The Ratio Six coffee maker has captured the attention of coffee enthusiasts worldwide for its sleek design and exceptional brewing capabilities. This machine promises to deliver a consistently high-quality coffee experience. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features, performance, and user experience of the Ratio Six coffee maker, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
Overview
The Ratio Six is a product of Ratio, a Portland-based company renowned for its high-end coffee makers. Launched as a more accessible alternative to the luxurious Ratio Eight, the Ratio Six retains much of its sibling’s premium features and aesthetic appeal while offering a more affordable price point. The machine is designed to provide a near-perfect coffee brewing experience, emphasizing simplicity and consistency.
- Consistently brews at optimal temperatures, ensuring excellent coffee extraction.
- Sleek, minimalist aesthetic that enhances kitchen décor.
- Keeps coffee hot for an extended period without compromising flavor.
- One-button operation makes it easy to use.
- Made from high-quality materials like stainless steel and borosilicate glass.
- Priced higher than many other drip coffee makers.
- The design can lead to drips and spills when removing the filter basket.
- Lacks features like auto-brewing or programmable timers.
- Can be difficult to screw on correctly, potentially causing spills.
Design and Build Quality
The Ratio Six boasts a minimalist, elegant design that will undoubtedly enhance any kitchen countertop. It is available in three color options: matte black, white with black accents, and matte stainless steel with black accents. The machine’s body is made from precision-formed stainless steel, contributing to its sturdy and durable construction. The water reservoir, made from BPA-free plastic, has clear markings for accurate water measurements.
One of the standout design features of the Ratio Six is its stainless steel shower head, which ensures even water distribution over the coffee grounds for optimal extraction. This is a crucial aspect, as uneven saturation can lead to under-extraction or over-extraction, affecting the flavor of the coffee. The thermal carafe, also made of stainless steel, is designed to keep coffee hot for extended periods without compromising flavor. The double-wall insulation effectively maintains the temperature, ensuring that your coffee remains hot and enjoyable for up to an hour after brewing.
Brewing Performance
At the heart of the Ratio Six’s performance is its ability to consistently brew coffee at the ideal temperature range of 195°F to 205°F. The machine’s 1,400-watt die-cast aluminum heating element ensures rapid and stable temperature delivery, which is essential for extracting the full range of flavors from the coffee beans. The integrated bloom cycle pre-wets the coffee grounds, allowing gases to escape and enhancing flavor extraction. This process mimics the manual pour-over technique, delivering a rich and balanced cup of coffee.
During testing, the Ratio Six consistently produced high-quality coffee with a clean and transparent taste. The machine excelled in maintaining the correct brewing temperature and performed well in various taste tests, handling a range of coffee beans with ease. Whether brewing a light roast with delicate floral notes or a dark roast with rich, robust flavors, the Ratio Six delivered excellent results.
The machine’s shower head design plays a significant role in its brewing performance. Made from stainless steel, the shower head features multiple small holes that ensure even water distribution over the coffee grounds. This design promotes uniform extraction, which is crucial for achieving a balanced and flavorful cup of coffee. The integrated bloom cycle, which pre-wets the grounds before the main brewing cycle begins, further enhances the extraction process. This feature ensures that the coffee grounds are evenly saturated, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
User Experience
Using the Ratio Six is a straightforward and enjoyable experience. The control panel features a single button and three indicator lights for bloom, brewing, and ready stages. This simplicity makes the machine user-friendly and easy to operate, even for those new to high-end coffee makers. The one-button operation eliminates the need for complex programming, allowing users to focus on enjoying their coffee.
However, the Ratio Six is not without its quirks. The filter basket sits atop the carafe, which means it must be removed before pouring coffee. This design can lead to some mess as the filter continues to drip after brewing. Additionally, the carafe lid can be tricky to screw on properly, which might cause minor spills. These issues, while not deal-breakers, can be inconvenient, particularly during busy mornings.
The thermal carafe, while effective at retaining heat, has a lid design that requires precise alignment to screw on correctly. This can be a bit frustrating, especially when you are in a hurry to enjoy your freshly brewed coffee. The carafe’s pouring mechanism is also not the most intuitive, and some users might find it challenging to pour without spilling. Despite these minor inconveniences, the carafe performs well in keeping the coffee hot and preserving its flavor.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining the Ratio Six is relatively easy, thanks to its smooth, matte surface that is simple to wipe down. However, the carafe and other removable parts are not dishwasher safe, which might be inconvenient for some users. Regular descaling is necessary to keep the machine in optimal working condition, and this process must be done manually as there is no automatic cleaning alert.
The machine’s design includes several components that require regular cleaning, such as the shower head, filter basket, and carafe. While these parts are easy to rinse and wipe down, they cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher, which might be a drawback for users who prefer low-maintenance appliances. To keep the Ratio Six in top condition, it is essential to clean these components after each use and descale the machine regularly. Descaling helps remove mineral buildup from the water reservoir and heating element, ensuring consistent performance and prolonging the machine’s lifespan.
Detailed Observations
The Ratio Six’s brewing process is a joy to observe. As the machine heats up, you can watch the water bubbling through the supply lines and flowing evenly over the coffee grounds. The cool-blue indicator lights pulsate gently, providing a visual cue of the brewing stages. This attention to detail not only enhances the user experience but also underscores the machine’s quality and precision.
During testing, I brewed several batches of coffee using different beans and grind sizes. The Ratio Six consistently produced excellent results, showcasing the unique flavors of each coffee. For example, a delicate SL34 varietal from El Salvador with notes of lemon zest and raspberry was perfectly represented, with a clean mouthfeel and light body. Similarly, an Orange Bourbon from Guatemala revealed bright, juicy notes of citrus and chocolate, demonstrating the machine’s versatility and capability to handle various coffee profiles.
One notable feature of the Ratio Six is its heat shield, a rubber collar that surrounds the shower head during brewing. This heat shield helps maintain the ideal extraction temperature by insulating the coffee grounds, enhancing flavor development. However, removing the heat shield after brewing can be a bit tricky, and the rubber seal may spray water droplets when detached. This is a minor inconvenience, but it highlights the importance of handling the machine with care.
Verdict
The Ratio Six coffee maker is a top-tier machine that excels in brewing high-quality coffee consistently. Its elegant design, user-friendly operation, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as the messy filter basket and the high price tag, the overall performance and quality justify the investment.
If you are looking for a coffee maker that combines simplicity, style, and excellent brewing capabilities, the Ratio Six is an outstanding choice. It may not have all the bells and whistles of some other high-end models, but it delivers where it matters most: in the cup. With its consistent performance, beautiful design, and ease of use, the Ratio Six is a worthy investment for anyone serious about their coffee.
