Getting the best 4 cup coffee maker is a bit of brainwork and sheer luck. You can save much every year if you make the right investment in a budget coffee maker. If a cup of coffee isn’t enough for you or your household of two, a 4 cup brewer might be the ideal choice.
Today, we have compiled a list of the best 4-cup coffee makers for your consideration. Of which, we prize the Cuisinart DCC-450BK for its outstanding performance. This brewer wins our hearts for the rich-tasting coffee it offers in a fast way.
Besides, it features a stainless steel carafe to keep your coffee hot for hours. Besides, thanks to its 30-second brew-pause mode, you can enjoy your coffee before the brewing cycle completes.
It is also a convenient coffee maker as it can automatically turn off if you leave it idle for a while.
Before we dive into our complete reviews, let’s look at our buying guide to know some factors you want to consider before making the final purchasing decision.
The 10 Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers In 2023
Following are our best 4 cup coffee maker reviews to help you pick the most suitable product.
1. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker – Best Overall
Cuisinart 4 Cup w/Stainless-Steel Carafe Coffeemaker, Black
Specifications:
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Item weight: 3.25 lbs
- Dimension: 10 x 8 x 5.25 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
We will start with our winner – the Cuisinart DCC-450BK. It stands out with a durable and robust appearance with advanced features to provide impactful brews every morning.
This small brewer is a budget option for newbie baristas who do not want to spend big bucks on a machine to get started.
It outweighs other products with a stainless steel carafe with a knuckle guard and dripless pour spout to keep the perfect heat and optimal temperature of coffee for a long time.
We also like its fast brewing speed. You can prepare a full 4 cups of coffee in under five minutes with it. And thanks to an ergonomically designed shower head, it can optimize the quality and taste of coffee.
Its 30-second brew-pause mode also allows you to enjoy your coffee before the process finishes. This affordable coffee maker is also a great idea for those often in a hurry, thanks to its 30-minute auto-off function.
Furthermore, it can automatically turn off, saving much energy and preventing unexpected issues like burning out. Moreover, as most parts of the machine are detachable, you will find no difficulty maintaining and cleaning them.
That said, its carafe lid might need to be carefully handled as it is quite flimsy.
What we like:
- Durable and robust appearance
- Stainless steel carafe
- Fast brewing speed
- 30-second brew-pause mode
- 30-minute auto-off function
- Easy to clean and maintain
What we don’t like:
- Flimsy carafe lid
2. Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker – Best For Saving Energy
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Item weight: 2.87 lbs
- Dimension: 10.1 x 7.25 x 11.8 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
Our runner-up is the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker. This mess-free coffee machine comes with an exclusive power-on status to remind you of switching it off, saving much electricity. Moreover, it is also an energy-efficient machine as it only consumes 600W.
It also wins our hearts for a compact matte classic black design with a dimension of 10.1 x 7.25 x 11.8 inches that can fit perfectly in modest spaces.
On top of that, when it comes to the capacity, this suggestion can brew 4 coffee cups and 2 coffee mugs, to be precise, in one single brew. Also, it can produce steaming hot coffee needed, and its smooth pour will not disappoint you.
Besides, its removable filter basket is quite easy to clean and lift. So even when you do not have time on hand, you can clean it quickly and effortlessly. It also boasts a timer to let you plan a coffee brewing time within 24 hours.
Thereby, you can wake up with a cup of coffee ready for the day. As its carafe is made of glass and stain-resistant, you don’t have to put much effort into cleaning it often.
On the downside, this coffee maker should come with an improved heat retention system as the carafe does not retain the heat for longer.
What we like:
- Compact design
- Power-on status
- Energy-efficient
- Brew 4 coffee cups and 2 coffee mugs in one single brew
- Produce steaming hot coffee needed
- Removable filter basket
- 24-hour programmability
What we don’t like:
- Heat retention system
3. Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Switch Coffee Maker – Best For Compact Design
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Item weight: 2.5 lbs
- Dimension: 6.37 x 7.16 x 9.64 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
If you seek a compact coffee maker for your tight space, the Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Switch might be your answer. It is a perfect match for your limited counter space with a dimension of 6.37 x 7.16 x 9.64 inches.
You will also love its Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause, as you can stop the brewing cycle from pouring a cup of coffee to enjoy. In addition, the machine can finish its process after you put the carafe back.
Thanks to its smart and simple design, you can make delicious coffee effortlessly without any bells and whistles. All you need to do is opt for your favorite coffee, pour water, and start brewing.
And like the runner-up coffee maker, this suggestion also comes with a lift and clean filter basket that is removable and easy to clean. Moreover, you can make 4 coffee cups and 2 travel mugs in only one brew with this machine.
