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The Sequel to This Classic Coffee Maker Isn’t Just Better. It’s Cheaper (Exclusive)

Ratio’s stunning flagship brewer just raised every bar except one: its price tag.

Ratio Eight Series 2 Coffee MachineRatio

By Jack Seemer

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It isn’t mere opinion to say that Ratio manufacturers some of the world’s finest coffee makers. It’s science.

In 2021, the Ratio Six joined an elite list of coffee makers certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which tests both commercial and consumer coffee makers to exacting standards.

One of the criteria is that the coffee-to-water ratio of a brew must fall between 49.5 and 60.5 grams per liter. No exceptions.

Years later, learnings from that machine, as well as the Ratio Four, will now inform an update to the brand’s first and flagship brewer.

Ratio Eight Series 2 Coffee Machine
The Eight Series 2 is the first significant update to Ratio’s flagship coffee machine.
Ratio

A batch of improvements

The Ratio Eight Series 2 represents a significant leap for the hybrid brewer combining elements of a drip machine with traditional pour-over.

The biggest change is probably the introduction of a flat-bottom stainless-steel filter basket, similar to the Kalita Wave.

Ratio Eight Series 2 Coffee Machine
The Ratio Series 2 features a flat-bottom filter basket for more even extraction.
Ratio

Unlike conical filters, flat-bottom designs encourage a more consistent brew, especially in this format, as it prevents water from simply running down the sides of the carafe (one of the main drawbacks of something like the Chemex).

ratio eight coffee machine
The conical carafe of the original Ratio Eight (pictured) follows a classic design, however, it’s susceptible to uneven extraction.
Gear Patrol

The filter also basket comes with a heat lid to help keep coffee hot — a welcome addition considering the machine boasts an increased capacity (up to 40 ounces) compared to its predecessor — as well as a wider shower head.

Ratio Eight Series 2 Coffee Machine
The shower head is wider on the Eight Series 2, further encouraging an even extraction.
Ratio

Finally, for ease of use, the Ratio Eight Series 2 cleverly features a two brew modes — full and half batch — activated by a long touch on its single front bottom.

Ratio Eight Series 2 Coffee Machine
Users can choose between a full or half batch, activated by a long touch on the single button.
Ratio

That all said, the quality of the coffee is only half the sell here, as the original Ratio Eight arguably deserved “modern classic” status on its looks alone.

For the Series 2, the walnut trim and handblown glass carafe carry over, though shoppers can upgrade to a thermal carafe for a $100 upcharge.

Ratio Eight Series 2 Coffee Machine
A thermal carafe option is also available for a $100 upcharge.
Ratio

Pricing and availability

As expected, the Eight Series 2 brings a change to the price tag of Ratio’s flagship machine. However, the direction of that change is surprising, to say the least.

Despite the various upgrades, the machine drops to $799, down from $899 for the original Ratio Eight. Even better: pre-order pricing sinks even further to $639.

The machine is expected to ship in September of 2025.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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