Just when we are all done developing our very own style of coffee brewing with advanced and sophisticated automatic espresso machines, the most basic and minimalist 4 cups drip coffee makers ring the bell of nostalgia in our minds.
Have they lost their charm?
No.
Do we need one in the first place?
There’s a strong chance that we do.
You can count on them to brew you a steaming cup of coffee in a shorter time. There’s no waiting for a full brew.
If we have got you interested, or if you are already looking for the best 4 cup coffee maker, this review will help you find your ideal match.
Enough talk. Let’s get the brewing started then.
How to Choose the Best 4 Cup Coffee Maker?
Choosing the best 4 Cup Coffee Maker isn’t that complicated once you know a little about them.
Before venturing into the world of 4-cup coffee makers, here’s what you need to know.
What is a 4-Cup Coffee Maker?
The name “4-cup coffee maker” is sort of a misnomer, because it doesn’t brew 4 full cups of coffee at a time.
Generally, a 4-cup coffee maker brews about 20 oz of coffee that either fills two standard-sized coffee mugs or 1 large travel mug.
This is a small and usually uncomplicated unit that takes up the least of your counter space and serves you refreshing cups of coffee.
A 4 cup coffee maker may be programmable and its specifications will vary depending on which brand it belongs to.
How do I Choose My Ideal 4-Cup Coffee Maker?
You are only three steps away from your ideal 4-cup coffee maker. Here’s what you got to do:
Step 1: Make a Checklist of the Features You Want to See in Your Small Coffee Maker
Pause, think, and set your priorities straight.
4 cup coffee makers come in all sizes and specifications. Make a mental note of the features you want your coffee maker to have. Whether it should or should not be programmable, have a timer, have a reusable filter, and so on.
Measuring your counter space in order to decide the right size of your coffee machine is also a wise thing to do.
Once you are done painting a mental picture of your perfect 4-cup coffee maker, you can move on to other issues. And that includes deciding exactly how much you are willing to spend.
Flabbergasted?
No worries.
Find a comprehensive checklist of the things you must look for and the things that you need to avoid in our buying guide that follows.
Step 2: Rely on a Couple of Great 4-Cup Coffee Maker Reviews to Guide You through
You need a couple of great reviews to understand the ins and outs of 4-cup coffee makers and small baristas to get a clear idea about what you are looking for.
Hold on! You are in one!
Step 3: Browse the Jungle
Find your desired 4-cup coffee maker on Amazon and add it to your cart!
Voila! Getting your hands on a convenient little barista is as easy as that.
RankPictureNameShops#1
Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 14.2 inches
- Weight: 7.1 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Braun
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 4 Cups
Read Our Review
Check Price
#2
Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
- Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 11 inches
- Weight: 4.64 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Zojirushi
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 5 Cups
Read Our Review
Check Price
#3
Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker
- Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 5.25 inches
- Weight: 3.25 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 4 Cups
Read Our Review
Check Price
#4
Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.25 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 2.87 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Mr. Coffee
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 4 Cubic Feet
Read Our Review
Check Price
#5
Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 6.2 x 10.6 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Bonavita
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 5 Cups
Read Our Review
Check Price
#6
Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 6.61 x 9.25 inches
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Capacity: 5 Cup
- Color: Black
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Material: METAL
Read Our Review
Check Price
#7
Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 18.82 x 5.94 x 10.91 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 5 Cups
Read Our Review
Check Price
#8
Brentwood Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 23 x 17.5 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 20.5 pounds
- Brand: Brentwood
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 0.01 Cubic Centimeters
- Voice command: Buttons
Read Our Review
Check Price
#9
SOWTECH 4 Cup Espresso Maker Cappuccino Machine
- Dimensions: 10.63 x 7.68 x 13.78 inches
- Weight: 4.97 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic, Glass
- Brand: SOWTECH
- Color: Black
- Wattage: 800
Read Our Review
Check Price
#10
