Best Ninja Coffee Maker Guide
Do you know which Ninja coffee maker is right for you? Which one would best meet your needs? In my guide, I explain the differences so you can make an informed decision. Check it out!
Do you know which Ninja coffee maker is right for you? Which one would best meet your needs? In my guide, I explain the differences so you can make an informed decision. Check it out!
Updated on: 18 February 2022 We aim to provide you with the most relevant content! However, prices and availability can change at short notice. That's why we've integrated fact checking into our editorial process. During this additional step, our team members make sure that every article has the most current information available. That way you're always up to date! If you happen to notice an issue, please leave us a comment. Thank you! Facts checked by Nicholas Marshall
Written by people for people
Updated on: 18 February 2022 We aim to provide you with the most relevant content! However, prices and availability can change at short notice. That's why we've integrated fact checking into our editorial process. During this additional step, our team members make sure that every article has the most current information available. That way you're always up to date! If you happen to notice an issue, please leave us a comment. Thank you! Facts checked by Nicholas Marshall
Written by people for people
Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.
There’s no doubt about it, coffee makers have come a long way in recent years. So much so that many folks are casting aside their Chemex, French press and pour over dripper in favor of a machine that can make fantastic coffee at the push of a button. Many are switching to a Ninja coffee maker.
Personally, I’ll never give up my Chemex or Hario V60, but I have been impressed by some of the coffee makers I’ve reviewed, including those made by Ninja. You can find out more by checking out my best coffee maker guide.
The Ninja brand seems to pop up everywhere these days, and you might be wondering whether a manufacturer that’s known for its air fryers and food processors can produce good coffee machines.
After all, there’s a lot of talk these days about coffee makers being able to produce specialty drinks, cold brew coffee and more.
That’s why I’ve put together these Ninja coffee maker reviews. I’ll take a look at a range of different models, all with the aim of helping you decide whether a Ninja is right for you.
Table of Contents
Here’s a quick list of the Ninja coffee makers we’ll be looking at today.
Multi-position water reservoir
Milk frother
Separate hot water function
Intuitive touchscreen display
Makes great coffee
Clean function
Six brew sizes
Doubles as an iced coffee maker
Stainless steel thermal carafe
10 minute cold brew
Separate tea and coffee filters/brew baskets
Auto-iQ one-touch intelligence
Stainless Steel thermal Carafe
Separate filter/brew basket for tea
10 minute cold brew
Affordable
Easy to use
24 hour programmable delay brew
Based in Needham Massachusetts, Ninja is part of a company called SharkNinja Operating LLC. And yes, that is the most badass company name in the known universe. Following the success of the Shark brand’s line of vacuum cleaners and similar products, the company launched Ninja in 2008.
The brand quickly became known for its awesome kitchen appliances, including the Foodi blender, and has recently started making waves in the coffee maker sector.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, along with the Dual Brew and Hot and Cold Brewed System is now an SCA Certified Home Brewer, thanks to its use of Thermal Flavor Extraction technology.
Ninja Dual Brew Coffee Makers are the latest additions to the company’s coffee machine fleet. Both Dual Brew machines include the intuitive design features you’d expect from Ninja, but the aesthetic definitely leans toward the single serve coffee maker look.
There’s a reason for this: the Dual Brew Ninjas come with an adapter so you can use pods as well as ground coffee. I get it. The folks at Ninja don’t want to get left behind, so feel like they have to make concessions to the K-Cup crowd.
Still, I can’t help feeling a little disappointed by a company that has marketed its machines as “No Pods Required” for so long.
If you’re into k cup pods, be sure to read my article on the best reusable k cup filters.
Available for $179.29 on Amazon, the Ninja CFP301 Dual Brew Pro 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker is quite the investment. The name is a mouthful, too!
Although I’m not the biggest fan of this coffee maker’s overall design, I do like the multi-position water reservoir. If space is tight in your kitchen, being able to mount the water tank at the rear is a real bonus.
The CFP301 Ninja 12 Cup Coffee Maker offers four brew styles including Over Ice and the Ninja Dual Brew Specialty coffee system, and includes a fold away milk frother for making silky milk foam and a glass carafe.
