Aarke Coffee Maker Review: Is It Worth It?
Welcome, I'm Sam, and today I review the Aarke Coffee Maker. I have run a busy coffee shop for 14 years, and SCA certified drip coffee makers matter every morning.
The Aarke Coffee Maker is a Swedish-designed electric drip brewer in stainless steel that makes 2 to 10 cups with one button. The tank holds 42 fl oz (1.25 L). The brewer carries the Specialty Coffee Association Golden Cup certification and lists at $400 on Aarke's United States store.
The brewer senses the water in its tank and adjusts the flow rate and heating to match the cup count. Ten cups finish in about 7 minutes, and the machine runs almost silently. The coffee tastes clean and balanced, though small batches come out thin. A paired grinder can dose the coffee automatically.
The price, the single brew setting and the short 40 minute keep-warm time count against the brewer. I cover brew speed, hot plate heat and descaling, and zero brands paid for this review.
What Is the Aarke Coffee Maker?
The Aarke Coffee Maker is an electric drip brewer in stainless steel that makes 2 to 10 cups with one button. The tank holds 42 fl oz (1.25 L). The brewer is Swedish-designed and sold in the United States.
Aarke designs and engineers the brewer in Sweden, and a factory in China builds it. North American models run on 1500 W and 120 V. The brewer comes in Stainless Steel, Matte Black, Sand and Matte White. Aarke adds a 5 year warranty once the owner registers the product.
The brewer stands 14.8 inches (37.6 cm) tall and weighs 8.2 pounds (3.7 kg). Polished stainless steel and die-cast aluminum form the body. A 43 inch (109 cm) cord reaches the outlet.
A glass carafe comes in the box, and a thermal jug is sold separately. The hot plate switches off when the glass carafe leaves the machine.
The thermal jug costs $100. The jug uses double wall vacuum insulation and holds the full 2 to 10 cup brew. The jug goes in the dishwasher, and a rinse with hot water before brewing keeps the heat in longer.
One Aarke cup measures 4.2 fl oz (125 ml), and one scoop holds 7.5 grams (0.26 oz). A full 10 cup brew therefore equals the 42 fl oz tank.
The box holds a measuring spoon, a filter basket, the glass carafe and a cleaning cloth. Paper filters are not included. The basket takes #4 cone filters.
In the Box:
- Measuring spoon
- Filter basket with lid
- Glass carafe with lid
- Cleaning cloth
Who Makes the Aarke Coffee Maker?
Aarke makes the Aarke Coffee Maker as a Swedish company founded in 2013 by industrial engineers. The founders aimed to build appliances that look good and last. The coffee maker is the company's first brewer.
Stainless steel sparkling water makers made the brand known. Aarke also sells an electric kettle and a water filter pitcher. The coffee line grew from that same design approach.
The Aarke Coffee Grinder pairs with the brewer to form the Aarke Coffee System. Both machines also work alone. Each shares the same Scandinavian minimalist look.
Aarke ties its design to engineering in its own wording. The brand describes aesthetics, function and durability as one process.
How Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Work?
Parts of the Aarke Coffee Maker work together: a sensor reads the tank and adjusts the flow rate and heating to match the cups. A wide showerhead then spreads hot water over the coffee bed. A single press of one button starts the brew.
The water tank is fixed and does not lift off. Level marks run from 2 to 10 cups, and the machine reads the amount poured in. A light inside glows blue when water goes in. That reading is what lets the brewer set its flow and heat for the cups chosen.
The brewer holds water between 197°F and 205°F (92°C to 96°C). Plain water run through the empty machine measured 202°F to 205°F (94°C to 96°C). That range suits most coffee beans.
The round showerhead wets the whole coffee bed in a pattern close to a pour-over. Even wetting supports an even extraction. The shape is a main part of the brew design.
The single button holds three jobs:
- Short press: This brews.
- 3 second hold: This starts bloom mode.
- 7 second hold: This turns the hot plate on or off.
The button carries no labels, so the manual explains each press.
Is the Aarke Coffee Maker SCA Certified?
Yes. The Aarke Coffee Maker is SCA certified under the Specialty Coffee Association Golden Cup standard. Only about 30 brewers appear on that list. Aarke is one of roughly a dozen certified brands.
The Golden Cup standard sets limits on the brewer. Water must stay between 197°F and 205°F (92°C to 96°C). Contact time with the grounds must run 4 to 8 minutes. An independent lab tests each machine against these limits.
