Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3 Espresso Brew Styles, Single-Serve Coffee & Nespresso Capsule Compatible, Built-in Frother, Espresso, Cappuccino & Latte Maker, Black, CFN601
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AI Verdict
This 19-bar system brews Nespresso capsules and up to 12 cups of coffee, but its frother doesn't heat milk.
This system is a situational fit because it offers broad versatility with 19-bar espresso and 12-cup coffee brewing, which is convenient for mixed preferences. However, the frother's inability to heat milk and the machine's larger counter footprint mean it won't suit everyone's specific needs or kitchen layouts.
If hot steamed milk is non-negotiable, look for a machine with a dedicated steam wand or an integrated milk heating and frothing system.
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Pros
- The 19-bar pressure system consistently delivers espresso with a silky-smooth crema.
- It brews both single-serve Nespresso Original Line capsules and up to a 12-cup carafe of coffee grounds, offering broad beverage options.
- The built-in, fold-away frother creates foam for lattes and cappuccinos without needing a separate device.
- The adjustable cup tray accommodates various sizes, from espresso shots to 8-inch travel mugs.
- Offers 9 coffee brew sizes and 3 styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice), plus 3 espresso styles (Espresso, Lungo, Over Ice).
Cons
- The built-in frother does not heat milk, requiring pre-heating for hot beverages.
- The machine occupies a significant amount of counter space, measuring about 9.75 inches wide by 13.75 inches deep by 15 inches high.
- The water reservoir, located at the back, is made of thin plastic and can be difficult to access and fill.
- Brewing larger quantities of coffee can be slower than expected.
- The shiny black plastic finish attracts fingerprints and shows scratches easily.
Dimension Scores
The 19-bar pressure system delivers flavorful espresso with crema, and it offers 9 coffee brew sizes and 3 styles.
Intuitive controls and an adjustable cup tray contribute to ease of use, though the rear water reservoir can be awkward to access.
While some components are durable, the thin plastic water reservoir and fingerprint-prone shiny plastic exterior detract from a premium feel.
No specific energy efficiency data is provided, suggesting it performs at a category average level.
Best For
- Households with varied coffee preferences, needing both Nespresso-compatible espresso and drip coffee.
- Individuals who enjoy milk-based coffee drinks but are content with cold-frothed milk or pre-heating milk separately.
- Kitchens where consolidating a coffee maker and an espresso machine into one unit is a priority.
Not Recommended For
- Espresso purists seeking cafe-quality steamed milk from an integrated system.
- Users with extremely limited counter space who prioritize compact appliances.
- Those who prefer a machine that exclusively uses coffee grounds for espresso, as this model relies on Nespresso capsules for espresso.
Watch Out For
- The frother only froths milk and does not heat it, meaning you'll need to microwave or stove-top heat milk for hot lattes or cappuccinos.
- The machine's footprint is approximately 9.75 inches wide by 13.75 inches deep, which can be larger than anticipated for some kitchens.
- The water reservoir feels like thin plastic and is positioned at the back, making it awkward to remove and fill without spilling.
- Brewing a full 12-cup carafe takes a noticeable amount of time, which some users find slow.
- The shiny black plastic exterior is a magnet for fingerprints and can scratch easily, impacting its aesthetic over time.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 622356593748 |
| ASIN | B0B9YP76FN |
| Brand | Ninja |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Espresso Capsules |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Capacity | 12 Cups |
| Model Name | Ninja CFN601 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 13.63 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Ninja |
| Operation Mode | Semi-Automatic |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Dishwasher Safe |
| Coffee Input Type | Espresso Capsules, Coffee Grounds |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Item model number | CFN601 |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 12.21"D x 9.84"W x 14.96"H |
| Included Components | 20 Used Capsule Storage Bin, Carafe, Filter, Ninja Smart Scoop, Removable Water Reservoir, Warming Plate |
| Human Interface Input | Touchscreen |
| Compatible Coffee Pods | Nespresso Original |
| Specific Uses For Product | Cappuccino |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Travelling, Home |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 10622356593745 |
What Buyers Say
What really jumps out is how many people love the sheer versatility of this machine, letting them switch between Nespresso pods and a full pot of coffee without cluttering the counter. However, the biggest recurring complaint is definitely the frother not heating milk, which seems to catch a lot of users off guard. The 19-bar pressure for espresso gets consistent praise for producing a good crema. But don't expect a super compact machine; it takes up a fair bit of space.