Hario Glass Technica Syphon Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 16.34 x 4.92 x 6.5 inches
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Brand: Hario
- Color: Glass
- Capacity: 5 Cups
#11
Aigostar Buck – Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 10.31 x 7.6 x 6.1 inches
- Weight: 2.33 pounds
- Material: Bpa free plastic
- Brand: Aigostar
- Capacity: 4 Cups
- Wattage: 900 Watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
#12
KRUPS Personal Café Grind Drip Maker Coffee Grinder
- Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 11.6 inches
- Weight: 8.38 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
- Brand: KRUPS
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 1.3 Pounds
#13
Gourmia Brewdini™ Digital Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.1 x 8.2 inches
- Weight: 8.93 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Gourmia
- Capacity: 5 Cups
- Voice command: Buttons
#14
Grind and Brew Coffee Maker with Grinder
- Dimensions: 17.1 x 13.2 x 8.8 inches
- Weight: 10.48 pounds
- Brand: Barsetto
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 5 Pounds
- Voice command: Buttons
14 of the Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers Reviews
01. Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker
Braun KF7150BK
Editor’s Pick
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 14.2 inches
- Weight: 7.1 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Braun
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 4 Cups
This stainless steel 4-cup coffee brewer has a piano black finish that complements the form and overall demeanor of this machine. Simply put, it will look amazing on your counter irrespective of the decor of your kitchen or study.
This is a high tech feature-packed brewing unit.
This 4-cup programmable coffee maker has a 24 hour pre-set option. This allows you to present your brew up to 24 hours before you want it. Command it the night before, you’ll wake up to the aroma of coffee brewing.
The Strength Selector lets you customize the strength of your coffee and the Pause Feature enables you to fill your mug mid-brew.
The Automatic shut off feature turns your unit off after 2 hours. This saves energy and also prevents your small coffee maker from overheating.
Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker has a charcoal filter basket that removes impurities such as chlorine, odor, and bad taste. The only thing remaining is pure coffee to fill up your senses.
This unit is also user friendly. There is a large display with LED light indicators and bold buttons.
The parts are made of BPA free materials, so these are food-safe.
This unit has a ledge that collects condensed leftover water and thus protects your counter from spillage.
The carafe is made of glass, but it is sturdy and durable. There is a warmer plate that keeps this glass carafe warm for about 30 minutes.
The price tag is on the upper side but doesn’t require you to break your bank. We think it is reasonably priced.
This amazing 4-cup coffee maker is a boss. It offers everything an ideal 4-cup coffee maker should.
Ergo, Braun KF7150BK Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker is the Editor’s Pick.
Pros:
- Feature-packed
- Impressive appearance
- Convenient control panel with large display
- Highly programmable
- Contains a condensation tray to collect extra water, so does not ruin your counter
- Boasts a charcoal filter basket
Cons:
- On the pricier side ( rest assured, every penny is worth it )
Check the Latest Price for Braun KF7150BK Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker
02. Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
Zojirushi EC-DAC50
For Premium Taste in Coffee:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 11 inches
- Weight: 4.64 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Zojirushi
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 5 Cups
This is a high end 5 cup coffee maker that is famous for its ability to brew the tastiest drip coffee brews. We fell in love with the cuppa Zojirushi prepared for us. Most users of this device feel the same.
This unit enhances the taste of your coffee by utilizing a charcoal filter that removes odor and impurities from the water. It also makes sure that this purified water passes evenly through the coffee grounds, thus, bringing out the best in them.
This unit comes with a glass carafe and a conical filter. Don’t worry about coffee getting cold inside the glass carafe. The automatic ‘Keep Warm’ function has your back.
Zojirushi 4 cup drip coffee maker has a small footprint. The water reservoir is concealed within the unit, thus reducing the physical space that this coffee maker occupies.
Your purchase has a replacement water filter and a measuring spoon included.
The only thing that Zojirushi lacks is programmability, and that’s sort of a big thing. However, if you crave for highly functional analog units, the Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker is a great choice.
