Getting a Best 4 cup coffee maker makes more sense for couples or couples with smaller households. It guarantees you have enough for a refill, without so much leftover on a warming plate that it becomes bitter.
So, you’ve definitely decided this is the size you’d like, congratulations! There are so many models out there. We’ve compiled seven of the best 4-cup coffee makers to help narrow down your selection.
You’ll be able to perfect your morning coffee if you read on!
One of the cheapest machines on our list, the Simple Brew from Mr. Coffee is also one of the most efficient. Everything here is made simple and easy.
The carafe requires a total of 16 inches height to open a top or handle. When the carafe is in the place, you’ll need extra space for the handle and 8 inches of depth so that the to go in and around it.
A 4-cup carafe with a 5-ounce capacity is included. The sides of each cup are clearly marked. Once it is full, you can remove it and pour out a cup before returning the carafe and continuing brewing.
There is an easy to read water window, so regardless of kitchen layout, no matter what might be the situation, you will be able to tell when it needs refilled. You will also be able to see how it is being filled, so it won’t overfill.
Having a removable filter basket makes filling and cleaning easy. The wire mesh is fine enough to eliminate the need for a paper filter.
It doesn’t have an automatic shut-off, but it does come with a light to let you know if the machine is on or off.
Despite not having a clock or timer, this machine is simple, reliable and easy on your pocketbook.
Pros:
• Brew-pause function allows you to get your coffee in a hurry • Removable filter basket for easier filling and cleaning • Dual aspect water window makes it easy to refill the reservoir
Cons:
• No clock or timer • No automatic shut-off.
2. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffee Maker With Stainless-Steel Carafe (Our Top Pick)
Despite being very similar to Mr. Coffee’s Simple Brew, the Cuisinart DCC-450 is significantly more expensive, costing several hundred dollars. But what’s the difference?
This is the most obvious because it’s stainless steel, so you can use it without it shattering. The only downside is that it’s sealed, so you’ll never know how much coffee is left inside.
Having a smaller design makes it perfect for kitchens without ample counter space. It stands only 5.25 inches in width, 8 inches in depth, and 10 inches high.
In addition to the knuckle guard that protects your hands and the spout which won’t drip, there is also a feature that prevents you from interrupting the brewing process at any time to pour a cup of coffee.
You’ll never have to worry about forgetting to switch off your coffee machine! It has an automatic shut-off as well.
After brewing has finished, the power will be cut automatically for 30 minutes.
However, if you leave coffee out longer, it’ll only keep warm on the carafe for half an hour. This has advantages: coffee left for much longer than that will go stale. You’ll also get a better flavor.
A real gripe with this machine is that it has no alarm system nor can you see the coffee in the carafe. You’re better off listening to the machine: you’ll hear the final squeal when brewing is complete.
Also worth noting is the carafe’s design. A rubber ring inside creates a tight seal, but requires some effort to clean.
Pros:
Brew Pause Function
Automatic Shut-Off After 30 Minutes
Cons:
The only way to tell when brewing is finished is to listen to the burbling of the coffee
Cleaning the carafe is made somewhat more challenging by the rubber ring inside.
There is a coffee maker in Gevi’s kitchen that has a glass carafe that can hold 20 ounces of coffee, enough for four 5-ounce cups.
The dimensions of this machine are 5.6 inches by 8.7 inches by 10.4 inches. Its brew basket can be reached by opening a swing-out panel. This is particularly helpful, for example, in places where there is limited clearance beneath cabinets.
The filter basket and cone filter are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. If you prefer to hand wash the filter basket and cone filter, simple designs allow most people to do so in no time. And with a fine filter, you won’t need to buy paper replacements.
The carafe isn’t quite as easy to clean, however, since the opening is small at the top. Unless you have very delicate hands you shouldn’t have an issue sliding a cloth through.
Brew pause function pauses the brewing process for 30 seconds to give you time to pour a cup. And the machine keeps your coffee warm for 1 hour after they’ve finished brewing, before turning off automatically.
Besides its boil-dry protection, the device also detects when no water is in the tank and when the temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold. Brewing will cease automatically when this happens, reducing the possibility of components getting damaged.
