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Ratio Six Review

An expensive yet simple coffee maker that consistently brews high-quality coffee, but isn't the most fun to use
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Ratio Six Review (Despite the hassle of a brew basket that sits on the carafe, this machine gives a pretty great tasting cup of coffee.)
Despite the hassle of a brew basket that sits on the carafe, this machine gives a pretty great tasting cup of coffee.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $339 List
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Manufacturer:   Ratio
By Jessica Riconscente, Becca Glades, and Kendra Ridenour  ⋅  Jan 10, 2024
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 13
  • Brew Quality - 35% 8.5
  • User Friendliness - 30% 4.9
  • Ease of Cleaning - 20% 5.5
  • Consistency - 15% 8.1

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 consistently brews at some of the highest temperatures of any model we tested, extracting more from every brew. The brewer has an integrated bloom cycle that further pulls out the best flavors from your beans. However, this appliance has many non-dishwasher-safe components, making it one of our least favorite to clean. It also has a brew basket that sits directly on the carafe, forcing you to deal with the messy grounds before you can pour your first cup of joe. To see how it compares to the rest of our test fleet, check out our best drip coffee maker review.
REASONS TO BUY
Great water temperature output
One-button simplicity
Insulated carafe
Sleek design
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller capacity
No additional features
Expensive

Compare to Similar Products

 
ratio six
This Product
Ratio Six
Awards  Top Pick Award
Best for Full Brewing Customization
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Drip Coffee Maker for Most People
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Drip Coffee Machine on a Tight Budget
Price $339 List$330 List
$329.95 at Amazon
$80 List
$69.99 at Amazon
$70 List
$69.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$34.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line The Ratio Six consistently delivers high-quality coffee with an integrated bloom process, but has a few extra steps to useWith a wide range of features, this brewer produces a quality cup and is a good option for specialty coffee drinkers, but is quite expensiveEasy to use, programmable options give you the tools to brew your coffee to your likingThis inexpensive machine gives you a few key features without breaking the bankAn inexpensive brewer that makes decent coffee with programmable functions
Rating Categories Ratio Six Breville Precision... Ninja 12-Cup Progra... Hamilton Beach 2-Way Black+Decker 12-Cup...
Brew Quality (35%)
8.5
9.3
7.8
3.5
4.5
User Friendliness (30%)
4.9
8.2
8.7
6.1
5.4
Ease of Cleaning (20%)
5.5
6.3
7.9
6.9
4.5
Consistency (15%)
8.1
8.1
6.5
6.1
6.2
Specs Ratio Six Breville Precision... Ninja 12-Cup Progra... Hamilton Beach 2-Way Black+Decker 12-Cup...
Average Brew Temperature 204.4 °F 201.5 °F 202.5 °F 191.9 °F 192.2 °F
Average Time to Brew 6 Cups of Coffee (minutes) 6.43 5.4 8.48 7.9 7.88
Scheduled Brewing No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Preinfusion Yes, not adjustable Yes, adjustable Yes, not adjustable No No
Footprint Dimensions (H x W x D) 14.3" x 7.0" x 15.5" 12.4" x 6.7" x 15.7" 14.5" x 9.5" x 8.3" 13.9" x 12.2" x 11.1" 8.2" x 12.2" x 11.0"
Cup Capacity 2 - 8 cups 1.5 - 12 cups 1 - 12 cups 1 - 12 cups 2 - 12 cups
Single Serve No Yes Yes Yes No
Filter Shape Flat Cone or Flat Cone Flat Flat
Power Draw 1400 watts 1650 watts 1100 watts 950 watts 975 watts

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 and a brew basket that forces you to take care of the grounds before drinking, making it a less user-friendly model.

Performance Comparison


ratio six - the ratio six has a unique design, with the filter basket resting on...
The Ratio Six has a unique design, with the filter basket resting on top of the carafe. We found it a bit inconvenient to deal with.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brew Quality


The Ratio scored well in our brew quality test, delivering high-quality coffee in just over six minutes. This brewer had no trouble reaching the industry standard for temperature output, which is crucial for a tasty cup of coffee.

ratio six
Credit: Maggie Nichols

With an average brew temperature of 204.4°F, this drip machine extracts flavor from your beans on the very high end of the recommended brewing range (195°F to 205°F). The grounds were evenly saturated, though the spray head appeared to be more indented on one side.

ratio six - the spray head has an average amount of indentation into the...
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 automatic, 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 produces a great cup of coffee.

ratio six - the machine is filled with water by a opening on the top. it is...
The machine is filled with water by a opening on the top. It is ambidextrous, which is great, but if you hit the side when you pour, the water will shoot out from the lip of the opening.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

User Friendliness


This brewer has a simple, easy-to-use interface with no screen and only one button. The coffee is dispensed 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.

ratio six
Credit: Maggie Nichols

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 sits directly on top of the carafe, completely relying on it for support during the brewing process.

ratio six - one button controls the machine with lights indicating the cycle...
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

The troubles arise following the brewing. To pour the coffee, you must first remove the filter basket from the carafe and then put the lid on. This process lends itself to messes as the filter will still drip for a few minutes and puts precious time between you and your first cup of coffee in the morning. It also means that you can't sneak a cup from this machine during its brew cycle — you have to wait until it's completely done and you've dealt with the grounds and placed the lid on the carafe before you can have any coffee.

ratio six - transporting the filter caused a bit of drippage on the countertop...
Transporting the filter caused a bit of drippage on the countertop. This isn't our favorite set up for a drip coffee machine.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The carafe pours well, but we found getting to that point a bit of a hassle. Removing the carafe with the attached basket from the machine can lead to some splatter, which was unpleasant considering the high brew temperature. Next, we had to remove the basket and screw on the pour lid, which needs to be lined up just right to get it on properly. Once all of these steps are finished, it's smooth sailing.

The Ratio Six impressed us with brewing quality coffee, but we were disappointed with difficulty of getting the pour lid screwed on properly.
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. Without a cleaning alert, you'll need to remember to descale this regularly.

ratio six - the carafe is not dishwasher safe, and with the small opening, it's...
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.

ratio six
Credit: Maggie Nichols

On average, the Ratio produced a full pot in just about six and a half minutes. The temperature was exceptionally consistent, and after two hours, the coffee retained most of its flavor.

ratio six - the ratio six brews a quick pot of coffee, maxing out at 5 cups, and...
The Ratio Six brews a quick pot of coffee, maxing out at 5 cups, and consistently hits temperatures on the high side of the optimal brewing range.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Should You Buy the Ratio Six?


The Ratio Six brews top-quality coffee but is on the pricier side, with no customization and some extra steps we found annoying. If you're looking for a simple machine that consistently delivers excellent coffee and you don't mind the extra parts and the high price tag, this is a great option that also looks great on your counter. However, its simple design lacks features — like programmable timers or sneak-a-cup — and has a smaller carafe than most, limiting the amount of coffee you can make at once.

ratio six - the ratio has a few moving parts as the filter basket sits on top of...
The Ratio has a few moving parts as the filter basket sits on top of the carafe. It must be removed prior to pouring coffee and the pour lid must be twisted on.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What Other Drip Coffee Makers Should You Consider?


If you're looking for a customizable 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. For a great cup and a better price, you might consider the Ninja 12-Cup. We found it easier to clean and more pleasant to use.

Jessica Riconscente, Becca Glades, and Kendra Ridenour