Pros:
- Premium quality 5 cup coffee maker
- Comes with a charcoal water filter
- Ergonomic, space-saving design
- Easy maintenance
Cons:
- Not programmable
Check the Latest Price for Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
03. Cuisinart 4-Cup Coffeemaker
Cuisinart DCC-450BK
Convenience King:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 5.25 inches
- Weight: 3.25 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 4 Cups
The Cuisinart 4-Cup Coffeemaker has mixed reviews. While some users cannot stop praising this 4-cup stainless steel coffee maker, some users opine that this is not the best of Cuisinart.
Our Cuisinart 4 cup coffee maker review is mostly a positive one, but we did notice a few hitches on the way.
Let’s start with the good things.
It is feature-packed.
There is an auto shut-off feature that shuts this unit down after 30 minutes of inactivity. This saves tons of energy from the tons of instances that you forget to turn your coffee maker off before heading outside.
For busy bees who are always in a hurry, Cuisinart 4-cup coffee maker lets you pause the brew and sneak your cup away.
Clear indicator lights always tell you what it is up to. Sadly though, there isn’t a pre-set option.
Let’s turn to the built now. The Cuisinart 4-Cup Coffee Maker is all about stainless steel. For a change, the carafe isn’t glass. This is great news because a steel carafe is shatterproof. No matter how many times it slips off the counter it won’t break.
On top of that, this carafe has thermal insulation. Ergo, you won’t have to gulp down the whole pot immediately.
This unit is lightweight and compact. However, it’s a bit tall. You may want to measure the height of the counter space you are planning to keep this on.
This small coffee maker is really simple to use. One user on Amazon review claims that it is comfortably used by his clinically blind father.
One camper suggested this coffee maker for RVs.
One downside of this coffee maker is its paint. It starts flaking away after a while. Another hitch that many users faced was spillage. Then, someone wise discovered that this problem only arises if the top isn’t pushed down completely.
It is very reasonably priced.
We think that the simplicity of this coffee maker is its strongest selling point. It is straightforward and convenient.
Pros:
- Light and compact
- Sleek Stainless Steel from top to the bottom
- Equipped with Auto-off functionality
- BPA free food-grade materials
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Paint may flake away after a while
Check the Latest Price for Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker
04. Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker|4 Cup Coffee Machine
Mr. Coffee B003W8JSH8
Great for Travellers:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.25 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 2.87 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Mr. Coffee
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 4 Cubic Feet
Mr. Coffee believes in simple n’ easy brewing. Hence, the small 4-cup coffee brewer by this manufacturer is pretty straightforward.
There is an On/Off switch with a light indicator, a dual water window to let you monitor the water level, and convenient pause functionality.
There is a glass carafe and a warming plate combo that keeps your cuppa hot for a while.
The removable filter basket lifts out so that you can clean it effectively.
The most astonishing thing about Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker is its weight. It weighs an unbelievable 2.8 pounds.
How light can a coffee maker get?
Anyway, so now you know that it is the perfect choice for a coffeeholic looking to hit the roads.
Pros:
- Amazingly lightweight
- Reliable
- Straightforward, no-nonsense coffee maker
- Extremely efficient
- User friendly
Cons:
- Uses paper filters
Check the Latest Price for Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker
05. Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker
Bonavita BV1500TS
For Specialty Coffee:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 6.2 x 10.6 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Bonavita
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 5 Cups
Bonavita is a proficient, one-touch barista that has quite a reputation among specialty coffee aficionados.
It utilizes a pre-infusion technique and a special showerhead to disperse water evenly through the coffee grounds. The combined effect results in the maximum extraction of flavor and caffeine.
And this is how supreme quality coffee is produced.
A thermal stainless steel carafe keeps coffee warm for a long duration. So, it’s okay if your barista is waiting with your brew while you are busy with life.
The entire brewing operation is one-touch operated and features such as auto-off and brew-pause are all there.
Bonavita 5 Cup Coffee maker uses a cone-shaped filter and all parts of this device are dishwasher safe.
The unit looks neat and stylish. A good brand reputation is like a cherry on top.
If you are a fan of specialty coffee, the Bonavita 5 Cup Coffee Maker is your must-have.