Plus, there is an on/off indicator light to let you know when the machine is active or off. And with a dual water window, you can see the exact content level as you fill, avoiding overflows. That said, we found that this machine lacks programmability.
What we like:
- Compact design
- Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause
- Smart and simple design
- Lift and clean filter basket
- On/off indicator light
- Dual water windows
What we don’t like:
- Lack programmability
4. Brentwood 4-Cup Coffee Maker – Best For Easy Of Use
Specifications:
- Material: Brentwood
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Item weight: 2 lbs
- Dimension: 24.08 x 28.89 x 26.48 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
We will continue with the Brentwood Coffee Maker. It is another ideal choice if you want to find an easy-to-use coffee machine. Even when you are new to using a coffee maker, you can still use it smoothly without hassle.
You just need to place the coffee ground, add water, and press the on/off button to start brewing. Moreover, this 4-cup coffee maker consumes about 650W, 50W higher than the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew.
That said, it still helps you save a lot of electricity compared to other products. Besides, thanks to a warming plate, it can keep your coffee warm after brewing for a while. Moreover, our Earth will love this machine as it comes with a reusable filter basket.
You can use the reusable scooper to choose the strength of your coffee or the number of coffee cups. With an integrated water level window, you will not worry about guessing the water level inside the tank.
Nevertheless, it would be better if this suggestion comes with an auto-off function.
What we like:
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to use
- Able to keep coffee warm after brewing for a while
- Environmentally friendly
- Translucent water level window
What we don’t like:
- No auto-off function
5. Gevi 4-Cup Coffee Maker – Best For Safety
Gevi 4-Cup Coffee Maker with Auto-Shut Off, Small Drip Coffeemaker Compact Coffee Pot Brewer Machine with Cone Filter, Glass Carafe and Hot Plate, Stainless Steel Finish
$28.99
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic, stainless steel
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Item weight: 2 lbs
- Dimension: 7.2 x 5.4 x 10.1 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
This Gevi 4-Cup Coffee Maker features unique boil-dry protection. When there is no water in the reservoir and the heat exceeds the limitation, the machine can stop automatically. You can rest assured when you forget to add enough water to the tank.
That being said, you still need to check the water level before brewing to ensure the machine’s durability. What also makes it different from other products is the one-touch control.
You just need to press the power button to start brewing, and the coffee maker will do the rest. This coffee maker can make 4 great-tasting cups of coffee in minutes, perfect for small family use.
You will also love its special swing-out design as you can easily access the brew basket from the front. It can swivel out fast, and the basket holder is quite easy to clean.
On top of that, the non-stick warming plate of this machine can keep your coffee warm for up to two hours after brewing. You can also enjoy your coffee in the middle of the brewing cycle, thanks to its Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause function.
The only downside of this machine is that there is no timer to preset a coffee brew.
What we like:
- Unique boil-dry protection
- One-touch control
- Swing-out design for easy access to coffee
- Non-stick hot plate to keep the content warm longer
- Brew Pause function
What we don’t like:
- No timer
6. Aigostar 4 Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Runner-Up For Saving Energy
Aigostar 4 Cups Drip Coffee Maker, Coffee Pot Machine with Reusable Filter, Warming Plate and Glass Carafe Compact Coffeemakers for Home, Office & Travel, Stainless Steel Decoration, Black
$24.99
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Item weight: 1.3 lbs
- Dimension: 10.31 x 7.6 x 6.1 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
This Aigostar 4-Cup Drip Coffee Maker is another energy-efficient option for you. Like the Mr. Coffee Simple Coffee Maker, it comes with a sufficient capacity rated at 600W, helping you save a lot of energy.
Notable, this suggestion stands out with a unique anti-drip valve in 30 seconds. Accordingly, you can take off the glass pot of coffee anytime you want to enjoy coffee without worrying about the whole coffee dripping.
Moreover, its integrated non-stick insulation board holds the temperature of your coffee for around 35 minutes automatically. As a result, you can enjoy the consistent tasteful flavor from the first to the final drop.
We also love its professional, quick brewing technology to let you get a flavorful cup of coffee in under 5 minutes. Its robust explosion-resistant glass thermal carafe also has measurement markings for you to fill water accurately.
However, we also find that this coffee maker does not come with the 24-hour programmability to set a brewing time in advance.