If you are a left-hander, it is important to keep in mind that the water gauge is visible only on the left, which could cause your hand to get in the way and make it difficult to read.
Pros:
• Dishwasher safe cone filter and filter basket • Automatic shut-off after 1 hour • Front-loading brew basket is great for worktops with limited space beneath wall cupboards
Cons:
• The carafe is a bit fiddly to clean • The position of the water gauge makes it awkward for left-handers to read while filling the tank.
Buck from Aigostar looks attractive in any kitchen. It is also one of the least expensive models on our list .
You see here that the carafe is made of glass. It has important lines on the front to show how many cups are left. The chart ensures that it is easy to see how much you have left. The cup used here is 5 ounces.
When you need a caffeine fix, which can happen any time, you can stop brewing for 30 seconds on the fly by simply pressing a button. The nozzle won’t drip when you take the carafe out of the machine.
After brewing, the heated plate will keep the coffee warm until you switch it off. The machine does not automatically shut off, so don’t forget to switch it off! The light on the power button indicates when the machine is on.
You can easily clean and refill the cone filter and brew basket, as well as the glass carafe, by simply removing them from the machine and putting them in the dishwasher.
Measures 10.3 inches in height, 6.1 inches in width, and 7.6 inches in depth. Allow several inches extra clearance above the lid to open and close it.
If you need to move it, it’s lightweight and easy to do so. You may want to invest in non-slip pads to stop it from sliding across your worktop when you remove the carafe.
Pros:
• Handy measuring gauge on the glass carafe • The filter, brew basket and carafe are all dishwasher safe
Cons:
• No automatic shut-off • Because of this, it may slide over your countertop unless you use non-stick pads.
A pop of baby blue will look incredible in any home. If you like a little color in your kitchen, the TS-213BL is hard to beat.
A 6-inch wide, 8-inch deep, and 10-inch-high machine, 4th Generation has the filter inserted from above, which means wherever you position it, you need to be able to reach it.
There’s no measuring gauge on the tempered glass carafe, though. The lid and handle are plastic in blue just like the rest of the machine.
There is no automatic shutoff function in this machine, so if you’re distracted it might not be the best choice. A light comes on when it’s switched on, and it stays on until turned off manually.
On the water reservoir there is an easy-to-read gauge. The filters and basket can be easily removed, made reusable, and cleaned. And it comes with its own coffee scoop.
You’ll notice that the water doesn’t get hot as quickly as you get with other machines. If you like the look or the product, you can give the machine a helping hand by warming the cup first.
Pros:
• Cute baby blue color and retro design • This brew basket can be used again and again. • There is a water gauge on the reservoir that makes reading the level of water easy.
Cons:
• No automatic shut-off • Some machines do not get quite as hot as others.
We also reviewed the TF4-RB from Mr. Coffee, which is one of our top picks. It comes in at a slightly higher price, but is even more compact.
The Simple Brew is only 2.2 pounds lighter than the 2.2-pound version.
This is an easy to clean reusable basket filter. It is loaded and unloaded via the top of the machine. As a result, make sure you account for the extra height requirement when planning where the machine will go.
This machine has a brew-pause function so that you can pause brewing to make your coffee. The measuring gauge makes it easy to see when there’s enough coffee in the glass carafe for your cup. Note that the cup sizes are 5 ounces.
This carafe has a narrow opening, making cleaning it less straightforward than it otherwise would be.
Each side of the reservoir has a window to let you see how full it is, regardless of whether you’re left-handed or right-handed. up. Note, however, that the gauge showing how many cups of water inside appear only on the right.
The light on the device will come on once you switch it on. This is particularly useful as it does not have an auto-shutoff.
Pros:
• Glass carafe with measuring gauge, so you can see exactly how much coffee is left • A reservoir on either side of it has a viewing window. • Removable and reusable basket filter
Cons:
• A switch that shuts off automatically is not installed. • The carafe’s narrow opening makes it fiddly to clean.
Although the KRUPS KM550D50 is more expensive than some of the other coffee makers on our list, it’s well worth the investment if you want the superior taste of freshly ground coffee beans.
