6 Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers (Review & Buyer’s Guide)

Do you have limited counter space? Want to enjoy a delicious and hot cup of coffee every morning? While it may not be the most revolutionary cup you’ve ever had, there is still good reason to keep a 4 cup coffee maker in your kitchen.

There is nothing better than waking up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee. Especially when you can save thousands of dollars each year while doing it. Four cup coffee makers are the perfect option for couples to use. You can enjoy a couple of cups in the morning without worrying about wasting any of it. These coffee makers are compact and affordable.

Not sure which one you should buy? This article will review the best 4 cup coffee makers you can get. I also give you all of the information you need to choose the right one for your needs. So, let’s get right to it.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more

Best Four Cup Coffee Maker Reviews:

1. Cuisinart DCC450BK 4 Cup Coffee Maker

4. Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 4 Cup Coffee Maker

5. Elite Gourmet Brew & Drip Coffee Maker

The water reservoir has a semi-transparent window, so that you know when it is time to refill it. It also has a Pause N’ Serve function to allow you to grab your first cup before the brewing process is complete. You don’t have to worry about making a mess because the non-drip pour spout prevents any coffee from spilling out.

The filter basket swings out so you can easily add the coffee grounds into the permanent filter. You can quickly see when you need to make another pot by looking at the glass carafe. Both the filter and carafe are dishwasher safe, making clean up quick and simple.

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight design
• Simple to set up and use
• Semi-transparent water reservoir window
• Pause N’ Serve function
• Built-in permanent filter
• Stain-resistant warming plate
• Quick and easy to clean and maintain
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Glass carafe breaks easily
• Warming plate can burn coffee if kept on too long
• Doesn’t have an auto shut-off feature
• Doesn’t have a programmable timer

This is the perfect coffee maker if you don’t care about any of the bells and whistles and just want a simple, compact coffee maker. It is easy to set up and use and comes at an affordable price point.

The Mr. Coffee DRX5-RB 4 Cup Coffee Maker features a compact, lightweight design that is portable so you can take it with you on the go. This is a simple to use coffee machine that includes all of the features you want while still keeping the price point affordable. The filter basket is removable making it easy to fill and clean up afterwards.

However, it doesn’t include a permanent filter. You will need to use paper filters or purchase the compatible reusable filter for it. The glass carafe lets you see how exactly how much coffee you have left. You do need to be careful using it because it easily breaks. The dual water window allows you to see when you need to refill it no matter where you place the coffee machine on your counter.

Some of the features that help make your morning life as easy as possible are the programmable brew timer, the brew-pause feature, and the auto shut-off function. You can just set the features you want and go on with your day. There is also built-in storage for the cord to make it tidy and organized when you want to store it away.

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight design
• Programmable brew timer
• Brew-pause function
• Auto shut-off feature
• Dual window water reservoir
• Removable filter basket
• Built-in cord storage
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Glass carafe easily breaks
• Warming plate may burn coffee if kept on too long
• Doesn’t include a built-in permanent filter (can buy the compatible reusable filter)

This is the perfect coffee maker if you still want a simple machine that has the features you really care about. It allows you to make your coffee brewing experience quick and convenient at an affordable price point.

How to Choose the Best 4 Cup Drip Coffee Maker:

There are some key features that you should consider before you choose which four cup coffee maker to buy. This will help you to figure out exactly which one meets your needs best. The last thing you want to do is waste your money on the wrong coffee maker. The key features you should consider are:

Style & Size:

The style and size of the coffee maker you buy matters more than you may think. While it might seem a bit shallow, you do want your small appliances to match the décor and theme of your kitchen. It makes the overall atmosphere of the space better and more cohesive. However, you shouldn’t just look at the look of the coffee maker.

The design is also about the functionality of it. Some coffee makers are designed better than others. You want one that is easy to use and doesn’t waste space. This is especially important it you have a small kitchen with limited counter space.

A small, compact coffee maker will allow you to make delicious coffee without the hassle of storing it away after each use. You want to choose a coffee maker that is quick and convenient for you. It shouldn’t add more stress to your life.

Ease of Use:

You want to find a coffee maker that is quick and simple to set up and use. You don’t need any complicated features that take forever to learn. There are a few key features that can make life more convenient, but they aren’t overwhelming.

The simpler the machine, the more likely you will use it on a daily basis. If the machine is easy to program, brew, and clean you will use it for many years. 