Several other brands hold the same certification. The SCA lists Technivorm Moccamaster, Bonavita, OXO, Breville, Fellow and Café brewers. The Aarke joins that group of tested home brewers.
The Aarke brews a full pot in under 6 minutes. That time sits well inside the standard. The water sensor holds the temperature across every batch size.
The certification tests the machine, not the taste of the cup. An independent test confirms the brewer meets the Golden Cup brewing standard.
What Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Bloom Mode Do?
The Aarke Coffee Maker bloom mode pre-soaks the coffee grounds with a little water before the full brew starts. The wet grounds release trapped carbon dioxide. Releasing the gas leaves less sourness in the cup.
Baristas get the same result by hand in pour-over coffee. They wet the grounds first, and air bubbles escape from the bed. The extraction gains depth as a result. The Aarke coffee maker copies this pre-soak automatically.
A 3 second hold on the single button starts bloom mode. The light turns on to confirm the setting. A normal press skips the bloom, so the step stays optional on every brew.
Flavor improved with bloom in hands-on tests.
How Well Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Brew?
The Aarke Coffee Maker brews a clean, balanced cup that leans neither sweet nor bitter. The flavor is delicate and shows the character of the beans. The body is not always as full as other brewers make.
The cup tastes strong without over-extracting or turning bitter. The brewer has no strength setting, so strength changes only with the amount of coffee in the filter.
Batch size also changes the result. A 2 cup batch extracts less fully and comes out cooler. Batches of 4 cups or more taste better, and 4 cups fills about two 8 oz (237 ml) mugs.
The showerhead sometimes leaves dry grounds in the center of the basket. A quick push of the grounds fixes the spot. The pour-over style spread still wets the rest of the bed evenly.
The brewer runs almost silently. The machine makes no beeps. Only water and dripping coffee make sound.
How Fast Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Brew?
The Aarke Coffee Maker brews 10 cups in about 7 minutes. Aarke rates a full pot at under 6 minutes. Speed is the brewer's best trait for large batches.
Brew time grows with the cup count. Four cups finish in 3 minutes 30 seconds. Batches of this size suit a small household.
Two cups finish in 2 minutes 55 seconds. The short run saves little time over four cups. The cup also comes out weaker.
Brew Times:
| Batch | Brew Time |
|---|---|
| 2 cups (8.5 fl oz) | 2 minutes 55 seconds |
| 4 cups (17 fl oz) | 3 minutes 30 seconds |
| 10 cups (42 fl oz) | About 7 minutes |
Heat matters after the brew ends. The coffee measured 169°F (76°C) in the carafe right after brewing. The carafe then cools on the hot plate, so a thermal jug keeps the heat longer.
How Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Hot Plate Work?
The Aarke Coffee Maker hot plate adjusts its power to the volume of coffee and tapers down over 40 minutes. The plate then shuts off. The slow taper avoids burnt notes.
The plate heats only when the glass carafe sits in place. It switches off when the carafe leaves. A thermal jug skips the plate entirely.
The plate cannot keep coffee hot forever, because the glass carafe loses heat faster than a thermal jug. The coffee measured 160°F (71.2°C) after 40 minutes on the plate. Heat loss is the weak point of the glass option.
The 40 minute timer cannot change. A 7 second hold on the button turns the plate on or off. The plate is fixed to the body and does not come off.
The thermal jug fixes the heat loss problem. It is sold separately and costs about $100. The insulated steel jug keeps coffee warm for well over an hour without any heat.
Can the Aarke Coffee Maker Pair With the Aarke Grinder?
Yes. The Aarke Coffee Maker connects to the Aarke Coffee Grinder through a short cord on the base of each machine. The cord is a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) plug. The pair forms the Aarke Coffee System.
The grinder crushes beans between 64 mm stainless steel flat burrs. These are two flat metal discs that cut the beans into even pieces. It offers 60 grind settings, from moka pot to cold brew. The hopper holds 250 grams (0.5 lb) of beans.
Those settings run from fine to coarse, so both a fine AeroPress grind and a coarse French press grind work. The grinder does not grind fine enough for espresso.
The grinder measures 6 by 16 by 6.5 inches (15 by 41 by 16.5 cm) and weighs 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg). It comes in Steel and Matte Black. A 5 year warranty applies after registration.
The grinder runs at about 80 decibels. Flat burr grinders are loud by nature. The noise lasts only a few seconds per dose.
The grinder lists at $400 on Aarke's store. Both machines at list price add up to $800, or $900 with the thermal jug. Reviews written at the earlier $379 price put the system near $860.