The stainless steel flat burr grinder is available in two settings for your preferred roast. It is sturdy enough to handle even oily beans without getting clogged.
For users who run out of beans, the machine can also be used with pre-ground coffee. Whether using beans or pre-ground, the machine has a “bold” setting for more intense flavor.
A stainless steel brewing basket permanently adhered to the heat source is included in the package along with coffee scoops.
While there is no brew pause in this machine, the coffee will stay warm for 30 minutes after it has been brewed. Because it switches off automatically, there is no waiting time for the coffee to brew.
A stainless-steel accent can be found on the glass carafe and a measuring gauge is on the side as well as on the handle. And everything in the smart glass carafe comes in contact with coffee, so we prefer to clean it in the dishwasher.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wash the chute in every brew if you make sure it’s clean after every use. Does it get clogged? No. Cleaning the chute is easy, but you’ll need to brush it after each use.
Pros:
• Can be used with either coffee beans or pre-ground coffee • Dishwasher safe are all parts that come in contact with coffee. • Keeping coffee warm for 30 minutes after brewing is complete
Cons:
• Cleaning is necessary after every brew. • A brew-pause function is not available.
WHY USE A SMALL COFFEE MAKER IN THE FIRST PLACE?
It is much more convenient and faster to have a machine make the coffee when you have guests or your family in town. Again, that is just faster and easier in the long run.
In the absence of a French press, the drip coffee machine is all you need to satisfy the people’s desires. You might roll your eyes and give one or two recommendations, but for sheer convenience, nothing beats it.
Another reason to keep coffee on a drip is that it can generally be set to start brewing at a specific time so that you have coffee ready when you wake up when you don’t have time to prepare coffee.
Although you have never had the greatest cup of coffee, it is much better than nothing at all. Plus, the smell of coffee already brewing in the morning can sometimes offset its taste.
Here are some facts a smart buyer should be aware of regarding the best small coffee maker
The most or least expensive models that can be found often offer the best value for money. While this works sometimes, it’s more often a recipe for disaster because the price may not tell you which model will work best for you.
In order to find the coffee maker which is right for you, you should determine what your needs are, and then determine which features must be included in the coffee maker.
Then make a list of all coffee makers that meet the requirements.
If you sort them by price, you will likely find your favorite model will have all the features you need at the cheapest price, so you will likely not have to pay for extra features you’ll never use. This means you are getting the best overall value for your money.
Utility And Convenience
An electric drip coffee maker, such as the ones on this list, is better in terms of its utilities and the convenience it provides. It’s faster and easier to operate and requires no special skills on your part.
It’s only a matter of turning on the coffee maker. Newer models include programmable functions, so you can tell it when to brew your coffee. You only have to chug… how convenient!
Your coffee maker’s ability to clean itself well will impact how you use it. With some coffee makers, the filter containers can be removed, which makes it quick and easy to clean.
Cleanup is a little trickier for coffee makers with removable parts, as you have to bring water to the coffee maker to wash it. Some models may have easy-to-remove parts, which makes it tougher to clean.
Hot plates that are easy to clean and non-stick also come with numerous models. This saves a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Also, it is always good to invest in a model that is easy to use in terms of operation and programming. The great thing about small coffee makers is that you can find models that just turn them on, or a host of brewing options if that’s your thing.
Either approach is undoubtedly right, but you have the option of choosing one that’s right for you.
Maintenance and Cleaning
When picking a four cup coffee maker, convenience is key. We want the coffee maker to be easy to clean and maintain. No sense in getting a basic coffee maker that’s tough to maintain and clean.
Cleaning any permanent filters and decalcifying and descaling the drip coffee maker should be as simple as possible. Cleaning any parts in the dishwasher also makes it easier in the case you need to thoroughly clean it.
Programmable Functions
The convenience of programmable coffee makers is great. They can make life easier, especially for people who spend their days on the go. Or for those who would love to wake up to a nice cuppa ready for consumption.
To pick up the freshly brewed coffee, just grab your to-go cup and head out the door. You can set the coffee maker to serve the coffee at a specific time, for example, the time you usually leave for work.
Fortunately, the technology is quite widespread and readily available for most coffeemakers, including the best budget options. Your choice of coffee maker could very well be a 4-cup programmable coffee maker.
