REASONS TO BUY
Great water temperature output
One-button simplicity
Insulated carafe
Sleek design
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller capacity
No additional features
Expensive
Ratio Six Review
An expensive yet simple coffee maker that consistently brews high-quality coffee
Credit: Ratio
RELATED: Best Coffee Makers of 2023
Our Verdict
The Ratio Six is a simple brewer that will consistently brew a great cup of coffee. It's designed with simplicity, as only one button controls the entire machine. It is one of the few coffee brewers in our review that reached the industry standard in water temperature output. The brewer has an integrated bloom cycle that helps extract the best flavors. However, this coffee maker has many non-dishwasher-safe components, making it one of our least favorite to clean.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Ratio Six | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $365 List $295.00 at Amazon | $75 List $69.99 at Amazon | $100 List $99.95 at Amazon | $40 List $34.99 at Amazon | $160 List $190.46 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Great water temperature output, one-button simplicity, insulated carafe, sleek design | Easy cleaning, simple design, can use pods | Large brew capacity range, good water distribution, coffee filter included | Inexpensive, automatic brew feature | Easy to use, almost no cleaning, barcode reader, water tank swivels |
| Cons | Smaller capacity, no additional features, expensive | Small water tank opening, fill to brew volume | Bulky, confusing interface | Hard to fill, bulky | Pods are expensive, requires specific pod, lacks brew quality |
| Bottom Line | An expensive yet simple coffee maker that consistently brews high-quality coffee | The combination of features and affordability make this a great budget option | A great option for coffee drinkers looking to brew larger batches of coffee | The most affordable and straightforward coffee maker that consistently brews decent coffee | An excellent choice for those who appreciate an appliance with single-button simplicity |
| Rating Categories | Ratio Six | Hamilton Beach 2-Way | Cuisinart 14-Cup Pr... | Black+Decker 12-Cup... | Nespresso VertuoPlus |
| Brew Quality (35%) | |||||
| User Friendliness (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Cleaning (20%) | |||||
| Consistency (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Ratio Six | Hamilton Beach 2-Way | Cuisinart 14-Cup Pr... | Black+Decker 12-Cup... | Nespresso VertuoPlus |
| Cup Capacity | 8 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 1 |
| Single Serve | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Automatic Brewing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Brew Temp | 176 °F | 166 °F | 177 °F | 162 °F | 168 °F |
| Preinfusion | Yes | No | No | No | Yes, not adjustable |
| Filter Shape | Flat | Flat | Cone | Flat | Pod |
| Energy Usage | 1400 watts | 950 watts | 1050 watts | 975 watts | 1350 watts |
| Measured Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14.25" x 7" x 15.5" | 13.9" x 12.2" x 11.1" | 14" x 8" x 9" | 8.2" x 12.2" x 11" | 12.8" x 8.7" x 12.7" |
| Measured Weight | 10.8 lbs | 5.0 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 4.8 lbs | 10.1 lbs |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
We were impressed with the Ratio Six's high-quality output. Time and time again, we brewed great-tasting coffee with this machine. One simple button begins the brewing process, which includes a blooming cycle. However, we weren't overly thrilled about the handful of additional components, making it a less user-friendly model.
Performance Comparison
The Ratio Six has a unique design, with the filter basket resting on top of the carafe.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brew Quality
The Ratio scored well in our brew quality test, delivering high-quality coffee in under six minutes. This brewer had no trouble reaching the industry standard for temperature output, which is crucial for a tasty cup of coffee. The grounds were evenly saturated, though the spray head appeared to be more indented on one side.
The spray head has an average amount of indentation into the grounds. The indents are slightly deeper on the side closest to the machine.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The machine has an integrated bloom cycle for maximum extraction. We appreciate the included bloom cycle; however, there is no option to change the cycle time or turn it off. Additionally, the cycle requires over a cup of water and doesn't start until nearly two minutes into the brew cycle. Still, this coffee maker produced some of the best coffee out of our lineup.
The machine is easily filled with water by a large opening on the top.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
User Friendliness
This brewer has a simple, easy-to-use interface with no screen and only one button. The coffee is brewed into an insulated carafe which sits on a non-heated pad. The insulated carafe kept our brew warm without sacrificing flavor, as heated plates often do.
One button controls the machine with lights indicating the cycle progress. All three lights blink when the carafe isn't placed on the machine correctly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This brewer has a few more components compared to the average coffee maker. Typically, the filter basket attaches to the machine. However, the Ratio Six's filter basket attaches on top of the carafe, completely relying on it for the brewing process. The troubles arise following the brewing. To pour the coffee, you must first remove the filter basket from the carafe. This process lends itself to messes as the filter will still drip for a few minutes.
Transporting the filter caused a bit of drippage on the countertop. Fortunately, Ratio provides a catcher for the filter basket.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Additionally, we found the carafe required quite a bit of turning to get the proper flow, and can result in messy splatter, which wasn't ideal as this carafe is heavy and the handle uncomfortable. We expected a much easier pour from such an expensive product.
The Ratio Six impressed us with brewing quality coffee, but we were disappointed with the pouring flow, which can be messy and sometimes splatters.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Cleaning
The Six has a smooth matte black surface, making it easy to wipe down and conceal stains. The carafe cannot be put through the dishwasher and the opening is on the smaller side, which might be a problem for those with larger hands. The additional components make this brewer slightly more challenging to wash than others. And without a cleaning alert, you'll need to remember to descale this regularly.
The carafe is not dishwasher safe, and with the small opening, it's not the easiest to clean.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Consistency
The Ratio Six was a top performer in consistency. We tested five pots of coffee back-to-back to determine the average temperature, the time it took to brew, and the flavor retention. On average, the Ratio produced a full pot in just under six minutes. The temperature was exceptionally consistent and after two hours, the coffee retained most of its flavor.
The Ratio Six brews a pot of coffee in about six minutes. It is incredibly consistent in brewing temperature.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente
Should you buy the Ratio Six?
The Ratio Six brews top-quality coffee but is on the pricier side. If you're looking for a simple machine that consistently delivers excellent coffee and you don't mind the extra parts, this is a great option. But its simple design lacks features like programmable timers or sneak-a-cup. We would recommend this to a smaller household as this model has a smaller brew capacity.
The Ratio Six has a few moving parts as the filter basket sits on top of the carafe. It must be removed prior to pouring coffee.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What other coffee makers should you consider?
If you're looking for an appliance with features like auto-brewing or sneak-a-cup, check out the Breville Precision Brewer. This brewer is also on the pricier side but has a few more features and brews excellent coffee. Looking for a less expensive option? The BUNN Heat N' Brew Programmable is a great alternative for almost half the cost and has great brew quality.
—
Jessica Riconscente and Becca Glades
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