Ratio Six Tops Automatic Drip Coffee Maker Tests

Serious Eats has named the Ratio Six Coffee Maker as its top pick after testing 15 automatic drip machines. The publication identified nine recommended models. The Breville Precision Brewer is the best choice for users who want to program their brew the night before.

The team conducted a series of tests. They evaluated general use, large and small batch performance, brewing temperature, and heat retention. They brewed using both light and dark roast beans, following Specialty Coffee Association protocols for large batches. The goal was to find machines that deliver convenience without sacrificing a quality cup.

Showerhead Design Proves Critical

A brewer's showerhead is pivotal for even extraction. It mimics the control of a manual pour-over. The best designs have numerous holes to saturate the entire bed of grounds uniformly. Models like the OXO 8-Cup, OXO 9-Cup, and the Ratio Six were praised for their outstanding showerheads. In contrast, narrow showerheads, such as the one on the Technivorm Moccamaster, can cause channeling. This leads to uneven extraction. Nate Van Dusen, founder of Brio Coffeeworks, noted he used to manually move the Technivorm's showerhead to improve saturation. That workaround defeats the purpose of an automatic machine. The Fellow Aiden offers a smart solution. It has two showerhead settings tailored for different batch sizes.

Thermal Carafes Outperform Hot Plates

Insulated thermal carafes have become a significant upgrade. They keep the beverage at a drinkable temperature without the scorching effect of a hot plate. All winning models in the test featured thermal carafes. These maintained heat for at least two hours. Research indicates most drinkers prefer their morning drink around 140°F. Thermal carafes reliably preserve this temperature. Machines with glass carafes and hot plates, like the Aarke Coffee Maker, performed poorly in heat retention tests. The publication advises that if you are spending over $200 on a brewer, an insulated carafe should be expected.

Brew Basket Shape Informs Batch Size

The shape of the brew basket influences extraction and ideal batch size. Flat, wide beds generally performed best. They promote even extraction when paired with a good showerhead. Some models, including the Fellow and OXO 8-Cup, come with two different brew baskets for flexibility. The Fellow Aiden, for instance, has a large flat bed for multiple cups and a mini conical bed for small batches. Conical beds can allow for higher extraction rates. This may benefit lighter roasts. The Breville Precision Brewer includes both a large cone and a smaller flat-bottom filter. This makes it a potential choice for light roast enthusiasts. The Aarke Coffee Maker also has a conical basket. It was not recommended due to its glass carafe.

User Experience Versus Coffee Quality

Ease of use varied widely among the tested brewers. The Fellow Aiden and Technivorm Moccamaster KBT were highlighted for their intuitive, plug-and-play operation. Others, like the xBloom, presented a steeper learning curve. They require patience and manual consultation. While a good user experience is valuable, the final assessment prioritized the quality of the brewed result above all else. The testers concluded that modern automatic drip machines, when well-designed, can reliably produce excellent results. This challenges their past reputation for mediocre outcomes.