4-cup coffee makers are inexpensive
If you love your coffee and buy one every day on the way to work, a filter coffee maker can be an economic advantage. For those who fit this profile, the average individual coffee maker pays for itself in a matter of days. It is an economic advantage that cannot be ignored.
Automatic pause and stop
Imagine that you want a cup of coffee before the preparation is finished. With the automatic pause function, you can easily remove the carafe and pour yourself a cup. The machine recognizes that the carafe has been removed and stops serving coffee. So you can have your drink without the machine making a lot of mess while serving coffee.
The automatic shut-off function turns the machine off a few minutes after preparation. This keeps the machine energy efficient so you don’t have to worry about higher electric / utility bills. It is also ideal for programmable coffee machines that are supposed to operate at specific times.
Space is tight in modern homes and you probably don’t need those giant coffee makers that spill a dozen cups. If you only need a cup or two, a simple 4-cup coffee maker should be more than enough for your needs.
A conventional coffee mug has a 5-ounce capacity. And since most of us like larger cups, make sure the coffeemaker is set for 4-6 cups for most people and couples.
You can also avoid espresso-style coffee makers if you want to keep things going smoothly. These machines can be a bit larger as they have additional accessories like a milk frother. If you like espresso, use the machine of your choice.
Avoid Bulky Cone Coffee Makers
The advent of the filter coffee maker means a large unit is pointless because you wouldn’t use it as a backup method of making coffee. A 4-cup coffee maker should be enough to make a few cups and keep them out of sight until the next family visit.
However, if you prefer an espresso machine, you may have to sacrifice storage space, as many of them can froth milk. They are usually larger because they come with additional accessories.
If you need a less robust coffee maker, there is nothing wrong with a single serving coffee maker. They offer excellent value for money and are very easy to use.
The automatic shut-off function is present on many 4 cup coffee makers on the market, but not all of them. It gives me great peace of mind to have an auto shutoff, so I always look for it, whether the machine provides 4 cups or 5. The night before, you can set up a timer for your first brew of the day, saving yourself some time and wafting around the house with nice coffee aroma.
How Big Is A “Cup” Of Coffee Anyway?
Manufacturers call a cup of coffee around 5 fluid ounces. Most consumers estimate a cup of coffee to be 8 ounces. Two people can enjoy a full cup of coffee from a four cup coffee maker, and maybe even a little more afterwards. Anything more than that though might be better served by trying out a 5 cup coffeemaker instead.
How Easy Is It To Clean?
Check before you put a coffee maker carafe in a washing machine, because not all coffee maker carafes are safe to put in a washer. The carafe that’s been specially marked dishwasher safe is ideal if you don’t have much time to clean up. It would be great if I could just throw my coffee in with the dishes when I have already cooked for people and then enjoy my own cup with my friends!
Does It Use A Reusable Or Permanent Filter?
The filter basket for 4 cup coffee makers is usually dishwasher-safe and never needs to be replaced (unless it breaks). It’s a handy feature for cleaning the basket, which is one of the trickiest parts to get clean by hand. Paper filters are less environmentally friendly than mineral-based filters, and they won’t need to be replaced frequently. The paper filters may also lend a stale flavor to coffee, which many dislike. They ought to be aware of.
Is It Easy To Clean 4 cup machine?
It is important to buy a coffee maker with easily removable and dishwasher-safe parts, particularly for 4 cup machines. A good water purifier should also be easy to disassemble for cleaning. The filter basket, lid, reservoir and the carafe should all be cleaned regularly, so they should all be easy to remove. You will also want to make sure you can easily clean the carafe. A good soak usually does the trick, however, there will be times when you need to scrub it out. Can your hand fit easily into the carafe?
Summaries Note
The best small coffee makers are challenging to choose, especially given the variety of features available in this segment. You need to strike a balance between price, features, and quality of brew, which will lead to the right choice.
An entry-level coffee maker that makes 4-6 cups of coffee works well for most households. Programmable features can be a plus, which is why you’ll love them when they’re reasonable. Check out the options above, and you’ll find something that works well for your needs!
