If you’re serious about good drip coffee and you want to take your home brewing up a notch, you’ll probably want to look at SCAA-approved coffee makers so that you can be sure you’re getting the best cup of coffee possible.
We’ve compiled the list of approved coffee makers for you based on the Specialty Coffee Association’s current recommendations.
SCAA or SCA, What’s the Difference?
First off, let’s talk about the name of the organization and then we’ll get into who they are and what they do. The Specialty Coffee Association used to be known as the Specialty Coffee Association of America. So that is why you’ll sometimes see the group referred to as SCAA, but they now go by SCA.
I’m sure they weren’t trying to confuse the coffee-drinking public by shortening their name (and removing the geographic limitation), however, you may be out there looking for SCAA approved coffee makers but can only find products that carry the “SCA” approval. Rest assured, it is the same organization with the same exacting standards for properly brewing coffee.
Who is the SCA?
Now that we’ve sorted out the name we can talk about the organization itself and what their goals are. Simply stated, the SCA is a group comprised of baristas, roasters, technicians, coffee farmers, and other industry professionals who are working to make coffee better. They accomplish this by sharing knowledge and raising standards and awareness about coffee worldwide.
The SCA is dedicated to sustainability and community-building in the industry and they host events in cities like Portland, Bangkok, Oslo, Zurich, New Orleans, and more.
What is an SCA or SCAA Approved Coffee Maker?
SCA approved coffee makers are selected through an extensive review process. The ones that make the cut are actually known as SCA Certified, so “approval” is correct to say but the language they actually use is “certified” if you want to be precise about it.
What is involved in the review process? Experts test for proper brewing temperature, brewing time, and ability to meet SCA Golden Cup requirements.
Since this certification is all about precision let’s quote directly from the SCA to explain what the Golden Cup standard means:
Coffee shall exhibit a brew strength, measured in Total Dissolved Solids, of 11.5 to 13.5 grams per liter, corresponding to 1.15 to 1.35 “percent” on the SCA Brewing Control Chart, resulting from a solubles extraction yield of 18 to 22 percent*.
*See full explanation of standard in PDF or on the Brewing Best Practices page
You can get the link to the PDF here.
With regards to brewing temperature, the ideal range for optimal extraction is from 195 – 205 degrees F. If the water is below or above that range, you’ll notice that your coffee’s flavor is not where you want it to be. Perhaps the worst case scenario being under-extraction that comes from water temperature being too low. You can take a look at our list of coffee makers that brew the hottest coffee if this is your primary concern.
Top SCA / SCAA Approved Coffee Makers
Here are our top picks for SCAA approved drip coffee makers. Also check out the complete list located just below.
BUNN HB Heat N Brew Programmable Coffee Maker, 10 cup, Stainless Steel
The BUNN Heat n Brew is one of the more affordable choices on the list. Nice features include the heating plate’s automatic shut-off and the programmable brew time. It also has a unique carafe design for a truly drip-free pour. If you like the BUNN brand but you don’t the kind that need to stay plugged in and on all the time, this is the machine for you.
(Typically, BUNN coffee makers keep water hot and ready to brew in a heating tank. This makes the brew cycle speedy since the water is already hot, but you may not want the appliance heating water all day whether you’re making coffee or not.)
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- Digital clock with programmable brew start time for Coffee that s ready when you are each morning
- Brews 10 perfect cups in about 10 minutes when not using the programmable start feature
- Auto warmer plate turns on during brewing and off after 2 hours.Wattage Output: 1300 watts
- Exclusive shatter-resistant drip-free carafe delivers the cleanest pour on the market. The coffee maker's Heat & Release Technology precisely measures when the water reaches the ideal brewing temperature of 197.6ºF-204.8ºF and only then does the temperature activated valve open and the brewing process begin
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Braun KF9070SI MultiServe Coffee Machine 7 Programmable Brew Sizes / 3 Strengths + Iced Coffee & SCA Certified, Glass Carafe (10-Cup), Stainless Steel
The Braun is a really nice coffee maker for what I think is a surprisingly low price for the features you get. One of these features is the ability to choose your brew with the Over Ice, Light, GoldBold settings. It also has the ExactBrew System that is all about delivering perfectly-brewed coffee, controlling the water flow, temperature, and brewing speed during each cycle. It’s programmable and it comes with a nice three-year warranty.
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville BDC400 Precision Brewer Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe
The Breville BDC400 has six brewing modes that include Gold, Fast, Strong, Iced, Cold Brew, and My Brew. The Gold setting is for the SCA presets for water temp and brewing time. My Brew is a setting that lets you customize bloom time, flow rate, and brewing temperature. This unit is perhaps the most highly customizable machine on the list, and brew time is pretty quick at 7 minutes for 12 cups. You can adjust the water temperature from 197 to 204 degrees F. You also have the choice of using the flat or cone filter basket, which are both included.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver
Technivorm coffee makers are beautifully designed and will make an aesthetically-pleasing statement on your kitchen counter as well as performing at the top of the pack in terms of coffee brewing. Brew time is 4 to 6 minutes, and the hot plate has a nice feature that allows you to choose which temperature you would like your coffee to be held at — either 175 or 185 degrees F.
