“The brewer works fine, but it’s ridiculous that Ratio does not include any filters, not even a starter pack of a few, with a machine that costs hundreds of dollars. I literally couldn’t use the brewer for weeks because I could not get filters. Ratio makes it prohibitively expensive to order their filters and as far as I can tell don’t give any information about appropriate sizes or brands other than the nameless Ratio ones. I initially ordered some Ratio filters from Amazon, but the shipment was delayed, then randomly cancelled. Then I thought I’d order from Ratio, but they charge $10 to ship a pack of filters that costs $9.95, how does that make sense? Very poor customer service. So be sure to order plenty of filters when you order the machine otherwise you will be waiting a long time to make it work. By the way, so far the Amazon Basics filters (~$3 for 100 and shipped free with Prime) are working fine — I’d like to know if they are equivalent to the Ratio filters but I have not been able to get those…and I don’t know if there are any other filters Ratio would recommend, which would be helpful.”
“Bought the Ratio 6 because of good reviews. I'm happy to add to those. Attractive system that is easy to use and clean, but it brews the best cup of home-brew coffee I've ever made. Highest praise.”
“This machine works as advertised but has a learning curve. I use it with the Ratio 8 S2 stainless dripper to minimize hot water plastic contact and to make it easier to clean. I've had it for a couple of weeks and finally dialed things in. I had quite a lott of trouble with airlock/overflow, where the filter wouldn't let water through. This was a combination of the filters I was using (Melitta brown and white) and my grinder producing a lot of fines. Even the ratio branded filters didn't quite help. Bunn filters did the trick.
Anyway, it's a beautiful machine and I enjoy watching it do its thing each morning. Be aware that the brew guide may mention the 2 cup line as 500ml of water; it's actually 390ml according to Ratio customer service.”
“I purchased a refurbished Ratio Six with the stainless dripper/catcher, which replaces the stock filter basket, as well as a brew mat. TL;DR - everything works as promised, but there is a learning curve. If using paper filters, use Bunn.
I was confused from the website copy and got the impression that I needed the brew mat to take advantage of the stainless dripper, but this turned out not to be the case; it's only needed if you are using the machine with some other brewing equipment like a chemex. The fit of the stainless basket on the thermal carafe has a bit of play, but it's really nothing that concerns me and hasn't affected my brewing. I am happy to be plastic free for the entirety of the hot water pathway (less the lid of the thermal carafe, which I can accept).
It took me close to a pound of beans to dial in my brew with this machine, for a few reasons: first, nobody out there apparently is pairing my grinder (Capresso Infinity) with this machine, so I was grinding too coarse for a while even though various comments online said I would need a coarser grind than expected because the machine is so effective at extraction. I am currently on the Fine-4 setting of that grinder and getting good results (it has 4 settings each within Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, and Coarse, for a total of 16).
I also had a bunch of filter airlock happening. First I used Melitta brown filters. Then Melitta white filters. Then I called Ratio and they suggested Bunn filters, and also sent me a 100-pack of their Ratio filters. The ratio filters did as poorly as the Melittas, but Bunn has been 100%.
Also, the brew guide I was sent must have been an earlier version - it incorrectly lists the 2-Cup water line level as corresponding to 500ml. Ratio support confirmed it is actually 390ml, so adjust your ratios (ha) accordingly.
I am using 26 g with 390ml, 38g at 650, and 53g at 975ml/6 cup line (the last one per the guide). Results have been good, but I have only brewed with Costco Mexico Oaxaca single origin, which is a dark medium, so YMMV.
This is my first "advanced" coffee machine, having previously used a basic Cuisinart programmable 14-cup machine or an Aeropress. I definitely miss the ability to schedule the machine turning on by itself, and for the time being I am the only person in my house who can make coffee, so this is definitely an enthusiast machine. If you aren't willing to learn how to operate a grinder and measure out beans at some point, this machine isn't for you. I was really happy to see that they sell refurbished units, so I can minimize the environmental impact of owning the machine. Support has been responsive via phone and website chat. Website AI assistant noticeably less useful.”
“We are loving our coffee maker! It took a few times to change to a slightly different routine, but I think we are in the swing now! The coffee turns out great, and I love knowing there are no nasty plastics.”
