How To Find The Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers On The Market?
If there are a few coffee drinkers in your household and you want them to enjoy the taste of highly brewed coffee, a 4-Cup Coffee Maker will make more sense than an 8-cup or 12 Cup Coffee Maker. The problem however is not about quantity but how to pick the best product for your kitchen. This is what this article is all about. I will help you understand how to choose the Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers and recommend the popular models you can consider buying in 2017.
Rank | Image | Product Name | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | 4.3 /5 | ||
2 |  | 4.2 /5 | ||
3 |  | 4.0 /4 | ||
4 |  | 4.2 /5 | ||
5 |  | 4.4 /5 |
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Understanding What 4-Cup Coffee Maker Means
The first thing to keep in mind is that 4-Cup Coffee Maker does not simply mean 4 cups. In coffee making process, a standard cup is equivalent to 5 oz. So a 4-Cup Coffee Maker translates to around 15 to 20 oz carafes.
So, basically the Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers might be worth considering if you are two members in your household drinking coffee at different times. If you live alone and what to enjoy brewed coffee at different times, a 1-cup model might be worth considering.
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers
Let me assume that you have already narrowed down to the capacity of Coffee Maker you want for your household. This is not the end. There are other several factors to consider before you make a final decision about purchase.
1. Size
When I say size, don’t confuse it with capacity. How mean how large or small the Coffee Maker is in terms of design. A large model will consume much of your kitchen space so they might not be a good choice if you have a limited kitchen space. Look at the product dimensions and weight before purchase to ensure you are buying a product that will fit your space.
2. Pods, Capsules Or Grounds
You also need to consider if the maker uses grounds, capsules or pods. Coffee grounds are known to be more economical while capsules and pods are convenient. Myself I like coffee grounds because they tend to taste better.
Also, find out what brand of coffee grounds the model you want to purchase uses. Some machines only uses specific brands of coffee capsules. If you settle on machines that coffee grounds, you also need buy a reusable filter cup.
3. Special Features
The basic function of all Coffee Makers is to make coffee. However, there are some models on the market that do more in addition to making coffee. These more advanced machines come with special features that enable them to do these extra tasks.
Some of the additional features you may want to consider include temperature control, programmability, flavor-strength settings, digital display, clock, an auto-off function and much more. Just keep in mind that the more special features a model has, the more expensive it is likely to be.
4. Beverage Options
You also need to factor in the beverage option the model can support. Whether you prefer a simple cup of coffee or the option to prepare complicated coffee shots, there is always a high quality model waiting for you.
Some models can make only hot coffee but there are a couple of them in the market that make hot coffee as well as iced ones. There are also other models which prepare tea, hot cocoa, cappuccino and more in addition to making coffee.
5. Ease Of Cleaning
You definitely want to purchase a Coffee Maker that is not only easy to use but also easy to clean. Keeping your machine free of calcium buildup and splatters will help it stay for several years while maintain the quality of coffee.
For easier cleaning, it is recommended you go for models that have removable, dishwasher-safe parts. It is a waste of money to purchase a maker that involve a lot when it comes to cleaning it.
6. Heat
You need to look for a Coffee Maker with temperature control setting, a warming plate or an insulated stainless steel carafe. Since heat levels are subjective, this kind of Coffee Maker will help you ease with a warm cup when the temperatures are very low especially during winter periods. These features will ensure your coffee won’t be cold even when the temperatures reach a freezing point.
7. Brew Time
Keep in mind that not all models on the market have the same brewing pace. Some models can prepare your coffee instantly while other may take several minutes. It is a good idea to this brew time into consideration if you want to end up with a faster machine.
Just look for a device with programming option which allows you to schedule brewing time. To ensure you are getting this type of maker, always check the product information before purchase.
8. Material Of Carafe
I find Coffee Makers with a stainless steel carafe a good choice for me. One of the advantages of such carafes is that they won’t shatter like ones made of glass. Just keep in mind that stainless steel carafes and thermal carafes are not the same. The former depends on a hot plate to keep the coffee warm.
9. Permanent Filter
A model that comes with a permanent filter might be a good choice for your kitchen. This is a good feature because you don’t need to rely on a paper filter.
10. Extras
Some models are sold with bonus or accessory items such as carousels, pods, mugs and much more. You need to take note of these freebies whenever you are comparing different models. You might end up getting a good gift which may reduce the overall price of your maker.
How Does A Coffee Maker Work
My To 5 Recommendations
In this section, I have recommended top 5 Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers which might be good for you. I arrived at these five products after looking at their overall features and specifications. I also came up with these 5 picks after weight other factors such as their consumer reviews, testimonials and ratings. Read on to find out which products made into to this list.
1. Mr. Coffee TF4 4-Cup Switch Coffeemaker
If you are on the market looking for a user-friendly model that delivers 4-cups of coffee, you might want to consider Mr. Coffee TF4 4-Cup Switch Coffeemaker. This model is designed in a way that makes it easier for you to make coffee just the way you would like.
