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Drip Coffee Makers and SCA Standards: Coffee Grounds, Water, and Brew Ratio

When brewing coffee, especially in drip coffee makers, it’s essential to follow established guidelines to achieve the best results. One of the most respected standards in the coffee industry is the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The SCA provides detailed recommendations on various aspects of coffee brewing, including the coffee-to-water ratio and the quality of coffee grounds and water. Let’s take a deeper look at the SCA standards for drip coffee makers and how they influence the brewing process.

1. Coffee Grounds (Grind Size)

The grind size is one of the most crucial factors when brewing coffee with a drip coffee maker. According to the SCA standards, the grind should be medium—similar to the texture of sea salt. This grind size is ideal for drip brewing, as it allows the water to flow evenly through the coffee grounds, extracting the right amount of flavor.

• Too Fine: If the grind is too fine, the coffee can become over-extracted, resulting in a bitter taste. It can also cause the water to flow too slowly, which may lead to under-extraction.
• Too Coarse: If the grind is too coarse, the coffee can become under-extracted, yielding a weak, watery taste. The water will pass through too quickly, not allowing enough contact time with the coffee grounds.

By following the SCA's recommendation for a medium grind, you can achieve an even extraction, leading to a balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.

2. Water Quality

The quality of water used in brewing coffee is another critical factor emphasized by the SCA. The SCA recommends that the water used for brewing should be filtered or clean, free from impurities, chlorine, or any strong mineral tastes. The ideal water for coffee brewing should have the following characteristics:

• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The SCA recommends a water TDS of around 150 ppm (parts per million). This ensures that the water has enough minerals to extract flavors from the coffee grounds without overwhelming the taste.
• pH Level: Ideally, water should have a neutral pH of around 7. Too acidic or too alkaline water can affect the extraction process and the overall taste of the coffee.
• Temperature: The SCA recommends water temperatures between 90-96°C (194-205°F) for optimal brewing. Water that's too hot can lead to over-extraction, while water that’s too cool may under-extract the coffee.

Using the right quality of water ensures that the flavors are extracted properly, enhancing the taste of your coffee.

3. Coffee-to-Water Ratio (Brew Ratio)

One of the most critical aspects of brewing coffee is the coffee-to-water ratio. The SCA recommends a standard ratio of 55 grams of coffee per liter of water. This ratio is often simplified as 1:18—one part coffee to 18 parts water.

• Why is this ratio important?
  • This ratio helps ensure that the coffee is neither too weak nor too strong. By using 55 grams of coffee for every liter of water, you can achieve a balanced cup with optimal extraction.
  • If you use too little coffee for the amount of water, the resulting brew will be under-extracted and weak. Conversely, using too much coffee can result in over-extraction, creating a bitter and unpleasant taste.

The ratio is highly adjustable depending on personal preferences:

• For a stronger brew, you may want to use a 1:15 ratio (approximately 67 grams of coffee per liter of water).
• For a milder brew, you can adjust the ratio to 1:20 or even higher (around 50 grams of coffee per liter of water).

However, for consistency and balanced extraction, following the SCA’s recommended ratio of 1:18 is a great starting point.

4. SCA Drip Coffee Brewing Standards: A Quick Recap

• Grind Size: Medium grind, similar to sea salt texture.
• Water Quality: Clean, filtered water with a TDS of around 150 ppm and a neutral pH of 7. Water temperature between 90-96°C (194-205°F).
• Brew Ratio: 55 grams of coffee per liter of water (1:18 ratio).

By adhering to these SCA standards, you can ensure that your drip coffee maker delivers high-quality coffee with consistent results every time. These guidelines are designed to optimize extraction, enhance flavor clarity, and ensure a more enjoyable coffee experience.

Conclusion

For coffee enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their drip coffee makers, understanding and following the SCA standards for coffee grounds, water quality, and brew ratio is crucial. Whether you're brewing at home or in a professional setting, these guidelines will help you achieve a well-balanced, flavorful cup of coffee with every brew.