“I mean, it makes a decent espresso and a whole pot of coffee, which is cool, but seriously, why doesn't the frother heat the milk? I gotta microwave my milk first, which feels kinda dumb.”
Common Praise
- The ability to brew both Nespresso Original Line capsules and ground coffee is a major convenience.
- Espresso shots consistently have a rich flavor and a noticeable crema due to the 19-bar pressure.
- The built-in, fold-away frother works well for creating foam for milk-based drinks.
- The adjustable cup tray is practical for different mug and cup sizes.
- The machine offers a wide range of coffee brew sizes, from single cups to a 12-cup carafe.
Common Complaints
- The frother does not heat milk, requiring manual pre-heating for hot beverages.
- The machine is larger than anticipated and takes up a considerable amount of counter space.
- The water reservoir feels flimsy and is difficult to access for refilling, especially when placed against a wall.
- The shiny black plastic exterior is prone to showing fingerprints and scratches.
- Brewing a full carafe of coffee can be a slower process than some users prefer.
Ownership Tips
- You'll need to hold down the frother button for it to operate, which isn't hands-free.
- The reusable coffee filter is not included and must be purchased separately if you don't want to use paper filters.
- The shiny black plastic surfaces require frequent wiping to keep them looking clean due to fingerprints.
- The carafe's design, particularly the pass-through in the middle, can be challenging to clean thoroughly without a brush.
- Initial setup involves running multiple pots of water through the machine to clean it before first use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the frother heat the milk?
No, the built-in frother only froths milk; it does not heat it. You will need to pre-heat your milk separately if you want a hot frothed beverage.
What kind of espresso capsules does it use?
This system is compatible with Nespresso Original Line capsules for brewing espresso.
Can I brew a full pot of coffee?
Yes, you can brew up to a 12-cup carafe of coffee using coffee grounds. It also offers 9 different coffee brew sizes.
Is the machine easy to clean?
Many parts, including the frother, are dishwasher safe, and the used capsule bin simplifies cleanup. However, some users note the carafe design can be tricky to clean thoroughly.
What are the dimensions of the machine?
The machine is approximately 9.75 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep (to the front of the handle), and 15 inches high.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a machine like this, you're basically deciding if you want one gadget to do a lot of things, or if you'd rather have separate, more specialized tools. This Ninja tries to be your all-in-one coffee bar, handling both espresso pods and regular drip coffee. The key is understanding its limitations, especially around milk frothing, before you commit to giving it precious counter space.
19-bar pressure system
This number tells you how much pressure the machine uses to force water through the coffee grounds or capsule. A 19-bar system, like this one, is on the higher end for home machines, meaning it can extract more flavor and create a richer espresso with a better crema, similar to what you'd expect from a cafe.
Capacity (12 Cups / 1.35 oz espresso)
This refers to the maximum amount of coffee it can brew at once. '12 Cups' means you can make a full pot for multiple people, while '1.35 oz espresso' is the standard size for a single shot. This combination is why it's considered versatile for different needs throughout the day.
Built-in, fold-away frother
This feature lets you make foamed milk for lattes and cappuccinos without needing a separate appliance. The 'fold-away' part is handy for saving space when not in use. Just remember, this one froths but doesn't heat the milk, so you'll need to warm your milk beforehand for hot drinks.
Alternatives
If this machine doesn't quite hit the mark, consider a dedicated espresso machine with a powerful steam wand for heated milk, or a separate drip coffee maker and a Nespresso VertuoLine machine if you prefer pod variety.
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