What we like:
- Energy-efficient
- Unique anti-drip function
- Non-stick insulation board
- Quick brewing technology
- Robust explosion-resistant glass carafe with water level measurements
What we don’t like:
- No 24-hour programmability
7. Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Coffee Maker – Runner – Up For Compact Design
Specifications:
- Material: Metal
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 25 oz
- Item weight: 2.95 lbs
- Dimension: 7.87 x 6.61 x 9.25 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
This Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Coffee Maker is ideal for kitchenettes. When your full kitchen tends to be inaccessible, it will help save much counter space thanks to a dimension of 7.87 x 6.61 x 9.25 inches.
With no fuss or muss, you can make a cup of coffee easily with this machine. This modern-looking coffee machine also comes with a big water tank that can provide up to 5 cups of coffee. Moreover, it is quite easy to access and fill.
All you need to do is lift the lid and pour water into it. Thanks to a translucent water window, you can see the level of water you fill in, helping you make the perfect amount.
Moreover, this suggestion comes with a glass carafe with measurement marks, a big easy-grip handle, and a spill-resistant spout to ensure ideal serving all the time.
You can also sneak a coffee cup anytime you want without needing to wait for the entire brewing process, thanks to its Pause’ N Serve system. And we are pretty sure you will love its built-in washable and removable filter.
This feature can save you much money and reduce waste from disposable filters for the environment. Especially, its price is also much budget-friendly, which is an ideal option for newbie brewers to get started.
That said, we found that it doesn’t come with a preset brew mode also. Thus, if you want to find an option to set the brew time the night before, it might not be your answer.
What we like:
- Compact modern design
- Big water tank
- Translucent water window
- Sturdy glass carafe
- Pause’ N Serve system
- Built-in washable and removable filter
- Budget-friendly
What we don’t like:
- No preset brew mode
8. Mr. Coffee Advanced Brew 5 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker – Best For Convenience
Mr. Coffee Advanced Brew 5 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker Black/Chrome
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 25 oz
- Item weight: 3.3 lbs
- Dimension: 9.2 x 7.1 x 11.6 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The next position belongs to the Advanced Brew 5 Cup Coffee Maker from Mr. Coffee. This product outweighs other products with its optimal convenience. It comes with programmable features to help you set brewing options to suit you.
Particularly, you can choose Delay Brew to enjoy your coffee whenever you want. Besides, before the cycle completes, you can pour a cup of rich-tasting coffee to enjoy, thanks to the Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause mode.
Moreover, its clear water window can give visibility when you add water to the tank to avoid overflows. You will find no difficulty in cleaning as the machine comes with many detachable parts like the filter basket.
And if you often have to leave home in a rush, this machine might be ideal for you. As it comes with a one-hour auto-off mechanism, you will be free of thinking if you forget to unplug the machine or not.
Notably, like the Maxi-Matic Elite Gourmet Coffee Maker, it can prepare up to 5 cups of coffee thanks to a big water reservoir. However, its price is higher than most of the other products on our list.
What we like:
- Programmable features
- Delay Brew
- Brew Pause function
- Easy to clean
- One-hour auto-off mechanism
- Big water reservoir
What we don’t like:
- Higher price
9. Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker – Best For Temperature Precision
Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker,Silver
$67.99
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 25 oz
- Item weight: 4.71 lbs
- Dimension: 6 x 9 x 11 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
This suggestion is a 650W powerful drip coffee machine that can brew up to 5 cups of tasty coffee. It comes with an amazing temperature precision outweighing other products.
Particularly, the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 can maintain a consistent perfect temperature range of 195 – 215 degrees F.
With an ergonomically designed filter basket, the machine is much easier to use, and its flavor can be thoroughly extracted while brewing, enhancing your coffee taste.
Moreover, thanks to the concealed removable water tank, the machine’s overall look is not bulky. Besides, it’s detachable and features measurement markings for iced and hot coffee. This feature helps you refill easily and accurately.
We are also impressed with its automatic keep-warm system, keeping the coffee hot as long as you use it without any burnt taste.
This 5-cup coffee maker also has a charcoal water filter to purify water and enhance the brewed coffee taste. And it can last up to two years in a normal use condition.
As the machine comes with removable components, there is no difficulty in cleaning it. However, it would be better if there were an auto-off feature.
What we like:
- Amazing temperature control
- Ergonomically designed filter basket
- Concealed removable water tank
- Automatic keep-warm system
- Charcoal water filter
- Easy to clean
What we don’t like:
- No auto-off function
10. Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker – Best For High Technology
Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker, 12 cup, Black
$99.95
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Item weight: 7.1 lbs
- Dimension: 7.9 x 7.9 x 14.2 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
The Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker features a high-tech coffee brewing unit. This unit comes with a stainless steel piano black finish and a big display control panel with LED light indicators.
