Finding a coffee maker that can brew the perfect amount for your needs is a bit of a headache. There are so many options out there and unfortunately, not all coffee-makers are created equal. If you’re fed up with your french press and are looking for something that makes a smoother brew for as much hard work as it takes to press a button, then this is the article for you!
I’ve brought together this comprehensive list of the ten finest drip coffee makers that are specifically designed to produce 4 cups of coffee. A cup of coffee is a bit smaller than a standard mug so if you prefer bigger servings then these machines will do 2 large mugs of coffee.
I’ve narrowed down the hundreds of options to give the top five best picks and then I’ve included a useful buying guide to help you figure out what the key features are to consider when choosing the perfect machine for your needs. Following this are some common FAQs and then five more great options to give you some more food for thought.
Have a browse and if you like the look of any of these options then click the price and reviews button to check current prices on Amazon. Let’s not delay any further and jump straight in to discover why Gevi has stolen the top spot today!
Top 5 Best 4-Cup Coffee Makers
- 1. Top Choice – Gevi 4-Cup Coffee Maker with Auto-Shut Off
- 2. Runner Up – AMASTE Drip Coffee Maker
- 3. Best Overall Design – Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
- 4. Budget Option – BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker with Duralife Glass Carafe
- 5. Best 5 Cup Option – Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
1. Top Choice – Gevi 4-Cup Coffee Maker with Auto-Shut Off
Brand: Gevi
Carafe Size: 600ml/20 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: 2 Hour
Brew Time: 4-6 Minutes
This coffee machine by Gevi does it all and looks great in the process! The water tank holds 600ml which is enough to make 4 cups of coffee at the simple push of a button. It takes only 4-6 minutes (depending on how much coffee you brew) so you won’t have to wait around for very long.
The hotplate keeps your coffee warm for 120 minutes and then it automatically shuts off to save power and to protect the machine from overheating. The brew basket swings out easily to the side for access and the reusable coffee filter saves on waste.
If you need to grab a quick cup before the brew cycle is complete you can do so with the 30-second dripless design. The spout of the coffee pot is also well designed to avoid spills and drips when pouring.
It has a compact design, attractive, and makes really delicious, piping hot coffee. All plastic used for the construction of this coffee maker is BPA-free so safe to drink from. An all-round great option if you’re looking for a small coffee maker.
2. Runner Up – AMASTE Drip Coffee Maker
Brand: Amaste
Carafe Size: 740ml/25 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: 30 Minutes
Color Options: Four
This compact coffee maker not only saves on counter space but also adds a vintage vibe to your kitchen thanks to its unique design. It comes in four color options to suit any style and the gold color accents make it really attractive.
The permanent filter saves on cost and means you’ll hardly generate any waste with this model. The top lifts up to allow easy access for adding coffee grounds and water. The downside with this design is that it may not fit on a countertop that has cupboards fixed above so that’s worth considering.
There’s a water window so you can easily monitor the water level and the warming plate keeps your coffee hot for 30 minutes before the automatic shut-off kicks in. It’s a glass coffee pot so ensures a fresh and clean tasting brew.
A feature I love is the brew strength selector. You can choose how strong you want your coffee to be using the dial on the front of the machine and then you just press the button in the center here and your coffee starts brewing.
The button glows intermittently to indicate the coffee is brewing. It has an anti-drip design so won’t make a mess and is easy to clean as it has a removable filter basket. It comes with a handy measuring spoon and a user manual to get you started. It also has a 1 year warranty for peace of mind.
3. Best Overall Design – Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Brand: Mr. Coffee
Carafe Size: 600 ml/20 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: One Hour
Brew Pause Feature: Yes
The perfect balance between a space-saving and user-friendly design then it has to be the Mr. Coffee programmable coffee maker. The glass carafe ensures clean tasting coffee and dual water level windows make topping up a simple task.
It has a timer built in so you can program it to have coffee ready when you wake up in the morning which is a lovely feature. An auto pause allows you to grab a quick cup before it’s finished brewing which is great if you can’t wait for your morning coffee.
It has an on/off indicator light so you can easily see if it’s been switched on by accident. The hotplate will keep your coffee warm for an hour and a removable filter basket makes clean up a breeze.
This is a top opening machine so really easy to use but be wary if you have cupboards over the countertop. It doesn’t come with a reusable filter but standard-sized paper filters fit well and give you a smooth and clean brew. You can also buy a reusable filter to fit this machine if you prefer this.
4. Budget Option – BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker with Duralife Glass Carafe
Brand: Black+Decker
Carafe Size: 740ml/25 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: No
Brew Pause Feature: Yes
Black+Decker has developed a simple brew method that gives you the perfect amount of coffee even if you’re on a tight budget. It may not cost a lot but the quality is pretty decent. A glass, Duralife, carafe with an easy-grip handle makes serving coffee easy and glass is best for not transferring any stale taste or odors as you brew coffee.