Carafe Type:

There are different types of carafes for you to consider. Each type has its pros and cons. The most popular ones are the glass carafe and the stainless-steel carafe.

  Glass Carafe: 

A glass carafe keeps the coffee hot and ready to enjoy by using a warming plate. The great thing about using glass is that you will always know exactly how much coffee you have left. It is also more visually appealing and luxurious looking than other types of carafes.

Unfortunately, heat escapes quickly through the glass. You have to completely rely on the warming plate underneath which diminishes the quality of the coffee over time. You also have to worry about the carafe breaking if you are not careful and drop it or hit in on the counter.

  Stainless-Steel Carafe:

A stainless-steel carafe is great because it is insulated, many times it is double-walled, so your coffee will stay hot inside of it. This is also a strong, durable material so if you drop it you won’t have to worry about breaking the carafe. The downside is that you cannot tell how much coffee is left and when it is time to make a new pot.

Another thing you should consider when deciding on the carafe type is the design of the spout. If you can find one you like that has a non-drip spout that is even better. This way you won’t have to worry about making a mess while you are pouring the coffee. The less coffee that spills the less clean up you have to do.

Filter Type:

The first thing you should look at is the placement of the filter basket on the coffee maker you are buying. If the placement is in a hard to reach or difficult place this can affect how easy it is to use. The next thing you should consider is the type of filter. There are two main types of filters you can use. They are the paper filter and the permanent filter.

  Paper Filter:

Many of the traditional, drip style coffee pots have a filter basket where you place a disposable paper filter inside of it to brew your coffee. These are convenient and easy to use. However, if you are looking to cut down on waste and don’t want to worry about buying replacements then you may want to buy a permanent filter. You can buy a separate one to use inside of these machines.

  Permanent Filter:

Some newer model coffee makers feature built in permanent filters. This is great because you don’t have to worry about finding a separate one that fits properly inside of your specific machine. The permanent filter is easy to use and clean. You will know that you have everything you need to brew your next, delicious pot of coffee right at home.

Programmability:

Any coffee lover will tell you that waking up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning is the best. When you buy a coffee maker that is programmable, you can have this experience each and every morning.

You just set the timer for when you want, and the coffee maker will automatically start brewing your coffee for you. This is great for those of us who are in a hurry in the morning and don’t have the time to make a pot of coffee before work.

You can get everything set up the night before and then forget about it. Some other features to look out for are the brew-pause and auto-shutoff features. These are the little things that help make your life more stress-free and convenient.

Brew Speed:

Another feature you should consider is the brew speed of the coffee maker. This is especially important if you don’t use the timer, or if the coffee maker doesn’t have one. We all know that feeling of needing coffee now. The last thing you want is a slow coffee maker that takes forever to get you your hot cup of coffee in the morning.

How fast the coffee maker can get your coffee into your system is important, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Many of the best coffee makers can heat up in less than a minute and brew the pot extremely fast.

While you may save money if you buy a machine that takes its sweet time in getting your coffee ready. You have to decide for yourself if it is worth it to spend a little more to get your coffee faster in the morning. What is worth more to you in the long run.

Brew Temperature:

Another important feature is the brewing temperature of your coffee maker. Nobody wants to deal with mediocre, cold coffee or coffee that has been burnt. Both are less than ideal situations. The ideal brewing temperature to get the optimal, delicious coffee you want is between 195 and 205-degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that will have the burnt taste you don’t want. Anything less won’t have the delicious aroma and flavor you are looking for.

There are several factors that get you the hot, perfect cup of java you need. These factors include the warming plate, carafe material, and heating mechanism of the coffee machine. Most of the smaller, compact systems tend to be pretty similar. You will have the most control over the warming plate and the carafe type.

Be sure to choose wisely to get the coffee you want. As we explained before the stainless-steel carafe does a better job of keeping your coffee hot. The warming plate also does well, but if it is on too long it will burn the remaining coffee in the pot which you definitely do not want.

If you choose a coffee maker with a warming plate, you may want to choose one that features the auto shut-off, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on. If you want to have the most control over the temperature, then you should consider getting a manual coffee maker such as a French Press.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

If you want your four-cup coffee maker to last a long time, then you need to be sure that you are properly cleaning and maintaining it.

