A Small Machine, Done Right: Bon Appétit Highlights the Ratio Four

There’s something especially meaningful when a product designed with restraint and intention is recognized by a publication known for taste.

Recently, Bon Appétit named the Ratio Four the “Best small drip coffee maker,” highlighting its balance of simplicity, design, and brewing performance.

Simplicity, Refined

From the first interaction, the Four stands apart for how little it asks of you. Bon Appétit points to a design that feels both approachable and considered.

“The machine couldn’t be simpler; it uses one button that brews however much water is in the reservoir.”

That simplicity is paired with a form that feels at home on the counter.

“Super simple interface” paired with a “sleek attractive design”

A single button controls the entire brew cycle. Bloom, brew, ready. Each stage unfolds automatically, following the same principles as a manual pour over without requiring constant attention.

A Cup That Delivers

Performance is where the Four quietly excels.

Bon Appétit highlights its brewing temperature and showerhead design as key to its results, producing a cup that feels complete from the first sip.

“A full 20-oz. brew that was robust, strong, and exactly what I like to wake up to.”

That consistency carries across brew sizes as well, something not often true for smaller machines.

“It delivered the same bold, balanced brew in a 5-oz. cup as it did in a 20-oz. carafe.”

Flexible by Design

Beyond the brew itself, the Four offers a level of flexibility that feels uncommon at this size.

The review highlights how open the system is, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences.

“I could use a mug or travel tumbler if I wanted to.”

And for those who like to experiment, the flexibility goes even further.

“They’d be just fine with you using it with a Kalita Wave or Origami pour-over dripper if you want.”

A Different Kind of Small Machine

The Ratio Four isn’t built around presets or shortcuts. It’s designed to deliver a better experience through thoughtful decisions and a clear focus on what matters.

As Bon Appétit’s review makes clear, that approach results in something rare. A machine that feels simple, capable, and consistently rewarding in the cup.