Ratio Six Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product Ratio Six | |||||
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Awards | Best for Full Brewing Customization | Best Overall Drip Coffee Maker for Most People | Best Bang for Your Buck | 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 |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | The Ratio Six consistently delivers high-quality coffee with an integrated bloom process, but has a few extra steps to use | With a wide range of features, this brewer produces a quality cup and is a good option for specialty coffee drinkers, but is quite expensive | Easy to use, programmable options give you the tools to brew your coffee to your liking | This inexpensive machine gives you a few key features without breaking the bank | An 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%) | |||||
User Friendliness (30%) | |||||
Ease of Cleaning (20%) | |||||
Consistency (15%) | |||||
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 about six and a half minutes. The temperature was exceptionally consistent, and after two hours, the coffee retained most of its flavor.
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.
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.