Pros:
- Highly appreciated among specialty coffee folks
- Pro barista with one-touch brew operation
- Special showerhead evenly disperses water over coffee grounds
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee warm for an extended period of time
- Looks neat
- Dishwashable parts
- Good brand reputation
Cons:
- Short power cord
Check the Latest Price for Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker
06. Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker
Maxi-Matic EHC-5055
Most Affordable:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 6.61 x 9.25 inches
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Capacity: 5 Cup
- Color: Black
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Material: METAL
This doesn’t mean that Maxi-Matic lacks basic features. It comes with a pause and serve feature and an automatic carafe warmer. The auto-off feature is the only thing we didn’t find.
This Elite Cuisine 4-Cup Coffee Maker is a precious friend to your wallet. For starters, it is the cheapest 4-cup coffee maker on our top list.
Then, this coffee maker uses a reusable filter basket. This takes away the cost of buying paper filters out of your plate.
The carafe handles are insulated to give you a burn-free experience.
This 4 cup coffee maker is inexpensive, basic but does its job impressively well. It is a compact unit, and therefore, is good for camping trips. The Maxi-Matic is an ideal low-key coffee maker. A small 4 cup coffee maker simply cannot be simpler than this.
It operates by an On/Off toggle switch. Yeah, that’s about it.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Minimal in the true sense of the word
- Comes with a no-hassle On/Off toggle switch
- An easy-access water tank lets you fill it up effortlessly
- Equipped with an automatic carafe warmer
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Does not come with an auto shut-off feature
Check the Latest Price for Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker
07. Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker
Hamilton Beach 48136
The Smarter One:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 18.82 x 5.94 x 10.91 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 5 Cups
Hamilton Beach is a well known name in the world of quality appliances. This made us test its 5 Cup Switch Coffee Maker with a lot of enthusiasm.
The most impressive feature of this small coffee maker is its compatibility with Siri, Alexa and Google Home. It is smart plug compatible and understands voice commands.
From a smart device like this, you would expect programmable features by default. But that’s not the case. This device lacks auto shut-off and timer functionality. However, there is a brew pause feature.
Keeping this bump on the road aside, the Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker is a darling.
It contains a glass carafe that is dishwasher safe. There is a swing away filter basket for easy filling and a hot plate to keep your coffee warm.
The specialty of this hot plate is that it is made of non-stick materials. Ergo, you can simply wipe it clean if you accidentally end up spilling some coffee on it.
This coffee maker is black, sleek, stylish and weighs only about 3.3 pounds. It gives your counter an attractive persona while consuming the least space.
On top of all these, with a purchase of Hamilton Beach 5 Cup Coffee Maker, you get a 1 year warranty.
We suggest this simplistic yet functional unit for the millennials out there.
Pros:
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Siri
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a hot plate coffee warmer
- Boasts a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Lacks features like timer and auto shut-off
Check the Latest Price for Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker
08. Brentwood Coffee Maker, 4-Cup, Black
BRENTWOOD TS-213BK
Easy to Operate:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 23 x 17.5 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 20.5 pounds
- Brand: Brentwood
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 0.01 Cubic Centimeters
- Voice command: Buttons
The Brentwood 4-Cup Coffee Maker is a compact and basic small coffee maker. You can count on it to get your work down without any fuss.
This device is really simple to use. All you have to do is pour the water, pour the grounds and switch it on. Even your 5 year old could make it work ( don’t make him though ).
The water tank has a water level window so that you know when to refill your unit without frequently opening it and peeking inside.
The carafe is made of durable, explosion-proof glass. This sits on a warming plate that maintains your coffee temperature for 35 minutes.
As we mentioned, this one is pretty basic. So, you won’t get programmability with this unit. On the other hand, you can expect a 100% when it comes to ease of use and trouble-free maintenance.
