The 4-cup coffee maker is ideal for brewing morning coffee, solo, or a cup for you and your roommate. Coffee is a pleasant drink and an absolute necessity for many others. You have two options if you want to consume this delicious drink. One is to go to your local shop and shell out for a $5 cup or make your own coffee as per your taste preference at home.
Ideally, 1 cup of coffee is not enough for most coffee addicts. That’s where 4-cup coffee makers come into play. All of the models are compact, highly convenient, and roughly 11-12 inches tall or less, so it would be better for you to know the dimensions from countertop to cabinet if space is your primary concern.
Obviously, you won’t have all those fancy features that are often present in a 12-cup coffee maker, but honestly speaking, how many of those functions and features do we all end up using anyway?
Read on to discover the best 4-cup coffee makers on the market today.
Read Also –> Best 5-cup Coffee Maker
Our Top Picks At A Glance!
- Best Overall – Cuisinart DCC-450BK Coffee Maker
- Runner-Up – Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker
- Great 5-cup Option – Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Coffee Maker
- Best Compact – Aigostar 4 Cup Compact Coffee Maker
- Best 4-cup Espresso Maker – Capresso 303.01
- High-end Pick – Bonavita One-Touch Coffee Maker
- Budget Pick – Elite Cuisine Maxi-Matic Coffee Maker
- Simple One-touch Operation – Brentwood 4-cup Coffee Maker
08 Best 4-Cup Coffee Makers On the Market Today
With so many options to wade through, choosing the right 4-cup coffee maker can be tricky.
Luckily, I’ve done the hard yards for you and placed together a list of the best 4-cup coffee makers on the market today. You’re welcome.
Read on to find out which one is best for you!
1. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffee Maker – Best Overall
Specs: Brand: Cuisinart | Material: Stainless Steel | Color: Black | Weight: 3.25 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 10*8*5.25 inches
On top of our list comes the Cuisinart 4-cup Drip Coffeemaker. It is ideal for a kitchen that can stay on the counter without taking up much space. The unit is simple, and minimalistic at only 5.2 inches in width and about 10 inches in length. The item is durable, sturdy-looking, and weighs only 3.25 pounds; it also incorporates a few very advanced features allowing it to deliver impactful coffee brews every morning.
The brew-pause feature is also very convenient and impressive, allowing you to enjoy a coffee before the brewing process completes. You can pause for 30-seconds and pour a cup.
The DCC-450BK Stainless Steel Carafe helps maintain the optimal temperature and lets the coffee heat within for a more extended period. The stainless steel might become a little hot to encounter this problem; the model comes with a built-in knuckle guard and dripless pour spout.
Lastly, after 30-minutes, the unit will automatically turn off, which not only saves energy but also prevents the appliance from burning out—a plus point.
Built to North American Electric standards, you can be sure that the item will persist for a long period. A must-have for your kitchen!
Reasons To Buy
- Ultra Compact
- Very easy to use
- Stainless steel carafe
- Brew-pause feature
Reasons To Avoid
- Lacks programmable functions
- Carafe lid is a bit shallow
2. Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 4-Cup Coffee Maker – Runner-Up
Specs: Brand: Mr. Coffee | Material: Plastic | Color: Black | Weight: 2.87 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 10.1*7.25*11.8 inches
Mr. Coffee is a renowned brand that many of you coffee consumers might be familiar with. While gathering data for the overall best 4-cup coffee makers in the market, I couldn’t deny including the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Maker in this list.
This choice of 4-cup coffee maker includes almost all of the essential features needed to brew a perfect cup of coffee. Starting with the design, it’s simple, decent & minimal. In short, it’s the most classic 4-cup coffee maker on the list. It comes with a dual water window with clear visibility. Its enlarged handle makes it easy to carry.
Furthermore, the On/Off indicator lights let you know whether the appliance is on or off. It weighs about 2.87 pounds and is a bit lighter than the previous one. Its filter basket is removable as well, which allows cleaning even more conveniently.
However, there are a few weaknesses to consider. Firstly, it’s not as space-efficient as other models, and also does not support any type of timers or settings. Secondly, the Mr. Coffee Drip Coffee Maker isn’t available with the insulated stainless steel carafe. If that’s something that matters to you a lot, consider looking at one of the other machines that I’ve mentioned previously if this is a deal-breaker for you.
Overall, it’s a great budget-friendly, no-fuss coffee maker by Mr. Coffee.