I like the chunky dial that allows you to select from nine brew sizes, and the intuitive LED touchscreen display is a nice touch.
There’s also a separate hot water dispenser with two temperature settings, which you’ll either find really useful or completely irrelevant.
With the Ninja CFP201, the manufacturer has reduced the price to $183.99 and removed “Pro” from the name.
That’s not all, though: the Ninja CFP201 might look like its Dual Brew sibling, but there are quite a few features missing.
For starters, there’s no milk frother and no Specialty Brew function. The separate hot water function is missing, too, and the removable water reservoir can only be side-mounted.
So, the Ninja CFP201 lacks almost all of the features that elevate the CFP301 to make it special.
Sure, you’ll have the brewing technology and reliability that have put Ninja on the coffee maker map, but you might just want to spend a little extra cash and go Pro.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is one of the most popular machines the company produces. Both the CM401 and CM407 feature fold away milk frothers, cool-looking removable water reservoirs and reusable filters. You can choose from four brew styles and six brew sizes, ranging from a single cup to a full carafe.
Like the Dual Brew and Hot and Cold models, these Ninja coffee makers also feature Thermal Flavor Extraction technology, which ensures even saturation of coffee grounds and consistent temperature when brewing.
In short, the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is a super-versatile machine that allows you to prepare delicious specialty drinks, addictive iced coffee and really consistent hot coffee.
I’ve already spent plenty of time with the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker and if you’ve read my review of this Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker you’ll know that I rate it highly. It’s truly the “best overall” Ninja coffee maker.
I love the way the CM401 looks – it makes my kitchen even more like a coffee research center – and the coffee it produces is super consistent.
The Ninja CM401 offers four brew styles, including Classic, Rich and Over Ice. I couldn’t get enough of the iced coffee I got from this machine, and although the Specialty Brew doesn’t come close to espresso, I was able to make some pretty darn tasty specialty drinks using this concentrated coffee.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is simple to set up and the intuitive control panel makes it easy to switch between brew sizes and styles.
There’s a glass carafe and an intelligent warming plate which adjusts the temperature according to how much coffee is left. Available for $159.99 on Amazon, the Ninja CM401 also comes with a permanent filter and a handy Ninja Smart Scoop.
The Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker is almost identical to the CM401. You’ll find all the same features here – fold away frother, six brew sizes, four brew styles – and the coffee is just as tasty.
However, there’s one big difference: the Ninja CM407 comes with a stainless steel thermal carafe rather than a glass carafe. Obviously this means there’s no intelligent warming plate, either.
I’m a big fan of thermal carafes – no matter how “intelligent” a warming plate is, it’s still slowly cooking your fresh coffee.
That said, the price jump is sizable. At the time of writing, the Ninja CM407 will set you back $199.99 on Amazon. I’ve seen that number grow considerably when the supply and demand created by supply chain issues drives prices up.
When Ninja retired the Ninja Coffee Bar System, the manufacturer brought in the Hot and Cold Brewed System as a successor. I must say, the company has outdone itself here, and there’s a reason why everyone seems to be talking about this Ninja coffee brewer.
Not only does this coffee maker feature five brew styles and six brew sizes, it’s also a dream come true for tea lovers. The Hot and Cold Brewed System has settings for a variety of different types of tea. There are even separate permanent tea and coffee filters and dedicated brew baskets so that tea and coffee flavors never mingle.
Although the Ninja CP301 isn’t as visually striking as the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, it has the advantage of a smaller and more compact footprint. Costing $244.44 on Amazon, you’ll be relieved to hear there’s even more going on under the hood, too.
As well as the features you’d expect, such as a built-in milk frother, glass carafe with an intelligent warming plate and multiple brew sizes, the Ninja CP301 also boasts an additional cold brew function.
Whether or not this coffee maker’s 10 minute “brewed over ice at an accelerated lower temperature” cold brew coffee is actually the real deal is up for debate. Still, no one can accuse Ninja of being slouches when it comes to cashing in on trends.
Anyone who loves hot tea as much as hot coffee will surely appreciate this Ninja coffee maker. The machine recognizes which type of brew basket has been inserted and adjusts accordingly.