This coffee machine is small and weighs around 2 pounds only. This makes it perfect for a small kitchen and RVs.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- User friendly
- Ergonomically designed space saving unit
- Explosion proof glass carafe
- The filter basket is reusable
Cons:
- Auto shut off feature is absent
Check the Latest Price for Brentwood Coffee Maker, 4-Cup, Black
09. SOWTECH 4 Cup Espresso Maker Cappuccino Machine
SOWTECH CM6811
Your Pro Barista:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 10.63 x 7.68 x 13.78 inches
- Weight: 4.97 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic, Glass
- Brand: SOWTECH
- Color: Black
- Wattage: 800
When it’s SOWTECH, it is not just a 4 cup coffee maker. You are looking at an espresso brewer here.
This 4 cup programmable coffee maker generates 3.5 bar of pressure to bring the best out of your coffee grounds. On top of it, the prompt frothing arm creates a smooth cream.
The result is nothing short of a perfect cup of espresso.
All this doesn’t mean that Sowtech 4 Cup Espresso Maker is a complicated machine. On the contrary, this small espresso maker is quite easy to use. Add water to the tank, add coffee powder to the filter, turn the knob, and wait for 2 minutes. Your espresso will be ready.
However, perfecting your brew involves a steep learning curve.
As far as programmability goes, this device allows you to pause it mid-brew. Other features such as preset timers and automatic shutdowns are absent.
The housing is stainless steel and the demeanor is simply eye-catching.
We think that this small 4-cup coffee maker is ideal for small apartments. Anyone who lives on espresso shots but doesn’t need a larger and bulkier espresso machine should buy this little barista from the house of Sowtech.
Pros:
- 3.5 bar pressure creates rich shots of espresso
- A removable drip catcher keeps counter tidy
- Excellent coffee extraction
- Comes with a good frothing wand
- Stainless steel polished appearance
Cons:
- Involves a steep learning curve
Check the Latest Price for Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker Cappuccino Machine
10. Hario Glass Technica Syphon Coffee Maker
Hario Technica
Your 4-Cup Chemistry Set:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 16.34 x 4.92 x 6.5 inches
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Brand: Hario
- Color: Glass
- Capacity: 5 Cups
Hario Glass Syphon Coffee Maker is unique. Unlike the other 4 cup coffee makers, this one uses a system of glass bowls to prepare your cuppa.
Working with it feels like a practical Chemistry lesson where you have to titrate liquids and all that. This precise feature earns it a reputation of being “a fun machine to brew coffee”.
Don’t mistake it to be a toy though.
This authentic Japanese tool makes the most delicious coffee ever. Most purchasers end up absolutely satisfied with its brew.
The unit is made of different materials. The bowls and the burner are made of premium heat resistant borosilicate glass. The housing and other parts are made of stainless steel, brass, and aluminum.
Testing this siphon system and sipping the coffee that it produced was a gleeful experience. Although, we couldn’t help but notice that it is naturally slower than one-switch coffee makers.
Cleaning and maintenance of this unit also demands time and delicate care.
So, we can’t really recommend it for the busy bees who cannot afford to spare the time.
On the contrary, if you like being a barista and really value premium coffee cuppas, then this lab set is your must-have. The taste will simply blow your mind.
Pros:
- Authentic Japanese design
- Heat resistant borosilicate glass bowls
- Stainless steel, brass, and aluminum housing
- Makes the best coffee ever
- Using this is a whole lot of fun!
Cons:
- Not suitable for busy bees
- A bit expensive
Check the Latest Price for Hario Glass Technica Syphon Coffee Maker
11. Aigostar Buck – Coffee Maker
Aigostar
Efficient and Fast:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 10.31 x 7.6 x 6.1 inches
- Weight: 2.33 pounds
- Material: Bpa free plastic
- Brand: Aigostar
- Capacity: 4 Cups
- Wattage: 900 Watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
This little coffee maker is a work of wonder. No matter how much we tested and analyzed it with our prying eyes, we could not find anything disagreeable about it.
There is nothing extravagant about it and the unit is made of plastic. But this is BPA-free, food-safe, and does not feel flimsy at all.
There is a simple On/Off switch with an indicator light. Just put in some water and some freshly ground coffee. Utilizing the fast brewing technology, Aigostar Buck Coffee Maker will prepare it in just a couple of minutes.
