My new go-to coffee maker: The Ratio Four
Pour over coffee is consistent and fast
If you’ve been following my coffee journey, you know I’ve been a huge fan of the Ratio Coffee lineup for years. I wrote a post back in 2021 about my daily coffee routine and how the Ratio Eight was my choice for a perfect pour-over style brew, without the fuss (I since retired the Eight for the Six since I like the thermal carafe). Well, let me introduce you to my new favorite: the Ratio Four.
First let me tell you why pour over coffee is the best.
It’s 100% consistent every time cause gravity does all the work.
The only variables are your beans (how you ground them, how fresh they are) and how much coffee to water ratio you use.
Automatic Pour Over machines is “set it and forget it” which is just a small optimization for an already uncomplicated process.
You can get all the ratios perfectly on a scale. Weigh the coffee grounds and the water (1ml = 1g of water) using the standard coffee to water ratio of 1:16 (1g of ground coffee for every 16g/ml of water).
A Smaller Footprint with the Same Great Taste
What makes the Ratio Four special? It’s the most compact sibling in the Ratio family. If you loved the Ratio Eight (or the Ratio Six) but wanted something that takes up a bit less space on your counter, the Four might be perfect. It fits comfortably in smaller kitchens or office nooks while still delivering that consistent bloom and extraction Ratio is known for.
For my wife and I it’s perfect as we brew two fresh cups every morning and drink them in our Fellows Carter Mugs and for our afternoon coffee it’s great as I’m usually brewing coffee for one. This has replaced our manual pour over and simplified all coffee making down to just the Ratio Four (previously we used a Blue Bottle Coffee Dripper.
The “Automatic Pour-Over” You Can Rely On
The magic of Ratio’s machines is in replicating the pour-over brewing process—so you get a more nuanced flavor profile than your average drip machine. That means the bloom cycle (where hot water pre-infuses the grounds) and carefully controlled water flow. This means coffee that tastes almost hand-brewed, without the morning hassle.
The Four has a neat hidden setting for two - if you are making one cup, press the button for two seconds; otherwise, a single press is optimized for making the full serving (2 cups). Note that when I say “cup,” I’m speaking in terms of 9-10oz of water and 16.5 - 17.5g of ground coffee. The machine can make up to 22oz of coffee, so two large cups at 11oz each.
Why I Love It
Just-Right Size: It’s perfect if you don’t need to brew a massive amount every time. Or if you’re short on countertop real estate (like me lately).
Quality You Can Taste: Ratio machines consistently produce a bright, hot, balanced cup. I’ve tried many coffee makers, and Ratio remains my gold standard.
Minimal Fuss: One button, no complicated menus or timers. You just let it go and get a reliably delicious coffee.
Stunning Design: I appreciate how well it fits with my kitchen decor. It’s modern but still warm and inviting, like a statement piece for coffee lovers.
Removable Water Tank: makes it easy to fill up from my filtered water faucet.
Final Thoughts
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed upgrading (or downsizing, really) to the Ratio Four. If you’re reading this and you’ve been eyeing a high-end brewer that’s built to last, brews amazing coffee, and doesn’t demand half your kitchen, give it a look.
Learn more or get your own here: Ratio Four Coffee Maker.