Accordingly, you can accurately know what you’re programming due to the blinking lights. Besides, there are readable bold buttons that clear out all functional technicalities to make it much easier to brew.
Another great feature is its auto-off function to turn the coffee maker off after two hours, saving energy and preventing it from overheating. It also stands out with a complete programmable 24-hour timer that can preset your coffee cup when you want it.
Moreover, you can customize your cups of coffee like a breeze, thanks to its bold strength selectors. You can pick your favorite coffee from normal to bold. Besides, its anti-drip system allows you to pause and enjoy your coffee when the brew cycle does not end.
We also like its ledge that can collect condensed water left over after every brewing process ends. This condensation plate guarantees water can stay inside the machine and doesn’t spill out on the kitchen counter.
The water tank is also clearly marked with indicators to help you know how many coffee cups you’re making. You will not worry about cold coffee after brewing as its hot plate can keep it warm for hours.
With all the above features, it is understandable why it comes at a quite high price.
What we like:
- Stainless steel black finish
- Big display control panel with LED light indicators
- Auto-off function
- Programmable 24-hour timer
- Anti-drip system
- Able to keep coffee warm
What we don’t like:
- Higher price
How To Choose The 4 Cup Coffee Maker?
There are several important factors you should keep in mind when buying a 4-cup coffee maker.
Filter
Most coffee machines feature disposable paper filters. Unfortunately, it might not be ecological.
Thereby, today’s manufacturers are providing reusable and washable filters. All the products in our reviews adhere to the environment-friendly characteristic.
Carafe
A coffee maker carafe with a translucent window is practical to see the inside content level. Besides, a graduated reservoir can let you effortlessly get the proper amount of coffee cups needed or the remaining.
Depending on the carafe’s materials, it can keep the content’s temperature efficiently or not. For example, a thermal carafe is more likely to keep your coffee hot for longer than a glass carafe.
Ease Of Maintenance
4-cup coffee makers are compatible with either of the two types of cleaning: dishwasher-safe and hand-washed. You can find this information directly on the machine sheets, yet some manufacturers don’t mention it.
If you prefer to use a dishwasher, it is best to choose a coffee maker compatible with it.
Design
A coffee maker with a nice design can make a good impression on your kitchen counter. So don’t hesitate to take into consideration the product’s appearance before purchasing. It’s understandable to buy a machine fitting perfectly in your space, size- and style-wise.
Materials
Another important feature you should consider is what material you want for your coffee maker. Do you like stainless steel products? What will work best with your space design? These factors will help you choose a suitable machine for your needs.
Power & Speed
Several manufacturers will tell you the machine’s power in watts. Theoretically, the higher the watt is, the quicker it operates. That said, it also means you will have to pay more for your electricity bills.
Unless you want a fast coffee due to a busy schedule, it is best to buy a product that provides a bit lower wattage.
Besides, it is great for your 4 cup coffee maker to feature an auto-off function to save power if you forget to turn off the machine.
Handling & Operation
Another important feature is to consider how ergonomic the coffee maker is for optimal comfort.
Regularly, a big and ergonomic handle provides the most comfort when used. Besides, a good coffee maker should be able to make efficient drip-free pours at all speeds.
Additional Features
Common extra features on today’s coffee makers include 24-hour prep programmability. It is useful if you often wake up late or are on a busy schedule. Besides, an LCD with a timer is also a great feature you can look for in a coffee machine.
Other features might be less obvious but still useful, like the auto-off mode. It can help you be less stressed by spending time trying to remember whether you plug your machine or not. Moreover, it can save your power and avoid any damage when you forget to turn it off.
Budget
It is imperative to purchase in your budget. You can set a limit before you start seeking and stick to the options within that range.
It is likely to get sucked into purchasing a pricier product due to the attractive extra features it offers, but in most cases, these add-ons might be redundant to the daily uncomplicated demands for coffee.
User Friendliness
If you are new to using a coffee maker, you might want a simple machine to start with. We recommend you go for a machine with an easy on/off function that doesn’t require any manual.
In case you want a multi-tasking coffee maker, carefully research before purchasing. You will not want to have a machine that you don’t have any clue how to utilize and additional features you pay for but don’t even touch once.
Why Use A Small Coffee Machine In The First Place?
Whenever you have your friends or family over, they mightn’t be amenable to waiting for a cup of artisan coffee. So it is much easier and faster to get a coffee maker to do that work. If you get a drip coffee machine, you might satisfy the crowd’s craving.
You can roll your eyes and have them try a cup of French press coffee once the craving is satiated, yet for pure utility’s sake, it might be impossible to beat the ease. Besides, you should keep a drip because you can set a timer for brewing.