There is a pause feature that lets you a 30-second window to sneak your cup mid brew.
The glass carafe is dishwashable and stands on an insulation board that keeps coffee warm for 35 minutes.
This device uses a reusable filter. The overall design is simple and space saving.
The unit works best when teamed up with Aigostar Electric Coffee Grinder and Automatic Electric Milk Frother.
Overall, if you want a peaceful, compact, and solid 4-cup coffee maker, Aigostar Buck – Coffee Maker is guaranteed to be a great pick. On top of that, there’s a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- BPA-free plastic build
- Utilizes fast brewing technology
- Simple space-saving design
- UL Certified
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Affordable
Cons:
- We didn’t find any
Check the Latest Price for Aigostar Buck – Coffee Maker
12. KRUPS Personal Café Grind Drip Maker Coffee Grinder
KRUPS KM550D50
The Grinder and Brewer:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 11.6 inches
- Weight: 8.38 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
- Brand: KRUPS
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 1.3 Pounds
Despite being small, the Krups Personal Cafe Drip Coffee Maker is a complete bean to cup coffee machine. It comes with a Burr grinder. Therefore, you can ground whole coffee beans and then use the freshly ground coffee to prepare your mug.
The burr grinder is mighty and offers two grind settings- fine and coarse.
This German engineered coffee maker also comes with a complimentary coffee scoop and a cleaning brush.
Talking about cleaning, both the grinding and brewing units are dishwasher safe and disassemble easily.
Programmability is also a strong suit of this 4 cup coffee maker with auto shut off. There is a convenient one-touch control panel to give the commands.
The glass carafe is placed over a warmer plate that keeps it warm for about half an hour. And when the machine goes idle, it shuts itself off to prevent overheating and power wastage.
This coffee maker does have a ‘Bold’ switch but many users still feel that the coffee that it churns out is not strong enough.
We think that the manufacturers invested more time on the grinder than the brewer. Even then, this is a pretty great unit to have.
Pros:
- Complete bean to cup system
- Comes with a bean grinder
- Compatible with both while beans and ground coffee
- Comes with a cleaning brush and coffee scoop
Cons:
- Doesn’t brew the strongest cup of coffee
Check the Latest Price for KRUPS Personal Café Grind Drip Maker Coffee Grinder
13. Gourmia Brewdini™ Digital Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Gourmia GCM7800
For Your Daily Dose of Cold Brew:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.1 x 8.2 inches
- Weight: 8.93 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Gourmia
- Capacity: 5 Cups
- Voice command: Buttons
Gourmia Brewdini has a patented vacuum technology with impressive suction capabilities. This reduces the tedious hours of the cold brew process into mere minutes. 2 minutes to be exact.
This device is highly programmable and the control panel is an eye-catcher. This LCD one-touch panel lets you customize the strength of your coffee. And an auto-release feature automatically dispenses coffee once the brewing cycle is complete.
Even with all these features, the Brewdini is a small 5 cup coffee maker. The height is only about 15 inches and the width about 10 inches.
Getting your daily shot of cold brew was never easier and we highly recommend this little coffee maker.
Pros:
- Tremendous suction power quickens up the cold brew process
- Allows you to tailor the strength of your cold brew
- Produces delicious drinks
- Looks great
Cons:
- Pricey
Check the Latest Price for Gourmia Brewdini™ Digital Cold Brew Coffee Maker
14. Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
Barsetto Coffee Maker377
From Beans to Your Cup:
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 17.1 x 13.2 x 8.8 inches
- Weight: 10.48 pounds
- Brand: Barsetto
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 5 Pounds
- Voice command: Buttons
Who doesn’t like to enjoy a cup of coffee from freshly ground beans? And if this perk comes inside a downsized, 4-cup coffee machine, then why not?
Yes, this is yet another bean-to-cup small coffee maker here and it is great for small apartments.
The bean reservoir holds just enough beans for a single run. This means that you’ll have to fill it every time. But once you get the hang of it this shouldn’t feel like trouble.
