Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers 2022 – Compact Design and Easy Brew

Want to enjoy high-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home? 

Hate spending too much on drinks available in overpriced coffee shops?

Now is the time to invest in a drip coffee maker, including those that can make four cups at a time! If one cup is not enough, or if you want to prepare a caffeine fix for four people, it is an indispensable appliance to have at home, or even in the office!

Take note, however, that not all four cup coffee makers are created equal. From their features to the quality of the drink that can be made, each model has its pros and cons.

If you are on the lookout for the best 4 cup coffee maker, this guide can help you out! Read on and we’ll help you decide on which one can provide the best bang for the buck.

Based on the facts we listed and learned, it’s time to see what the market offers, and how the best models fare against our criteria.

We’ve browsed a bit and here are our opinions on the five most popular on the market.

Best Small 4-Cup Coffee Makers: Top 7 Reviews

1. Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Switch Coffee Maker

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You want to make four cups of coffee for your friends? 

Or do you plan on drinking all the delicious beverages on your own? Whatever the case, you will like Mr. Coffee’s 4-Cup Switch Coffee Maker.

This device features a “Grab-A-Cup” auto-pause. It stops the brewing cycle if you need a cup before the brewing is done. Also, the coffee maker has a dual water window. That saves you from annoying overflows.

First of all, this product is compact, which is great news if you don’t have too much counter space 

And if you’re a pocket-friendly kind of consumer, you might love the next feature. It’s the reusable, washable plastic filter, which saves you a lot of money.

In terms of user-friendliness, the water reservoir is easy to fill. Along the same lines, both filter baskets and stain-resistant warming plates are quick and convenient to clean. To clean the basket, all you have to do is pull out the filter and wash it. Easy-peasy, isn’t it?

What else is worth noting? 

The on/off indicator light is installed to notify you, in case you leave your new, small coffee maker on.

But there is a dark side to this. Much like there is a dark side to everything. If you want your 4-cup coffee maker to be fast and quiet, you should consider another model. 

Mr. Coffee’s creation here is a bit slow and noisy, and it has a really short cord. There’s no auto turn-off function as well. The lack of that means you have to be careful.

2. Cuisinart DCC-450BK with Stainless-Steel Carafe

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Making a mess on your counter while pouring coffee into a mug is quite annoying, and sometimes even impossible to avoid.

But, not when you’re using the Cuisinart’s 4-Cup Coffee Maker. If you are looking for a high-quality and loyal coffee machine this system just might be it.

This black wonder features a stainless-steel carafe with a dripless pour spout and knuckle guard. Just like the previous model, it’s outfitted with a brew-pause setting. But unlike the previous model, this one has an automatic shut down. 

So consider that as a huge plus.

All in all, this product by Cuisinartis very durable and it’s easy to clean.

Performance-wise, you can count on this device to provide you with delicious coffee, fast. Also, it keeps everything safe with the fantastic auto turn-off feature. This activates itself after 30 minutes.

Needless to say, every Cuisinart coffee maker is pretty intuitive and easy to use. Even so, you still get a handy instruction booklet with the package. Talk about assistance at each step of the way!

But, unfortunately, due to the stainless-steel carafe, you can’t see your coffee while it’s brewing. Also let me not forget to tell you that this coffee maker doesn’t come with any filter, so you have to go through the trouble of buying it separately. One other thing you would want to know: if you’re not careful enough, the steam coming out of the machine might burn your hands.

3. Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

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This is an excellent choice for those looking for a coffee maker perfect for limited spaces.

Even if you have a tiny apartment or a small office, you’ll love the space-efficient design of this model.

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker features a unique cone basket design.

The basket is placed within the machine’s glass carafe. This is what keeps the unit compact.

Looking at its features, you have a lot of reasons to love this product. First off, it has 650 watts of power for quick heat-up and brewing. The coffee maker is also built with a keep-warm function i.e. a warming plate, to automatically retain the optimal temperature of your coffee. Doesn’t that cover most of the ground!

The water tank is also strategically positioned, which makes the process of removing and refilling it quite an effortless task.

In terms of the quality of your coffee, expect zero setbacks. There is a remarkable charcoal filter that effectively removes the impurities from the used water.

Now, do you believe me when I say your coffee delivers a clean taste?

Due to the durable charcoal filter, this clean taste can last for many months and years.

However, similar to other coffee makers, this 5-cup machine is not free of problems.

One of the biggest drawbacks is that it does not shut down on its own. If you forget to switch it off after brewing, your coffee ends up with an unpleasant or burnt aftertaste.

4. Bonavita 5-Cup BV1500TS Featuring Thermal Carafe

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The extraordinary combination the Bonavita’s 5-cup Coffee Maker provides is unbeatable.

Imagine this: simplicity on one hand and various programmable features on the other. No wonder this particular coffee maker model is worth taking into consideration.

It offers you a one-touch brew operation with automatic turn-off. It can’t get any more convenient than this!

