Ratio Four Coffee Machine Review: This American Beauty Simplifies Coffee!

I used to think I had a pretty solid morning coffee routine with the Ratio Six Coffee Maker – that is until the Ratio Four Coffee Machine waltzed across my Instagram timeline. And as you might have guessed, I simply had to buy the Ratio Four to test out for you.

For the past few days, I’ve been putting this sleek, compact marvel through its paces. And I have plenty to say about this coffee maker that promises to turn your counter into a coffee shrine. So, let’s get right to it!

Overview: Ratio Four Coffee Machine Review

At $259.00, the Ratio Four Coffee Machine isn’t your average coffee maker. But then again, it’s not trying to be. It was born from a simple yet ambitious goal – to recreate the best automatic pour-over coffee maker. The result is essentially a master barista in machine form. This sleek coffee maker sports a limited footprint that won’t hog counter space.

Like the Zojirushi Zutto, the interface is almost zen-like in its simplicity. One button and three lights. That’s it; no overwhelming menu of options or confusing symbols. In addition, the labeled LED lights give you just enough feedback to know what’s happening.

But it’s in the brew basket and shower head where the real engineering shines. The showerhead’s design ensures water hits your grounds in an even pattern.

Similarly, the hand-blown beaker-like glass carafe isn’t just pretty (though it definitely is). Sure, it’s no thermal carafe (as found in the Ratio Six), but it’s been designed to maintain temperature without cooking your coffee into a bitter mess.

And can we talk about that removable water tank? As someone who’s spilled enough water trying to fill fixed tanks, this one is a welcome relief.

As for temperature control, this coffee maker abides by the best SCA coffee maker standards. It maintains the crucial 195-203 degrees Fahrenheit (90-95 degrees Celsius) water temperature throughout the brew.

Ratio backs all this up with a 5-year warranty, which is refreshing. In effect, they’re saying, “Yeah, we know the Ratio Four coffee machine is an investment, but we built this thing to last.” It’s also a testament to their core philosophy: Great coffee starts with thoughtful engineering and quality materials.

Ratio Four Features

We love Ratio machines here at Coffeeness; they’ve never let us down yet! As in my previous Ratio Six review, I’ll unpack the features of the Ratio Four to help you decide if it’s the best drip coffee maker for you.

Size and Design

In my opinion, the Ratio Four wouldn’t look out of place in a modern art museum. At 15 inches tall, 14 inches wide and 12 inches deep (38.1 x 35.6 x 30.5 centimeters), it strikes just the right presence. Featuring clean lines and premium materials, its design is quintessentially minimalist.

The brewing tower, which houses a 1200-watt aluminum water heater, is sophistication itself. As is the separate but removable water reservoir.

What I particularly love is how the Ratio Four manages to pack all its brewing intelligence into such an elegant frame. The base houses the heating element and controls, and the water tank, which sits to the side, is separate but attached.

I also love the carafe platform. It’s thoughtfully positioned, and sits at a comfortable height for pouring. The whole setup has a wonderful sense of visual balance.

While some premium coffee makers can look intimidating, Ratio’s design philosophy seems to be “less is more.” It’s the kind of coffee machine that makes you want to slow down and appreciate your daily coffee ritual.

User Interface

If you’re tired of coffee makers that look like something out of the Star Trek Enterprise’s cockpit, you’re going to love the Ratio Four. Its control panel is refreshingly simple. How simple? We’re talking one button as well as three lights that let you know what’s happening with your brew.

Let me break down its brilliant minimalism: press once to start brewing, and the “bloom” light begins to gently pulsate. Once the bloom cycle is complete, the “brew” light kicks on. And when it’s all done, the “ready” light illuminates. No bells, no whistles.

But don’t let this simplicity fool you. There’s some serious coffee science happening behind the scenes. The Ratio Four coffee machine automatically handles all complex variables, such as temperature, bloom time and flow rate. It’s a perfect example of how sophisticated technology doesn’t need a complicated interface.

Brew Basket and Shower Head

This coffee maker’s brew basket and showerhead definitely know how to put on a show. The brew basket boasts a flat-bottomed design that holds flat-bottomed paper filters. Although it’s made of plastic, it fits seamlessly into the coffee maker, and also helps maintain brewing temperatures.

Now, onto the shower head. It’s basically the coffee equivalent of a high-end rain shower. With multiple precision-drilled spiral holes, it ensures your grounds get an even soaking. And, like the Ratio Six, that means no brew-ruining dry spots or channeling!

