Menu
Tired of pouring your stale leftover coffee down the drain? You don’t have to waste time and money brewing for a crowd if you only need a cup (or two) of joe. If your household does not need a large coffee maker, it is time to downsize your machine to uplift your coffee-drinking experience. When your caffeine fix doesn’t require more than a couple of mugs, a small maker is the best choice. This 4-cup coffee maker review will help you find the one that fits into your morning routine perfectly.
There are many reasons why the Cuisinart 4-cup maker wears the crown here, but its incredible safety features are the primary determining factor. This fantastic coffee maker is made with BPA-free materials, and it comes with a super convenient ergonomic handle and knuckle-guard feature.
Its automatic shutoff program further boosts the safety and convenience, allowing you to rush off to work without worrying about leaving the appliance on.
But if that’s not convincing enough, wait until you hear about its dripless pour spout. Pouring coffee brewed in the Cuisinart maker will never spill and stain your counter. And for those mornings when time is not on your hands, you can hit pause and pour a cup mid-brew without having to wait for the brewing cycle to finish.
This sturdy and durable coffee maker has a stainless-steel carafe and leaves a small footprint. It is super fast and simple to use, enabling you to take pleasure in your high-class brew and enjoy your mornings.
To say that the Chefman coffee maker is our premium pick is an understatement, as this grind and brew machine is just a step away from the throne – and that’s mainly because of its 2-in-1 package. As the name suggests, this 4-cup coffee maker can not only brew coffee, but it also accepts whole coffee beans and grinds them to perfection, enabling you to enjoy a fresh and deeply flavorful cup with every brew.
But, do not disregard this maker if you are more of the pre-ground-coffee type. The Chefman grind and brew maker can also brew already ground coffee, and there are many other reasons why you should go for this super versatile machine.
Besides its rectangular and chic design that will look oh-so-fancy on your counter, this 4-cup coffee maker comes with an adjustable-strength setting, allowing you to customize the brew to your liking. And the best part? The Chefman maker comes with a permanent washable filter, so you never have to worry about purchasing extra coffee filters and their replacement.
Just like with the Cuisinart maker, this coffee machine also has a built-in pause feature, so you can stop the cycle and enjoy the already-brewed coffee before the other coffee drinkers in your house.
Perhaps the best feature of all, the Chefman Grind and Brew has a 30-minute warm technology, allowing you to enjoy a second cup of coffee, as warm as the first one.
If you are looking for functionality, then we strongly recommend our best value on this list – Mr. Coffee Simple Brew. This simple and practical machine will help you brew your coffee expertly without any hassle.
Thanks to its dual water window, you can monitor the water level as you fill, without making an overflowing mess on your counter, whether you need one or four cups of Java.
The Grab-A-Cup technology allows you to stop the cycle and pour yourself a cup before the full 4-cup brew is over, and the on-off indicator light is a very appreciative feature as well.
The glass carafe is stain resistant, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe, as well.
But that’s not all. If your mornings are busy and hectic, then you will absolutely love the fact that the Simple Brew series have a programmable model, which means that you can set it up the night before, and enjoy your brew as soon as you wake up.
The only downside is that this maker doesn’t feature an auto-shutoff, but if you are a particularly careful person, this shouldn’t be a con, really.
Although it is not in the top 3, the Aigostar maker is not to be overlooked. It comes with an on/off indicator light, high visibility for convenience, and incredibly fast brewing technology.
Its built-in board is designed to keep your coffee warm until you decide to turn off the machine, offering a consistent taste and flavor with each sip. The water tank has a ‘max’ line to prevent overfilling.
But the best thing about this maker has to be its anti-dripping feature. Its anti-dripping 30-second valve will allow you to simply take the glass pot and fill a cup at any time during the brew, without having to worry about making a mess.
Another great coffee maker, the Brentwood 4-cup machine, will help you brew your morning fix conveniently fast. Just place the coffee grounds inside, fill up the leveled water tank, hit the button, and enjoy your cup of joe in minutes.
The appliance is completely BPA free, and its tempered-glass carafe is durable and heat resistant. And if you like your Java piping hot, the warming plate will help you energize your mornings in the most satisfying way possible.
The maker features a removable and reusable coffee filter that is a breeze to clean. All in all, the Brentwood 4-cup coffee maker is a pretty good deal.
If you are looking for a coffee maker that seriously considers customers’ requests, then this coffee maker will not disappoint. To satisfy the needs of its users, the Taopu Drip Maker now comes with an improved function of automatic shutoff. Don’t worry about leaving your house in a hurry because this machine has got you covered.
This maker features a stain-resistant glass carafe that is explosion-proof and has level markings for your convenience. The filter is permanent, removable, and washable.
Thanks to its anti-drip valve, you can conveniently pause the cycle and pour yourself a cup mid-brew. But that’s not the best part. This coffee maker comes with an automatic coffee-stir function, which will reward you with a unique coffee taste and a kitchen that smells like heaven in the morning.
Plus, its black and stainless-steel combo will bring a fashionable look to your counter.
