A Quiet Standout: CNN Underscored Highlights the Ratio Eight Series 2

There is something deeply satisfying about when thoughtful design and brewing performance are recognized not just by coffee enthusiasts, but by major editorial voices outside of the specialty coffee world. Recently, CNN Underscored named the Ratio Eight Series 2 as one of the best drip coffee makers available today, praising its balance of simplicity, speed, and consistently excellent results.

A Design That Feels Effortless by Intention

In their review of top drip coffee makers, CNN Underscored immediately acknowledged what makes the Eight Series 2 feel different from the moment it’s on the counter. As they put it, the machine is:

“one of the best drip coffee makers (period),”

deserving of a spotlight for its performance and presence alike.

They also noted its visual appeal, describing it as:

“gorgeous in a chemistry lab experiment kind of way,”

A sentiment that speaks directly to the Eight Series 2’s sculptural form and transparent brewing path. It is a brewer that invites attention, not through excess features, but through clarity of purpose and material honesty.

Less Fuss, More Focus on the Coffee

One of the most consistent themes throughout the review was ease of use. CNN emphasized how streamlined the experience is compared to many premium brewers:

“After you fill the water tank and the basket (based on how much coffee you need), you simply lightly press the massive touch button and let it do its thing.”

That simplicity is intentional. The Eight Series 2 is designed to remove unnecessary friction from the brewing process while still honoring the fundamentals that matter most, like proper bloom and balanced extraction.

The review even highlighted that the machine feels “even less fussy than the already unfussy Moccamaster,” underscoring how the single-button interface and automatic brew calibration create a smooth, intuitive workflow from start to finish.

Brewing Performance That Speaks for Itself

Beyond design and usability, CNN Underscored focused heavily on cup quality. The Eight Series 2’s blooming phase and carefully controlled brew cycle were specifically called out as key contributors to its extraction performance:

“Naturally, like the Moccamaster and the Aiden, it also goes through a blooming process, which is a big part of why its extractions are so good.”

They also noted the resulting flavor profile, describing a carafe of coffee that is “flavorful” and “aromatic,” with a robustness that holds its own alongside other high-end brewers. This reinforces a core idea behind the Eight Series 2: great coffee should feel consistent, repeatable, and quietly exceptional without requiring constant adjustments or custom programming.

In practical terms, CNN measured a full 40-ounce brew at just under five and a half minutes, a pace that is notably faster than some legacy specialty brewers, all while maintaining strong extraction quality.

Thoughtful Details in Everyday Use

Ease of cleaning and daily interaction were also key highlights. The review pointed out the integrated carafe and basket system, noting how both components can be removed and cleaned together, simplifying post-brew maintenance. Small details like the included catcher and heat lid were recognized as practical design choices that support a more seamless experience after brewing.

These are the kinds of refinements that often go unnoticed until they are missing. With the Eight Series 2, they are quietly built into the workflow.

Recognition Beyond the Specialty Coffee World

What makes this coverage especially meaningful is its broader audience. CNN Underscored evaluates products across categories, yet the Eight Series 2 stood out in a competitive field of well-established brewers, including comparisons to machines like the Moccamaster and Fellow Aiden.

Their conclusion captures the essence of what the Eight Series 2 was designed to do: deliver exceptional coffee with minimal effort, wrapped in a form that feels as intentional as the brew itself.

For those interested in reading the full review and seeing how the Eight Series 2 was evaluated alongside other leading drip coffee makers, the complete article is available on CNN Underscored.