Reasons To Buy
- Highly convenient to use
- Reasonably priced
- Stain-resistant hot plate
- Comes with Brew-pause function
Reasons To Avoid
- Doesn’t offer auto-off feature
- It’s a bit difficult to hand-clean the glass carafe
3. Zojirushi EC-DAC50 5-cup Coffee Maker – Great 5-cup Option
Specs: Brand: Zojirushi | Material: Plastic | Color: Silver | Weight: 4.66 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 6*9*11 inches
Technically, this is a 5-cup coffee maker, but this one is small enough to put it in the 4-cup category all because everyone measures a ‘cup’ differently.
The Zojirushi Coffee Maker has a compact and unique silver exterior design best for small kitchen owners. The machine clocks in at 9 inches in width and under 11 inches in height; therefore don’t occupy too much counter space. It has a charcoal water filter that improves coffee’s taste, allowing you to make the best-dripped coffee. If used correctly, the water filter can last for two years or more.
The unit comes with a glass carafe and has easy-to-use on/off features. It does not include many extra features, but the automatic keep-warm function is beneficial as it helps keep the coffee hot a bit longer. Due to its detachable parts, cleaning has become even more convenient. To keep the machine durable, it is suggested to descale the item with citric acid cleaner.
Lastly, coming at its price, yes, it’s a bit higher than other 4-5 cup coffee makers but dripped coffee is slightly better than the brewed one.
Reasons To Buy
- Optimal heat retention
- Comes with a warming plate
- Small, compact & easy-to-store
- Cheap replacement parts
Reasons To Avoid
- Lacks programmability & auto-pause
- A bit larger than other coffee pots
4. Aigostar Compact Drip Coffee Maker – Best Compact Coffee Maker
Specs: Brand: Aigostar | Material: Plastic | Color: Black | Weight: 2.1 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 7.4*6*10.2 inches
Aigostar is a famous name in home & kitchen appliances, and this compact 4-cup coffee maker is no exception. It’s also amongst the smallest and most affordable options on our list, but its cost does not mean it lacks quality.
It is classic in design with a 4-cup capacity and level markings for accurate filling. The glass carafe has a sturdy and easy-grip handle which ensures a pleasant pour experience. You can also remove the filter basket without any hassle for thorough cleaning.
The one-touch operating system is also a part of its simple functionality that allows you to make a delicious cup of coffee while you’re in your kitchen or anywhere else. The ON/OFF button also supports an indicator light offering higher visibility. One thing more, its built-in non-stick insulation board can keep the coffee warm for up to 35 minutes once the brewing process completes.
In terms of height, this coffee maker is 7.4 inches wide and only 10.2 inches tall; therefore, it won’t take up too much counter space. Having such a coffee maker in your kitchen is definitely worth your investment.
Reasons To Buy
- Small and compact
- Simple to use
- One-touch operation
- No noisy brewing process
Reasons To Avoid
- Doesn’t include auto-off
- Lacks fancy features
- Lacks timer to preset a brew
5. Capresso 303.01 Espresso & Cappuccino Machine – Best 4-cup Espresso Maker
Specs: Brand: Capresso | Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic | Color: Black | Weight: 5.94 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 9.75*7.5*13.25 inches
Although it’s an espresso machine, it deserves to be on this list of the best 4-cup espresso makers. This 4-cup Capresso Espresso & Cappuccino Machine is a perfect way to get quick, convenient espresso shots than having to brew half a gallon of joe.
Firstly, it includes a 4-cup dishwasher-safe glass carafe that can hold up to 4 cups of espresso all at once. Secondly, the frother present on the left side of the brewer is adjustable as well. So, you can perfectly brew your cappuccinos and lattes without any fuss. You can easily control the level of steam with the plastic knob present on one side of the machine.
Cleaning this little coffee maker is also a breeze. The unit features a removable drip tray, a safety boiler cap, and a filter holder with a thumb guard to make the appliance safe, quick, and easy to clean and use.
To sum it up, I believe the Capresso 303.01 Espresso & Cappuccino Maker is an outstanding appliance that won’t occupy much room on your countertop simultaneously, saving you precious time and money.
Reasons To Buy
- Built-in steaming wand
- Well-suited for espresso lover
- Dishwasher-safe Glass Carafe
- Safety Boiler Cap
Reasons To Avoid
- It takes time to perfect the espresso
- The steam wand doesn’t have much power
6. Bonavita One-Touch 5-Cup Coffee Maker – High End
Specs: Brand: Bonavita | Material: Stainless Steel | Color: Stainless Steel | Weight: 5 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 12.3*6.2*10.6 inches
The stainless steel Bonavita One-touch Coffee Maker is equipped with simple but great features to produce a quality cup of coffee every time.
