The Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers You Can Buy In 2020

The coffee culture is ever-growing and people want high-quality and fast coffee in each cup. For this reason, most prefer to invest in coffee makers to meet their needs. And this makes perfect sense.

First off, coffee machines are in the long run cost-effective and brew fresh coffee by the touch of a button. Also, if you want a coffee machine but have limited counter space in your kitchen then a 4 cup coffee machine might be what you’re searching for.

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also, if you are the only coffee drinker in your house and don’t want to get the full 12 cup coffee machine then a 4 cup coffee maker may be your best solution.

Still, it might be challenging to know which the best product is and which one you should best avoid. That’s why we’ve come up with our list of top 4-cup coffee machines. Each of these 4 cup coffee makers has much to offer, some brew a great cup of coffee while others are near-silent during brewing. Whatever your preference, these products are impressive.

We’ll look at both the positives and negatives of our best 4 cup coffee makers in 2020. We’ll also go over what you should look for when you’re shopping for a coffee machine; whether it’s a small coffee machine, automatic coffee maker, or stainless steel.

10 Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers on the Market in 2020 – Reviewed

A quality machine needs to do more than brew a great cup of joe, it should be convenient as well. And this is possible when you get the best 4 cup coffee maker. That’s considering that some sub-par products may not offer many features. That said, let’s take a detailed look at our top 10 4 cup coffee makers.

1. Elite Cuisine Brew and Drip EHC-5055 Automatic 4 Cup Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Elite Cuisine Brew and Drip Coffee Maker is efficient, plus it is easy to clean. Also, it’s among the few coffee machines that are dishwasher safe. So, once done, you simply put a coffee filter and the carafe in your dishwasher.

This brewer allows you to pause during brewing to take you a cuppa or two. Afterward, once you replace the glass carafe, the coffee maker will resume its function. For ease of use, the carafe is calibrated thus will show you the content level.

Additionally, the Elite EHC-5055 comes equipped with a keep-warm feature. Provide there’s some coffee left in the unit, this machine will maintain the temperatures steady until you’re ready for your brew.  This function is great since it allows you to get the 5-cup variant thus it will hold more tasty coffee.

Both the 4 and 5 cups Elite Cuisine variant models come with a drip-free pouring spout which makes it safe to use. The best part with this 4 cup coffee maker is that it comes with a limited 1-year warranty, therefore, you are sure of the product quality you’ll be getting.

2. Braun KF7150BK Brew Sense

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Braun KF7150BK brewer contains a high-tech coffee making unit with a piano black and stainless steel finish. It also has an extra-large display and a user-friendly control panel with LED light indicators. This helps you know what you’re programming since the lights will blink.

This drip coffee maker also features an automatic shut off function that will turn off your brewer after 2 hours. And this ensures that your machine does not overhear and saves energy.

While all its parts aren’t BPA free, this 4 cup coffee maker is equipped with a charcoal filter basket which ensures that you’re getting optimal flavors in your coffee.

Additionally, it also has a programmable 24-hour clock thus you can effortlessly customize your cup thanks to its bold strength selector which lets you choose your brew from bold to regular.

Its anti-drip system allows you to pause and take a cup mid brewing cycle. This you can do without having to mess your kitchen counters.

The Braun Brew Sense brewer also includes a condensation tray which ensures the water remains inside your 4 cup coffee maker. And this means that you won’t have any water spillage on your kitchen counters.

With a handy glass carafe that’s built-in to the coffee maker, this brewer will take up less counter space.

Its water reservoir has clear marking and water level indicators therefore ensuring you know how many cups you’ll be brewing. It’s warmer plate helps keep your coffee hot for hours. What’s more, you can regulate the temperatures depending on how hot you’d like your coffee.

Maintenance and cleaning are pretty effortless with a “clean” button which will do the descaling for you. Besides, the filter and carafe are dishwasher friendly.

3. Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bonavita 5 cup coffee maker uses simple features thus you can enjoy every toasty sip. It’s a compact machine that includes a one-touch brewing option thus making brewing a lot easier. This one-touch automatic brewer has a smart stainless steel design. Plus it has several great features that ensure that you get quality coffee every time.

This 5 cup coffee maker has a cross-shaped shower head which ensures you have a steady and even shower of water over your grounds. It is also designed for optimal extraction for small batches. It’s 110 watts heater will help to consistently maintain the right temperatures for brewing until each brewing process ends.

Also, its auto-off function will turn off your brewer if you’ve forgotten. This means that it will shut down automatically when it’s not in use.