  Cleaning:

In order to clean it properly you should be removing the coffee grounds and cleaning out the carafe and filter after using them. An easy way to do this is to buy a coffee machine with removable parts that are dishwasher safe.

This way you can just add them in with the rest of the dishes and be done with it. Another thing that you should clean is the water reservoir. You want to be sure to rinse and dry it out. While you don’t need to do this after every use, you should still do it frequently.

  Maintenance:

The maintenance of a coffee machine is different from the day-to-day cleaning of it. This needs to be done less often. However, it is just as vital to extend the life of the machine. One of the most important aspects of maintenance for your coffee make is to descale it.

Descaling your machine removes all of the mineral build-up inside of it that can cause damage. If you have hard water, you need to do this even more often. I suggest you do this once every two to three months to be safe. This will keep your machine in tip top shape and your coffee tasting fresh and delicious for a long time.

Cost:

Deciding what your budget is ahead of time will help you stay within it as you are researching and choosing which coffee maker to purchase. While most 4 cup coffee makers are more affordable than other options.

They can still get pricy depending on how many fancy features they include. It is also important to not just think about the upfront cost of the machine, but also take into account the accessories and supplies that they may require over time.

Four Cup Coffee Maker FAQs:

How much coffee do I use for my 4 cup coffee maker?

The recommended ratio is 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds for every one cup of coffee you are brewing. So, for the typical four cup coffee maker you would use 4 tablespoons of coffee grounds. Of course, you can add less or more depending on your personal taste. This is just a guideline to use as your starting point and then you can adjust from there.

How can I be sure I am making the best coffee with my new machine?

There are a few things you should do to get the 5-star coffee that you are wanting. The first is that you can use filtered water instead of regular tap water. This is especially important if you have hard water. If your coffee maker has a built-in filter that is great.

However, it will be even better if you use filtered water anyway. There is a reason that Starbucks uses water that has been filtered several times to make their coffee beverages. It just tastes better. The second thing is to make sure that you are using high-quality, fresh ground coffee.

There is nothing better than coffee from freshly roasted and ground beans. Other than those two things, just be sure you are using your coffee maker properly and you are good to go.

How many watts does a 4 cup coffee maker use?

When it comes to your standard four cup coffee maker, the average number of watts seems to be 800. However, each one will be different. If this is important to you then you definitely want to check the product information before you buy a specific machine.

This is especially vital if you are choosing a coffee machine that has several features such as programmability, keep warm function, and adjustable temperature settings. These will all consume electricity to function, so you want a machine that has enough power to function efficiently.

How do I clean my four cup coffee maker?

This will vary from machine to machine. However, you will want to wash the filter and carafe on a daily basis (if you use the coffee maker daily). You should also frequently wash and dry the water reservoir. The product manual will give you detailed instructions regarding how to care for your specific model.

You also want to remember to do regular maintenance, as we discussed above, such as descaling your machine. Again, the manual should give you directions on how to do all of this if you are looking for specific instructions.

Final Thoughts:

A four cup coffee maker is the perfect option or those of us who don’t want a full pot, but want to be able to enjoy a cup or two of coffee in the morning. The great thing about these coffee machines is that they are efficient and functional appliances to use on a daily basis. They are compact and lightweight, so they want take up a lot of space and are perfect to take on the go with you.

These machines brew quickly and are simple to clean and maintain. They may not have all of the bells and whistles of larger machines, but they include everything you need to make a delicious pot of hot coffee in the morning. Plus, they are more affordable which is a great bonus. So, which four cup coffee maker is the best? Let’s break it down for you.

• For the best, overall, coffee maker you want the Cuisinart DCC-450BK. It is a compact machine that uses a thermal stainless-steel carafe to keep your coffee nice and hot for you.
• If you want a simple and affordable coffee maker, then you should buy the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew. It is easy to use and won’t take up much space on your countertop.
• For those looking for maximum control over their coffee, you should get the Bodum French Press. It is a manual coffee maker that gives you the control and flexibility you are looking for. This coffee maker is compact, lightweight, and has minimal cleanup after use.

All of the coffee makers in this article are excellent quality. They include different sizes, design, and features giving you plenty of choices when it comes to choosing which one is right for you. I am positive that no matter which one you buy you will be happy with your buying decision.

Related Articles:

Lattissima Touch vs Lattissima Plus: Which Should You Choose?
Benefits of a Manual Coffee Grinder
Mr. Coffee vs Black and Decker