First of all, its one-touch brew system with auto-off makes brewing so much easier, especially on busy morning weekdays. The Bonavita coffee maker has a pre-infusion mode and uses a specially designed showerhead to disperse the water for better extraction of flavors from the coffee.
Instead of relying on a heat plate, this model features a stainless steel thermal carafe that’ll keep the coffee warm for a longer time. In contrast, the heat plate would have resulted in evaporating the coffee, also turning it into a bitter liquid. Also, the auto-off feature shuts down the coffee maker on its own and is a very convenient feature when you forget to turn the appliance off.
Lastly, the carafe lid, filter basket, and showerhead are easily detachable, making cleaning easier than ever. The plastic used in the appliance is BPA-free, allowing you to brew your coffee free of chemical components. To add an extra layer of reliability, you’ll get a two-year warranty from the company as well.
Reasons To Buy
- Elegant design
- German Thermal Carafe
- Optional pre-infusion mode
- Maintains optimal temperature
Reasons To Avoid
- No auto-pause feature
- Thermal Carafe is unimpressive and could be improved
7. Elite Cuisine Maxi-Matic 4-cup Coffee Maker – Budget Pick
Specs: Brand: Elite Gourmet | Material: Metal | Color: Black | Weight: 2.93 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 7.87*6.61*9.25 inches
Suppose you want to make a quick cup of coffee within minimum time but can’t do it with a sturdy 4-cup coffee maker, then Elite Cuisine is the coffee maker just for you. With this appliance, you can brew 4 cups of rich-tasting, fresh coffee with minimum stress and effort, and it is also relatively fast.
You can also add unique ingredients such as flavored syrups to your coffee as it brews with this coffee maker. This device features a pause ‘n serve function, allowing you to stop for an instant and pour some coffee out in a cup while brewing. This machine also has a simple & easy ON/OFF operation system with also a power indicator light.
You’ll also get a semi-transparent water reservoir that makes it easy to fill the water at appropriate levels and prevents water from spilling out during the brew cycle.
Moreover, the removable filter basket is reusable, thereby reducing the expense of replacing it with a new one frequently. The hot plate keeps the coffee warm for up to an hour or more after brewing. The carafe also comes up with a stay-cool handle, drip-free spout, and measuring marks.
Last but not least, though this appliance is a lot budget-friendly, keep in mind that you might end up replacing this coffee maker every few years as it won’t last much longer.
Note: This coffee maker also arrives in 5-cup and 14-ounce versions.
Reasons To Buy
- Accurate brewing
- Doesn’t occupy much space
- The carafe is dishwasher safe
- Relatively affordable
- An eco-friendly appliance
Reasons To Avoid
- No auto shut-off
- Filter will degrade after frequent uses
8. Brentwood 4-cup Coffee Maker, Black – Simple One-touch Operation
Specs: Brand: Brentwood | Material: Plastic | Color: Black | Weight: 2 Pounds | Item Dimensions: 24.08*28.89*26.48 inches
Brentwood 4-cup Coffee Maker comes with almost everything you can expect from an affordable coffee maker. Let’s take a look at what it offers and whatnot.
To start off, the appliance works with a simple ON/OFF switch and the plastic used is BPA-free. Talking about its features; it has a tempered 4-cup glass carafe, coffee scoop, and a warming plate to keep the coffee hot, it also includes a removable and reusable filter hence just rinse the filter after using & yep you’re ready to go.
Simply place the grounds, add a cup of water and press the power button to start brewing, it cannot get any easier than that!
Lastly, it’s worth pointing out that it does not feature a brew-pause function which might be disappointing for some coffee lovers. Another major downside of this machine is that some users noted a plastic-like smell when they first brewed their coffee with this coffee maker. This doesn’t mean that this coffee maker is worthless as stated above, not everyone experienced this problem. You can easily resolve this issue by running a few batches of Vinegar and Water through it before you brew your first cup.
All in all, it’s a perfect choice for those who’re looking for a replacement, it also can be a great backup for coffee fans who are with limited counter space.