Still not convinced this is for you? Wait until you hear about its multifunctionality. Besides making coffee, the Taopu Drip maker can also be used to prepare tea, and if you are the only tea-drinker in your house, you’ll find this to be quite beneficial.
If you are looking for a simpler coffee maker without bells and whistles, then the Premium 4-cup coffee maker may be the right choice for you. A basic design and basic functions, the Premium coffee maker will help you get your morning caffeine fix without too much trouble.
Just like with most coffee makers, the Premium machine also comes with a pause feature that allows you to pour yourself a cup without waiting for the brewing cycle to finish.
The black body, glass carafe, small footprint, and the non-slip feet help this coffee maker fit into pretty much any kitchen. The warming plate will not only keep your coffee warm automatically, but it is also level-marked, so overfilling is not something you should worry about with the Premium 4-Cup machine.
The machine comes with a permanent and reusable filter that can be washed, but it is also compatible with #2 cone paper filters if you are more of an old-school coffee brewer.
Even though it is pretty basic, this coffee maker does include an on/off light which indicates when the device is hot and ready for brewing.
Want to enjoy a high-class coffee within 5 minutes? The Gevi 4-cup maker can surely help you kickstart your mornings.
Just press the on/off switch, wait for the light to indicate that the machine is ready for brewing, add your coffee, and watch your brew drip thanks to the glass and visible carafe.
The machine is made from plastic materials, but it is 100% BPA free and safe for use. The carafe is heat resistant, but the manufacturer advises not to touch the warming plate right after brewing. The best thing about it is the fact that the carafe is anti-drip and allows for convenient pouring without making a mess.
The water tank is semi-transparent and marked for easy and accurate filling.
Pocket and eco-friendly, the Gevi coffee maker features a reusable and removable filter that is easy to wash, so there is no need for purchasing paper filters.
Although the difference between the Mr.Coffee Simple Brew and Mr.Coffee Switch coffee maker is not that significant, there are still different models.
The Switch maker also comes with the Grab-A-Cup function that allows you to pause the cycle and enjoy a cup before the brewing is over. Just like the Simple Brew, this machine is also pretty compact and functional, rewarding you with high-quality coffee in minutes.
It features an on/off indicator light, a removable and washable filter basket, and a glass warming plate that is not only easy to clean, but it is also resistant to most types of stains.
The difference between the two models is mainly based on size and color. The Switch coffee maker comes in white color, and it is slightly smaller and lighter.
The Bonsenkitchen coffee maker has a compact design and takes up minimal space on the counter, which makes it a great addition to even small kitchens.
Featuring an on/off switch with an indicator light and one-touch operation, this coffee maker is simple to use and guarantees a good morning.
Just like you’d expect a decent coffee maker to have, the Bonsenkitchen machine also has an Anti-Drip system that prevents the leftover grounds from dripping into the plate with already-brewed coffee. The anti-drip program also allows you to pause the cycle at any time and enjoy a warm cup of joe before the other members of your family.
The machine has built-in heat preservation and will keep your coffee warm automatically, so you can enjoy your slow sips without worrying that your second cup will run cold.
Bonsenkitchen guarantees your safety with its protection technology. When there is no more water in the water tank, or once the water reaches the boiling point, the machine is programmed to shut down automatically for safety and energy-saving reasons.
If you are running a more traditional track, then this French press coffeemaker might be just what your retro kitchen needs. Original, classic, and absolutely stylish, this French press will bring a whole new dimension to your morning brews.
Consisting of a heat-resistant and ultra-strong borosilicate glass beaker, a durable spiral plate made of stainless steel, and a stainless steel filter plate that keeps the leftover grounds from the already brewed coffee, this classic coffeemaker will reward you with the most satisfying cup of homemade Java.
The polypropylene black handle is enriched with a matte finish for a convenient grip and stylish look. The frame of the French press is made of durable stainless steel.
Most parts are dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning, except the frame and the lid, which should be hand washed gently with an abrasive sponge.
The Bodum French Press comes in different sizes, offering a 12-ounce, 17-ounce, 34-ounce, and 51-ounce capacity.
If French Press is what your mornings crave, then you cannot go wrong with the Mueller coffee maker.
A strong and entirely stainless-steel body, this French Press is durable enough to scratch your caffeine itch for many years to come. Made with double-layered stainless steel, the coffee brewed in this French press will stay hot for up to 60 minutes, allowing you to enjoy your refill just like the first sip.
The cool-touch handle provides a comfortable grip, and the three-layered filter structure can grab even the tiniest grounds, producing a highly-enjoyable, rich, and full-bodied flavor that will energize you in an instant.
And the best part? This French Press is not limited to coffee. With the Mueller coffee maker, you can actually brew tea, make hot chocolate, frothed milk, cold brew, fruit infusions, and many other drinks. Sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn’t it?
Nothing beats the full-bodied flavor, deep aroma, and rich taste that a classic French press coffee maker provides. If you are a French press lover but want to stick to the basics, then the Bodum Brazil French Press may be just what you are looking for.