You can select your tea type and the CP301 will automatically adjust the water temperature and number of steeps needed. Tea drinkers rejoice!
As with their Specialty Coffee Maker, Ninja offers a version of the Hot and Cold System with a stainless steel thermal carafe. The Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Coffee Maker has all the awesome features of the CP301 with the exception of a warming plate.
Although it costs just a little bit more than the glass carafe model, the CP307 is still a pretty sizable investment. After all, not everyone can justify spending $169.99 on a coffee maker.
That said, I always recommend going with a thermal carafe if you can. It’ll keep your coffee fresh and hot for hours without stewing it.
For those who want a simple, straightforward coffee maker that’s a step up from your run-of-the-mill machine, the Ninja CE251 Programmable Coffee Maker is a pretty great option.
This Ninja coffee brewer doesn’t offer a ton of advanced features, but that’s the point, really. You can select from two brew styles (Classic and Rich) and either brew a full carafe or a small batch of regular coffee.
There’s a removable water reservoir, permanent filter and our old friend, the Ninja Smart Scoop.
You can also program this coffee maker up to a day in advance using the Delay Brew button, just in case you’re worried about forgetting to turn it on for your morning coffee.
Available for $69.99 on Amazon, the Ninja CE251 is rather affordable.
| Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer | |
| Manufacturer | Ninja |
|---|---|
| Model number | CE251 |
| Product category | Drip coffee maker |
| Housing material | Plastic |
| Color options | Black/Stainless Steel |
| Carafe | Glass |
| Keep warm function | Yes |
| Milk frother | |
| User interface | Text display with buttons and dials |
| App | |
| Removable water reservoir | |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
| Brew capacity | 60 fl oz / 1774 ml |
| Single cup function | |
| Reusable coffee filter | |
| Coffee pod compatible | |
| Brew styles | 1 |
| Pre-infusion | |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | |
| Coffee strength adjustment levels | |
| Hot water function | |
| Water filter | |
| Power consumption | 1100 W |
| Weight | 7.0 lb / 3.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 14.0 x 10.0 x 8.0 in |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| SCA certified home brewer | |
| Notes | Included Accessories: Ninja integrated scoop, User manual. |
| Current price on Amazon | $69.99 |
| All specifications | |
See Also: Ninja CE251 Review 2024
Decisions, decisions. There are quite a few things to think about when it comes to buying a coffee maker, but it shouldn’t be stressful!
Although there are several Ninja coffee makers to choose from, they usually share at least some of the same features, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that suits you best.
I can’t make the decision for you, but I can give you some questions to ask yourself:
How much am I willing to spend on a coffee maker?
Are there counter space or cabinet height limitations in my kitchen?
Do I want a coffee maker with a permanent filter?
Do I want a glass carafe with a warmer plate or a thermal carafe?
How important is a milk frother to me?
Do I want to have the option of multiple brew styles and iced drinks?
Do I want the versatility of being able to brew tea in my machine?
Should I spend a little more and go for a super automatic machine instead?
If you’re a regular Coffeeness reader you’ll know that I’m a clean freak when it comes to coffee equipment. Okay, I’m a clean freak in general.
It’s really pretty simple: any time you’re allowing ground coffee to come into contact with water in an enclosed space, you’re creating the ideal conditions for unpleasant things to grow.
Bacteria, mildew and microalgae are not going to make your daily cup of joe taste better, so it’s a good idea to keep things as clean as possible.
Remember to always use fresh, filtered water in the removable water reservoir. After each brew, remove the permanent filter – if you’re using one – from the filter basket and rinse it thoroughly.
I like to use a brush to scrub stubborn coffee grounds from the mesh screen, but I wouldn’t recommend using dish soap.
Make sure to rinse the carafe with warm water. You can use a soft brush, too. If you’ve used the built-in frother, rinse it of any milk residue before it dries on. Trust me on that one!
Once the machine has cooled, wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth, paying extra attention to the showerhead, warming plate and the inside of the brew basket.
You can use mild dishwashing liquid on removable parts, but I’d keep it to a minimum – you don’t want to run the risk of soapy flavors ruining your coffee. I’d also avoid putting anything in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer says it’s okay to do.