Each machine also works alone. The brewer takes any ground coffee from any grinder. The grinder serves any brew method.
Does Auto-Grind Work With the Aarke Coffee Maker?
Yes. Auto-grind does work with the Aarke Coffee Maker by reading the tank water level and grinding the matching dose. The cord carries the signal. The feature removes the scale and scoop.
The grinder sets the dose from the water, so the dose is only as exact as that reading. Accuracy varies by test. Filling the tank to the 4 cup mark produced 38.7 grams (1.4 oz) of coffee in one test. Another test found 25 percent more coffee than the manual 30 gram (1.1 oz) dose.
A dose that runs heavy makes the coffee too strong. The strength dial fixes this. Turning the dial two ticks lower brought the dose back near the target. A quick fix suits most kitchens.
The link between grinder and brewer has a cost in space. Two power cords plus the link cord crowd the counter. Whole beans cannot go straight into the brewer. Beans must pass through the grinder first.
Is the Aarke Coffee Maker Easy to Clean?
Yes. The Aarke Coffee Maker cleans easily because most removable parts go in the dishwasher. The filter basket, basket lid, glass carafe and carafe lid are all dishwasher safe. The top temperature is 140°F (60°C).
A soft damp cloth cleans the outside. Abrasive cleaners and steel wool scratch the stainless steel. The cleaning cloth in the box handles the polished finish.
The hot plate does not come off. A gap between the plate and the body traps stray grounds and damp. A cocktail stick clears the gap, though not fully.
The machine is large and best stays on the counter year round. The 14.8 inch (37.6 cm) height needs headroom to fill the tank. Overhead cabinets limit the spot.
How Often Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Need Descaling?
The Aarke Coffee Maker needs descaling about every 2 months. Hard water or daily use shortens the interval. Limescale slows the brew and hurts taste.
A built-in LED blinks after every 60 brew cycles. Pressing the button again skips the reminder for now. The light returns after 60 more brews.
The descaling program is simple. Fill the tank with descaling solution and hold the button for 7 seconds. The machine then runs the cleaning cycle.
Limescale shows itself in three signs:
- Slow brewing: The brew cycle runs slow.
- Spitting: The machine spits.
- Bitter taste: The coffee tastes bitter.
A water filter pitcher cuts the buildup.
What Are the Aarke Coffee Maker's Downsides?
The Aarke Coffee Maker's downsides start with a $400 list price, more than similarly specced drip brewers. Design and materials make up much of the price. The brewing features match cheaper machines.
Those features are limited. The brewer has one brew setting. The machine has no timer, no strength control and no temperature control. Ice and cold brew modes are missing.
The build also has small flaws. The underside of the metal casing has a sharp edge. The water tank lid is light and flimsy, and the glass carafe is delicate.
The controls take time to learn. The single button holds three functions with no labels. The manual explains each press. Memory fades, so the booklet stays close for the first weeks.
The box leaves out one needed item. Paper filters are not included. The basket takes #4 cone filters, so a first brew needs a stop at the store.
Is the Aarke Coffee Maker Plastic-Free?
No. The Aarke Coffee Maker is mostly plastic-free but still uses BPA-free food-grade plastic in several parts. The body is stainless steel, glass and silicone. The plastic sits in five places.
The plastic parts are the water reservoir, the basket lining, the base of the basket and the part under the basket. The carafe lid with its aroma diffuser is plastic too. Each part meets food safety rules.
Plastic Parts:
- Water reservoir
- Basket lining
- Base of the basket
- Part under the basket
- Carafe lid with aroma diffuser
The plastics meet LFGB, FDA, CA65 and DGCCRF standards. The body uses SUS304 stainless steel. Glass and silicone make up the rest.
The water reservoir stays cold during a brew. The hot water touches little plastic. Heat exposure of the plastic stays low.
Some buyers wanted stainless steel for the basket and lid parts. Plastic exposure was the reason. Buyers who avoid plastic weigh this point.
How Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Compare With Rivals?
The Aarke Coffee Maker can compare with rivals on looks and grinder pairing, but not on features or price. The Breville Precision Brewer costs $329 and holds 60 fl oz (1.8 L). It offers five presets: fast, gold, strong, over ice and cold brew. The Aarke offers one brew setting plus optional bloom.
The Ratio Six costs $359 and sits close to the Aarke in price. Both brewers target buyers who spend on drip coffee. The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select costs $369 to $389 and keeps a design nearly unchanged since the 1960s. It carries a 5 year warranty and holds coffee hot for up to 100 minutes.