An exceptional taste at a great price, the coffee maker was designed in the 1980s but still doesn’t fail to satisfy.
And it is really simple to use as well – Add the ground coffee and hot water, wait four minutes, then plunge. Easy peasy!
The handle and base of the French press are made from BPA-free materials, while the carafe is made of heat-resistant and durable borosilicate glass. The plunger is stainless steel.
Another perk is the fact that the press is eco-friendly and doesn’t require plastic capsules or paper filters, but has a permanent, stainless steel filter.
If you are a real coffee enthusiast, then 1 cup of joe simply doesn’t do the trick to get you ready for the challenges that your days throw your way. If you often crave a refill but don’t need more than 4 cups of brew per batch, why waste money, time, and counter space on bulky machines?
Besides its space-efficiency (yes, most 4-cup makers actually fit in your cupboard), preparing a smaller batch means less brewing time. And for those with hectic mornings (which is pretty much everyone), a 4-cup coffee maker can give you the caffeine fix before you get your eyes wide open.
All of us have different needs and preferences and live under different conditions. If someone can afford a full-blown professional coffee maker in their large kitchen, others can barely squeeze in a place for a coffee machine in their tiny apartments. But, size and price aside, there are some factors that every Java lover should consider when buying a coffee machine.
Auto Shutoff
Are you are a careful or careless person? Are you calm and organized or do you often leave your house in a rush? If the latter describes you best, then it is wise to look for a coffee maker that will automatically shut itself off after a particular time, so you don’t have to worry about manually turning it on (and forgetting to do so).
“Keep Warm” Function
Do you often need a refill or does your family get by with a single cup of morning coffee? If it is the latter, then you probably do not care about the “keep warm” function too much. But if you need to refill your mug, then you’ll probably want the second cup to be as piping hot as the first sip.
Permanent or Paper Filter
Are you an eco-friendly person or not? If limiting the waste is important to you, then you should probably consider buying a maker with a permanent and washable filter. That way, you will not only save money (and the environment!), but you will no longer have to worry about replacing the old and purchasing new coffee filters.
Cycle-Pause Option
If you are absolutely groggy upon waking up, then you probably need your recharging cup as soon as possible. If you cannot wait for the brewing cycle to finish to pour yourself a mug, then you should look for a coffee machine that has the pause feature that allows you to pause the brewing cycle and enjoy a cup before it finishes.
A coffee maker is a coffee maker, right? It will help you kickstart your mornings whatever it costs, will it not? Well, yes, if you don’t care about the taste or the durability of the appliance.
Don’t fall for the expensive-means-better or the-lower-the-price-the-higher-the-value trap. Instead, focus on the preferences that you are looking for and how to find the best deal that satisfies your unique needs.
Are you looking for a coffee maker for your kitchen counter or your RV? What kind of material do you prefer? What features are important to you? Consider everything that matters to you the most, and then pick a winner from the list above.
Cleaning your coffee maker regularly will keep the carafe from getting stained and prevent the brew from taking on displeasing flavor and aroma. If the carafe is stain resistant, at least make it a habit to rinse it thoroughly after each brew.
Most coffee makers are dishwasher safe, and those parts that are not can be easily washed with warm soapy water and a decent rinse.
For deeper cleaning, you can combine vinegar and water (equal parts), and then run a full brewing cycle. Then simply rinse, and voila!
When cleaning your coffee maker, don’t forget about the filter basket. Most machines have removable baskets or permanent filters that are also dishwasher-safe. Although you don’t have to clean the filter basket every single day, giving it a regular scrub (at least a couple of times a week) will give the best results.
How much are 4 cups of coffee exactly?
Although many believe that a cup of coffee should be a mug filled with 8 ounces of liquid, a cup of coffee is usually only 5 ounces of brew. When buying a 4-cup coffee maker, make sure to check the capacity as well, to make sure that you are getting exactly what you need.
How much coffee should you use for 4 cups of brew?
It all boils down to how strong you like your coffee to be, really. For instance, even though the Specialty Coffee Association of America recommends two round tablespoons of grounds per every six ounces of water, most coffee enthusiasts find a balance in 1½ tablespoons.
Stainless steel or glass carafe – which one is better?
Stainless steel carafes are usually a lot heavier than the ones made of glass, and many have a double layer to keep the coffee warm for a longer time. The glass carafe may be easier to broke and damage, but the visibility it allows shouldn’t be disregarded. You always know just how much of brewed coffee there’s left. Plus, you get to watch the drippings when the cycle is on. But, even though it’s obvious I route for the glass team, don’t let it cloud your judgment. If durability and stain-resistance are more relevant to you, feel free to choose otherwise.
https://didyouknowhomes.com/the-history-and-benefits-of-coffee-makers/
https://www.pelicanrouge.com.au/advantages-of-office-coffee-machines/
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/coffee-makers/buying-guide/index.htm
https://www.thespruceeats.com/coffee-maker-buying-guide-4175074
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Coffee-Maker-with-Vinegar
