

The carafe temperature should fall within 176–185 °F for the first 30 minutes after the brewing finishes. Also ensure you power off the warming plate (if included), so the brew temperature should remain the same.

6. Performance Uniformity

The SCAA tests every coffee maker multiple times to see whether it can show consistently good performance [2]. This means every certified model brews coffee of the same quality every time.

7. Extraction Uniformity

The coffee machine should be able to extract the flavors from 18–22% of the coffee weight in the basket. For example, if your coffee basket contains 50 g of grounds, then a brewer should have the capacity to extract the flavor and oils from at least 9–11g .

8. Pre-infusion Feature

SCAA coffee makers don’t include the pre-infusion of coffee beans as a mandatory practice, but some of the best coffee makers offer this feature.

Pre-infusion is wetting the ground coffee beans in 93° F water that helps to release the carbon dioxide and lets the flavors ‘bloom.’ This results in a more complex brew due to even flavor extraction.

9. Comprehensive Manual

A coffee maker has to offer a clear, comprehensive manual that provides detailed instructions and even suggestions on how to make the most out of it.

How to Pick the Best SCAA Certified Coffee Maker

Consider these factors when shopping for an SCA-approved coffee machine:

CriteriaImportance
FunctionalityThe flexibility & variety of brew(able) coffee, including settings for different types of brew strength.
Brewing SizeAffects the amount of brewed coffee
BudgetCoffee makers can range in price; it’s crucial to find a balance between cost & features.
Thermal or Glass CarafeKeeps coffee hot for longer without a heating plate, while a glass carafe allows for immediate serving.
FootprintMachine’s size.

Are you looking for a SCAA-certified coffee maker with a grinder? That’s not going to happen. No SCA coffee makers have grinders. Thus, you’re stuck buying a separate one.

If you want to pick a model that would satisfy your requirements, consider the following aspects when shopping:​

1. Functionality.

Functionality defines how well a SCAA-certified coffee maker suits your lifestyle and coffee preferences.

Do you need a quick brew in the morning? Opt for a machine with fast brew times.

Love experimenting with flavors? Find a maker with adjustable settings. If you’re keen on convenience, models with programmable features should be your go-to. 

2. Brewing Size

If you’re brewing for a big family, a coffee maker with a larger carafe and water reservoir, such as the Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer (60 oz) would be a great fit.

If you’re a solo coffee drinker or part of a small household, opt for a model like the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT or Bonavita BV1900TS, both of which offer around 40–44 oz capacities.

SCAA certification ensures that the carafe capacity matches the water reservoir size. Some coffee makers also provide options for brewing half carafes or single serves if you don’t need a full batch. This flexibility allows you to enjoy fresh coffee without waste.

SCA-certified coffee makers typically feature water reservoirs and carafes ranging in size from 40 oz to 64 oz. This variance accommodates a variety of brewing needs, from single servings to multiple cups for a crowd.

3. Budget

You can get a decent coffee machine under $100. Just don’t expect it to offer too many customization features. Typically, SCAA-certified brewers cost between $100 and $200.

4. Thermal or Glass Carafe

The carafe plays an important part in keeping your coffee warm, which is essential if you love to sip on a cup during the day. Choose between the thermal, or double-walled carafe and the glass carafe.

Glass carafes are cheaper, but they can keep the coffee warm for 10 minutes, and if your coffee maker doesn’t have a heating tray, it will cool down quickly.

SCAA requires the carafe to keep the stable temperature of the brew for at least 30 minutes, and most of them can keep the coffee hot for 2–4 hours. However, the thermal carafe can be a better choice, as it has thicker walls and is generally immune to cracks and breaks.

5. Machine Size

Make sure that you check the coffee machine dimensions before making a purchase. As SCAA-certified coffee makers have varying sizes.

Some of them emit steam when brewing. Don’t place such models under wooden cabinets, as the steam can warp the wood [3].

If you have limited kitchen space, consider Keurig coffee makers, as those are usually rather compact and don’t require much counter space.

FAQs for SCAA-approved Coffee Makers

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about SCAA-approved coffee makers.

What Is an SCAA Certified Coffee Maker?

An SCAA certified coffee maker is a machine endorsed by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). It meets rigorous quality standards, ensuring optimal coffee brewing temperature and time. For instance, the optimal temperature.

What Is Essential in a Coffee Maker?

A coffee maker should brew consistently, be easy to use and clean, offer adjustable brew strength, and maintain optimal brewing temperature. A programmable feature for scheduled brewing is beneficial.

What Are SCAA Requirements for Water Quality?

SCAA water should be odor-free, clear, and chlorine-free [4]. It should also have TDS of 150 mg/L, hardness of 4 grains, total alkalinity near 40 mg/L, pH of 7.0, and sodium near 10 mg/L​.

What Is the Recommended Brewing Temperature, According to SCAA?

The SCAA recommends brewing coffee at a consistent 197.6° F and not exceed the 204° F point.

Does Ninja Have Any SCAA-Certified Coffee Makers?

The SCAA does not certify any Ninja coffee makers.

Our Verdict

Here are the best 3:

  1. Technivorn Moccamaster: Long warranty period & simple to operate.
  2. Brawn MultiServe: Doesn’t cost much & includes many features.
  3. Breville Precision Brewer: Various options to choose from.

I went with Technivorn’s Moccamaster as the top pick because it produces great-tasting coffee, is simple to use, and should last for over 5 years.

technivorn moccamaster

Technivorn Moccamaster: Best Overall

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 16.5 × 32.3 × 35.5 cm (D, W, H)
  • Water Reservoir Size: 4 cups
  • Material: Stainless steel, glass, & copper
  • Glass or Thermal Carafe: Thermal
  • Warranty: 5 years

Footnotes:

* Price will vary by model, manufacturer, and vendor.

Photo of author

Author

Tim Lee is, as you might have guessed the founder of TimsCoffee.com. He is a former barista and a professional web publisher. He has now combined his knowledge and expertise in both subjects to create TimsCoffee.com.
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