Even when using filtered water you’ll need to descale your Ninja coffee maker once in a while. This is where the handy Clean button comes in useful. It’ll light up when the machine needs a little extra love and care (aka: deep cleaning).
You can either use a descaling solution designed for coffee makers or a mix of white vinegar and water. Hint: the latter option works just as well and costs a fraction of what you’ll pay for a descaler.
A lot of people like citiric acid cleaner, especially if they don’t like the smell of vinegar.
It takes around an hour to complete the Ninja’s clean cycle, but it’s really worth doing. Once the machine has finished, make sure you rinse the carafe and water tank to remove any excess solution, then flush the system by running a full carafe brew cycle with water only.
The good news is that Ninja coffee makers have been designed with simplicity of use in mind. The bad news? Well, there really isn’t any.
There’s no steep learning curve and nothing to stop you unboxing your machine and making coffee right away! During my review of the Ninja CM401 I was able to make coffee without looking at the instructions, and it didn’t even cause me to strain my brain whatsoever. The Ninja Luxe Cafe machine, which I’ve reviewed separately, is a great example of Ninja’s friendly user interface—this machine automatically detects the filter basket you’re using in order to highlight only those drink options which are relevant to that specific basket.
As with all drip coffee makers, it’s best to start off with a medium-fine grind. I had great results, although I’m always a proponent of experimenting with different grind sizes.
If you’re using a permanent filter in your Ninja coffee brewer, you might notice a little sediment at the bottom of your cup. You might try a finer grind, but don’t take it too far, as you’ll end up with a clogged brewer basket. If you’re perfect cup of coffee doesn’t involve silt at the bottom, the best solution is to brew using #4 paper filters.
In my experience, Ninja coffee makers will let you know if something is amiss. Didn’t push in the brew basket all the way? Forgot to fill the water tank? The Ninja will beep ever so politely and flash a message across the screen.
From reading many comments on Amazon, I’ve noticed that leaking is a common complaint when it comes to using Ninja coffee makers. In most cases, I’d be willing to bet it’s just a case of an improperly mounted water tank. You have to click the thing on just so, or else you run the risk of water going everywhere.
Like most Ninja products, a Ninja coffee maker is pretty easy to set up. Although it comes with comprehensive instructions, you shouldn’t have any problems putting the machine together. Just remember to clean your machine before brewing coffee for the first time.
Keeping a Ninja coffee maker clean is very straightforward. Rinse all removable parts with warm water and wipe down the showerhead and brew basket after each use. Descaling the Ninja is easy, too, and you’ll find all instructions in the user manual.
If your cup of coffee tastes weak and watery, try increasing the amount of coffee grounds and using a finer grind. You’ll get more full-bodied coffee by brewing with the Rich function.
You’ll get the best results by using a medium-fine grind with your Ninja coffee maker. That said, feel free to experiment with different grind sizes until you find one that works best.
You can use any type of coffee with a Ninja! I recommend using freshly ground coffee from high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. Choose a roast profile that best suits your tastes or how you happen to be feeling at the time!
I’m of the opinion that single-use coffee pods should be avoided at all costs. Still, if you want the option of using coffee pods, the Ninja Dual Brew coffee makers are better than Keurig, in that they allow you to choose between using ground coffee or K cups.
The Ninja Coffee Bar models have been discontinued and replaced by the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System. Don’t worry, though, the Hot and Cold Brewed System has all of the features that made the Coffee Bar so popular.
You’ll have to use a Ninja carafe with your Ninja coffee maker, but you can also brew coffee into a travel mug, XL travel mug or small cup. Glass carafe models are risky for people who are clumsy – it’ll cost a pretty penny to replace the carafe if you break it – so you may want to consider a thermal carafe if you were born with butter on your fingers.
None of the Ninja coffee machines come with a grinder, but there are plenty of affordable coffee grinders on the market. Pop on over to my coffee grinder guide to find out more.
Ninja coffee machines don’t have a built-in water filter, but there are plenty of affordable water filters out there. You’ll get better tasting coffee with filtered water and you won’t need to descale your machine as often.
I hope you’ve found my Ninja Coffee Maker guide useful. Do you own a Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker? Do you love it or hate it? Leave a comment below!
Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.
Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.