This is actually a 5 cup coffee maker so a little bigger than some of the others so perfect if you need just a little more coffee to get you going in the morning.
It heats up quickly, is easy to keep clean and the water tank will not leak if you fill it up the night before. The downsides are no auto-shutoff feature so you have to be mindful to turn the machine off when you’re finished with it. The on/off switch lights up so this helps you see straight away if it’s been left on.
This coffee maker doesn’t feature loads of bells and whistles but it does make a good cup of coffee without any fuss. It’s easy to use and very inexpensive to buy so a great, simple option.
5. Best 5 Cup Option – Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
Brand: Zojirushi
Carafe Size: 675ml/22.8 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: No
Brew Time: 6 minutes
A five-cup brew coffee maker could just as easily be a 4 large cup coffee maker or even for making two very large cups of coffee. The Zutto 5-cup drip coffee maker is a really neat design that quickly delivers lots of delicious hot coffee.
The brew basket fits in the carafe, almost like a pour-over coffee maker design. It’s designed for paper filters and is very easy to keep clean. The water tank is completely removable which makes filling it up really handy as you don’t need a separate jug to do so.
It has an option for iced coffee which basically adjusts the concentration of the hot brewed coffee so you can serve it over ice without losing the depth of flavor.
It has an auto-keep warm function to keep your coffee steaming hot until you are ready to enjoy it. The addition of a charcoal water filter removes impurities to give the best-tasting coffee.
It’s a sleek and stylish coffee maker that’s compact yet easy to maintain. A really great option if you need just a little more coffee!
Best 4 Cup Coffee Maker Buyers Guide
Size
The capacity of your coffee maker is chosen to suit your individual needs. The issue with choosing a 4-cup coffee maker is that cup sizes are not standardized between coffee machines. Some models quote a cup as 5 ounces some as 6 ounces or any other value that suits. Consider the size of coffee you like to brew by measuring how much fits in your favorite mug. This helps you choose a coffee maker that can brew the size of coffee you need.
Design
Whilst it’s important to consider the overall dimensions of the coffee machine to ensure it fits in your kitchen you also have to consider the design. Top opening machines need space above them to open and fill the water tank. If you have cupboards above the countertops in your kitchen you may want to consider an option with a swing or removable basket and water tank.
Auto-Shut Off
Once you’ve helped yourself to a steaming hot mug of java it’s all too easy to forget about the coffee machine. If left on for too long the machine can burn out, especially if an empty jug is left on the hotplate. Auto-shutoff prevents this from happening as the machine will turn itself off if left unattended. Consider the time taken for auto-shutoff as some people get frustrated if it happens too quickly following the brew cycle.
Programmable
A 24-hour timer that’s programmable means you can set up your machine the night before and awake to the smell of fresh coffee first thing in the morning. This is a really convenient feature if you’re too bleary-eyed to function in the morning.
Brew-Pause
If you’re someone who enjoys grabbing a quick cup of coffee before the machine has finished the full brew cycle then you need a machine with a brew-pause feature. This automatically stops the coffee from dripping through once the carafe is removed so prevents coffee from spilling on the hotplate. Some brew-pause options last for a set time ie 20 or 30 seconds before the coffee starts to flow again so make sure you replace the jug in time to avoid spills!
Cleaning
Make sure you thoroughly check the manufacturer’s guidelines on cleaning and descaling your coffee maker. Detachable parts make coffee machines easier to clean and some models are even dishwasher safe. Always follow the user guidelines set out by the manufacturer to keep your machine in good working order.
Don’t Forget the Grinder
If you want to get the very best flavor from your coffee maker then buying whole coffee beans and grinding them at home is an absolute must. Coffee starts to lose flavors and aromas the minute it’s ground up so just prepare the amount you need for each batch. When choosing a grinder opt for a conical burr grinder. These ensure an even grind size and don’t heat up when in use (like a blade grinder)so won’t damage your beans.
F.A.Q.s
What is the best 4 cup, coffee maker?
Our no. 1 4 cup coffee maker is the Gevi model due to its nice design, loads of great features, and one-touch brewing.
How much coffee do I use for 4 cups?
To make 4 cups of coffee you’ll need 4 scoops of freshly ground coffee. This is around 8 tablespoons. You can easily adjust this volume to suit you if you find it too strong or too weak.
What is the best inexpensive coffee maker?
The Black+Decker 5-cup coffee maker is the perfect balance of a well-designed coffee maker that brews delicious coffee for an inexpensive price.
What is the best coffee maker to buy for home use?
Our top choice for home or office use is the Gevi 4 cup coffee maker. If you prefer single-serve coffee then check out the Keurig K-Duo.
Does an expensive coffee maker taste better?
The taste of the coffee comes down to two key features. The showerhead design and the temperature settings. Expensive machines tend to have a better showerhead that evenly covers the coffee leading to a balanced extraction. A coffee maker that can hold the water at 195-205F will ensure a good flavor extraction and will not burn the coffee. These two features are often what cause more expensive coffee makers to produce better coffee.
