Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers Reviews 2019 (Top 5 Recommended)

When you have a coffee maker, you can make your own coffee and save a lot of money than if you buy a single cup in a coffee shop. Aside from that, you can save time and fuel because you don’t have to make a trip to the coffee shop. Having a coffee maker will let you experiment with different flavors.

If you drink coffee every day, but only want to brew small servings, then what you need is a best 4 cup coffee maker. It is perfect if you have a limited counter space. Since it is small, it will also be easy to use because it is so handy.

Before we proceed further, the table below shows a summary of the products that will be discussed later.

Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers Reviews in 2019

#1. Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

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This is a good choice if you have a small kitchen as it will not take up lots of space.

Features
Looks – it has a trendy and sleek design, which makes it a big hit among coffee lovers. This model looks stylish among other kitchen appliances and it enhances the style of your kitchen.
Durable – this small coffee maker uses the latest technology and has high quality components to offer you the best coffee experience. The coffee holder jar, the electronic parts, and other components are made from materials that are designed to last.
Performance – you can get hot coffee instantly with the the coffee machine. It will not produce coffee that tastes poorly brewed or watery, and you will not see chunks in your brew. It features a hot plate to keep your coffee pot warm, so you don’t have to reheat it over and over again. In just five minutes, you will have freshly brewed coffee, which is great if you are always on-the-go.

Pros

Comes with an affordable price
Easy to maintain and clean
Comes with a removable filter basket.
Long-lasting, even with regular use
It is programmable

Cons

It only makes 4 cups of coffee

#2. Mr. Coffee Maker 4-Cup Switch Coffee Maker (Best Cheap Coffee Maker)

This coffee maker has a classic functionality that lets you make expertly brewed, flavorful coffee without any mess. It features a Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause, so you can have coffee while the brewing process is still in progress. The machine stops brewing if you get a cup, and then it continues with the process once you put the carafe back in place.

It features an on/off indicator light to let you know whether or not the machine is brewing. The reservoir also displays the amount of water that’s inside the machine.

For easy and quick filling and cleaning, you can simply lift out the removable basket filter. You can make a single cup or 4 cups of coffee with this coffee maker without any trouble.

This coffee maker from Mr. Coffee makes superb coffee. It can last really long if you maintain the machine properly. It uses a permanent filter, but for the brew basket, you also need a standard small paper filter. In just three to five minutes, you can have freshly brewed coffee. The machine is also quiet while operating.

Pros

Easy to clean and maintain
Brews coffee fast
Affordable

Cons

Not programmable
It does not come with paper filters
There is no auto shut off feature

#3. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Thermal Carafe

This coffee maker brews rich tasting coffee. The stainless steel carafe makes this machine quite durable.

It features an indicator light that tells you whether the machine is on or off. There is also a useful brew-pause option because it allows you to get a cup while your coffee is still brewing. Other helpful features include the knuckle guard and the dripless pour spout. If you want to do other things while your coffee is brewing, you don’t have to worry that the machine will overheat because it has a 30-minute auto shutoff function.

Despite having a stainless steel carafe, that does not affect the taste of your coffee at all. It always produces rich and tasty coffee. The machine uses #2 paper filters and upon purchase, you will get three temporary paper filters. However, you can also buy a permanent filter for a more convenient coffee experience.

Your coffee will be ready in just three to four minutes and the sound it produces while brewing is not too loud. You can only hear the usual dripping sound only when you are standing next to the machine. It is quite simple to use and does not occupy lots of space.

Pros

Simple to use
Brew-pause option
Auto shut off feature
Durable
On/off indicator

Cons

More expensive compare to other models
Has an undersized spout
The water tends to leak if heated too much
The carafe is not transparent and not well insulated
Also Read: Best SCAA Certified Coffee Makers: Top Brands Reviewed

#4. BLACK+DECKER 5 Cup Coffee Maker

This coffee maker offers a convenient and cheap way to make a standard cup of coffee. It has a handy cord storage and a compact design, which makes the machine an excellent choice if you have a small home, office, or condo. The non-stick Keep Hot plate and one-touch operation features allow you to have a rich-flavored hot cup of coffee whenever you want without any trouble.

This coffee maker is really easy to use and you don’t need any experience in coffee making to set it up as it comes with a simple instruction manual. If you are a beginner, you can figure out how to brew your coffee because using this machine is simply straightforward.

It comes with a two-year limited warranty for parts and labor. It doesn’t cover damage from neglect or misuse or damage from commercial use. The glass components and the accessories are also not covered by this warranty.

This machine is a good choice if you want to have a cup of coffee for your early morning schedules because you can get ready for the day while your coffee is brewing and when you are done, your coffee will still be hot.

Pros

Compact and portable design
Dishwasher-safe carafe
Easy to clean
Coffee keeps warm while brewing
Comes with a water level window

Cons

Plastic parts look cheap

#5. Mr. Coffee 5 Cup Programmable with Stainless Steel Carafe

This coffee maker offers a lot of great features. For one, there is an indicator light that shows when the machine is on or off. It also has a filter basket that you can remove for you to easily fill and clean the machine. The pause serves feature allows you to get a cup even when the machine is still brewing.

For accurate filling, it has a dual water window that displays volume of water that is in the reservoir. To keep your kitchen counter neat, this coffee maker has a cord storage, so you can safely store the excess cord. If you want to prepare your coffee at night, you can set the Delay Brew feature in advance, so when you wake up, you can have a freshly brewed, flavorful coffee.

If you and other family members wake up at different times, this is the ideal coffee maker for you because it has a hot plate that keeps the coffee warm.