So when you do not have time to make morning coffee, you can get fresh coffee thanks to this feature. However, as you are not planning to utilize a drip as a backup coffee brewing method, it does not make sense to keep a big product around.
4-cup coffee machines are enough to make some fast coffee cups and keep them out of sight until the next time your friends and family visit.
That being said, should you choose an Espresso coffee maker, it can be slightly larger as many have attachments for other things like froth milk. It will need more space, yet the versatility is worth compromising storage.
Tips On How To Use And Clean Coffee Maker
Whether the coffee maker is clean or not can affect your coffee taste. You might not know this, but limescale build-up from the tap water or debris from coffee beans can clog your machine.
It is best to clean your maker monthly if you utilize it day by day. To keep the best coffee tasting and your coffee maker looking new, here are our small tips.
- Don’t forget to wash the detachable components after use. It sounds obvious, yet sometimes you can forget when you are in a rush. All detachable components need washing with warm water mixed with soap after every single brewing.
- If your machine is dishwasher friendly, remember to put it in the dishwasher before leaving your house. Your coffee maker will thank you for this small habit.
Use White Vinegar
Every coffee maker needs descaling to deter hard minerals build-up. To do that, you should use white vinegar to keep it in brand-new condition all the time. You can follow the below steps:
- Fill the reservoir with white vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1. If you have paper filters, you can put one in.
- Set the pot up for brewing and use your machine as if you are making coffee. Repeat this process using the warm water and white vinegar mixture.
- Clean all parts with warm soapy water when the cycle ends. Next, run another two brewing cycles yet with fresh water to ensure all the vinegar residue is gone.
Utilize Lemon Juice
This liquid is a perfect alternative if you don’t have vinegar as it has a similar level of acidity. So, you can run a cycle with fresh water to get out all leftover coffee first. Next, fill the reservoir with half water/half lemon solution.
Leave it for about 15 minutes. Place a filter in and turn on your machine. When the cycle is finished, run another cycle with water (you can do it twice). Finish washing everything with warm soapy water.
Rice For Carafe
It sounds slightly weird, isn’t it? But this ingredient is useful to make the carafe shine. Your carafe might get a little on its grubby side, even if you always clean it after use.
Add warm soapy water with a small amount of rice to the carafe. Swirl this mixture to loosen all the dirt build-up. You can use a soft sponge to give it a complete clean with the solution included. It can leave the carafe looking brand new in the end.
FAQs Of The Best 4 Cup Coffee Maker 2023
This section provides some questions people regularly ask when they want to buy a 4 cup coffee maker.
1. What Is A 4-cup Coffee Maker?
A 4-cup coffee machine is compact and can make coffee fast with an ideal amount for a single or two-person household. In addition, several models can hold your coffee temperature after brewing, so your coffee won’t get cold for a while.
2. How Do I Make The Most Of The 4-cup Coffee Maker?
If you are not using your 4-cup coffee machine to the optimal potential, it cannot give you the best coffee you have craved for. Consider the following factors to get the perfect caffeinated beverages day in, day out.
- Grounds: Ensure you use high-quality coffee grounds and check the roast date. Remember to use freshly roasted coffee beans to ensure there’s no sacrifice on your coffee taste.
- Water: Ensure you use filtered water. It is best to use a coffee maker with an integrated water filter to save you the hassle of filtering the water separately.
3. How Many Watts Does A 4 Cup Coffee Maker Use?
A small coffee maker typically utilizes 550-900W, while a bigger model consumes 750-1200 watts. A single-serve coffee maker that utilizes coffee capsules can use 900-1500W.
4. How Much White Vinegar Should You Use To Clean A 4 Cup Coffee Machine?
It is advisable to add four cups of white vinegar to the water tank for the best results. Then leave it there for 30 minutes. Next, run this vinegar solution through a cycle of brewing.
Finally, repeat two or three cycles but with fresh water to ensure all residue of white vinegar disappears.
Final Thoughts
So you have gone through our best 4 cup coffee maker reviews. In a nutshell, these machines above can help you make rich-tasting coffee in a fast and convenient way.
Of which, the Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker is our best overall for its excellent performance in every aspect. This durable and robust coffee maker can help you brew coffee fast, along with many helpful characteristics like the Brew Pause feature and auto-off function.
Besides, the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker is also a great option to make flavorful coffee while helping save energy.
Anyway, if you have any further questions, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for reading!
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Almost 20 years already spent committed to coffee and more than 3 years of experience as a barista at Starbucks. Madelyn Doyle graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of California and finished the Coffee Skills Program at the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).