The Bonavita coffee maker has a thermal carafe that’s made from stainless steel which makes it durable. Additionally, it can hold 5 cups of your favorite brew. This coffee maker uses the regular #4 cone-shaped filters hence you won’t lack a filter basket.

Cleaning and washing the filter basket, carafe lid, and showerhead are easy to clean since they are removable and dishwasher friendly. Also, this brewer uses BPA-free plastic which makes it safe to use and your coffee is free from chemical elements.

4. Mr. Coffee Simple Brewer

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Mr. Coffee Simple Brewer comes in a matt black model design and includes all the key features needed to make that perfect cup of joe. It’s a mess-free appliance that produces great tasting coffee brew in minimal time. Furthermore, it takes less counter space, and it’s pretty durable.

it uses an on/off display light which makes it easy for you to tell when the machine is running. Also, its power-on status reminds you that you’ll need to switch off the appliance thus saving energy.

With its Grab-A-Cup auto-pause button, you can stop the brewing cycle should you want to take a cup before the whole process is completed.

When refilling the water tank, its dual water window offers you a clearer view of the amount of water you fill. This also helps prevent the overflowing of water out of the brewer onto your kitchen counters.

What’s more, a detachable filter basket can be cleaned easily so even when you’re in a hurry, you can efficiently and easily clean it fast.

This brewer can give you 4 cups of joe or two mugs of coffee, in one cycle. This is comparatively enough for those seeking to brew a small batch or if you have limited counter space. Again, the brewer gives you steaming hot brew on demand plus it has a smooth pour.

Mr. Coffee Simple Brewer is designed and includes a timer that lets you plan a 24 hour brewing time so you’ll always get your cup of coffee at the right time you need it.

What’s more, its glass carafe is dishwasher friendly and sits on a warm plate. Furthermore, it’s easy to wash and it’s stain-resistant thus you won’t have to put much effort when cleaning it.

5. Elite Gourme EHC-2022 Coffee Maker

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you have limited time and can’t do without a strong cuppa, yet you need a quick cup of coffee then a 4 cup coffee machine EHC-2022 Elite Cuisine will help meet your needs.

The EHC-2022 appliance will make you 4 cups of rich and fresh tasting coffee each day without a hassle.

Its detachable filter basket can be reused so it reduces the expenses of stocking up with a new one regularly. It can be removed easily and cleaned in a dishwasher friendly or under a tap the sink as well.

This coffee brewer comes with a simple yet easy ON/OFF switch operation system which makes it a hassle-free machine. Also, it includes a power indicator which helps you know if your coffee maker is ready to operate.

Its water tank can be accessed easily and even easier to refill. To refill, you simply need to lift the lid and then add water into the reservoir.

What’s more, this machine has an automatic carafe warmer and this means you have a hot plate for keeping your coffee fresh and hot for about an hour after brewing has completed.

Also, this brewer includes pause and serve functions which let you stop it during brewing and pour yourself a cup. Its drip-free pouring spout helps prevent a mess that could happen from the leftover coffee trickling on your kitchen counter.

This coffee maker’s stay-cool handles help make the handling of hot coffee safe and easier. Additionally, EHC-2022 brewer is an excellent option as a travel coffee pot. Thus, it’s the perfect choice for those people who enjoy having their coffee while traveling or as they leave for work.

6. Zojirushi EC-DAC50 5-Cup Drip Zutto Coffeemaker

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Zojirushi Zutto EC-DAC50 machine has a solid silver exterior that’s designed with small kitchen owners in mind. This coffee maker doesn’t take much space on your kitchen counter and it’s super easy to operate.

This coffee maker is a powerful 650-watt drip coffee brewer that makes about 5 cups of excellent-tasting coffee. It offers incredibly precise temperatures thus maintaining them at consistent ranges of 195-215°F. Plus it takes a little longer (6 minutes) to make one cup of coffee however the taste is well worth the wait. 

It includes a filter basket that’s smoothly designed and sits in a glass carafe hence it’s a lot easier to use. Also, the coffee flavor gets extracted thoroughly during brewing which then increases the taste of your coffee.

Since the water tank is hidden, it doesn’t make this machine’s exterior look bulky and absurd. Additionally, it’s detachable and contains measurement marks for iced and hot coffee depending on the number of cups you’d like to make. Also, this makes refilling of the tank easy and quite exact.

The Zojirushi Drip Zutto has an automatic keep-warm feature that helps keep your coffee hot without a burnt taste for as long as you’d want it.

In the place of the carafe basket, you’ll find a filter lid which means that it works as a showerhead to evenly distribute hot water on your coffee ground.

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 coffee maker also comes with a charcoal filter to purify the water thus helping to improve the taste of made coffee. When used normally, it can last up to 2 years.

