Best 4 Cup and 5 Cup Coffee Makers of 2021: Just Right!

Caught in a limbo where traditional automatic drippers lead to wasted coffee while single-serve models don’t make enough to quench your caffeinated cravings? The best 4 cup & 5 cup coffee makers will get you out of that dark place!

Featuring smaller carafes, they give you all the perks of larger models but without making more coffee than you can drink in one go nor compromising on quality. Plus, they’re usually more compact too, which is always handy in modern kitchens.

Let’s take you through our buying guide and 4-5 cup coffee maker reviews to help you find the right sidekick for you!

AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP PICKS

Best 4 Cup & 5 Cup Coffee Makers Buying Guide: Small But Mighty!

Instead of opting for the first model that catches your attention, take a moment to understand what type of 4 or 5 cup coffee maker you need in your life.

Automatic or manual?

The chances are that, if you’ve been looking for a 4 or 5 cup coffee maker, you’re thinking of an automatic dripper.

It makes sense: after all, these coffee machines are quick and practical and that’s why we’ve reviewed 8 of them.

However, we thought we’d remind you that there’s another type of coffee maker that can brew those quantities of joe: the iconic French press.

If you were hoping for a more budget-friendly option and you like the idea of being slightly more involved with the brewing process, that could be the best solution for you.

Paper filters or reusable?

What could seem like a trivial decision can actually affect the final flavor of your cup:

• Paper filters retain the coffee oils, guaranteeing a smooth, sediment-free brew that tastes more like pour-overs. While they consist of an additional cost, they also make it easier to clean up once you’ve brewed;
• Reusable filters let the coffee oils into your cup, resulting in a bolder-tasting joe. Even though they must be rinsed after each use, keep in mind that they’re often dishwasher-safe and that they’re kinder to the environment (no waste!).

Carafe: thermal or glass?

Unless you drink it straight away, the importance of your coffee maker doesn’t end when you’ve brewed your java: the carafe can actually make a big difference.

• Thermal carafes are, overall, the best option: they’re durable, reliable and keep your coffee extra hot without spoiling it;
• Glass carafes are undoubtedly stylish and fascinating (we could watch the coffee brew through them for hours!) but they’re more fragile. Most importantly, their hot plate can lead to over-extraction if you leave it on for too long. 

PRO TIP: If you want the best-tasting coffee but love the look of glass carafes, just get used to drinking it asap instead of forgetting about it for half an hour every time.

Extra features for your 4 or 5 cup coffee maker

Why invest in a 4 or 5 cup coffee maker that matches your desired coffee quantity but doesn’t actually complement your routine?

If you think you’d make the most of them, consider looking for one or more of these features:

• Brew-pause: it lets you enjoy the first cup of coffee before the rest of the carafe is brewed;
• Programmability: so that you can program your 4 or 5 cup coffee maker to wake up before you do and get the first pot of the day ready;
• Automatic shutoff: useful if you can never remember whether or not you’ve switched off your appliances.

Best 4 Cup Coffee Makers of 2021 [Top 4 Reviews]

Let’s start with an overview of the smaller 4 cup coffee makers:

Available in either black or red, this 4 cup coffee maker is compact and practical.

We’ve found that it streamlines the brewing process while also allowing you to enjoy the perks of some larger and more expensive models, like the brew-pause feature and the automatic shutoff after 30 minutes.

This Cuisinart machine relies on a stylish stainless steel carafe with a dripless-pour spout and an ergonomic knuckle guard to prevent burns.

Bottom line: A simple but reliable 4 cup coffee maker that won’t let you down.

Full of perks despite the humble price tag, this Gevi model focuses on both practicality and brew quality.

First of all, it relies on a 6-hole outlet to ensure even extraction, and the anti-leaking hole comes to the rescue if you accidentally overfill the water tank.

Secondly, it’s fast and easy to use thanks to the one-touch operation, anti-drip design, and automatic shutoff of its hot plate.

Finally, this 4 cup coffee maker is especially a godsend for households with low cupboards: instead of having to pull it forward every time, they can rely on its easy front access.

Bottom line: While 4 cup brewers aren’t as wide as traditional drippers, this model optimizes vertical space, too.

Mr. Coffee is popular amongst coffee lovers who aren’t interested in lots of customizable features and just want a simple pot of joe. This coffee maker does exactly that, but in smaller quantities compared to Mr. Coffee’s traditional models.

It also features a handy on/off indicator light, the sought-after brew-pause option, and a removable basket filter that makes for easy filling and cleaning.

Bottom line: A humble 4 cup coffee maker that will easily streamline your morning routine.

Not 100% sure? Let’s check the best 5 cup coffee makers too, then!

Best 5 Cup Coffee Makers of 2021 [Top 4 Reviews]

Could do with a little extra joe? Here are the best 5 cup coffee makers:

Topping off the beautiful glass carafe with a stainless steel finish, this 5 cup coffee maker is guaranteed to become the most attention-grabbing piece in your kitchen. 

Still, this doesn’t mean that it’s style over substance. On the contrary, this Krups model is perfect for a quick, effortless brew, too.

From its permanent filter to the no-drip carafe and the brew-pause feature, it’s clear that a lot of planning has gone into its design.

Bottom line: A coffee maker that will impress your guests with its looks as well as its delicious coffee.

Tempted by the idea of waking up to a fully brewed pot of joe? Don’t let it be just a dream!

With this budget-friendly Mr. Coffee model, you can make the most of your beloved programmable feature, as well as the brew-pause.

Every part of this coffee maker and, especially, its carafe was clearly designed with practicality and easy handling in mind, so your first coffee of the day will be a breeze no matter how sleepy you are.

It even includes a water filtration disk for better-tasting brews.

Bottom line: If you can never trust the other members of your household to brew you a nice cup of joe, you can trust this coffee maker.

This Black+Decker 5 cup coffee maker proves that, if you know where to look, you can find models that make great-tasting coffee and even offer you a few perks… for a fraction of the price!

From the on/off light to the ergonomic carafe and the brew-pause feature, this Black+Decker coffee machine is practical and reliable.

It’ll also look amazing in any kitchen thanks to its versatile black finish and elegant glass carafe.

Bottom line: A budget-friendly brewer with cool features and an aesthetically pleasing design: what’s not to love?

FAQs

1. What is the best 4 cup coffee maker on the market?

In our opinion, the best 4 cup coffee maker on the market is the Cuisinart DCC-450BK or, if you were after a non-automatic brewing method, the Bodum Chambord French press.

2. What is the best 5 cup coffee maker?

The best 5 cup coffee maker is the KRUPS Simply Brew: it guarantees a quick, streamlined brewing process while also spoiling you with a couple of perks.

3. How much coffee do I use for 4 cups?

For 4 cups, you should use 8 tablespoons (2 per cup), which equates to around 40-60 grams of ground coffee.

4. How do you make coffee in a 5 cup coffee maker?

To make coffee in a 5 cup coffee maker you follow the exact same steps that you’re used to with larger drippers: fill up the water reservoir, add grounds to the filter (either paper or reusable, depending on your model), and press the brew button.

If you're wondering about the power usage of these coffee makers, read our post discussing how many amps a coffee maker uses. 

References

1. Minkin, T. (2019, May 14). Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Coffee Maker Review. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/bodum-chambord-french-press-review-4684924
2. Maddie. (2015, August 19). The importance of water quality in coffee preparation. Retrieved from https://www.kickinghorsecoffee.com/our-coffee