The real genius is how these two work together. This shower head’s height and position relative to the brew basket are carefully calculated. As such, it achieves the perfect flow rate. In the end, what you end up with is a perfectly choreographed extraction. And that means a balanced and flavorful cup, every time.

Temperature Control

The Ratio Four coffee machine really shows off its brewing smarts with its temperature control. With this feature, Ratio was fanatical about getting the water temperature just right. Unlike cheaper machines, the Ratio Four consistently achieves temperatures between 195 and 203 degrees Fahrenheit (91-95 degrees Celsius). How? By using sophisticated heating algorithms and precision temperature sensors.

What makes this system particularly clever is how it adapts during different brewing phases. During the bloom phase, it introduces hot water to wake up your coffee grounds. Then, during the main brew, it maintains the ideal temperature with impressive consistency. This eliminates sudden hot spots that could scorch your coffee. It also gets rid of the problem of tepid water that could lead to under-extraction.

The heating element itself is a powerhouse. It quickly brings cold water up to temperature without long wait times. But it’s not just about speed. It’s also about precision. This coffee maker’s thermal management system constantly monitors and adjusts. As a result, it ensures every drop of water hits your coffee grounds at exactly the right temperature.

For coffee geeks (and isn’t that all of us here?), this level of precision is non-negotiable. It helps deliver that clean, bright cup with all the subtle flavor notes intact.

Ratio Glass Carafe

If you’ve been reading Coffeness reviews for a while, you’ll know that I don’t favor glass carafes. Unlike thermal carafe coffee makers, these rarely keep coffee warm without affecting the flavor.

However, I must say I’m impressed with the Ratio Four’s beaker-like glass carafe. Made from lab-grade borosilicate glass (the stuff chemists trust for their experiments), this carafe is both beautiful and functional. It’s also double-walled. And you know what that means? It can keep your brew hot without needing a heating plate underneath. Hallelujah! No more burnt, bitter taste you get from coffee that’s been sitting on a hot plate for too long.

Another feature that stands out about this carafe is the pour spout. It has the precision of a fine wine decanter for a drip-free pour. The ergonomic handle also caught my attention. It’s designed with a subtle curve for a tight grip, and I found it to be very comfortable to use.

This carafe’s 25-ounce (740-milliliter) capacity hits the sweet spot. It’s enough for a small gathering or a serious coffee enthusiast’s morning routine. Plus, the clear glass lets you watch the brewing process, which I found to be a mesmerizing experience.

Just remember – this beauty deserves gentle handling. It’s durable, yes, but it’s still glass. So don’t even think about putting it in the dishwasher!

Removable Water Tank

To me, the unsung hero of the Ratio Four coffee machine is its removable water tank. While it might not get as much attention as the flashier features, this tank is a masterpiece of design.

Made from BPA-free plastic, this 22-ounce (650-milliliter) tank is crystal clear and durable. It also boasts measurement lines so you can easily see how much water you’re adding.

The ability to also let you brew 1-2 cups makes this a best single-serve coffee maker contender.

But what really impressed me is its manoeuvrability. Featuring a unique design, the water tank is actually completely separate from the brewer itself. Instead, there’s a flexible water line extending out from the machine to a docking station. This makes it super easy to remove the reservoir for filling and also allows you to fit the machine into tight spaces. 

How to Use the Ratio Four Coffee Machine

Making coffee with the Ratio Four coffee machine looks refreshingly simple. Start by filling the removable water tank with fresh, filtered water. Use the measurement marks (the machine brews between 2-8 cups) to guide you.

Next, place a flat-bottom filter in the brew basket, before adding coffee grounds. The golden coffee-to-water ratio is roughly 1:16, but feel free to adjust to your taste. Before brewing, gently shake your grounds to level them. This helps ensure even water distribution during brewing.

Insert the brew basket into the brewer then place the carafe onto the machine’s platform. Now for the easy part: Press the single button on the front.

You should note that the Ratio Four coffee machine will automatically perform a bloom cycle first. This phase releases a small amount of water to pre-wet the coffee grounds. After about 30 seconds, it begins the main brew cycle. As it does, it precisely controls water flow and temperature.

Incidentally, the Ratio Four has been designed to work with other drippers too. So, if you’re using your Hario V60 or Kalita Wave, you’ll notice the shower head distributing water in a spiral pattern. This is the Ratio Four’s calling card; although it is a drip coffee machine, it mimics a barista’s manual pour-over technique. The entire brewing process should take about 6-8 minutes, depending on your batch size.

