Ratio Four Coffee Maker: The Best Drip Coffee Brew?

Coffee is the original office biohack and the nation’s most popular productivity tool. As we lose sleep to the changeover to daylight saving time, the caffeine-addicted WIRED Reviews team is writing about our favorite coffee brewing routines and devices that’ll keep us alert and maybe even happy in the morning. Today, reviewer Matthew Korfhage expounds on his lasting love for drip coffee—and why the Ratio Four never leaves his counter.

For many, a morning coffee routine is almost ritualistic. Korfhage describes his own as stemming from a formative experience traveling in India, where a particularly strong cup of black coffee cemented his preference for the unadulterated brew. This preference, initially a matter of personal conviction, evolved over time as he discovered the potential for drip coffee to be a truly refined experience.

The key, he argues, lies in technology. While historically drip coffee makers have struggled to deliver exceptional results, recent innovations – particularly the Ratio Four – have changed the game. Korfhage highlights the importance of light-roast immersion coffee, a technique championed by roasters like Heart Coffee Roasters in Portland, Oregon, and Stumptown Coffee, which emphasizes the aromatic purity and nuanced flavors of the beans.

The Ratio Four, as Korfhage explains, isn’t simply a drip machine; it’s an automated pour-over system. It replicates the careful, controlled process of manual pour-over brewing, but without the labor. This allows for a consistent, high-quality cup of coffee with minimal effort. The machine brews with a bloom cycle – a pre-infusion stage that allows the coffee grounds to degas – in about four minutes or less. It’s capable of brewing between 5 and 20 ounces of coffee, making it ideal for single servings or smaller batches.

The design of the Ratio Four also contributes to its appeal. It boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and a small footprint, making it suitable for any countertop. The removable water tank adds to its versatility, allowing it to be positioned on the left, right, or behind the machine. The machine is constructed with BPA-free materials, silicone water lines, and a handblown glass carafe, and features a matte finish polymer base with a reinforced metal internal structure. It’s backed by a five-year warranty, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its durability.

While the Ratio Four doesn’t offer a keep-warm function – a deliberate design choice reflecting its focus on replicating the experience of a fresh pour-over – its ease of use and consistent results have made it a standout product in the coffee maker market. According to Tom’s Guide, it delivers “premium-tasting coffee with zero labor” and is “reasonably priced.” TechRadar notes that it’s “fantastically fuss-free” and ideal for couples or individuals who prefer smaller batches.

The Ratio Four’s appeal extends beyond its functionality and design. It represents a shift in the perception of drip coffee, elevating it from a utilitarian necessity to a craft beverage. Korfhage’s experience reflects this transformation, demonstrating how technology can unlock the full potential of a seemingly simple brewing method. He describes the resulting coffee as the “liquid distillation of what my coffee beans smell like fresh off the grinder,” a testament to the machine’s ability to capture and preserve the delicate aromas and flavors of the beans.

The machine’s specifications are relatively compact: it measures 10.6” x 7.5” x 11.5” and weighs 12lbs. It operates on 120V, 1200W, and is compatible with both 50/60Hz power supplies. It utilizes Ratio Four paper filters or Melitta 8-12 cup filters.

The current retail price of the Ratio Four is $279.00, with free shipping available on orders over $95. It’s available for purchase directly from Ratio Coffee’s website and through retailers like Amazon.

Korfhage’s enduring affection for the Ratio Four underscores its significance in the evolving landscape of home coffee brewing. It’s a machine that not only delivers a consistently excellent cup of coffee but also embodies a commitment to quality, simplicity, and the pursuit of the perfect brew.