This built-in burr grinder comes with a grinding strength selector to let you decide how coarse or fine you want your coffee to be. Besides, a frictionless grinding process ensures that the flavor of your beans are preserved.
Using it is simple. Just use the push buttons on the control panel.
The glass carafe sits on an insulation plate that keeps coffee warm for as long as an hour. This is the longest warming time we came across.
The price point is a bit on the higher end, but this coffee maker with a built-in grinder is totally worth it.
Pros:
- Complete bean to cup coffee maker
- Compatible with coffee beans as well as pre-ground
- Simple operation
- Convenient design
- Longest insulation
Cons:
- The housing is unnecessarily large
Check the Latest Price for Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
Buying Guide: What to and What Not to Look for in the Best 4 Cup Coffee Maker
Before looking up different 4-cup coffee pots, these are factors you must consider, the features you should never settle without and the trivialities that you better avoid:
Factors You Must Consider:
The Brewing Temperature:
An excessively high brewing temperature burns your coffee and tampers with its taste and quality. Conversely, brewing coffee at an insufficient temperature does not bring out the taste and aroma that you desire.
The best mini coffee makers prepare your coffee at the right brewing temperature, that is, around 205℉.
The Type of Carafe:
The best carafe for a small 4-cup coffee maker is one that is made of stainless steel.
Steel carafes look stylish and sleek. The main advantage of these is that they are virtually unbreakable.
Take the Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker for example. The carafe won’t shatter.
Moreover, some 4-cup thermal coffee makers including the Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker, offer insulated steel carafes to keep your coffee warm for a considerable amount of time.
Glass carafes are more traditional. Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker and Braun KF7150BK Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker are great units that come with a glass carafe.
They look classy and elegant but they are easily breakable. Also, you cannot count on them to keep your coffee hot long enough.
Even then, if you do decide to opt for a unit with a glass carafe, there must be a warmer plate that keeps your coffee warm. Also, make sure that your brand offers replacement carafes with your purchase.
Some 4-cup coffee makers come with thick plastic carafes. These are also great as long as they are not cheaply built.
Types of Filters:
A 4-cup coffee maker utilizes either a disposable paper filter or a reusable mesh filter. While both have their perks, a reusable mesh filter always works best.
It can be used over and over again, meaning it is eco friendly. It also saves you money as you don’t have to worry about restocking filter papers.
Units like Brentwood Coffee Maker are eco-friendly as they use a reusable filter.
Things You Must Look for
Durability:
Look for 4 cup coffee makers that come with a warranty.
The warranty does not only keep your purchase covered, the warranty period often gives you an idea of how long you can expect your machine to serve you.
4-cup coffee makers that come with a noteworthy warranty plan are Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker and Aigostar Buck – Coffee Maker.
Individual reviews of the products will also give you a fair idea about the durability of your coffee maker.
Small Size:
We believe that the whole point of buying a 4-cup coffee maker is to have a device with a small footprint.
Ergo, look for a small 4-cup coffee maker. Something that is compact and nicely adorns your kitchen counter.
To get started, check the height and width of the unit and decide for yourself whether it is meant for your home.
All the units we have reviewed here are small and compact.
Programmability:
A small coffee maker doesn’t necessarily need to be old school or basic. You can always choose programmable options to make life easier.
Here are some great features that the best 4 cup coffee makers offer:
- Timer: You can set it the night before to wake up to the aroma of your coffee.
- Brew Pause: you are in a hurry and your coffee pot is still brewing? The pause feature will make it stop so that you can sneak a cup in the middle of a brew.
- Auto Shut down: This shuts your device after a certain period of time. This is a safety feature that relieves you of the burden of shutting down your 4 cup coffee maker whenever you step outside.
KRUPS KM550D50 Personal Café Grind Drip Maker Coffee Grinder is a highly programmable coffee maker.
Easy Cleaning:
The more parts your unit has, the harder it is to clean. When choosing the best 4-cup coffee machine, make sure that most of the parts are removable and dishwasher safe.
Most of the 4-cup coffee makers that made it to our top list including the Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker have dishwashable parts.
