Schaerer SCA1 Comprehensive Guide – Features, Benefits, and Where to Buy

The Schaerer SCA1, commonly known as the Coffee Art Plus (Touchscreen model), is a top-tier, Swiss-made, bean-to-cup super-automatic machine designed for commercial environments such as cafés, restaurants, hotels, and offices It features twin bean hoppers (each holds ~2.2 lbs) with integrated grinders, capable of producing 70–80 cappuccinos or lattes per hour, and steam up to 32 oz of milk in one minute.

Its high-end “Finesteam” steam wand uses PEEK material, ensuring consistent milk texture, safe-to-touch temperature, and easy cleaning.  The touchscreen interface allows up to 80 programmable drink selections and includes automated reminders for cleaning and maintenance

• Dimensions & Power: 17″ W × 22″ D × 28″ H, requires 208–220 V, 30 A power supply, and NEMA L6-30 plug

• Boilers: 6 kW steam boiler and 3 kW water boiler

• Throughput: 70–80 drinks/hour and steam 32 oz of milk per minute

• Programmability: Up to 80 drink profiles with individual grind, tamp pressure, brew volume, temperature, and milk texture settings

Real-World Product Examples

1. New Coffee Art Plus Touchscreen

• Features: Full touchscreen, dual hoppers, Finesteam wand, up to 80 drink presets.

• Pricing: Around USD 14,990 from Voltage Restaurant Supply

• Use Case: Ideal for high-visibility venues like hotel lobbies, drive-through cafés, or busy restaurants where speed and consistency are crucial.

• Purchase Link: Voltage Restaurant Supply – Coffee Art Plus Touch

2. Certified Refurbished Coffee Art Plus (Whole Latte Love)

• Condition: Lightly used (<30 days), tested, and backed by a 1-year warranty

• Price: Approximately USD 14,425 (typically discounted)

• Use Case: Suitable for small-to-medium businesses seeking premium performance at a reduced cost, with expert after-sales support.

• Purchase Link: Whole Latte Love – Refurbished Coffee Art Plus

3. Refurbished Unit via Kitchen Guys

• Price: Around USD 3,999 for a working SCA1 two-hopper machine

• Use Case: Budget-friendly option for startups or small cafés looking to upgrade without overspending.

• Purchase Link: Kitchen Guys – Refurbished SCA1

4. Coffee Art Plus via Southern Select

• Price: New-in-box offering for USD 8,995

• Use Case: Perfect for those wanting a new unit with potential retailer discounts; includes full features.

• Purchase Link: Southern Select – Coffee Art Plus

5. Auctioned Previous-Service Unit

• Example: Auction lot sold for USD 310 (but original value >USD 15k)

• Use Case: Worth considering for refurbishment, though professional servicing is essential.

Benefits of the Schaerer SCA1

The machine solves key business challenges:

• High Throughput Under Pressure: Automated grinding, tamping, brewing, and steaming = fast drink prep for peak times.

• Consistent Quality: Precise programmable controls ensure every beverage meets taste standards.

• User-Friendliness: Touchscreen and automation allow minimal training for new staff.

• Efficient Maintenance: 5-minute cleaning cycles and reminders reduce downtime

• Safety & Cleaning Advantage: PEEK wand prevents burns and simplifies wipe-downs

Common Use Cases

• Busy Coffee Shops: Maintain high-quality output during rush hours.

• Hotels/Offices: Guest self-service with barista-level standard via touch.

• Drive-Through/Quick-Serve: Automated efficiency that rivals major chain systems.

• Small Restaurants: Eliminate labor errors; streamline drink preparation and service.

How and Where to Buy

Buying Tips:

1. Verify full functionality and cleaning cycle.

2. Confirm electrical compatibility with your kitchen.

3. Prioritize water filtration to maintain warranty.

4. Include a servicing plan in the budget.

3 FAQs

Q1: Is the SCA1 suitable for small cafés?
Yes. The refurbished or new-in-box models offer top-tier automation, consistent quality, and minimal training requirements, making them perfect even for low- to mid-volume operations.

Q2: How much maintenance does it require?
Daily cleaning takes about 5 minutes. There are programmable maintenance reminders for tasks like descaling and changing water filters.

Q3: What makes Finesteam® special?
The Finesteam wand with PEEK construction ensures controlled milk frothing, safe operation, and easy cleaning after steaming, offering barista-quality texture every time.

Conclusion

The Schaerer SCA1 (Coffee Art Plus) delivers commercial-grade performance with Swiss precision. Whether you’re seeking a brand-new unit for peak efficiency or a refurbished machine for budget-conscious quality, this model consistently stands out for its speed, consistency, and ease of use. Follow the links above to secure your choice and elevate your coffee experience.