Reasons To Buy
- Great appliance for home & office
- Compact and lightweight
- Pleasant, spill-free pouring
- BPA-free plastic base
- Stainless steel warming plate
Reasons To Avoid
- Noisy brewing process
- Reports of a plastic-like smell in the cup
- Takes more space than most of the other brewers
How To Choose The Best 4-Cup Coffee Maker?
In this brief buying guide, I’ll show you the main things you should consider when trying to pick the best 4-cup coffee maker.
Speedy Brewing
If you need caffeine in a rush and are not in the mood to wait for the drawn-out process of manual coffee in the mornings, invest in a high-end, fast brewer with programmable features. Look for fast coffee makers with a brew-pause feature: it lets you grab a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete without creating a mess. To save more time, get a coffee machine with a built-in programmable timer to set your coffeemaker ahead and wake up to fresh-brewed coffee.
Carafe Type
There are two types of materials used in carafe construction: glass and thermal.
Glass carafes are the most common that come with most coffee makers. It’s just a glass pot designed to set a warming hot plate to help keep your coffee hot for longer. You can monitor when coffee is brewed as a glass pot is see-through. It lets the fresh aroma of coffee infiltrate your kitchen. However, consider these few weaknesses too. Your coffee can easily become very bitter if you leave the pot on a hot plate for longer. Glass pots are also not easier to clean than their stainless steel counterparts. They can break quite easily if mishandled while washing.
Thermal carafes, on the other hand, are the second most common type of carafes. They are made up of stainless steel and have a vacuum between the walls to maintain your brew’s optimum temperature for longer. Thermal pots are best at locking in heat, flavor, and scent longer. A thermal pot requires no heating plate after brewing, so you won’t have to worry about coffee being overheated or bitter. Though thermal pot is more costly at the beginning, it will end up being a cost-saver in the long run.
Filters
There are two types of filters: permanent, reusable filters or paper, disposable ones. Decide which one to choose. Paper filters are much finer than their metal counterparts. They tend to trap most of the coffee oils and the micro-fines, producing a thinner, more approachable drink that’s free of sediment. Paper-filtered coffee is generally more translucent than metal-filtered coffees. The paper filter is practically mess-free. You’ll run out of paper filters every now and then.
While, with Metal reusable filters, your coffee will have a bold, rich flavor and more fines in the cup. As far as cleanup goes, metal ones are messy. Metal filters pay for themselves over time.
Read Also –> Best Coffee Filters
Features
Can’t See Straight in the Morning? Consider investing in the best 4-cup coffee model with special programming features such as the ability to customize brew strength, advanced scheduling, and more. An automatic shutoff feature also comes in handy for the forgetful who’s in a hurry in the mornings.
Maintenance
To avoid any hidden surprises in your morning mug, it’s essential to clean the unit regularly. Coffee residue, oily sludge, and mineral buildup eventually form on your coffee maker and pot, creating stains and affecting your brew’s quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much coffee do I use for 4 cups?
To brew 4 cups of coffee, use 36 grams (about 4 level scoops) of coffee and 20 ounces (2 1/2 measuring cups) of water. One scoop equals two tablespoons, so that’s about 8 level tablespoons.
How many watts does a 4-cup coffee maker use?
Most small coffee makers that brew 4 or 5 cups of coffee, typically have wattage between 550 and 900 watts of power.
Are 4-cup coffee makers better for your budget?
It all depends on your research. Some may seem like a bargain at the moment, then stop working after a couple of times. Coffee makers that are more budget-friendly tend to have fewer features than higher-end options. That being said, if you do your proper research, you can find a hidden gem with great value for your money.
Final Verdict
I hope this article helps you pick out the best 4-cup coffee maker to meet your caffeine needs. Whether you want to downsize your coffee brewer, maximize your limited counter space, and have a short brewing time or you prefer making smaller batches of coffee in the morning, you’ll find these best 4-Cup Coffee Makers well worth the investment.
With that said, our best pick is Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffee Maker. It’s compact, beautiful, and intuitive to program. Whether using pre-ground or freshly ground beans, you can expect the most balanced, relatable cup of everyday coffee with a Cuisinart 4-cup coffeemaker. If the Cuisinart model is unavailable or you’ve tried it before, then the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 4-Cup Coffee Maker is a close runner-up.
Happy caffeinating!
Taimoor followed his passion to become a coffee connoisseur and now travels the world to visit the most popular coffee shops. His cupboard is also stocked with a collection of brewing gadgets. He loves to drink Death Wish Coffee’s dark roast and highly caffeinated coffee grounds when he needs a boost of energy.