This machine has a 10-cup capacity and a five-year warranty. Made in the Netherlands. In addition to SCA-certified performance, with this coffee maker you also have the choice of colors such as brick red, butter yellow, fresh green (kind of a lime shade), turquoise, metallic red, brushed brass, and quite a few more.
- Perfect Coffee Every Time: This pump-free coffee maker heats water to the correct temperature for coffee extraction
- Easy to Use: The Moccamaster brews a full 40 oz pot of coffee in 4-6 minutes using one switch
- Quiet and Safe: The Moccamaster KBG quietly brews your coffee and automatically turns off after 100 minutes
- Quality Materials: Moccamasters last a lifetime. We use BPA/BPS/BPF and Phthalate free plastics and durable stainless steel and aluminum
- Delicious Coffee and Peace of Mind: Moccamaster coffee brewers have a 5-year warranty
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Technivorm Moccamaster 79312 KBGT Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver
Another Moccamaster to consider. It has a thermal carafe, which is nice for keeping your coffee hot after brewing has completed — up to an hour with this unit. Again, this one has a five-year warranty and is handmade in the Netherlands.
- 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
- Auto adjust brew basket pauses The drip if the carafe is removed
- This Coffee maker features a stainless steel thermal carafe to keep Coffee hot longer
- Backed by a 5-year Warranty
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
List of SCA / SCAA Approved Coffee Makers
These coffee makers come in a range of prices, so you can get the most delicious, properly-brewed coffee in your own home no matter what your budget looks like.
Here’s the complete list of SCA (or SCAA) approved coffee makers:
- Behmor Brazen Coffee Maker, 8 cups, Stainless Steel
- ---Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker, One-Touch Pour Over Brewing with Thermal Carafe, SCA Certified, Stainless Steel (BV1900TS)
- Bonavita 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker Featuring Programmable Setting and Thermal Carafe, BV1900TD
- Bonavita Connoisseur 8 Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine, One-Touch Pour Over Brewer w/ Thermal Carafe, Hanging Filter Basket, SCA Certified, 1500 Watt, BPA Free, Stainless Steel, BV1901TS
- Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine 7 Programmable Brew Sizes / 3 Strengths + Iced Coffee, Glass Carafe (10-Cup), Stainless Steel, KF9070S
- Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine 7 Programmable Brew Sizes / 3 Strengths + Iced Coffee & Hot Water for Tea, Glass Carafe (10-Cup), White, KF9150WH
- Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine 7 Programmable Brew Sizes / 3 Strengths + Iced Coffee & Hot Water for Tea, Glass Carafe (10-Cup), Stainless/Black, KF9150BK
- Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine 7 Programmable Brew Sizes / 3 Strengths + Iced Coffee & Hot Water for Tea, Glass Carafe (10-Cup), Stainless Steel, KF9170SI
- Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker, 60 oz. Brushed Stainless Steel, BDC450BSS
- Breville Precision Brewer Glass Coffee Maker, 60 oz,Brushed Stainless Steel, BDC400BSS
- Brim Coffee Maker
- BUNN Heat N Brew Programmable Coffee Maker, 10 cup, Stainless Steel
- Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker, with 4 Brew Styles for Ground Coffee, Built-in Water Reservoir, Fold-Away Frother & Glass Carafe, Black
- Ninja Specialty Fold-Away Frother (CM407) Coffee Maker, Single Serve to 10 Cup (50 oz.), Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe (Renewed)
- OXO On Barista Brain 9 Cup Coffee Maker and Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Bundle
- Technivorm Moccamaster CDG (not currently available)
- Technivorm 39730 CD Grand 60, oz Brushed, Silver
- Technivorm Moccamaster CDGT Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver
- Technivorm Moccamaster 39340 CDT Grand Coffee Maker, 60 Ounce, Silver
- Technivorm 59712 K Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Matte Silver
- Technivorm 59691 KB Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Brushed silver
- Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver
- Technivorm Moccamaster 79312 KBGT Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver
- Technivorm KBT Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Stone Grey
- Technivorm Moccamaster 79212 KBTS Coffee Brewer, 32 oz, Polished Silver
- Technivorm Moccamaster 59713 KBS Coffee Brewer, 32 oz, Black
- Technivorm Moccamaster CDT Coffee Maker - Chrome
Final Thoughts
For brewing the best drip coffee at home, you’ll get the best results when you choose one of these SCA certified coffee makers. Since the Specialty Coffee Association tests each model rigorously, you can be confident that their seal of approval will translate directly into delicious, perfectly-brewed coffee in your home kitchen.