Here are your top questions on the Four, answered:
Q: My machine is making a higher-pitched sound. Is this normal?
A: The short answer is yes. Unlike the Six and Eight, the Four uses a pump + motor to move the hot water from the tank to the shower head. This gives control of water flow that we needed for the smaller batches of the Four, plus the compact space.
Every Ratio machine carries a 5-year warranty and we design our machines to be serviceable beyond that period, so that means we select durable components that have longer lifespans than typically found in kitchen appliances. This means there are some trade-offs, in this case, the noise that the pump makes.
Our factory partner has told us that this sound should diminish (or even go away) as the pump breaks in. We’ll be monitoring this to see if it could be improved in future versions of the Four.
Q: I accidentally touch the Start button while putting in or removing the filter basket! How can I avoid this?
A: We hear you! This can especially happen in tighter spaces. Our recommendation would be to support the Four from the top / rear with your hand while installing or removing the basket. You can also grab the rear support column. The filter basket should install easier over time as it breaks in. We made the fit pretty snug to minimize condensation and heat retention for a better cup of coffee, but it’s just a wee bit too snug until it’s broken in.
If you do push the Start button by accident, just press it again for 2 seconds and the machine will turn off.
Q: I’m trying to brew a smaller batch like 5-10 ounces. How do I make sure the coffee tastes good?
There are two brewing profiles on the Four, and choosing the right one will help the coffee taste the best it can, especially with smaller batches.
A quick press of the Start button will activate Profile A: 100 ml bloom, 30 second rest, then pulse pouring with a flow rate of 5 ml/second until 2 minutes of total brew time has elapsed. Then, continuous flow at 5 ml/second until all water has been dispensed. This is designed to brew 12 oz or more coffee. We recommend a coffee dose range of 31-34g (about 6-7 tablespoons).
A 2 second press of the Start button will activate Profile B: 60 ml bloom, 30 second rest, then pulse pouring with a flow rate of 5 ml/second until 2 minutes have elapsed. Then, continuous flow at 5 ml/second until all water has been dispensed. This is designed to brew less than 12 oz of coffee. We recommend a coffee dose range of 15-18g (about 3-4 tablespoons)
If you put in a smaller amount of water and still do the quick press, the Four will still deliver a nice cup of coffee! But Profile B is better for half batches or less.
Coffee tasting weak? Add more coffee. Tasting bitter? Go for a coarser grind. The filter bed should be nice and flat after your brew.
Pro tip: if you want a nice ceramic catcher to place your filter basket on after brewing, we have them available here.
Hit us up with your questions on brewing!
Q: What filters do I use for the Four? What other filters and drippers can I try?
A: We’ve produced our own fast-flow filters for the Four. You can also use the 8-12 cup Melitta filters available at most grocery stores. We find Melitta paper to be a bit more waxy and to drain slower than our own filters, but they will definitely do the job.
Some other pour over drippers that will work include:
- Origami dripper from Japan (small or medium)
- Kalita Wave 185
- Hario ceramic dripper