Pros

Operates quietly
Automatically turns off after one hour of being idle
Carafe is easy to remove

Cons

User manual has vague instructions
Carafe can dribble on the side
Digital display is difficult to see
Also Read: Best Milk Frothers – A Surprisingly Affordable Price

Types of Coffee Makers

Before reviewing the top 4 cup coffee makers in the market, here’s a look of the types of coffee makers.

Manual Coffee Maker

A manual coffee maker, also called French press, is a more traditional coffee maker. It is inexpensive and portable. Italian designer Attilio Calimani patented the French press in 1929. To use it, brew the coffee and water together, and then press the piston with the filter by pushing it down to the bottom to separate your beverage from the coffee grounds.

french press coffee maker

The manual coffee maker is popular amongst many because of its ability to brew a strong drink. It also provides you with the ability to control the brewing time and strength of your drink. It can be used even for loose-leaf tea!

However, one problem is that since you will use it manually, it requires more effort on your end. Sludge or sediment can also appear on the bottom if you are not meticulous.

Automatic Drip Coffee Maker

This is currently the most used type of coffee maker. It is an electric machine that is easy to use. Its automatic, no hassle brewing makes it the go-to coffee machine for many people. The machine has a reservoir that holds the water and there is also an aluminum connected to a heating element. From the reservoir, this heating element carries the hot water to the drip area where the coffee is placed.

It offers programmability, which means that you can already set it at night and when you wake up the next morning, your favorite coffee is ready to be enjoyed. Since it has automatic functionality, you can leave it brewing on its own while you do other things.

The problem, however, is that you will not have control over the water ratio and temperature, which means that it lacks options for customization. It can also be prone to mold, so be sure to clean it regularly.

Percolator

It uses gravity to cycle the boiling or almost boiling water through the coffee grounds until it reaches the required strength. It has been used in as early as the 19th-century, making it a traditional method of coffee preparation. It uses boiling water, which will move towards the brewing basket.

If you enjoy strong coffee, this will be an excellent choice. Compared to other brewing methods, the temperature is higher, which is why it also makes the coffee stronger. The coffee maker is also lightweight and portable.

As with any manual coffee maker, the biggest drawback is the fact that you will have to exert more effort. It is also quite slower compared to other types. Plus, the precise temperature is crucial to avoid the coffee from being too bitter.

Moka pot

This is a stovetop or electric coffee machine that has three chambers: one each for water, coffee grounds, and the final product. The hot water is placed at the bottom of the pot. The steam pressurizes the water to go upward through the coffee grounds. Through a spout, the brewed coffee will be sent to the top of the pot.

If you prefer thick and rich coffee, this will do the trick. It is also a good thing that it is easy to clean and maintain (source). In terms of construction, the main material used is aluminum, which is known for its excellent ability to retain heat.

Nonetheless, you will have little control over the quality of the coffee that you will make. You will also need to purchase a grinder to make sure that the texture will be fine.

Vacuum Brewers

This uses two chambers: one for water and one for coffee grounds. It brews the coffee using vacuum and vapor pressure. Also known as a siphon coffee maker, it is believed to have been around in as early as the 1830s. It makes use of the vacuum effect to extract optimal flavor from the coffee grounds that are used.

Types of Coffee Makers – Vacuum Brewer

With the use of the vacuum brewer, you can expect that the coffee will end up clean and crisp without sediments. The grounds will be fully-immersed in water, which will make the flavor stronger. You also do not need electricity. It is also a good thing that you will have control over the steeping time and heat.

However, this is a fragile instrument, which means that you should handle it with care. Plus, it is also a bit difficult to clean and maintain.

Also Read: Best Keurig Coffee Makers: Reviews and Buying Guide

Things to Look For When Buying a 4 Cup Coffee Maker

Permanent filter – to make a clean pot of coffee, a paper filter is commonly used in coffee machines. However, you can only use it once, so you have to replace it after using it. You can save money if you buy a coffee maker that uses a permanent filter.
Pause and serve – with this feature, you can pour coffee while it is still brewing.
Auto shut off – you never have to worry that your coffee will overheat because of this feature. Most coffee makers that have this feature also have the auto on function. You can set your coffee at night and you will have it ready when you wake up.
Ease of use – you shouldn’t be having a hard time making a pot of coffee. Look for a coffee maker that has indicator lights that tell you the machine is working. A water-level indicator is also important for you to have accurate measurements when you fill the machine with water.
Durability – coffee makers made from durable materials last long. Look for one that is made from borosilicate glass with a housing made from stainless steel. Less plastic parts means your coffee maker will be more durable.
Programmable – a programmable coffee maker offers more convenience, but it can be a bit more expensive.
Easy cleaning – for ease of cleaning, make sure that the machine is easy to take apart. Some coffee makers are also dishwasher-safe.
Warranty – most coffee makers have a one-year warranty, but it would be better if you can find one with longer warranty. If a manufacturer is confident about the quality of their product, they usually offer a longer warranty.

Coffee Maker Red or Coffee Maker White – Which One is Better?

For some, it is just color. For others, color is everything. With this, if you are trying to choose from a red or white coffee maker consider the design and the overall look of the kitchen. Pick a color that will blend seamlessly with the interior to create a good aesthetic.

If the kitchen has a light color tone, I suggest that you pick a red coffee maker, which will stand out. If the color tone is dark, choose white as it will add subtleness to the space.

Coffee Maker Red or Coffee Maker White – Which One is Better?

The Verdict: What is the Best 4 cup Coffee Maker?

With the coffee makers that have been mentioned above, which one is the best? In my personal opinion, the clear winner is Small Coffee Maker 4-cup Programmable Coffee Maker from Mr. Coffee. It is stylish, durable, and space-efficient. Most importantly, it will allow you to make high-quality coffee at home without the need to exert too much effort.