The Ratio Six coffee maker is the latest home brewer to receive the coveted Specialty Coffee Association seal of approval; the SCA stamp is reserved for the best coffee makers in the world, and so far only 30 different home appliances have received it.

The Ratio Six is certainly impressive, with its modern, compact appearance, showerhead water spray, and precise brew settings. The machine was originally launched in 2020, but recent accolades have brought its true power to light. Originally launched as a Kickstarter project, the Ratio Six is quickly gaining momentum in the premium coffee arena. Its one-button operation makes perfect pour-over brewing look effortless, but under the hood, incredible attention has been paid to water flow rate, bloom time, and distribution.

Having the SCA's official seal of approval means that it can function consistently at temperatures between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit to extract 55 grams of coffee per liter of water. This produces what the association calls a "golden cup" of coffee.

Such a status is not easily earned; coffee makers recognized by the SCA as the best must pass this test twice with different amounts of water. These machines must also extract a full reservoir between four and eight minutes and maintain the temperature of the coffee produced at 176 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes after extraction.

Only a few coffee makers have made it into the SCA Hall of Fame: Technivorm's Moccamaster and Breville's Precision Brewer passed the test upon launch, and brands such as Kitchenaid, Bunn, and Bonavita brands are on the list as well. These coffeemakers range from $100 to $350, so they are a bit pricier than the cheaper coffeemakers we normally use. For example, the Ratio Six coffeemaker currently sells for $345 on Amazon. But if you want perfect coffee every time you brew it, it is worth trusting the experts.

Of course, even if your coffeemaker can't live up to these exact specifications, there are plenty of devices on the market that can produce a great cup of joe. We've put together a list of the best Cuisinart coffee makers, as well as the best Nespresso machines and Keurig coffee makers.