I have used this model before and I know exactly what I’m talking about. It is as simple as filling up the filter basket, pouring water into the reservoir and pressing a single button to kick start the coffee brewing process.
This model comes with an On/off indicator light which alerts you when it is on and off. It also comes with removable filter basket which you can lift out for easier cleaning or faster filling. Another appealing feature about this model is the brewing pause serve function which allows you to serve coffee while you are still brewing.
Pros
- This Coffee Maker is simple and easier to use and produces high quality coffee every time.
- It is an affordable Coffee Maker compared to its features.
- Takes few minutes to set up and to start brewing. No learning or special instructions are required.
- Easier to clean and faster to fill its reservoir.
Cons
- There are no frills in this maker so you can’t make espressos or warm milk.
- You can’t schedule the maker to make coffee at a certain time. You need to press a button to get it running.
2. BLACK+DECKER DCM18S Coffeemaker
There are two things I love about BLACK+DECKER DCM18S Coffeemaker. The first one is about its reliability. It is convenient and easier to use just like all other models from Black and Decker. It comes with an auto shut-off feature which ensures little energy is used. This machine will continue to work for several years if handled with maximum care.
Another thing that I love about this coffee make is the travel mug which is included in the package. This model is initially designed to brew only 4 cups but you can brew the coffee directly to this mug whenever you are ready to go to work. This travelling mug is made of stainless steel and well designed to hang on the car cup holders.
The maker is equipped with built-in filter which works to eliminate the need for paper filters. All you need is to lift out this built-in filter, rinse and put it back whenever you want to clean the machine.
Pros
- Brews your favorite coffee shots quickly–about 2 minutes of pressing the start button.
- The maker is easy to keep clean
- It reduces filter waste.
- Features a compact design so it takes a little space in your kitchen counter.
- A travelling mug is included for extra brew.
Cons
- When the spout is not lined up properly, it can make a mess.
- You can use coffee ground that are too fine as these small particles will get inside the machine.
3. Cuisinart DCC-450BK Coffeemaker
Cuisinart DCC-450BK Coffeemaker is another Coffee Maker that has received several positive reviews and rating from customers. This model comes with a 4-cup stainless-steel carafe with knuckle guard and dripless pour spout. You can brew your coffee into this carafe to quench the thirst of two household at different times.
Some of the appealing features I like about Cuisinart DCC-450BK include a brew-pause feature which allows you to serve coffee while you are still brewing. There is also a convenient ON indicator light and a 30 minute automatic shutoff which helps you know when the machine is off or on.
Pros
- An easy to understand instruction booklet is included in the package to help you whenever you are stuck.
- The machine is built to North American Electrical Standards
- Takes few minutes to set up and to start brewing.
- Easier to clean and faster to fill its reservoir.
- Automatic shut off in case you forget to switch it off.
Cons
- This Coffee Maker can be achingly slow if used continuously.
- Requires you to read the booklet if you are a first time user.
4. Keurig K475 Brewing System
The programmable Keurig K475 comes with a user-friendly color touch display which allows you to choose the number of cups you want to brew and how strong you want each cup to be.
This feature is one of the reason it is my favorite pick among the models I have featured in this list. This machine also features Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology. The machine can therefore read the lid of every K-Cup to deliver high quality coffee shot every time.
The Coffee Maker has a 70 oz. water reservoir, strength control feature, programmable clock, Auto Brew feature and customizable settings. You also get 4 k-carafe pods, 6 k-cup pods, a stainless steel Keurig carafe, water filter handle and cartridge when you purchase this model.
Pros
- Quick and easy to use
- Brews delicious coffee just like the way you want.
- You can program this model to brew coffee whenever you want.
- Large water reservoir
- Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology
Cons
- The model is incompatible with some K-Cups
- Some customers report issues related to clogging when used continuously.
5. Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is another Coffee Maker from Mr. Coffee which you can use to brew four cups of coffee. Its features are almost the same as those of Mr. Coffee TF4 4-Cup Switch Coffeemaker.
It features an on/off indicator light which alerts you when it is on and off. It also comes with removable filter basket which you can lift out for easier cleaning or faster filling.
Another appealing feature about this model is the brewing pause 'N serve function which allows you to serve coffee while you are still brewing.
Pros
- It is an affordable Coffee Maker compared to its features.
- This Coffee Maker is simple and easier to use and produces high quality coffee every time.
- No learning or special instructions are required.
- Easier to clean and faster to fill its reservoir.
Cons
- No programming feature.
- There are no frills in this maker so you can’t make espressos or warm milk.
The Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers Is:
The programmable Keurig K475 is my clear winner among the Coffee Makers that I have reviewed. This is because of its high end features which are limited in other models. Some of the features which make it tick include a large water reservoir, strength control feature, programmable clock, Auto Brew feature and customizable settings.