Again, since it has detachable parts, cleaning this machine is hassle-free. To help increase your machine’s durability, it’s recommended that you use citric acid cleaner to periodically descale the coffee maker.

7. BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The 5-Cup BLACK+DECKER DCM600B Coffee Maker is for you if you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to brew your cup of black coffee. This apparatus is an easier approach to making the perfect cup of joe.

It’s a compact machine which makes it the best option for small offices, kitchens, and apartments. With its one-touch operation system, you can brew the most delicious brew from the comfort of your home.

It includes a 5 cup capacity dura glass carafe and a one-piece cover which makes it ideal for brewing enough coffee. Also, it has markings to ensure accurate filling. It has an easy-grip handle which ensures a smooth pouring experience. This 4 cup coffee maker gives you the optimal temperature for making your coffee in a few minutes meaning you won’t have to wait longer to enjoy a tasty cup of joe.

Thanks to the water window you can easily view and since it’s also calibrated you’ll know the right brew amount. Due to the optimal heating function, you’ll have enhanced flavor extraction to give you fresh coffee and on-demand.

What’s more, this machine includes a hot plate that’s non-stick and will keep your brew hot for several hours after the completion of a brewing cycle.

Its detachable filter basket is compatible with the basket-style filter paper and is dishwasher friendly. Plus it has a 1- 4 cups basket style.

8. Cuisinart DCC-450BK Coffee Machine

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Cuisinart DCC-450 BK Coffeemaker is a sturdy-looking and durable machine that comes with advanced functions to give you great coffee brews each morning. This 4 cup coffee machine is an economical choice for beginner baristas who aren’t planning to spend lots of money on a coffee machine. This machine also has the easiest system to use. 

It’s the right device for baristas who seek to brew that perfect cuppa for a friend or themselves. This DCC-450 BK from Cuisinart includes an ergonomic stainless steel carafe that helps keep the optimal heat and temperature of your coffee for a long time.

Its knuckle guard and anti-drip pour help ensure a smooth mess-free pour in each cup. With the Cuisinart, you can brew 4 cups pot full of coffee in less than 5 minutes and its professionally designed showerhead helps to further improve the quality and taste of your brew.

This coffeemaker features a brew-pause functionality that is useful if you want to take a cup before the whole brewing process ends. Thus you can easily stop the brewing for about 30 seconds and then pour yourself a cup.

Additionally, it has an automatic on/off indicator which shows you when the machine is ready to brew. Also, the 30-minute automatic shutoff will shut down your machine after the brewing cycle has ended. Thus it’ll save energy and even prevent the machine from burning out.

Again, this means even when you forget to switch it off after making your cup so you still won’t have to worry about it. Plus, the parts can be cleaned and descaled easily, and its maintenance is hassle-free.

9. Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Compact Coffee Machine

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Capresso 4 cup 303.01 Coffeemaker for you if you’re looking for something a little fancier. This is a small cappuccino and espresso maker. With this machine, you can change the strength of your brew, steamer, and milk frother option.

If you don’t like taking plain coffee, yet you want to brew quickly, the Capresso coffeemaker might just be the better option for you. While this device will help you brew both cappuccino and espresso relatively fast, its frother will take some practice. Also, you can change the steam level and it has a boiler cap and thumb guards.

The Capresso 4 cup coffee maker has a glass carafe that’s dishwasher safe. You can also easily disassemble this machine for cleaning. However, remember to descale your brewer regularly.

For a fancier coffee machine, this brewer comes with an outstandingly small footprint. This means it doesn’t take much space in normal kitchens hence it’s easy to store it on your countertop. It allows you to make 2 fairly average cappuccinos fast.

With this coffee maker, you won’t need additional equipment. Also, note that coffee makers that employ steam pressure in extract coffee are often cheaper when we’re talking costs. As such this 4-Cup Cappuccino and Espresso Machine is such a machine.

Although it doesn’t come with a timer option, this coffee brewer has a wow factor for your guests. Besides, it lets you make a few cappuccinos easily and quickly every day without much hassle.

10. Mr. Coffee DRX5-RB 4-Cup Best Programmable Coffee Maker

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This 4 cups programmable Coffeemaker from Mr. Coffee includes a graduated glass carafe which makes it easy to know how much coffee you’ll get and what’s left. The carafe has an anti-drip pouring spout with a big ergonomic handle for safe and easy pouring.

Since it’s programmable, you can set a timer so you get your best cup at the specified time. With this setting, you’ll avoid having to rush hence you’ll get your great-tasting coffee fast.

What’s more, it tells the actual time provided you set the time, thus making it a handy feature.