The Braun KF6050WH costs $129 and brews up to four cups. Budget buyers choose this model. Its capacity falls well short of the Aarke.
The Fellow Aiden sits at the other end of the price range. It costs about $700 with the Ode grinder. The Aiden adds app control and a cold brew setting.
Rival Brewers:
| Brewer | Price | Standout |
|---|---|---|
| Aarke Coffee Maker | $400 | Grinder pairing, 10 cups |
| Breville Precision Brewer | $329 | Five presets, 60 fl oz |
| Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select | $369 to $389 | Holds heat up to 100 minutes |
| Ratio Six | $359 | Close in price |
| Fellow Aiden with Ode grinder | About $700 | App control, cold brew |
| Braun KF6050WH | $129 | Four cups |
Is the Aarke Coffee Maker Better Than the Moccamaster?
No. The Aarke Coffee Maker is not clearly better than the Moccamaster, since the Moccamaster holds coffee hot longer at a similar price. The Aarke lists at $400. The Moccamaster KBGV Select costs $369 to $389.
The Moccamaster KBGV Select keeps coffee hot for up to 100 minutes. The Aarke plate runs 40 minutes. A longer hold suits slow mornings, when a cup may sit for a while before it is poured.
Moccamaster covers every brewer with a 5 year warranty. Aarke matches that length when the owner registers the machine. The coverage is the same, so the warranty does not separate the two brands.
The Aarke wins on looks, the paired grinder and the blue-lit tank. The polished finish stands out on the counter. Grinder pairing is rare among drip brewers.
How Much Does the Aarke Coffee Maker Cost?
The Aarke Coffee Maker costs $400 at list price on Aarke's United States store. A 20 percent promotion cut the price to $320 at the time of writing. Earlier reviews listed $379.
The new Sand colorway lists at the same $400. Its soft beige finish hides fingerprints better than stainless steel. Matte Black and Matte White finishes also exist.
The Aarke Coffee Grinder lists at $400 too. Buying the maker and grinder together at list price costs $800. The thermal jug adds $100, which brings the full system to $900.
Reviewers rank the Aarke among the most expensive drip brewers tested. Premium materials and the SCA certification drive the cost. Cheaper rivals offer more settings.
Is the Aarke Coffee Maker Worth the Price?
No. The Aarke Coffee Maker is not worth $400 for buyers who want features over looks. The brewer makes good coffee fast. Cheaper machines add settings the Aarke lacks.
Part of the price pays for design and materials. Stainless steel and die-cast aluminum cost more than plastic. Buyers who care about looks get real value from that cost.
The grinder pairing adds a second source of value. No other drip rival matches its auto-grind feature. Buyers who focus on coffee gain the most from it.
Features are where cheaper brewers pull ahead. They match the Aarke cup with more controls. The Breville adds five presets for about $329. Whether the Aarke is worth its price depends on how much looks matter to the buyer.
Is the Aarke Coffee Maker Worth It?
Yes. The Aarke Coffee Maker is worth it for buyers who value design and brew four or more cups at a time. The coffee is clean and balanced. The brewer is fast, quiet and SCA certified.
Pros are the SCA-certified brew, the fast speed, the quiet run and the grinder pairing. The looks stand out on any counter. The one-button design keeps mornings simple.
Pros:
- SCA-certified brew
- Fast batch speed
- Near silent operation
- Grinder pairing
- Striking looks
Cons:
- High price
- One brew setting
- Short 40 minute keep-warm time
- Large size
- Plastic parts
Cons are the price, the single setting and the short 40 minute keep-warm time. The size and the plastic parts also count against it. Single mugs brew less well.
The brewer does not suit cold brew fans, timer users or budget buyers. Those buyers find more features for less money elsewhere.
Who Should Buy the Aarke Coffee Maker?
Households and small offices that brew large batches buy the Aarke Coffee Maker with the best results. Ten cups finish in about 7 minutes. Large batches show the brewer's best side.
Design-led buyers with counter space also fit. The polished finish and blue-lit tank suit a minimalist kitchen. The brewer stands 14.8 inches (37.6 cm) tall, so it needs clear space above and around it.
Single-mug drinkers fit poorly, because small batches taste thin. Iced coffee fans fit poorly too, because the brewer has no ice or cold brew mode. Budget buyers also fit poorly.
The Moccamaster and the Breville Precision Brewer suit buyers who want a lower price or more features. Both are proven drip brewers.
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