Over the past decade, the Portland-based brand Ratio has made significant strides in crafting automatic home drip coffee makers that combine elegance, functionality, and user-friendly design. While their earlier models, the Eight and the Six, earned praise for their striking aesthetics and consistent brewing performance, they fell short in catering to smaller batch needs or compact kitchen spaces. In response, Ratio introduced the Four—a sleek, lower-profile machine designed to brew between 5 and 20 ounces efficiently. This innovative model not only addresses previous limitations but also offers affordability without compromising quality.
The Four boasts features such as a mechanical pump, adjustable brew temperature settings, dual built-in profiles for varying batch sizes, and compatibility with standard paper filters. Its simplicity of operation makes it an ideal choice for casual coffee enthusiasts seeking effortless yet high-quality results. Additionally, its versatile reservoir system enhances precision in water measurement, appealing even to manual pour-over aficionados who appreciate the convenience it brings to their craft.
A Sleek Design with Enhanced Functionality
The Ratio Four stands out with its minimalist aesthetic and thoughtful engineering. Featuring a mechanical pump and a powerful aluminum water heater, this machine delivers hot water evenly across the coffee bed, replicating the meticulous process of a pour-over method while saving time. The absence of screens or complex controls ensures ease of use—simply add coffee and water, press one button, and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup within minutes.
This innovation caters specifically to those desiring single-cup servings during busy weekdays or afternoon pick-me-ups. Unlike its predecessors, the Four fits comfortably under lower kitchen cabinets found in older homes, solving a common spatial issue. Furthermore, its dual built-in brew profiles allow users to customize their experience based on desired output size. For instance, pressing the brew button once initiates a profile tailored for larger batches, whereas holding it down triggers another optimized for smaller cups. Such flexibility empowers users to achieve optimal flavor extraction consistently.
An All-Rounder for Every Coffee Enthusiast
Beyond practicality, the Ratio Four appeals to both novice drinkers and seasoned baristas alike. Its compatibility with various types of paper filters broadens its appeal among diverse user groups. Manual pour-over devotees will find joy in utilizing conical brewers alongside the Four, revisiting old favorites and discovering new possibilities. Meanwhile, casual users benefit from the straightforward nature of the machine, which eliminates guesswork while delivering exceptional taste.
One standout feature is the reservoir system, allowing precise control over water volume through weight measurements when paired with a scale. At the end of each cycle, the pump purges any remaining water, ensuring freshness for subsequent brews. Although some compromises exist regarding material choices (such as plastic components), these decisions reflect careful consideration of cost-effectiveness and durability. Overall, the Ratio Four represents a harmonious blend of form and function, solidifying its position as a must-have addition to any coffee lover's kitchen arsenal.