The powerful and precise machine maintains the brewing temperature of 195°-205°F (91°-96°C).

And if that isn’t enough, the showerhead is specially designed to achieve the ideal extraction in small batch sizes.

You can choose the pre-infusion mode if you want to degas before brewing. It’s what enhances the overall flavor of your coffee. Even disassembling and cleaning are a breeze, thanks to the dishwasher-safe showerhead, carafe lid, and filter basket.

The thermal carafe is made of stainless steel. As you might already know, stainless steel is a material that guarantees durability. As for the plastic parts, they’re BPA-free so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals. Also, you get a pretty amazing 2-year warranty.

The updated design is very impressive in my opinion, with the tempered glass double-walled to retain heat! The lid is removable, also for heat retention purposes after brewing. Every little and large component screams modern functionality, no doubt.

This coffee maker is also certified by the SCAA.

This means that it met the rigorous standards for a machine that can make high-quality coffee.

So what’s the most annoying thing about this model?

Due to its design, you don’t get the freedom to empty all of the brew. At the same time, the recommended #4 cone-shaped filter is too large for the filter basket. Even when you fold it a bit.

5. BLACK+DECKER DCM600B 5-Cup Coffee Maker

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The Black+Decker DCM600B Coffeemaker makes coffee so good you’ll forget about cafès. It has some great features to boast about. For starters, you can see for yourself its compact and portable design.

It features a “Keep Hot” plate which cuts back on the time to reheat the coffee. You can dive into a hot cup of coffee anytime you want to.

And you can also keep tabs on how much coffee is left to drink, as the carafe has both coffee and water markings on it.

So as soon as you run out of coffee, you can immediately brew some more. This water window has great benefits, especially for people who don’t know how to brew coffee to the perfect amount.

With a simple push-start button, it brews coffee simply and effectively. Compared to the cost of purchasing barista coffee, this 5-cup coffeemaker is a steal in terms of price and value.

But there are two forms of letdown you might not appreciate in this case. The Black+Decker coffee maker doesn’t offer a permanent filter. Plus, it has no digital clock/pre-set timer either.

6. Mr. Coffee Advanced Brew 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

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If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication to your brewing setup you need the Mr. Coffee Advanced Brew 5-Cup Coffeemaker by your side.

It looks like the smaller version of the brewing systems in a coffeehouse.

The best part about it is that it’s compact and home-friendly, so you get steaming and flavorful coffee any time you want.

I like how this coffee maker keeps things simple. It doesn’t complicate features that it really shouldn’t.

Like the Grab-A-Cup feature which lets you steal just one cup before the brewing is complete. So when you’re in a hurry to get yours, there’s nothing to stop you.

You can see every step of the brewing process through the water window. Aside from marveling at the brewing process, you can also check for overflows.

The carafe comes with markings for the perfect amount of coffee and a brew-set timer to quit waiting around every morning.

You can set the timer to brew exactly when you wake up and arise to the smell of fresh coffee!

Everything seems to be quite impressive, except for the speed of performance. The brewing process takes longer. And that’s bad news if you’re in a rush all the time.

7. Elite Cuisine EHC-2022 Maxi-Matic 4 Cup Coffee Maker

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This coffee maker is the perfect choice for those who love adding flavor.

The Elite Cuisine Coffee Maker lets you add special ingredients to your coffee. So it not only tastes original and smells aromatics, but it also brews coffee with cream or sugar or syrup.

The 4-Cup capacity is a perfect starter in the morning. And it prepares coffee in only a few minutes. You also don’t have to wait around for your cup of “go juice” since its Pause & Serve function allows you to pour over a cup before the brewing is over.

This is a basic and easy-to-use coffee maker.

There’s nothing advanced about it. If you want coffee—unburned and flavorful—it delivers exceptionally! It keeps your coffee hot as the carafe sits on a hot plate.

The filter basket is removable for dishwashing or handwashing. Just you have to be careful since it’s a reusable coffee filter with mesh.

You don’t have to worry about a thing when using the Elite Cuisine EHC-2022 Coffee Maker, unless you’re used to machines equipped with the auto-off feature, that is. This one doesn’t provide that automatic functionality, and it doesn’t brew more than 2 cups at a time.

Why Should You Choose a 4 cup Coffee Maker?

A lot of you are probably asking, why a 4 cup coffee pot? Why not pick one that can make eight or twelve cups at a time? Or, why not a machine that makes only a single cup?

Well, it all boils down to a matter of personal opinion. However, we think that four cups will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you have to prepare artisan coffee for a small group or if one cup is not enough for you, a 4 cup drip coffee maker will be the best choice!

Because four cups are the ideal capacity, or what we call the middle ground, it is no longer surprising to see models with such capacity—not only for drip brewing methods but even for French Press!

The Benefits of a Small Coffee Maker

The most obvious benefit of a small coffee maker, including those mentioned in this post, is the fact that they are sleek and compact.