Good Brand Reputation:
To ensure that your purchase lasts for years, it’s a good idea to opt for well-reputed brands. Brands with impeccable reputation usually offer you the most sturdily built coffee makers.
All brands we reviewed here are known for their reputation.
Things You Should Avoid:
A Bulky 4-Cup Coffee Maker:
A large and bulky unit meant to brew only a small serving every time doesn’t look too efficient to us.
Breaking the Bank:
Let’s face it. We are looking for a fairly uncomplicated machine here. Breaking your bank for an extravagant unit does not seem necessary.
However, don’t just fall for any affordable 4-cup coffee maker. It may cost you more in the long run.
On top of the price tag there are additional costs, remember? Your coffee maker will consume energy, charge you for maintenance, and ask for accessories.
To make a penny-wise decision, choose an energy-saving appliance, even if the price tag seems a tad higher than its counterparts. It will pay off in the long run.
You can also give coffee makers that utilize reusable mesh filters an upper hand. This will relieve you from having to buy paper filters.
FAQs: Here are the Answers to the Most Common 4-Cup Coffee Maker Questions
We are often asked about coffee makers and related appliances. We try to answer them for you in every relevant article.
Here are the solutions to the 4-Cup Coffee Maker Questions we are frequently asked.
01. Why Should You Choose a 4-Cup Coffee Maker?
There are a handful of reasons why you should choose a 4-cup coffee maker. Here are a few solid ones:
- It is faster than any artisan coffee maker. It gets your job done with no-fuss.
- Consumes less counter space.
- Easier to clean.
- Ideal for small families.
02. Why Should You Purchase a 4-Cup Coffee Maker?
Purchasing a 4-cup coffee maker is a good decision, especially for a penny-wise person. These units are reasonably priced and often cost way less than any artisan coffee maker.
A 4-cup coffee maker is a perfect adornment for dorm rooms, small apartments and RVs. they take up the least of your counter space.
A 4-Cup Coffee Maker suits a minimalist lifestyle. An efficient drip coffee maker can conveniently replace a complicated bulky unit.
Such a unit saves time, saves space, saves energy, and is perfect to fuel the life of a duo.
03. How Should You Take Care of Your Coffee Maker?
The first step to taking good care of your coffee maker starts with the user manual. Every device is made differently. The user manual is the key to each and every unit.
- Give the user manual a thorough read and abide by it.
Once you get the hang of the things you need to do to keep your coffee maker in pristine condition, you can do certain extra things to maximize the longevity of your coffee maker.
Here are a few tips you may follow:
- Turn your coffee maker off when not in use.
This prevents it from overheating and gives it sufficient rest. This habit will maximize your coffee maker’s performance and life.
- Descale your coffee maker regularly.
Minerals that deposit inside your coffee maker can reduce its efficiency and create a lot of problems. Descaling it will keep it running smoothly.
- Scan the QR code.
Some coffee makers will give you access to cleaning guides with your smartphone and tablet. Scan the QR code to open your coffee maker’s very own health encyclopedia.
04. How Much Coffee Do I Use in a 4-Cup Coffee Maker?
That depends depending on the desired strength preferences.
Generally speaking, the Specialty Coffee Association of America recommends adding 2 rounded tablespoons of coffee every 6 ounces of water.
Roughly, you can add one tablespoon per cup as well.
1 or 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounce of water is called the ‘Golden Ratio’ of coffee.
05. How Much is 6 Ounces?
6 ounces of a liquid is equivalent to 3/4th cup or 180 ml of a liquid.
The Final Sip
There are plenty of reasons to downsize.
Having an efficient 4-cup coffee maker means that you get to wake up to the aroma of coffee every morning without having to deal with the demanding maintenance of a large artisan coffee maker.
For busy bees, small families, and dorm dwellers, the best 4 cup coffee maker is a breath of fresh air.
The worst of its kind, however, could be a nuisance. But we promised never to let you buy something unworthy!
So, we compiled this listicle of the 14 best 4 cup coffee makers in town. Let us know which one you fell in love with!
Until next time, have a happy coffee day!
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