Again, this unit includes a brew-pause function. This means when you want to drink or taste some, you can stop mid-cycle then continue brewing from where you stopped.

It also comes with a removable filter basket which supports easy cleaning. Additionally, it has an auto shut-off function that helps keep you safe. This feature will switch off your machine 30 minutes after making its last brew. This however has two functions; preventing damage and saving power.

Thanks to its cord storage space, it’s possible to put away all excess cable. This reduces clutter which also makes your countertop look neater.

What To Look For In A 4 Cup Coffee Maker

Design

While owning a nice 4 cup coffee maker can be a great thing, note that it can also make a better impression. Therefore, don’t hesitate to look at the product’s appearance before buying. It’s understandable to get a coffee maker that will fit well in your kitchen design.

Capacity   

As you shop for a 4 cup coffee maker you might notice that the price difference between the 4 cup and 5-cup variants isn’t much. This is great news for people who drink lots of coffee or like to entertain. Also, note that if you’re getting it for your office then the larger its capacity the better. However,  if it’s for personal use, then 4 – 5 cups is sufficient enough.

Ease of Use

In addition to being easy to clean, your 4 cup brewer needs to be easy to operate. That starts with it being easily refillable hence a detachable water tank is a great option. However, they might be hard to find therefore a one-button operation will keep things simple. Detachable baskets are crucial in addition to getting reusable ones – some will ensure that you don’t have to use the disposable filters ever again.

Easy To Clean

If using a 4 cup coffee maker with a detachable basket you’ll notice that you will have less mess on your countertop. Additionally, it’s easy to empty the contents in a trashcan. Also, some brewers have a carafe that’s dishwasher friendly. And this makes cleaning it easy as it sometimes is awkward to clean it.

Detachable Filter Basket

Some people do have issues with the 4 cup coffee machine when considering the cleanup. If you buy the wrong brewer could mean you’ll spend more of your time cleaning it rather than enjoying your coffee.

That said, get a coffee maker that comes with a detachable basket since it makes clean up much easier. Note that filters with a gold-tone mean that you don’t need to use disposable filters which are more convenient and save you money.

Brew-Pause Function

Realize that you might buy the fastest 4 cup coffee maker but it might not be fast enough if you’re craving a cup of coffee.

The best coffee machines come with a brew-pause function that lets you remove the carafe and then pour yourself a cup mid-cycle. Once you put it back on its hot plate, the cycle will continue from where you left off but you’ll get to enjoy your cup.

Auto Switch Off

Sometimes you might forget to turn off your coffee brewer after pouring yourself a cup on your way to work.

Most coffee machines are equipped with an automatic off switch function that will take away the worry as to whether you’ve turned off your appliance. This may differ from 30 minutes to an hour after brewing is complete.

Tips On How To Clean And Use A Coffee Maker 

It’s important to clean your coffee machine as this can affect the taste of your coffee. Realize that limescale can build up quickly and debris from coffee beans might start clogging your machine.

In general, coffee machines need to be cleaned once per month, if you’re using them every day. Therefore, for you to keep your machine looking new and your coffee brew tasting great, here are some tips to help.

Always Wash Detachable Parts After Use

While this might seem obvious but when you’re in a hurry it’s easy to forget. All detachable parts must be washed after each brew using hot soapy water.

If the parts are dishwasher safe, simply pop them in your dishwasher before leaving the house. If you don’t take the time to clean them, then your coffee might not have the best flavors and its performance will be affected.

Use Lemon Juice 

Lemon juice is a great substitute for vinegar and has similar levels of acidity. First, remove any leftover coffee by running a brew cycle using water only. Afterward, fill up the water reservoir with half water/half lemon solution. 

Let it sit for about 15 minutes then put a filter and run the machine. Once this cycle is completed, run a cycle using freshwater once or even twice. And to finish, wash all the removable parts using hot soapy water.

Use White Vinegar 

Machines are decalcified to prevent the accumulation of hard minerals. The use of vinegar will help keep your coffee machine in a brand new condition. 

To use, pour a mixture of half water and half vinegar in the water tank and if you’re using paper filters place one in. 

Set up your coffee pot and use your brewer as if you’re making coffee. Once it’s complete restart the whole process again this time using vinegar and hot water mixture.

Once this cycle is completed, then clean everything else using hot soapy water. Also, run another two brewing cycles but using freshwater. This helps ensure that you remove all the vinegar residue.

Other Features You Should Consider When Buying A Coffee Maker

There are several key features that you may want to have when choosing a coffee maker.