My Observations

I wasn’t at all surprised to lift an absolutely stunning coffee maker from the Ratio box that landed on my doorstep. Still, I was quite taken aback by how light the thing is. Plus, the machine’s plastic construction does feel somewhat flimsy, especially in comparison with the Ratio Six. Oh, and while I’m on the subject, the water tank feels especially cheap, although I absolutely love the external water line/docking station design.

With all that said, the manufacturer really went to town on the design of its glass carafe. I particularly appreciated the thoughtful addition of a rubber base, as well as the cool, snug-fitting glass lid. And of course, everything features a classy Ratio logo.

During my Ratio Four test I used a medium-light roast blend with notes of caramel and citrus. I followed the manufacturer’s recommendations for a 2-cup brew, dutifully measuring out 17 grams of coffee and filling the reservoir to the correct marker. And let me tell you that the Ratio Four absolutely nailed it from the get-go.

A few short minutes later, I was enjoying a cup of coffee that was easily as balanced and complex as any I’ve made by hand. What’s more, the Ratio Four will replicate this again and again, with precision and accuracy.

By the way, the Ratio Four is one of the quietest coffee makers I’ve ever used, and I loved the way the indicator lights gently pulsed as the machine did its thing. My only complaint would be that the coffee wasn’t quite as hot as I’d expected. However, that’s easily rectified by preheating the carafe before brewing.

Ratio Four Cleaning

Keeping your Ratio Four coffee machine clean is essential for good coffee. After brewing, always hand-wash the carafe and brew basket with mild soap and water. Please note that these parts are not dishwasher safe, so don’t get tempted to put them in for a spin. Next, wipe down the exterior with a soft, damp cloth.

Weekly, wash the carafe and filter basket, again using mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage your coffee maker’s materials. Oh, and don’t forget to remove the shower head attachment and rinse it thoroughly. This should avoid the dreaded coffee oil build-up.

Ensure you also carry out monthly descaling. To do this, fill the water tank with a mix of 1:3 distilled white vinegar and water before starting a blind brew cycle (with no coffee grounds). Mid-cycle, pause the machine for 30 minutes to let the solution soak. Then, resume and complete the cycle. Lastly, run two blind cycles with clean water to rinse out the vinegar.

Cleaning goes hand in hand with long-term maintenance. This involves checking the shower head and water lines for clogs quarterly.

Annual maintenance is more for inspecting the coffee machine for wear, like frayed cords or loose parts. Above all, always consult your user manual for more information.

Ratio Four Technical Specifications

Ratio Four vs Fellow Aiden

How does the Ratio Four compare to another formidable drip coffee maker, the Fellow Aiden?

In the design department, both machines are stunning minimalists. The Ratio Four boasts architectural lines and hand-blown glass. The Aiden is all industrial-chic, with a matte black finish and squared-off silhouette.

Interface-wise, it’s simplicity versus smart tech. The Ratio Four rocks a single button that handles everything. The Aiden gets more techy. Its digital display and dial control offer more customization.

Still, both machines nail the brewing mechanics. The Ratio Four’s spiral shower head and flat-bottom brew basket perform the perfect coffee waltz. The Fellow Aiden’s multi-port shower head and cone-shaped filter basket? More of a precision tango.

Both machines keep things in the sweet spot between 195-203 degrees Fahrenheit (91-95 degrees Celsius). However, the Aiden lets you fine-tune brewing temps whereas the Ratio Four handles it all automatically.

As for carafes, the Ratio Four’s double-walled glass beauty keeps coffee hot naturally. However, the Aiden has a wonderful thermal carafe.

Price-wise, you’re looking at a premium for either one of these American beauties. You’ll fork out $259.00 for the Ratio Four, and $365.00 for the Fellow Aiden.

I recommend going for the Ratio Four if you’re a purist who appreciates automatic precision and beautiful design. On the other hand, choose the Aiden if you’re a coffee tinkerer who loves to dial in every variable.

See Also: Fellow Aiden Review

Verdict: Ratio Four Coffee Machine Review

After testing the Ratio Four coffee machine, I’ve come to realize that great coffee and simplicity can go together. Yes, this machine comes with a premium price tag that might make your wallet wince. However, like the Ratio Six, it promises to transform your coffee routine from mundane to joyful.

If you’re looking for a compact machine that’ll brew up small batches of exceptional coffee, the Ratio Four should be on your shortlist. Let’s just say my Hario V60 and gooseneck kettle haven’t seen any action in a while!

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