WIRED Makes the Case for the Ratio Four—and Great Drip Coffee
Drip coffee doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the world of specialty coffee. In a recent feature for WIRED, writer Matthew Korfhage makes the case that when designed thoughtfully, drip brewing can deliver some of the most satisfying coffee there is.
His example? The Ratio Four.
In the article, Korfhage explores how many traditional coffee makers are designed for large pots and busy offices, not the way many people drink coffee today. Instead of brewing oversized batches, the Four focuses on a simpler, more intentional approach: making one or two excellent mugs at a time.
“No device I know makes single-mug drip coffee this delicious, with such ease and simplicity.”
For Korfhage, that simplicity is part of the appeal. The machine distills the mechanics of careful manual brewing into an intuitive process: add water, add coffee, press the button, and let the brewer handle the rest.
Where Drip Meets Pour-Over
One of the things the WIRED piece highlights is how the Ratio Four borrows techniques from pour-over brewing. The machine manages bloom, temperature, and water distribution automatically, mimicking the rhythms of manual brewing without requiring the hands-on effort.
The result is a cup that sits somewhere between two familiar brewing styles.
“The Four’s brew hovers somewhere between pour-over and classic drip.”
That hybrid approach allows the brewer to produce cups that are both expressive and balanced—something the reviewer noticed immediately when tasting the coffee.
Coffee That Lets the Beans Shine
Ultimately, the article returns to the most important part of the experience: the coffee itself.
Korfhage describes cups that highlight nuance and flavor clarity, especially with lighter roasts. Subtle tasting notes come forward more clearly, revealing new dimensions even in familiar beans.
“The coffee that comes from the Ratio can be astoundingly good.”
For anyone who enjoys exploring new coffees, that kind of clarity makes the Four an especially compelling tool.
A Simpler Way to Brew
Part of what makes the Ratio Four stand out in the review is its minimalism. The machine has a single button and a compact footprint, designed to fit comfortably in modern kitchens without unnecessary complexity.
Behind that simplicity is a brewing system built around careful extraction—automatically blooming the grounds and maintaining stable brewing temperatures throughout the cycle.
It’s a reminder that thoughtful design doesn’t need to be complicated.
A New Perspective on Drip Coffee
The WIRED article ultimately frames the Ratio Four as part of a broader shift in how we think about drip coffee. When brewing is dialed in and batch size matches how people actually drink coffee, drip machines can produce cups that rival more involved methods.
For Korfhage, the result is clear: exceptional coffee, made simply.