More 4 Cup Coffee Makers Reviewed
6. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless-Steel Carafe
Brand: Cuisinart
Carafe Size: 600 ml/20 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: 30 Minutes
Brew Time: 5 minutes
The Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-cup coffee maker is a professionally made yet very affordable option. The stainless steel carafe is a great idea to keep your coffee really toasty and thanks to the knuckle guard you don’t have to worry about burnt fingers.
It has a dripless spout to avoid mess and brew-pause lets you grab a quick cup at any point in the brew cycle. You do have to be careful with the top of the machine as it needs to be pushed down properly otherwise the coffee doesn’t all go into the carafe and may spill on the countertop.
It’s designed for no. 2 paper filters which are good if you like smooth coffee with no sediment. It has a quick brew time of 5 minutes and will turn itself off after half an hour to save the machine from burning out. All plastic used is BPA free so safe to contact your coffee.
It’s compact and minimal in design so the perfect choice for a small kitchen or workspace.
7. Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Thermal Carafe Coffee Brewer
Brand: Bonavita
Carafe Size: 800 ml/ 27 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: After brew cycle
Brew Time: 6 minutes
This is a little powerhouse of a coffee machine. With a 1500 watt heater, it efficiently heats your water up to the perfect temperature for coffee brewing without ever burning the beans. It has a unique showerhead design that evenly saturates the coffee giving a rich and full flavor extraction.
The benefit of a thermal carafe is that you can store brewed coffee for a long time, keeping it hot without burning it. The downside is you do have to pre-heat this if you’re not going to drink the coffee in the first 20 minutes. It’s simple to do, simply boil the kettle beforehand and top up the carafe with boiling water. Let it stand whilst you prepare the coffee machine and when you’re ready to brew, discard the hot water and place the carafe ready to catch the coffee.
It has a pre-infusion setting which allows the coffee to bloom. This maximizes the flavor of every pot of coffee. It turns itself off after the brew cycle is complete so won’t burn itself out if left unattended.
This is the perfect coffee machine for your home or work environment and although it’s a little larger than the 4-cup options, it’s absolutely worth considering.
8. Brentwood TS-213BL 4 Cup Coffee Maker
For those coffee lovers who are all about the aesthetic then Brentwood has got you covered. This tiny coffee maker is absolutely adorable with its cheerful blue housing. It has a tempered glass carafe that has a feel of quality about it.
The reusable filter and coffee ground scoop means you have everything you need to get started brewing coffee and the hot plate will keep your java hot for up to 2 hours before it switches itself off.
It’s easy to clean, super compact and makes delicious, very hot coffee. What more could you ask for?
9. Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Switch Coffee Maker
I had to include this option by Hamilton Beach because this coffee maker is smart plug compatible. This means you can control it with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri voice control. You do need to buy the smart plug separately but it’s still a great feature.
The filter basket swings out so it is easy to fill even if space is limited in your kitchen. The hotplate has a non-stick coating so wipes clean without any hassle. Another cleaning plus is that the filter basket and carafe are top-rack dishwasher safe so really easy to keep clean.
Auto pause stops the machine from making a mess if you want to grab a cup of joe a bit early but the machine doesn’t have an auto shut off built-in. The power-on indicator light means you’re less likely to leave it on by accident.
This is a really inexpensive coffee maker that’s built to last. It’s simple, it’s easy and it makes delicious coffee.
10. Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker
Brand: Keurig
Water Reservoir Size: 1.7L/60 Ounces
Auto Shut-Off: 2 Hours
Brew Options: Single Serve and Carafe
Last up, if you can’t decide between a single-serve coffee maker or drip machine then why not get a machine that does both? Keurig has developed this fantastic dual-purpose machine that can brew coffee using the k-cup pods or drip coffee using freshly ground coffee beans.
The large, 60-ounce water tank will save you from constantly topping the thing up and it is removable so is very easy to fill up and clean. This Keurig can brew single serve coffee in 6, 8, 10, and 12-ounce servings and the carafe can hold up to 12 cups of coffee so won’t leave you short if there’s a lot of coffee fans about.
It has a 24-hour programmable timer and the hot plate keeps the carafe warm for 2 hours before the auto shut-off kicks in. Brew pause keeps things tidy and the simple button controls make it extremely user-friendly.
This is a versatile and dynamic coffee maker that ticks every box. Whilst it’s not strictly a 4-cup coffee maker, the option to brew four cups is there and the rest of the great features it has means it had to steal a spot on this list!
Final Thoughts
A great coffee machine doesn’t have to take up a lot of space and it certainly doesn’t need to break the bank. As difficult as it can be to choose the best one for your home or workspace once you do bite the bullet and hit buy, the relief is enormous. I hope this article has proved helpful in aiding you to find the perfect option for you and I wish you an easy and happy brewing experience.