The right brewing temperature should come first in your list. Note that coffee machines that have crazy temperatures might either burn the coffee or might not get the brew hot enough to brew. Thus it will only give you a weak puddle. So what else should you look for? Let’s find out.

Consider a timer

The 4 cup coffee maker you choose should make you coffee within minutes. This function is not only convenient but it can also affect the quality of your brew. When the heating or flow rate is too slow then it will only make your brew taste sourer.

Another element you could consider is a timer. Having a programmable coffee maker allows you to brew your beverage the night before. Thus you can set it to start so that your brew is ready after you’ve woken up. If your day starts too early or you know it will be hectic then a timer can help save your early start.

Even then, you should remember that this type of coffee will come with serious compromises as far as taste is concerned. That’s because you’ll need to grind your coffee the night before you brew it.

Stainless Steel Carafe, Glass or plastic

Also, you’ll have to decide whether you want a carafe made from stainless steel, glass, or heavy-duty plastic. Steel makes a great option as most thermal carafes use this material. Additionally, this material gives you a sturdy carafe that looks premium.

Again plastic seems to be a lot cheaper and its only benefit is that it is stronger than glass.

As such glass is well-liked among coffee aficionados as it does not add any flavors plus it’s easy to clean. Its drawback is that it’s fragile and will not keep your beverage warm for long.

Each of these materials has its benefits but the one you settle for will be determined by your personal preference. As concerns the appearance, the smooth look of the stainless steel carafe may be a better option. Also, it’s more durable when compared to glass products.

What’s more, it’s much easier to clean it compared to its glass counterparts. Even then, more people prefer a glass carafe since it lets you see the amount of coffee brew you have left.

Which Is The Best 4 Cup Coffee Maker For You?

When compared to other methods of brewing coffee, the 4 cup coffee makers are a valuable and inexpensive purchase if you enjoy making your coffee. Even when you only want a device that brews good coffee without any fuss, then the 4 cup coffeemakers are a great option for machines like espresso makers.

That’s why many baristas have them ready in offices and at home. When done right, most people find that the 4 cup coffee makers are compact, yet easy to use brewers that once you get one, you can’t do without it.

Even then, picking the best 4 cup coffeemaker is no easy task. As such it takes much consideration and lots of research. But when you have a little information, this whole experience doesn’t have to be hard to get the right one for your needs. 

And from our list of 10 best 4 cup coffee machines, we hope that you can now choose a machine that’s suited for your needs.

All in all, what matters is that you go with the one that offers you that perfect cup of coffee whenever you need it.

Here’s a quick summary of the best 4 cup Coffee Makers on the market

Coffee Maker Model	Why Get This 4 Cup Coffee Maker
Elite Cuisine Brew and Drip EHC-5055 Automatic Coffeemaker	Easy to cleanCalibrated glass carafe that’s dishwasher safeIncludes keep-warm featureHas a brew-pause function1-year limited guarantee
Braun KF7150BK Brew Sense	Uses BPA- free plasticProgrammableEnsures maximum coffee extractionEasy to clean with Auto-off featureHigh-quality stainless steel exterior
Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffeemaker	Keeps optimal temperatureBPA- freeMakes 5 cups in about 6 minutesPre-infusion mode lets fresh coffee to bloom and degasExterior made from high-quality stainless steel
Mr. Coffee Simple Brewer	Affordable with great looking design24-hour programmabilityStain-resistant hot plateOccupies little counter spaceEasy to maintain and clean
Elite Cuisine EHC-2022 Coffeemaker	It’s eco-friendly and easy to usePerfect as a travel coffee brewing potWater filters are washable and reusable
Zojirushi EC-DAC50 5-Cup Drip Zutto Coffeemaker	Compact and sleek designRetains ideal brewing temperatureHas a heating plateEasy to maintain and cleanCheap replacement parts make great tasting coffee
BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker	Affordable small and compact brewerMakes 5 cupsFast brewing unit that’s easy to useIncludes a carafe hot plate that keeps it warmDetachable filter basketBrews decent amounts of coffee
Cuisinart DCC-450BK Coffee Machine	Stainless steel carafeEasy to operate with brew-pause featureHas a 30-minute auto switch-off functionBPA free making it safe to useA hot plate to keep your coffee warm for long periods
Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Compact Coffee Machine	Small footprintIncludes a pause function that’s great for pre-infusionSafety boiler capHas a stainless steel carafe and keeps your coffee hotAdjustable steam output
Mr. Coffee DRX5-RB 4-Cup Best Programmable Coffeemaker	Brew-pause functionDrip-free pouring spoutAutomatic shut off safety function ProgrammableDetachable filter basket allowing for easy cleaningGraduated glass carafeCord storage to eliminate clutter