If you live in a small house, apartment, dormitory, or even in a tiny office, this type of coffee maker will be a perfect choice.

Because of their sleek body, storage will not be a problem as used.

When you are not using the coffee maker, you can easily keep it in a cabinet because of its small size.

This is unlike their bulkier counterparts that will require larger storage space.

More than being space-efficient, small coffee makers or those with a maximum capacity of four cups are also great because the waiting time is significantly minimized.

You do not need to wait for a long time before the coffee is ready. Since it brews only in small batches, the water will heat up quickly and your caffeine fix is ready before you know it!

Get Rid of Bulky Cone Coffee Makers

One of the most common ways of preparing a coffee is the use of a paper cone filter.

Yes, it is a good way to make your caffeine fix compared to traditional coffee methods.

However, the problem with the latter is that it consumes a lot of space. If you are looking for a compact coffee maker, such as one for a tiny apartment or a small office, this can prove to be too bulky.

If all that you want is an espresso or cappuccino style coffee (some call this a ‘capresso’, but we don’t share that sentiment), a cone filter will be unnecessary. Often, a coffee maker that comes with the latter is packed with accessories that you won’t need.

However, take note that if you want to be fancy with your drink, you will also benefit from a cone filter.

Things to Look for in the Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers

Having difficulty deciding which drip coffee maker is best for your needs? Below, we take a look at some of the most important factors you need to take into consideration.

Consider the Carafe Material

One of the first things that you have to look at is the main material that is used in the construction of the carafe.

Most of the options will be made of glass, stainless steel, and plastic.

Most of the budget-friendly options have a carafe made of plastic. Some earlier models can be prone to breaking, but they are now made stronger.

Plastic can also have an aftertaste, depending on the quality. Glass, on the other hand, does not leave an aftertaste— but is fragile. If you want the strongest from the bunch, choose stainless steel. It will also let you genuinely taste the coffee grounds coming out of your grinder instead of anything residual that might be released from the material.

The carafe often comes with insulation that helps retain the temperature of the coffee while it is kept in the carafe.

Look For A Timer

If you are after convenience, you will also benefit from choosing a coffee maker that comes with a programmable timer.

With a timer, you can set the coffee maker the night before depending on how many hours you plan to sleep.

When you wake up in the morning, the coffee is already brewing and ready for you to get you up and running for a new day!

Ability to Keep Coffee Hot

Another thing that makes a coffee maker exceptional is the ability to maintain hot coffee for you.

It must keep the coffee warm even several hours after brewing so that you can enjoy it.

According to the  SCAA Golden Cup Standard, the temperature of the water at the point of contact to the coffee should be 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (which translates into 90.5 to 96 degrees Celsius for my readers from the rest of the world).

Quick Brewing Time

A coffee maker that saves you some time is always welcome. True, slower makers do spread more of that lovely coffee aroma about your home. 

But I believe you’ll start to appreciate the minutes you managed to shave off your daily mundane tasks with a quick brew coffee maker.

Programmable Options

Aside from the timer, other programmable features should be present in your choice.

For instance, you will benefit from one that will allow you to choose the brew strength. Whether you want your coffee light or bold, you can have it personalized based on what tickles your taste buds.

Some even allow you to specify the brewing time of your taste, so you can time your cup just after you finish brushing your teeth in the morning, for example.

The Right Filter

If there is one part that is critical in the flavor and aroma of the coffee, it would be the filter, which makes it important for such to be made of exceptional material.

If you are looking for something disposable, go for a paper filter. It is thrown after every brewing. This material does not allow the coffee oils to penetrate, which negatively impacts the overall flavor of your coffee. It leaves the drink a bit bland, but it’s still coffee nonetheless.

On the other hand, with a permanent reusable filter, high maintenance is necessary because it needs to be cleaned after each brew. A lot of people prefer this type of filter because it makes the coffee more flavorful.

Be Stylish

You should also consider aesthetics as you try to reach a decision. Coffee experience is not simply tasting coffee, but the whole package that goes with grounding, brewing, smelling, and consuming. 

One question you might ask is if you should choose a coffee maker red or white?

Or, maybe, is there any other color that you prefer, or would fit your countertop? This is all a matter of personal preferences and aesthetic sense.

The important thing is for the color to blend well with the overall look of the kitchen or anywhere it will be used. This will help to make your place look more stylish!

In Conclusion

I gave you everything you need to find the best 4 cup coffee maker out there.

You know what to look for and which models are currently the best ones you can pick.

All of them have useful features, but the one we liked the most is the Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker Featuring Thermal Carafe.

It offers the ideal temperature range and has both auto shut-off and brew-pause features.

Which one did you like the best?

Do you have some tips on choosing the best four-cup coffee maker that you’d like to share with us?

Feel free to leave us a comment; we would love to hear your opinion!

You May Also Read – Best Dual Coffee Makers

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