Established in January 2017 as a result of the unification of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) combines the rich histories on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world, including their world renowned SCA Certified Home Brewer Program.
A Word about the History
The SCAA was established in 1982 by a small group of coffee professionals seeking a common forum to discuss issues and set quality standards for the specialty coffee trade, the SCAA is now the world's largest coffee trade association with nearly 2,500 company members. SCAA members can rightfully be credited for much of the growth and success the specialty coffee industry has experienced over the past twenty-five years.
The SCAE was formed at a meeting of representatives of the speciality coffee community and coffee enthusiasts held in London on the 5th June 1998.
About the new SCA
The Specialty Coffee Association is a nonprofit, membership-based association built on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge. From coffee farmers to baristas and roasters, our membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain. SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry and works to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach. Dedicated to building an industry that is fair, sustainable, and nurturing for all, SCA draws on years of insights and inspiration from the specialty coffee community.
SCA Certified Home Brewer Program
When it comes to delicious coffee, quality and precision matters. The SCA Certified Home Brewer mark denotes excellence in design and engineering as well as the ability to consistently meet specialty standards for a delicious cup, every time. Brewers are re-certified every three years. Testing for proper water temperature, brewing time, uniformity of extraction, and other quality attributes is done on-site at UC Davis by engineers in their respected and renown coffee lab.
Coffee consumers are increasingly seeking the specialty coffee shop experience at home. In a crowded and competitive market, the SCA Certified Home Brewer mark helps consumers find and choose the best machines, backed by the science and experience of the Specialty Coffee Association. Browse our SCA Certified Home Brewers »
Home Brewer Certification Requirements
Coffee Volume
The volume of the brew basket must be sized in proportion to the beverage
receiver’s maximum capacity.
Brewing Time
Water contact time with the coffee grounds shall be more than 4 minutes
but less than 8 minutes for all brewers operating under standard temperature and
pressure, depending on grind.
Brewing Temperature
Water temperature at the point the water contacts the coffee grounds to reach 197˚F (92°C ) within the first minute, maintain at least that temperature for the remainder of the brew cycle, and never exceed 204.8°F (96°C ).
Beverage Preparation
Beverage strength (soluble concentration) of between 1.15% and 1.45% resulting from an extraction (soluble yield) of between 18.0% and 22.0% from the weight of coffee in the brew basket, as determined by a coffee refractometer and brewing control chart.
Uniformity of Performance
To assure the brewer model is both consistent and reliable, it will be tested for uniformity of performance. For this test, a minimum of 5 coffee brewers will be evaluated.
Uniformity of Extraction
All of the coffee in the brew basket must be wetted during the
first minute of brewing to give opportunity for proper extraction.
Beverage Clarity
The brewer must produce less than 75 milligrams of sediment per 100
milliliters of brewed coffee to be certified by the SCA.
Holding Receptacle and Temperature
Beverage receiver to maintain the temperature of the coffee no lower than 176˚ F (80˚C) and no higher than 185˚F (85˚C) during the first 30 minutes of the holding time.
The Machines
SCA Certified Home Brewers represent the top of the line in home brewing
technology. There are hundreds of brewers on the market, but only some have achieved certification status, putting SCA Certified Home Brewers in an exclusive class of exceptionally engineered devices.
Browse our SCA Certified Home Brewers »
Visit the SCA Website to learn all about this remarkable organization.